Top 10 Restaurants in Bellevue

Unenthused about the idea of traveling downtown? Whether you reside in a Laurelhurst condo or a Ravenna townhome, consider Bellevue's award-winning fine dining options. Bellevue is a mere 20-minute drive across Lake Washington, a little distance to travel to experience unparalleled dining, entertain a client, or celebrate a personal milestone.

 

Luxurious dining options offer Pan-American Cuisine, Pacific Seafood, and the finest steakhouses. Some of these restaurants are extensions of their downtown Seattle counterparts, so you can truly experience the best of the city’s offerings without all the hassles. Others are standalone restaurants unique to Bellevue.

 

I hope your evening is free because after you hear about these tempting options, you’ll be ready to make reservations for dinner in the town.

Bis on Main offers an upscale, European dining experience. Happy hour is hosted in their more casual lounge, and they are known for having a premium bar and stellar wine list. Chef Sal Gonzalez offers artisanal cheeses and foie gras, among other appetizer options. Consider the braised pork shank, saffron, and fennel risotto, or cassoulet for entrees. Bis on Main is proud of its status as the most romantic restaurant in Bellevue. Diners will enjoy gazing upon walls adorned as an art gallery featuring rotating exhibits of regional talents.

 

Daniel's Broiler, located on the 21st floor of the Bank of America building, offers spectacular views of downtown Bellevue, the nearby Seattle skyline, and the majestic Olympic Mountains. While enjoying a cocktail or an appetizer of bacon-wrapped scallops or perhaps Dungeness crab legs, enjoy relaxing on one of Daniel's decks. If it’s a clear night, you may be able to spot your Laurelhurst condo in the distance. Or are those the Ravenna townhomes beyond? After you’ve admired the view and sampled a couple of your favorite cocktails, consider the lobster tail, king salmon, or perhaps your favorite cut of USA prime steaks.

 

This Taiwan-based chain of globally beloved and award-winning restaurants has gained a reputation for its incredible dumplings. Along with a variety of dumplings, Din Tai Fung patrons can enjoy a variety of noodle dishes and soups, such as shrimp and wonton soup or braised beef soup. The restaurant is popular for its vegan and vegetarian options as well. Enjoy premium sake with your meal.

Soaring, two-story windows and live piano music evoke an elegant atmosphere in this fine dining establishment. If you’re looking for a quieter and more intimate experience, reserve a more private table on the mezzanine. El Gaucho is known for its delectable steaks. Numerous tasty side dishes are meant to be shared at the dinner party, and the wine list is diverse. Feeling more inclined to enjoy seafood? Try one of the shrimp and scallop dishes. They will not disappoint.

Hailing from Canada, the owners of JOEY Bellevue have established a hip, urban, and eclectic restaurant that may be the perfect solution when your dinner party can’t decide what sort of food everyone wants. Here you will find steaks and burgers, fish tacos and sushi, and more. Try the Mediterranean Bowl or the Black Truffle Ravioli for unique flavors. Save some room for the molten chocolate cake or a crème brûlée cheesecake for dessert!

 

John Howie built his reputation as a chef by offering one of the finest steakhouse experiences in Washington. Here he provides patrons with excellent service in a cozy and romantic atmosphere. With wagyu beef from Australia, Japan, and the United States, the most difficult choice may be deciding which steak to order. John Howie Steak understands your dilemma and offers a steak combo option to let your taste buds choose. Sixty by-the-glass wines are available in addition to many bottled wine options. Ask the sommelier if you need assistance finding the perfect pairing. John Howie Steak also offers a popular happy hour if you want to gather with coworkers after hours.

 

Mediterranean Kitchen offers classic Lebanese fare, temporarily only available for take-out, delivery, or curbside pickup. Tasty dishes include lamb shawarma halal, shish kebabs, and couscous with various proteins. The signature menu item is the Farmer’s Dish (chicken wings with a lemon-garlic cream sauce). The menu will satiate even the heartiest appetites with entrees served with soup, rice, pita bread, garlic dip, and Turkish coffee.

Fans of Vietnamese fare will enjoy artistically designed and shareable plates and the raw bar with excellent sushi. Monsoon’s most popular dishes include drunken chicken, beef flank steak wraps, and Monterey stuffed squid. The atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, with ambient lighting and cozy seating. Also, consider stopping in over the weekends for a unique take on brunch.

 

Chef John Howie has taken a new direction with his elevated seafood restaurant. The same attention to detail and excellence responsible for his steakhouse reputation also sets Seastar apart as an exquisite dining experience. The raw bar features a selection of nigiri and sashimi. Try the Super Dave Roll and the delectable blend of Dungeness crab, scallops, salmon, and avocado. Seafood entrees feature northwest king salmon, steelhead, halibut, and ceviche. For the landlubbers, delicious Wagyu tri-tip and filet mignon are not to be missed.

 

Wild Ginger brings a Pan-Asian cultural experience to Bellevue. Dishes are inspired by cuisine from Mongolia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, China, Malaysia, and Thailand. Begin with a Thai mushroom or Malay chicken satay. Consider seven-flavor beef, fragrant duck, or sea bass with peanuts and herbs for entrees. A variety of noodle dishes are also popular. Enjoy one of the assorted martinis or sake to complement your meal.

Perhaps you’re a visitor to the area and have been allured by the cosmopolitan dining and beautiful waterways nestled among majestic mountains. Is the greater Seattle area drawing you in? If so, reach out to Shannon Campbell. Whether you are looking for a Ravenna townhome or a Laurelhurst condo, she knows the neighborhoods and the real estate market and is committed to helping her clients find the perfect home.

_{*Header photo courtesy of JOEY Bellevue}