12 Best Bellevue Restaurants & What To Order (2024)

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Bellevue’s dynamic food scene caters to a variety of tastes, offering everything from local to global cuisines.

Need some quick recommendations? Start your culinary journey with El Gaucho for a classic steakhouse experience, or dive into the flavors of Vietnam at Monsoon.

Discover more best Bellevue restaurants in our curated selection!

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1. El Gaucho Bellevue

(4.5) Based on 1,802 Reviews

An iconic steakhouse on the Eastside since 1953, El Gaucho focuses on delivering “impeccable service and exceptional quality”. With elegant interiors and classic menu offerings, it’s the go-to for any special occasion. 

Start with their Tableside Caesar Salad, a must-try! Their Filet Mignon is a steak lover’s dream, available in 8 or 12oz. 

For dessert, their famous Bananas Foster stands out. Flambéed tableside, this is not just a dessert but a special tableside fire cooking show.

What to order: Tableside Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon, Bananas Foster

Address: 450 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

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2. Monsoon Bellevue

(4.3) Based on 1,163 Reviews

Since 1999, Monsoon has fused modern Vietnamese cuisine with Pacific Northwest flair. Its chic setting and consistently delicious dishes make it a standout. 

Start with the Grilled Pork Belly—crispy, sticky, and bursting with flavor. For an authentic taste, try the Bò Lá Lõt, marinated flank steak wrapped in Lá Lõt leaves. 

Make sure you try their signature Catfish Claypot with succulent catfish in a coconut milk base with caramelized onions. Availability is limited, so arrive early!

What to order: Grilled Pork Belly, Bò Lá Lõt, Catfish Claypot

Address: 10245 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004

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3. Tavern Hall

(4.3) Based on 2,238 Reviews

Tavern Hall, located in Bellevue Square’s The Lodge, is a local favorite known for its top-notch burgers, brick oven pretzels, and flatbreads. With a laid-back atmosphere, extensive drink selection, and tasty food, this is the place to be for enjoying good company. 

Their Tavern Burger is a must-order, with a fresh toasted bun, perfectly cooked patty, fried onions, peppers, and mouthwatering sauce. Their Kale Salad is also a hit—add crispy or grilled chicken for a heartier option.

What to order: Tavern Burger, Kale Salad, Fried Pickles

Address: 505 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004

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4. Cantinetta Bellevue

(4.4) Based on 441 Reviews

Cantinetta, a must-visit Italian restaurant in Bellevue, offers authentic Tuscan cuisine in a chic, dimly lit setting. Specializing in handmade pasta and seasonal, organic ingredients, it’s a popular spot for Italian fare. 

The Burrata is always a great idea for a light and tasty option to start your Italian meal with. 

If it’s your first time here, you must try the Pappardelle alla Bolognese! Or the classic Pici with thick and fat hand-rolled spaghetti-like pasta.

What to order: Burrata, Pappardelle alla Bolognese, Pici

Address: 10038 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004

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5. Castilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar

(4.3) Based on 900 Reviews

Castilla offers over 40 tapas along with traditional Spanish dishes in an authentic Spanish-style setting, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. 

Their Bacon Wrapped Dates are a standout small plate, combining smoky bacon with sweet dates. Patatas Bravas showcases perfectly cooked potatoes with a crispy exterior and bravas sauce. 

Their Paella Mixta is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a medley of chicken, fish, clams, shrimp, chorizo, and mussels—it’s like having a food party!

What to order: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Patatas Bravas, Paella Mixta

Address: 504 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004

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6. Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar

(4.4) Based on 1,793 Reviews

Seastar is a top-tier seafood restaurant with a vast selection of seafood and shareable plates. The chic dining room and lively raw bar offer a luxurious ambiance. 

Be sure to try the crispy Dungeness Crab Cakes with Thai sweet and sour beurre blanc, as well as the Torched Salmon Belly from the specials menu for a smoky experience. 

End your meal with their gluten-free Creme Brulee, available in Vanilla or Bourbon Butterscotch, for a sweet finale.

What to order: Dungeness Crab Cakes, Torched Salmon Belly, Crème Brulee

Address: 205 108th Avenue NE, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004

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7. Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi

(4.3) Based on 1,759 Reviews

Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi serves up contemporary Asian-inspired dining with aged prime beef and premium seafood, all with stunning views of Bellevue from the 31st floor. 

Their signature Magic Mushroom dessert is a must-try, so arrive early to secure a taste. For rolls, their Hamachi Truffle Roll from the lounge menu is truly delightful, with shaved truffle and truffle aioli.

But the star of the show is undoubtly their Prized A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon. Get this for a steak experience like no other!

What to order: Hamachi Truffle Roll, Prized A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon, Magic Mushroom

Address: 10400 NE 4th Street, Suite 3100, Bellevue, WA 98004

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8. I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue

(4.4) Based on 1033 Reviews

I Love Sushi, a hidden gem in Bellevue since 1986, offers fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine by the waterfront. Ideal for dates, it satisfies cravings for Japanese flavors.

Try the Seared Spicy Salmon Roll for a crab cake-filled treat with habanero smelt roe, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. Other favorites include the King Crab California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Sweet Mango Chili Roll. 

For a satisfying seafood option, the buttery Black Cod “Saikyo-yaki”, marinated in homemade miso is a must.

What to order: Seared Spicy Salmon Roll, King Crab California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Sweet Mango Chili Roll, Black Cod “Saikyo-yaki”

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9. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

(4.4) Based on 1,924 Reviews

Once just a tiny nine-seat spot in Japan, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has become a big deal worldwide. 

You’ve gotta try their original dish, the Shio Ramen, made with their special tonkotsu soup. Don’t forget to order some Gyoza on the side, five tasty pork and chicken dumplings. 

And if you’re still hungry, go for their Takoyaki, fried octopus balls with sauce and mayo. Trust me, it’s a real treat!

What to order: Shio Ramen, Gyoza, Takoyaki

Address: 103 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 3, Bellevue, WA 98004

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10. Dough Zone Dumpling House

(4.3) Based on 320 Reviews

Established in 2014, Dough Zone Dumpling House brings authentic handmade Chinese comfort food to Bellevue. Known for their Chinese buns and noodle dishes, go here for your Chinese food cravings.

Make sure you get their popular pan-fried pork buns, or Q-Bao, which are not only visually appealing but also delicious. The fresh, fluffy dough with a crispy bottom and juicy, well-seasoned filling always slaps.

Soup dumpling fans will love their Pork Soup Dumplings. Get this if you want something nourishing.

What to order: Q-Bao, Pork Soup Dumplings, Spicy Beef Sandwich

Address: 10300 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004

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11. Garlic Crush

(4.2) Based on 1,037 Reviews

Kebabs on traditional steel skewers, shawarma shaved off the popular vertical rotisserie, and grilled meat—a description that best describes Garlic Crush, a Mediterranean restaurant serving all the classics. 

Their Gyro Plate is a feast with generous servings of meat, rice, pita, soup, and salad. It’s a complete meal that will leave you with leftovers. 

For a quick bite, try their Classic Gyro Sandwich. Oh, and make sure you get your hands on the Chicken Kebab Plate before you leave!

What to order: Gyro Plate, Classic Gyro Sandwich, Chicken Kebab Plate, Shawarma, Garlic Fries

Address: 102 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

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12. Mercato Stellina Pizzeria

(4.6) Based on 243 Reviews

Once an Italian market, Mercato Stellina Pizzeria now serves authentic brick oven-baked pizzas, cured meats, cheeses, and wines. The cozy ambiance enhances the pizza experience.

Try the Salsiccia with caramelized fennel sausage and smoked mozzarella. For truffle lovers, the Funghi with taleggio cheese hits all the right spots.

Looking for something sweet to end your meal? Their Tiramisu has the perfect blend of coffee, chocolate, mascarpone, and ladyfingers.

What to order: Salsiccia, Funghi, Tiramisu

Address: 10000 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004

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With Seattle just a stone’s throw from Bellevue, how can you miss delving into all the glorious food offerings there?

Browse our Best Restaurants in Seattle article to know the must-visit eateries in Seattle (Psst! We also have “what to order” recommendations in the piece!).


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How We Create Our “Best” Lists

All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.

Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.