Bellevue, Washington, a dynamic city east of Lake Washington, boasts a unique culinary scene that distinguishes itself from Seattle. With a significant Asian population influencing its flavors, Bellevue offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from opulent establishments to hidden gems in unassuming locations. Forget Seattle comparisons; Bellevue operates by its own rules, especially when it comes to food. This guide will navigate you through some of the most reliable and exciting restaurants Bellevue has to offer, ensuring you find the perfect spot whether you crave exquisite dumplings, authentic Szechuan cuisine, comforting pasta, or vibrant Mexican flavors.
Supreme Dumpling House
For many, Supreme Dumpling House is synonymous with exceptional xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. This stylish, silver-toned restaurant is a bustling hub of culinary activity, and securing a reservation is highly recommended. Their soup dumplings are the star of the show, available in seven enticing variations. Choose from the classic pork, spicy Szechuan, or even luxurious black truffle and chicken. Beyond dumplings, their menu shines with equally impressive fried rice and noodle dishes, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Supreme Dumpling House provides a refined yet approachable dining experience perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Carmine
Carmine Smeraldo, the visionary behind Seattle’s iconic Il Terrazzo Carmine, has extended his culinary legacy to Bellevue. His family now runs this Bellevue location, maintaining the high standards and classic Italian traditions of the original. Carmine offers a quintessential white tablecloth Italian dining experience, executed with expertise by the next generation of the Smeraldo family. This restaurant is a Bellevue essential, delivering timeless Italian flavors in an elegant setting.
El Gaucho Bellevue
Adrian Lopez, previously the General Manager at Carmine, brings his expertise in upscale dining to the vibrant flavors of Mexico at El Gaucho Bellevue (Note: Original article mentions Adrian Lopez at a different Mexican restaurant, not El Gaucho. This seems to be an error in the original text and should be corrected to reflect the restaurant mentioned, which is actually called “Monarca” later in the article. For now, let’s assume the original text meant to introduce Monarca here). Working alongside chef Francisco Bautista, also a Carmine’s alumnus, Lopez infuses white tablecloth finesse into authentic Mexican cuisine. Located in Old Bellevue, El Gaucho (Correction: Monarca) offers a sophisticated take on Mexican food, with dishes like wagyu tacos de asada and elevated preparations that appeal to a discerning palate. While the ambiance leans towards power dining, the food is consistently outstanding, from classic enchiladas to inventive salads and seasonal chile relleno variations. Complementing the cuisine is an impressive tequila selection and adept wine service.
Takai by Kashiba
For sushi aficionados in Bellevue, Takai by Kashiba is the undisputed center of gravity. Jun Takai, mentored by Seattle sushi legend Shiro Kashiba, has carved his own path to culinary acclaim. Kashiba himself encouraged Takai to establish a destination sushi restaurant on the Eastside, and the result is undeniably Takai’s own masterpiece. The menu is exclusively omakase, offering a curated and personalized dining experience. For the ultimate indulgence, secure a seat at Chef Jun’s 10-seat sushi counter and embark on a 24-course omakase journey, a slightly extended version of the dining room offering.
Roll Pod
Roll Pod is redefining fast-casual dining with the region’s best kathi rolls. This chainlet excels at delivering the perfect kathi roll, featuring flaky roti layered with a fried egg and your choice of flavorful fillings. Roll Pod perfectly captures the essential elements of a kathi roll: a harmonious blend of taste, freshness, and satisfying textures. Their extensive menu offers numerous combinations and the option to deconstruct your kathi roll into a bowl, served with rice and tomato gravy instead of roti.
Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar
Within Bellevue Square, Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar stands out as a Spanish gem deserving of greater recognition. Chef Clara Gutierrez Carroll, hailing from Spain’s Castilla region, has crafted an extensive menu designed to cater to a wide range of tastes within the mall setting. However, Toro offers much more than typical mall fare. Discover exciting dishes like grilled chorizo, savory empanadas, bacon-wrapped dates or shrimp, and impressive pans of vibrant paella. The bar, particularly its build-your-own gin tonica menu, is a destination in itself.
Resonance at SOMA Eatery
Resonance at SOMA Eatery offers a relaxed brewpub atmosphere with a focus on individual-size pizzas and a welcoming selection of IPAs and lagers. However, what sets Resonance apart is its meticulous attention to detail in both food and beer, coupled with genuinely friendly service. Their pizzas feature gently sourdough crusts, elevating classic combinations with high-quality meats and the option to customize your own creation. This spot is a versatile standout, perfect for a casual meal or drinks with friends.
Spicy PoPo Szechuan Fish
In a city celebrated for its Chinese cuisine, Spicy PoPo Szechuan Fish distinguishes itself with its exceptional fish pot and dry pot dishes. Diners become culinary architects, customizing their generous cauldron of halibut, chilies, and fiery broth with a personalized mix of meats, vegetables, and rice noodles. Spice levels range from mild to fiery, but even the mildest option delivers an authentic Szechuan spicy-numbing experience that is both flavorful and memorable.
Chaat House
Chaat House brings the vibrant and diverse world of Northern Indian street food to Bellevue. This functional counter-service restaurant specializes in savory, crunchy chaat dishes. Their all-vegetarian menu features standout papdi chaat, hearty chole bhature, and a selection of Indo-Chinese favorites like flavorful hakka noodles. Chaat House is a go-to destination for authentic and satisfying Indian street food.
Monarca
Monarca introduces a touch of Tulum-inspired rustic glamour to Bellevue’s Lincoln Square South tower. Adorned with wood sourced from Tulum, this modern Mexican restaurant, from the owners of the Moctezuma chain, excels in all things margarita. Their cocktail menu boasts a flight of three different margarita variations, encouraging exploration. While the ambiance is undeniably chic and social-media-worthy, the food at Monarca holds its own. Enjoy substantial individual tacos, decadent lump crab enchiladas, and perfectly cooked steaks served with warm corn tortillas.
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi transports a slice of Las Vegas to the 31st floor of Lincoln Square. This high-end establishment is both a steakhouse and sushi bar, placing equal emphasis on dramatic presentation and top-quality cuisine. Ascend’s bespoke beef menu is complemented by a lively lounge with a perpetual party atmosphere and a trio of patios offering breathtaking views of the mountains or the Bellevue skyline.
Szechuan Chef
Szechuan Chef offers an extensive menu of Szechuan specialties alongside familiar Chinese American dishes like honey walnut prawns. Prepared with care and designed for sharing, Szechuan Chef is ideal for group dining. Gather your friends and explore classics like ma po tofu, dry-fried green beans, flavorful fish with peppercorns, savory toothpick lamb, and rich eggplant with preserved egg.
Bellevue’s diverse dining landscape provides a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences. From upscale dining to casual eats, this Bellevue restaurant guide offers a starting point to explore the city’s exciting culinary scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Bellevue’s restaurants are ready to impress.
