Bellevue has quietly become one of the most exciting food cities in Washington.
Forget the stereotype that it is just steakhouses and corporate lunches—the Eastside is actually hiding some of the best international food in the Pacific Northwest.
From strip mall Sichuan that rivals the International District to high-end sushi flown in daily from Tokyothe options are surprisingly deep.
We filtered out the chains to find the 12 spots that locals actually book in 2026.
1. El Gaucho Bellevue
An iconic steakhouse on the Eastside since 1953El Gaucho focuses on delivering “impeccable service and exceptional quality”. With elegant interiors and classic menu offeringsit’s the go-to for any special occasion.
Kick things off with their Tableside Caesar Saladprepared right in front of you and seriously tasty Their Filet Mignon is a steak lover’s dreambuttery and tender,in either 8 or 12oz cuts.
Cap it all off with their famous Bananas Fosterand yesit’s just as dramatic and delicious as it sounds.
What to order: Tableside Caesar SaladFilet MignonBananas Foster
Address: 450 108th Avenue NEBellevueWA 98004
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2. Monsoon Bellevue
Since 1999Monsoon 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—crispystickyand bursting with flavor. For an authentic tastetry the Bò Lá Lõtmarinated flank steak wrapped in Lá Lõt leaves.
As for their signature Catfish Claypotit’s all about comfort. Braised in a coconutty milk base with caramelized onionsit’s one of those dishes that disappears fastso try to beat the rush by arriving early!
What to order: Grilled Pork BellyBò Lá LõtCatfish Claypot
Address: 10245 Main StreetBellevueWA 98004
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3. Tavern Hall
Tavern Halllocated in Bellevue Square’s The Lodgeis a local favorite known for its top-notch burgersbrick oven pretzelsand flatbreads.
With a laid-back atmosphereextensive drink selectionand tasty foodthis is the place to be for enjoying good company.
Their Tavern Burger is a must-orderwith a fresh toasted bunperfectly cooked pattyfried onionspeppersand mouthwatering sauce. Their Kale Salad is also a hit—add crispy or grilled chicken for a heartier option.
What to order: Tavern BurgerKale SaladFried Pickles
Address: 505 Bellevue SquareBellevueWA 98004
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4. Cantinetta Bellevue
Cantinettaa must-visit Italian restaurant in Bellevueoffers authentic Tuscan cuisine in a chicdimly lit setting.
Specializing in handmade pasta and seasonalorganic ingredientsit’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 hereyou must try the Pappardelle alla Bolognese! Or the classic Pici with thick and fat hand-rolled spaghetti-like pasta.
What to order: BurrataPappardelle alla BolognesePici
Address: 10038 Main StreetBellevueWA 98004
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5. Castilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar
Castilla offers over 40 tapas along with traditional Spanish dishes in an authentic Spanish- settingperfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
The bacon-wrapped dates are a solid start—crispy on the outsidesweet in the middleand nicely balanced. Patatas bravas come out crisp and goldenwith a sauce that adds just enough heat.
The paella mixta brings together chickenseafoodand chorizo in a hearty dish that’s satisfying and easy to sharea total crowd-pleaser.
What to order: Bacon Wrapped DatesPatatas BravasPaella Mixta
Address: 504 Bellevue SquareBellevueWA 98004
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6. Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
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.
The Dungeness crab cakes are golden and crisppaired with a Thai sweet and sour beurre blanc. Often on the specials boardtheir torched salmon belly brings a gentle smokiness that’s hard to beat.
End your meal with their gluten-free Creme Bruleeavailable in Vanilla or Bourbon Butterscotchfor a sweet finale.
What to order: Dungeness Crab CakesTorched Salmon BellyCrème Brulee
Address: 205 108th Avenue NESuite 100BellevueWA 98004
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7. Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi
Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi serves up contemporary Asian-inspired dining with aged prime beef and premium seafoodall with stunning views of Bellevue from the 31st floor.
Their signature Magic Mushroom dessert is a must-tryso arrive early to secure a taste. For rollstheir Hamachi Truffle Roll from the lounge menu is truly delightfulwith shaved truffle and truffle aioli.
But the star of the show is undoubtedly their Prized A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon. Get this for a steak experience like no other!
What to order: Hamachi Truffle RollPrized A5 Wagyu Filet MignonMagic Mushroom
Address: 10400 NE 4th StreetSuite 3100BellevueWA 98004
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8. I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue
I Love Sushia hidden gem in Bellevue since 1986offers fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine by the waterfront. Ideal for datesit satisfies cravings for Japanese flavors.
The seared spicy salmon roll comes with a fun twistit’s filled with crab cake and topped with spicy mayoeel sauceand a bit of habanero smelt roe for a kick. Other solid picks are the king crab California rollspicy tunaand sweet mango chili rolls.
If you’re more into cooked seafoodthe black cod “Saikyo-yaki” is buttery and mellowthanks to its miso marinade.
What to order: Seared Spicy Salmon RollKing Crab California RollSpicy Tuna RollSweet Mango Chili RollBlack Cod “Saikyo-yaki”
Address: 23 Lake Bellevue DrBellevueWA 98005United States
9. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Once just a tiny nine-seat spot in JapanHokkaido Ramen Santouka has become a big deal worldwide.
You’ve gotta try their original dishthe Shio Ramenmade with their special tonkotsu soup. Don’t forget to order some Gyoza on the sidefive tasty pork and chicken dumplings.
And if you’re still hungrygo for their Takoyakifried octopus balls with sauce and mayo. It’s a real treat you won’t regret!
What to order: Shio RamenGyozaTakoyaki
Address: 103 Bellevue Way NESuite 3BellevueWA 98004
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10. Dough Zone Dumpling House
Established in 2014Dough Zone Dumpling House brings authentic handmade Chinese comfort food to Bellevue. Known for their Chinese buns and noodle dishesgo here for your Chinese food cravings.
Make sure you get their popular pan-fried pork bunsor Q-Baowhich are not only visually appealing but also delicious. The freshfluffy dough with a crispy bottom and juicywell-seasoned filling always slaps.
Soup dumpling fans will love their Pork Soup Dumplings. Get this if you want something nourishing.
What to order: Q-BaoPork Soup DumplingsSpicy Beef Sandwich
Address: 10300 Main StreetBellevueWA 98004
11. Garlic Crush
Kebabs on traditional steel skewersshawarma shaved off the popular vertical rotisserieand grilled meat—a description that best describes Garlic Crusha Mediterranean restaurant serving all the classics.
Their Gyro Plate is a feast with generous servings of meatricepitasoupand salad. It’s a complete meal that will leave you with leftovers.
For a quick bitetry their Classic Gyro Sandwich. Ohand make sure you get your hands on the Chicken Kebab Plate before you leave!
What to order: Gyro PlateClassic Gyro SandwichChicken Kebab PlateShawarmaGarlic Fries
Address: 102 Bellevue Way NEBellevueWA 98004
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12. Mercato Stellina Pizzeria
Once an Italian marketMercato Stellina Pizzeria now serves authentic brick oven-baked pizzascured meatscheesesand wines. The cozy ambiance enhances the pizza experience.
Go for the Salsiccia—it’s got caramelized fennel sausage and smoky mozzarella. The Funghi is great tooespecially if you’re into truffle and creamy taleggio.
And for desserttheir tiramisu is solid: not too sweetwith the right hit of coffee and chocolate.
What to order: SalsicciaFunghiTiramisu
Address: 10000 Main StreetBellevueWA 98004
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With Seattle just a stone’s throw from Bellevuehow 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!).