Across the water from Seattle but never in its shadow, Bellevue is a city of innovation, glossy high-rises, multicultural energy, and surprisingly rich food adventures spanning every continent.
1. Din Tai Fung
The dumpling house that sparked a national craze, DTF’s Bellevue location is an event: open kitchen, masterful xiao long bao (soup dumplings), pork buns, garlicky greens, sweet tofu, and Taiwanese noodles.
Families, high-tech execs, and couples hungry for comfort all pile in.
It’s required eating—and watching the dumpling assembly line is part of the show.
2. Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
The city’s top spot for best-of-the-Northwest seafood: sashimi, oyster platters, king crab legs, miso-marinated black cod, and exquisite crab cakes.
The white-tablecloth crowd comes for anniversaries; but at happy hour, even startup coders come for oysters and craft cocktails.
Service is ultra-professional, and the wine list features the best of Washington.
3. Monsoon East
Modern Vietnamese with an upscale twist—caramelized short rib, wild shrimp claypot, grilled lemongrass chicken, shaking beef, and crisp imperial rolls.
Cocktails feature Asian botanicals, and every plate is beautifully plated. Brunch brings coconut waffles and lychee mimosas; the bar scene buzzes after dark.
4. Carmine’s Bellevue
Classic NYC-style Italian in a gleaming, modern space. Dishes are simple but flawless: veal Parmesan, linguine alle vongole, fried calamari, and pistachio gelato.
Service is gracious and attentive—they’ll hold a table for your anniversary and know which Chianti you liked last time.
5. John Howie Steak
Bellevue’s answer to the classic American steakhouse: every cut, dry-aged ribeyes and filet mignons, comes seared to perfection; lobster bisque, truffle mac, and bacon-wrapped scallops complete the experience.
Tuxedoed waiters and plush booths make it as much a business deal HQ as a “special night out” tradition.
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