5 Best Restaurants in Kent, Washington to Try

Kent, just south of Seattle, hums with the cultural diversity and innovative energy that defines the modern Pacific Northwest.

Here, you’ll find gorgeous international flavors, beloved American comfort, and more than a little neighborly spirit—reflecting Kent’s global roots and local pride.

1. Mama Stortini’s Restaurant & Bar

A hub for everything from special-occasion dinners to after-work unwinding, Mama Stortini’s melds Italian-American comfort—rich pasta plates, hearty cioppino, crisp calamari, and wood-fired pizzas—with friendly Pacific Northwest hospitality.

Windows overlook Kent Station and Mount Rainier glimmers in the distance.

The bar’s happy hour draws everyone from city workers to college students, and the house tiramisu gets its own devoted following.

2. Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant

Bold flavors and communal eating shine at Ras Dashen: platters of injera heaped with spicy doro wat, vegetable stews, and fragrant lentils are meant to be shared.

Staff gladly guide first-timers, and King County’s multicultural crossroads come alive in the lively chatter and laughter around every table.

Tea is poured with ceremony; finishing with honey wine, you’ll feel like part of Kent’s extended (and welcoming) family.

3. Wild Wheat Bakery Café & Restaurant

A Kent classic, Wild Wheat’s bakery case alone merits a stop—flaky croissants, triple-berry scones, and cinnamon rolls as big as your head.

But their café is just as beloved for robust, locally sourced breakfasts (wild mushroom omelets, steel-cut oats with fruit), lunch sandwiches piled with house-roasted turkey, and dinner plates that go well beyond the “bakery café” label.

Every loaf is hand-made, and regulars say the sourdough is “legendary.”

4. Nara Thai Restaurant

The aromas at Nara Thai—lemongrass, coconut, lime, and chili—announce a meal that spans from silken curries and spicy stir fries to noodle soups and fresh herb salads.

The menu expertly balances bold for spice-lovers and comforting for milder palates.

Specials like crab fried rice and crispy duck are hits, and the jasmine tea is bottomless. Elegant yet homey service and a sleek dining room make it a neighborhood favorite for families and date nights alike.

5. Asadero Sinaloa

You can watch the mesquite fire burn as carne asada, short ribs, and whole chickens hit the grill in this festive, family-style Mexican steakhouse.

Tortillas are grilled fresh, salsa bars groan with zesty toppings, and margaritas arrive in frosty goblets.

Asadero fills up on weekends for group celebrations, with kids and elders alike gnawing on costillas and sharing big plates of grilled onions, beans, and rice.