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 Tokyo, the 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 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. Kick things off with their Tableside Caesar Salad, prepared right in front of you and seriously tasty Their Filet Mignon is a steak lover’s dream, buttery and tender,in either 8 or 12oz cuts. Cap it all off with their famous Bananas Foster, and yes, it’s just as dramatic and delicious as it sounds. What to order: Tableside Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon, Bananas Foster Address : 450 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Website | Instagram | Facebook 2. Monsoon Bellevue 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. As for their signature Catfish Claypot, it’s all about comfort. Braised in a coconutty milk base with caramelized onions, it’s one of those dishes that disappears fast, so try to beat the rush by arriving early! What to order: Grilled Pork Belly, Bò Lá Lõt, Catfish Claypot Address : 10245 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004 Website | Instagram | Facebook 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 Website | Instagram | Facebook 4. Cantinetta Bellevue 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 Website | Instagram | Facebook 5. Castilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar Castilla offers over 40 tapas along with traditional Spanish dishes in an authentic Spanish-style setting, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. The bacon-wrapped dates are a solid start—crispy on the outside, sweet in the middle, and nicely balanced. Patatas bravas come out crisp and golden, with a sauce that adds just enough heat. The paella mixta brings together chicken, seafood, and chorizo in a hearty dish that’s satisfying and easy to share, a total crowd-pleaser. What to order: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Patatas Bravas, Paella Mixta Address : 504 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004 Website | Instagram | Facebook 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 crisp, paired with a Thai sweet and sour beurre blanc. Often on the specials board, their torched salmon belly brings a gentle smokiness that’s hard to beat. 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 Website | Instagram | Facebook

7. Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi 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 undoubtedly 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 Website | Instagram | Facebook 8. I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue 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. The seared spicy salmon roll comes with a fun twist, it’s filled with crab cake and topped with spicy mayo, eel sauce, and a bit of habanero smelt roe for a kick. Other solid picks are the king crab California roll, spicy tuna, and sweet mango chili rolls. If you’re more into cooked seafood, the black cod “Saikyo-yaki” is buttery and mellow, thanks to its miso marinade. What to order: Seared Spicy Salmon Roll, King Crab California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Sweet Mango Chili Roll, Black Cod “Saikyo-yaki” Address : 23 Lake Bellevue Dr, Bellevue, WA 98005, United States Website | Facebook 9. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka 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. It’s a real treat you won’t regret! What to order: Shio Ramen, Gyoza, Takoyaki Address : 103 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 3, Bellevue, WA 98004 Website | Instagram | Facebook 10. Dough Zone Dumpling House 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 Website | Instagram 11. Garlic Crush 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 Website | Instagram | Facebook 12. Mercato Stellina Pizzeria 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. Go for the Salsiccia—it’s got caramelized fennel sausage and smoky mozzarella. The Funghi is great too, especially if you’re into truffle and creamy taleggio. And for dessert, their tiramisu is solid: not too sweet, with the right hit of coffee and chocolate. What to order: Salsiccia, Funghi, Tiramisu Address : 10000 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004 Website | Instagram | Facebook 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!). Looking for a place to stay in Bellevue? Sign Up For NomsMail