Divan Restaurant

Persian restaurant · Mclean

Divan Restaurant

Persian restaurant · Mclean

1

1313 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

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Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
Divan Restaurant by null
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Highlights

Divan is an upscale Mediterranean haven in McLean, blending romantic vibes with standout Persian dishes, especially the lamb chops, and excellent service.  

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1313 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 Get directions

divanrestaurantva.com
@divan.mclean

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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1313 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 Get directions

+1 703 712 7309
divanrestaurantva.com
@divan.mclean

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"Divan is the first Persian restaurant opened by Gholam “Tony” Kowkabi. It received a glowing 2022 review from Northern Virginia Magazine." - Tierney Plumb

Owners of Georgetown’s Ristorante Piccolo Sentenced for Stealing COVID-19 Funds [Updated] - Eater DC
View Postcard for Divan Restaurant of McLean

Jessi Cordova

Google
We dined at Divan’s for my birthday and it was phenomenal! The staff was polite and attentive, and our server Raim was excellent. He talked us through the menu and made sure we had everything we needed throughout dinner. The grilled octopus starter was tender and the sauce underneath was smooth and paired nicely with it. We both ordered stew since it was chilly out. My Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan was thick and hearty, with tender pieces of lamb throughout. My boyfriend got the Veggie Khoresht Badmajan which was spicy and flavorful. To finish dinner, we had a slice of Tiramisu that was creamy and not too sweet, a perfect balance. We left full but excited to come back and try more!

Tat B

Google
Came for lunch with a colleague. The restaurant was quiet with very few customers. Very nice atmosphere, and it was perfect for conversation. The food was delicious. I wished it would be closer to visit often. The staffed eggplant on the appetizers' menu was perfect and sufficient for lunch. We loved Persian tea..a perfect lunch for less than $20. Wished it would be closer to my ways to visit more often.

Alexander Vorwald

Google
Raim and Yasim made our time out with the family a phenomenal time. My family ordered the lamb shank, kubideh, gormeh sabzi, joojeh kabob, and the Persian ice cream. The food was amazing, the rice was amazing, and it was actually my dad's birthday and we sang happy birthday in Farsi. It was a phenomenal atmosphere and we enjoyed the food and atmosphere every time we go!

ali bagherzadeh

Google
We had a fantastic experience at this Persian restaurant! We tried Fesenjoon with duck, Kebab Torsh, Shishlik, and a variety of appetizers like Koofteh Tabrizi and Kookoo. Everything was absolutely delicious. The Fesenjoon had a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and the duck was tender and flavorful. The Kebab Torsh was beautifully marinated, and the rice , especially the crispy tahdig , was top quality. We also enjoyed Mast o Khiar, which was refreshing and tasty. Highly recommend this place for authentic and flavorful persian food.

Y FW

Google
Our server was cold and not friendly at all. she didn't even smile once. But All others were so nice. Very professional and friendly. Delicious and Amazing food!

Honey Mustard

Google
There are a few Persian restaurants in this area that I've been to and Divan stood out among these places. Though the price was a bit higher than other places (for the portion), the quality of food did not disappoint me. I enjoyed everything I ordered, from the duck fesenjan to the baklava with rose saffron ice cream. The ambience of the restaurant was also a plus. If you want to hold a party, or treat your guests, with plenty of free parking Divan will definitely be the best choice. The service was excellent. Raim offered me hot tea on the house at the end of my meal which was like the cherry on top. Now I won't have to travel all the way to DC for overpriced but mediocre quality Persian food.

Brett Korade

Google
In every aspect, a phenomenal experience!! Dajean easily ranks in the top 10 servers I’ve ever had the joy of meeting! Hear me – top 10. Not top 10%. Personable, incredibly knowledgeable, just the right amount of attentiveness without feeling like he was suffering. Offered options without making it feel like there were expectations. and the food, oh… The food! Stuffed meat, meatballs, for appetizers, two of their signature kebabs – one chicken, one beef, and the chocolate torte. Everything was simply perfect. Bright and well balanced flavors. Cannot wait to go back and see how awesome it holds up for a second try!

Amy Cutts

Google
Walked in at 8:15 on a Saturday night and were seated immediately. Great music and energy, but maybe a little too loud. Started with stuffed grape leaves and Shimp Divan. Best grape leaves I’ve ever had. Shrimp sauce had a little heat but didn’t take over. Then came the mains. We had braised lamb shank with dill and fava beans infused rice (Mahechay), pan fried pistachio crusted chicken with feta-goat cheese sauce and saffron rice (Morghe Kermanshai) and Persian walnut pomegranate stew with chicken (Fesenjan). All were outstanding. Fork tender, great depth of flavor. Our server Zack was attentive and helpful without hovering. Will be back soon!

Lina J.

Yelp
The ambience was very beautiful with nice velvet wall decor and couches along the wall, and the host and owner Cyrus along with our waiter Raim was very kind and attentive to our needs and anticipated what we may need. This was my second time here and the food was just as exceptional this time along with service being very prompt. Will continue to come back with family and friends!

Shanna E.

Yelp
Omigosh this place!!! My friend and I are now making it "our place." Because everything about it blows your socks off. First of all, all the service, from the foodrunners to the bartender, were sweet and fantastic. Then, it's also beautiful inside--such luxurious blue velvet. My garden cocktail was like a more strongly flavored martini, which I loved....and the red wine (I think I got a merlot??) was full and smooth. The the food. ::mouthwatering emoji:: I never order olives at a restaurant, I think it's a waste. Not these ones. They convinced us to order them and MAN I could have eaten pounds of them. I don't know what the sauce was but it was addictive. The eggplant was warm and creamy and SO GOOD. The Persian Pizza's flavors and spices could blow you away. The only thing that was mediocre was the stuffed meatball, but that's only because everything else outshined it. And there are SO MANY other things on the menu that I want. I can't wait to come back here again and again.

Andre B.

Yelp
A friend told me to come to Divan because I told him I was craving grilled octopus and he stated I would not be disappointed... and I was not! It was so good that I ordered two! Along with some grilled shrimp (which lacked flavor) and this Cornish hen dish (which is definitely plenty of food to share). Be careful of the green sauce the restaurant brings to the table with the bread (it contains nuts). The server did not explain what was in the sauce until I asked. Glad I did not eat it. The service was slow at first (and it was not even crowded), but then it got better. It seems like all the servers help with each table. The ambiance was nice and cozy. It is perfect for a date night. The majority (98 percent) of the customers were older. So if that is not your type of restaurant, you might want to find somewhere else to eat. There is plenty of free parking around the building.

Annette L.

Yelp
Let's start with the food was great, especially the steak kebabs. The koobideh was a bit dry but didn't deter us from finishing all of it. The service was great, just a tad bit slow as it was super busy when we went. The dessert was great, I think I'm being haunted by rose water infused desserts as I keep accidentally ordering it when it isn't my favorite. Very date night esque, candle lit dinner and dim lighting. For the lovers and Persian food admirers, this is for you.

Priscilla Y.

Yelp
I believe this was my first time trying Persian food. My friends and I didn't know what to order so we went with what our server recommended: Salade Alamut- Arugula salad with beets, goat cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette. It's a nice refreshing salad to start the meal with, but at the same time, not very memorable. Grilled Octopus - Grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil and vinaigrette. The octopus was grilled perfectly and was very tender. Mirza Ghasemi - Eggplant and egg dip with Persian bread. It was a nice little light appetizer. Kabob Torsch - Beef tenderloin kabobs marinated in pomegranate juice. This dish was a little too sweet and the beef was a little too overcooked and dry for me. Mahi Shekampoor - A whole trout stuffed with herb greens and nuts, on sauteed spinach. I think this is my favorite of the night. The fish was cooked perfectly with the herb greens and spinach. I would get this dish again. Mahechay - Braised bone-in lamb in broth. This was my second favorite dish of the night. The lamb and broth was so flavorful with the spices. I would also order this again. Persian Saffron Rice Pudding - I didn't enjoy this. It tasted a little too floral to me. I should have picked a different dessert, but everything else seemed non-Persian. Each entrée came with a plate of rice. Service was great. Our server was very attentive and patient in explaining items on the menu. The owner came over to check on us. The restaurant has a nice cozy decor. It seems kind of upscale, but you don't need to be dressy to be here.

Amanda B.

Yelp
The kabob torsh is amazing! The service was phenomenal. Shout out to Raih for making the experience for my friends and I great.

Judy L.

Yelp
The food was absolute divine!! House bread was soooo delicious; we had 2 baskets. Smoked eggplant had its own unique taste was nothing like Baba ghanoush. We LOVE the saffron basmati rice with the crispy layer on top. Yummo!!!!! Amazing service! Although the restaurant is kids friendly, it doesn't offer a kids menu. They were flexible and made butter noodles for our kid. Our 4 yr old likes steak and we ordered Barg for him. Try the lamb shank! It's super tender and falls off the bone. Beautiful ambiance. Loud but we don't mind the noise.

Rebekah D.

Yelp
Amazing service, food, and environment. The people who work here love their job and are very passionate and proud of the food they cook. It is a great experience and I highly recommend visiting.

WILLIAM P.

Yelp
OMG. Persian Food with a modern Mediterranean twist. Paella was Persian style with Turkish Beef sausages and more tomato sauce than saffron. Tasty seafood We had grilled octopus and an eggplant dip for appetizers. The bread and dipping sauces were a jalapeño base and a sumac base. I had to he stuffed trout while other family members had seafood pasta and a variety of kebabs. Service was impeccable and the waitstaff remembered our cousins. The day was sunny and warm so the window/doors were open for freshness. The ambience was modern and relaxed. Our Waiter was from Turkey and gave us a broad view of the cuisine.

Em E.

Yelp
Delicious. I had the duck in cherry reduction. Our whole table had a great time. Sincere thanks to the very obliging and charming staff.

Joyce Y.

Yelp
I had absolutely the most divine experience at Divan! This place has been on my list to try for years, since I love Persian cuisine and have heard many wonderful things. I was thoroughly delighted to discover that my expectations were indeed met and even exceeded by both the food and staff. Divan is a family-run business that takes great pride in their authenticity and quality, both of which are to the highest level. I was able to meet the father and daughter and was touched by their welcome nature and kindness. My friend and I also felt meticulously cared for by all the staff, as many of them would often stop by and check in on us or assist us in whatever we needed. Our waiter especially was so friendly and helpful in his guidance through their extensive menu and ensured that we received the best they had to offer. Our meal was well-rounded with a mix of Mediterranean and Persian selections at his recommendation and I am grateful that we got to comprehensively try a wide variety that did not disappoint. We started off with the beautiful hibiscus rose sour mocktail that not only looked great, but tasted great too. The beverage menu at Divan is so long and unique that I am tempted to return several times in order to try each and every one of their drinks. They also served their complimentary barbari bread that was deceivingly addictive -- so addicting to the point where I packed a few pieces as leftovers and my mouth watered at the smell of the bread every time I would reheat some to eat. In regard to the courses, my appetizer highlight would definitely be the grilled octopus. I've never had more tender tentacles before and the pomegranate molasses provided the right amount of acidity and sweetness to complement the dish. Moving onto the entrees, the lamb chops were my favorite as they were so incredibly juicy and paired well with the sides of sumac and zhoug. Each bite tasted rich and decadent, as if eating the meat was a luxury. Divan's commitment to small details can be seen with the side of tahdig that comes with almost every entree also. The effort to crisp the rice in order to provide their guest with an elevated experience is truly amazing. The addas polo was especially delicious with the addition of lentils, raisins, and sautéed onions that made it possible to just eat the rice and be satisfied. However, the country-style roasted chicken that came with it was so moist and flavorful that I was a huge fan, even as someone that doesn't usually love chicken. After being completely stuffed, my friend and I ended the decadent meal with an even more decadent dessert of chocolate cake and a chai to wash it all down. I personally think it's so special that Divan provides the option to sweeten your tea with rock sugar, creating another unique Persian touch. Overall, this experience felt like a dream, especially with the lovely ambiance of watching the sunset right next to our table and then the dimmed romantic lights when it got dark outside. This was a beautiful meal in a beautiful restaurant, and I'm looking forward to my next rendezvous at this place that stole my heart.

Rebecca H.

Yelp
This is a great Persian restaurant. The food and drinks I had here were great. I liked my Tehrattan cocktail, which was their take on a Manhattan. The grilled octopus was tasty and not dry. The koobideh was flavorful and I liked the way the rice was presented in a crispy dome, I thought that was interesting. Overall I had a good experience here.

Lily S.

Yelp
I definitely started 2024 off right and this is officially my new favorite place! The decor has an upscale but also cozy feel. The chairs are super comfortable. The host was warm and friendly, and there's just something about seeing the owner greet regulars that gives you the warm fuzzies. Food: the shrimp app was sooo good. The lamb chops were amazing. The best I've ever had. So tender and juicy... and the portion was excellent! The pomegranate cosmo was delicious, albeit a little pricey at $20. For desert we enjoyed the hazelnut chocolate cake and then the ice cream duo, however the rose flavor didn't quite do it for me. I hope all my meals in 2024 are this delicious!

Angela S.

Yelp
We came for lunch on a weekday and were glad to try Divan's 2-course lunch special for $20. Even before we tried the menu items, we were already impressed with Divan's honey butter that came with the breadbasket. For main course, I tried the Koobideh and really enjoyed the ground beef kabob and saffron rice. I gave Divan a four-star rating only because the lunch service was a bit slow. Other than that, the price is a great value and the restaurant looks upscale.

Marya R.

Yelp
Great quality healthy food, great service. And a very nice atmosphere! perfect for dinner with friends

Steve S.

Yelp
Went on a weekday. Nice ambience and easy parking off of Dolly Madison. Of several Persian restaurants this was best for us. Ambience good. Sat by an open door window. No good views except parking lot but OK. Service: Professional and excellent. Kudos to Zach. Timing and attentiveness perfect. Food: Salad Alamut shared. My Khoresht GB very good ( would have liked more meat) and Trout good. Spouse preferred different seasonings with trout. Drinks: V. Good inc: Tehrattan, Hibiscus non-alcohol, and Amaro after dinner. Surcharge on credit card which don't like. Not inexpensive. Will return.

Ricardo R.

Yelp
This is a great option to leave the kids home and go out on a parental date (I'll let you think of a more romantic way to say it). This is a Persian restaurant with a great selection of cocktails and bartenders are well versed to make almost anything outside of the menu. The food will never disappoint and the portions are large. Leave some room for dessert.

Samira E.

Yelp
I don't typically write reviews, but my recent experience at Divan was so awful that it warrants public feedback. As someone who usually praises restaurants, this review serves as a stark warning about the flavorless food and horrendous General Manager and Chef. We had made a reservation for eight well in advance, for my sister-in-law's birthday. Though she is from Bangladesh, one of her favorite foods is koobideh, and she was excited to try a new Persian restaurant in the area. I'm Persian-American and enjoy exploring local Persian cuisine to see different takes on classic dishes, so I was also eager. Sadly, from the moment we arrived, the evening went downhill. Upon arrival, we sensed subtle disrespect from the staff. Despite reserving well in advance, we were seated in a dim and unpleasant area near the kitchen, away from the open and inviting dining area. Our table appeared hastily assembled with metal bistro chairs (the type typically used outdoors) and outdoor tables hidden under a tablecloth. It felt like an afterthought, as though they weren't prepared for us. The problems only escalated when drinks arrived. Our cocktails were served warm with no ice and were so overpowering they were undrinkable. After requesting ice, they were still terrible--one guest even switched to juice, and I settled for a different drink that wasn't much better. As for the food, it was abysmal. Starters like the Grilled Octopus were passable but unremarkable. However, several of the entrees were unacceptable. I ordered Cioppino, which arrived smelling rancid, with seafood so off-putting I couldn't stomach it. The Saffron Basmati Rice was flavorless and dry, lacking the buttery richness it should have had. The koobideh was enjoyed by the birthday girl, and another guest liked the Mahechay (braised lamb shank), but these were the only highlights. The Barg, however, was undercooked and shockingly pink despite being ordered medium well, and another guest described it as flavorless and unseasoned. Most of us left our plates untouched, but we received little attention from the server throughout the meal, making it difficult to voice our concerns. Toward the end of the evening, I approached the General Manager to provide constructive feedback privately, hoping to salvage some dignity for the restaurant. To my disbelief, the manager--dressed in a tan suit and bow tie--reacted by yelling at me. He dismissed my concerns, raised his voice, and accused me of being the problem, citing the restaurant's many satisfied customers. His aggressive behavior was so shocking that I backed away toward my table. At this point, my family noticed the commotion and the interaction became humiliating. He stormed off, huffing that he would fetch the owner. The owner, Cyrus, arrived shortly after and handled the situation professionally. He was apologetic, comped my Cioppino and rice, and offered complimentary desserts and tea for the table. While I appreciated his effort to make amends, the damage was already done. The night could have ended there, but it got worse. As we were enjoying dessert, the chef approached our table uninvited, speaking to me in Farsi condescendingly and defensively. He insinuated that I was ignorant, claiming the Cioppino was supposed to smell the way it did and implying that I should have ordered something else if I didn't like how seafood is supposed to smell and taste. His arrogance and chauvinism were astounding. He also began to raise his voice at me, escalating the situation to the point where Cyrus had to intervene again to calm him down. By the end of the night, I felt disrespected, uncomfortable, and still hungry. Despite Cyrus' efforts, the overwhelming rudeness of the staff--most of all the manager and chef-- as well as the low quality, flavorless food left a lasting impression. I ended up paying $40 for a mediocre octopus and a lackluster drink, which felt like a complete waste, given the dreadful quality and experience of the night. This was hands-down the worst dining experience I've ever had, and I would not recommend Divan to anyone. While Cyrus' professionalism was appreciated, it wasn't enough to redeem this disaster of a night. There are far better Persian restaurants with higher quality ingredients and a much better value in the DMV, especially in the Tysons/Mclean area--avoid Divan at all costs.

Michael G.

Yelp
Delicious. I had the Mahi Shekampoor (stuffed trout) with dill and fava bean rice. I was shocked by how well the fruit went with the trout. The Mirza Ghasemi was amazing as well. The waiters were nice and the place was definitely quiet enough for me and my party.

Arpreet K.

Yelp
This is a great spot for dinner or any special occasions. I went for dinner and had the chicken kabob which was amazing. The chicken was perfect. The ambiance is very pretty and overall a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Nancy R.

Yelp
The impression we noted most about Divan was the service.  The staff was very friendly and attentive, checking in often to make sure everything was ok.  They were also very helpful about aiding us in choosing or adapting dishes for those in our party with dietary restrictions.    We enjoyed a nice and relaxed dinner with friends.  The only not relaxing part was the noise level which was pretty high. And, even though the menu has a little yellow box warning customers that they shouldn't hang out more than two hours for their meal, we never felt rushed, even as the dining room filled.  We started off with a couple of drinks that were both enjoyable. What was also noteworthy is that, unlike most places we have been to lately, the drink was actually more beverage than huge or multiple ice cubes.  You could actually get more than just three sips before you were done.  Both the Persiapolitan and the Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Fizz were tasty without being too alcohol forward (which is how we like our drinks.). We didn't even know there was a mocktail menu as well.  It is good to know for a future visit.  We split multiple appetizers, including the koofteh tabrizi (stuffed meatballs) and the grilled octopus.  Both were very tende and flavorful.  We also liked the lamb kabobs and the cauliflower.  There was plenty of bread on the table to enjoy the sauces as well as the sweet butter and olive tapenade that come to the table as you are seated.  For entrees, we liked both the lamb and the chicken skewers which came with beautiful, fluffy rice topped with that wonderful crisp and crunchy layer. Parking is easy in the lot right out front.

Mary M.

Yelp
Title: Quality Dining with a Cultural Twist at Divan Restaurant of McLean Review: My recent visit to Divan Restaurant of McLean was not only a culinary delight but also a culturally enriching experience, especially as it was the first time we introduced Persian cuisine to one of our non-Persian friends. The restaurant impressed us with its excellent food and outstanding customer service, making us proud of the experience we shared. While the food was a bit pricey, particularly the drinks, the quality was undeniable. The only slight disappointment was the traditional saffron ice cream, which didn't completely live up to our flavor expectations. However, this minor point didn't detract from the overall positive experience. Our friend thoroughly enjoyed the new tastes and the warm, welcoming ambiance of the restaurant, which was a testament to the authenticity and appeal of Persian cuisine. Overall, our experience at Divan Restaurant of McLean was memorable. It's a great place to showcase Persian culinary culture to friends and family, new to the cuisine.

Essayon M.

Yelp
What an incredible place!! Where to begin. The cuisine was perfectly prepared, presented and the taste was beyond phenomenal. All the meats are halal and cooked to perfection. Best Persian food I have had in the USA, compares to anything I have had overseas. The service was prompt, informative and spot on. Perfect attention to detail! All recommendations were excellent. The restaurant is setup in an incredible manner. From the tables, flatware to the interior decor everything is very well done. The music was so good that I Shazam much of their playlist. This experience is well worth the trip. Beware no DoorDash or delivery. They do have takeout.

Patricia L.

Yelp
so incredibly yummy! we got the octopus, ceviche, and shish kabob. the restaurant is really cute, the tables are a bit close together, but it wasn't too busy at the time i went. the fillet mignon in the shish kabob was so tender and flavorful, and the octopus was perfectly cooked. the ceviche is good, but would skip it. our server, raim was so sweet and knowledgeable. he explained the menu extensively and gave us a lot of us recommendations. at the end of meal, he surprised us with tea which was a great way to close our meal. we talked a lot with raim and enjoyed his company a lot. im definitely going to come back with more people and ask for raim!!

Mariam k.

Yelp
Very good service and amazing yummy food. Our server was Raim very helpful and kind. The lighting and environment is nice as well!

Asad S.

Yelp
Very good choice for authentic Persian Halal Restaurant. The food is very flavorful and generous portions. It's a little pricey, but the quality of food is not compromised. Definitely recommended. Nice clean place and attentive staff.

Simon L.

Yelp
Great, attentive service and staff and good food, hearty portions. Noise level is conducive to conversations even at their busiest and GM (or owner??) always makes rounds to spot check quality. I've been twice and have enjoyed a diverse selection of dishes that are consistently tasty. Some entrees are a bit on the salty side though, but not too distracting. Obsessed with their rice!

Mehdi Z.

Yelp
I was looking for an upscale persian restaurant in the DMV area, and it's the place! Took my non-Iranian friends there, and they loved the atmosphere, food, and the whole experience. The food was great, but they could improve the quality of their desserts. They are located in a strip mall that you wouldn't expect a restaurant with this clientele to be present.

Malika B.

Yelp
Located in the heart of Midtown this restaurant is inside a castle. The building was completed around 1910 and listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The large building has different levels: the street level has a bar (get the Persian Smash cocktail with apricot liqueur and basil). Upstairs is the main dining room but what's cool is the slivers of glass flooring where you can see the bar below! We can't wait to go back and try the patio in the warmer months! Note - follow me for more Atlanta restaurant content - https://www.instagram.com/roamilicious/ I always get lamb at a Persian restaurant but I'd had so much around Christmas already I went rogue and tried the scallops! I'm so thrilled I did because that is a fantastic entree as is the Verlasso salmon. Don't sleep on the Smoked Eggplant (Kashke Bademjaan) or the Crab croquettes to start your meal either. The restaurant is uber romantic, perfect for a date night. Cocktails in the underground grotto to kick off your meal!

Kim H.

Yelp
I love trying new things with my family so here we went! The restaurant staff was so friendly, and attended well to needs. The vibe was relaxing and the food and desserts were yummy. I loved the way staff explained the food. I would definitely go back as the food tasted so fresh and seasoned well. The 30 minute drive to get there was so worth it!

Michael C.

Yelp
This is not just an amazing Persian restaurant. It's a top rated restaurant in the DMV area. This is a place where everyone remembers your name and you are treated like family. Who else would take the time and care to detail a day's worth of birthday events on a dessert plate for my little guy.

Saddiqa K.

Yelp
Divan has the best Persian food ever!! The service was excellent and they were to accommodate a party of 15 people so easily thank you for your amazing service and Raim our server was great!!

A H.

Yelp
What an experience. Two girlfriends and I arrived before our reservation just in time to have a drink at the bar. When it came time for our reservation, Dave was kind and showed us to the best table in the restaurant. Throughout our evening we met Christian and Cyrus but the star was Raim who attended to our every need. In addition, we enjoyed an amazing display of spectacular sweets. Would particularly recommend the limoncello. Everyone was very accommodating, the food and wine were delicious, and it made for an amazing evening!

Punga I.

Yelp
Location is very hidden. Ambiance excellent and in fact one of a kind. Food is amazingly marinated. Flavorful. Just excellent. Desserts are sub par. Tea is from tea bag's. So the end could feel meh. But main entree definitely is worth returning for

Tom T.

Yelp
What a treat. Our Persian friends invited us to join them for dinner at Divan. Service was personable and quick. Food was excellently prepared. We started with three appetizers to share: yogurt and shallot dip, smoked eggplant dip, and Persian herb frittata served with bread, walnuts and cheese. All very tasty, I even liked the smoked eggplant dip (and I usually don't care for eggplant anything). Dinner was herb and beef stew, braised lamb shank, duck with walnut and pomegranate stew, and a beef and eggplant stew with rice and rice with fava beans on the side. Everyone enjoyed the dinner. Our hosts said the food was prepared in the Northern Iranian style. My favorite dish was the herb and beef stew, with the duck dish a close second. Once again I even like the dish with eggplant. We met at 6:30 pm for dinner and the place was a third full. Our host told us that Persians usually eat dinner later. Sure enough, when we were finishing up, just before 8:00 pm the restaurant was full. Only one table for four was empty, but people were coming in as we went out. The service staff was outstanding and there when you needed them. Highly recommended.

Anne L.

Yelp
The best Persian food in town. David is an amazing manager, he is so professional and welcoming. All of the waiters are excellent. Most of all the food is the BEST!!!

Mary Lane G.

Yelp
We went there for a 70th birthday celebration and the food was amazing. I had the lamb chops which were delicious! The rice which comes with every meal had a saffron crust on top which was very good! Would highly recommend this restaurant. It was worth the trip from SLC. The service was excellent and the ambiance was beautiful. Our new go to restaurant!

Aa Foodie F.

Yelp
I went to this restaurant with my family and it was amazing. Even though we came on Christmas Day, the service was amazing. The waiters were so kind and caring. The food tasted so much better and authentic than any other Persian place I have been. The restaurant itself is very pretty, and the bathrooms are pretty clean. I definitely recommend coming here.

Christina N.

Yelp
We got a combination appetizer of the olives, hummus and eggplant. It all tasted great. The bread they brought out was also delicious, warm and well seasoned. It came with a flavored butter and olive tapenade - both delicious. I got the koobideh kabob which tasted great - it was cooked and seasoned well, moist and flavorful. The rice it comes with it was solid - could've been seasoned a bit better, but overall ok. The presentation was beautiful and portions were great. We had the chocolate torte for dessert which tasted great. The only suggestion I have would be to add a few more options for appetizers - I would've loved a bit more options and variety. Overall the food here was really good and I'd come back.

Aliya A.

Yelp
It was a good experience overall. It was a bit loud for such beautiful ambience. Service was fast but server was not friendly or I must say he looked quite not happy with his job. We ordered mango mint drinks, kobiedah, fish entree, kahwah and espresso glacé, everything was good. Also there were ample parking in the area.

Kathy C.

Yelp
our friends who go there took us last night for the first time. The decor and ambience is lovely and very clean. The food was hot, fresh and delicious from the appetizer to the dessert. The service was so outstanding , everyone from the owners to the wait staff aims to please. we cannot wait to dine there again.

Jasmin B.

Yelp
I love the Persian, family-owned, upscale dining here at @divan.mclean I cannot stop dreaming about everything we ate! Everything was delicious! My favorite is the Seafood Oceano Service is amazing, thank you for hosting us Cyrus

Neal F.

Yelp
Had another fantastic dinner a Divan. the food is marvelous. highly recommend Ambiance and service compliment the great food.

Jacquilyn J.

Yelp
Great authentic persian food. I had the kabob and it was great! Nice atmosphere. The manager, David, was very nice and made sure we had a good experience.

Erin M.

Yelp
Extremely pricey for what you get. I ordered chicken barg as recommended by the server. The presentation of the rice was fancy but the taste of the rice and chicken was nothing special. Nice ambiance, but you can probably find better food elsewhere. Very friendly waitstaff.

Samantha L.

Yelp
After an all day conference, my fiancé and I met up with a couple of friends for dinner at Divan, an upscale Perisan restaurant in McLean, VA. While we were waiting for the rest of the party, we snacked on buttery herb and sesame foccaccia bread served with butter and olive tapenade. For drinks, my friends enjoyed the Tehrattan, which was a Persian-style Manhattan that consisted of Bulleit Rye, Tawny Port, orange cardamom syrup, and bitters. I enjoyed the Rostam & Rakhsh (R&R), which consisted of gin, St. Germaine, rose syrup, splash of cold chamomile tea, sparkling wine, rimmed in orange-lemon citrus sugar, and pomegranate arils. It was sweet, fruity, and floral. For appetizers, our table shared the Grilled Octopus and Lamb Skewers, which were recommended by our server. The Grilled Octopus consisted of fresh octopus marinated with garlic, fresh rosemary, cayenne pepper, and EVOO, brushed with pomegranate molasses and grilled to perfection, served on a cauliflower and parsnip puree. The Lamb Skewers consisted of a leg of the lamb marinated rosemary and garlic, skewered and grilled to perfection, and brushed with pomegranate molasses. The flavors of the two appetizers were similar. Between the two appetizers, I enjoyed the Grilled Lamb Skewers more. The meat was tender and flavorful. We are all in the mood for kabobs. Kishore enjoyed the Kabob Torsh, which consisted of a beef filet kabob marinated with pomegranate molasses, topped with crushed walnuts, skewered and grilled, and served with saffron basmati rice with grilled tomatoes. Both Rebecca and Brian had the Koobideh, which consisted of two ground beef kabobs, skewered and grilled, and served with saffron basmati rice with grilled tomatoes and onion. I enjoyed the Chicken Barg, which consisted of chicken breast marinated with yogurt, saffron, onion, and lemon, skewered and grilled, served with saffron basmati rice with grilled tomatoes. I liked how the saffron basmati rice was a rice cake with a crunchy top. All of the meat dishes were tender and flavorful. I had mine with Maast O Khiar, which consisted of a tart creamy yogurt with chopped Persian cucumbers and mint and garnished with dried rosehips.

Tanuj M.

Yelp
Better food than Shamshiry. Yes I said what I said. Amazing service, Chris our server was great. Dave was probably the owner and came to our table because we were waiting for our drinks for a while. He apologized for the wait. The drinks were great. Definitely try tehrattan. We tried 3 appetizers for $26. And then Divan's had lamb chops and beef koobideh. OMG. So good. Also try faloodeh. Definitely recommend. It's a hike for us coming from Aldie but we will drive again for this great food

Mariya G.

Yelp
Very cute restaurant for a date night! I really enjoyed the ambiance, the dimmed lights and wall decor. Our waiter was amazing, he went through the menu with us recommending some dishes as we've never had Persian food before. I enjoyed my kebab torsch and the portions were very generous, I ended up with leftovers as I was saving room for dessert. I would highly recommend the Makhloot which is a rosewater and saffron ice cream and a traditional Persian frozen dessert of delicate rice noodles, sugar, rosewater and lime juice, drizzled with sour cherry syrup. The only complain I had was the tables being too close together.

C. A.

Yelp
The restaurant is nicely laid out & spacious. During a Friday lunch the service was attentive with water glasses & the complimentary barbari bread basket refilled regularly. The food was excellent and beautifully plated. Our table had the Barg with rice & tahdig (which wasn't burnt or too hard, as it sometimes is at other Iranian restaurants), Kofteh Tabrizi, Nast-o Khiar, Mirza Qasemi, Faloodeh Shirazi, & the Persian Cream Puff. All were great. Highly recommended.