Sizzling kung-paos, authentic regional Chinese dishes and affordable prices keep this place swimming in customers.
Mediterranean Kitchen
103 Bellevue Way NE Suite 1
(425) 462-9422
Gourmet Middle Eastern Cuisine
Salute of Bellevue
10134 Main Street
(425) 688-7613
A cozy and romantic Italian restaurant located in the heart of Olde Bellevue. Owned and operated by Raffaele Calise from Ischia, Italy, he brings knowledge and experience to this replica of a Southern Italian Villa. He is a celebrated chef and is known for his specialty dishes. "He will make you a meal you can't refuse."
Thai Kitchen
14115 NE 20th Street
(425) 641-9166
Authentic Thai cuisine prepared as spicy as you dare. One could easily make a meal out of an appetizer ("Angel Wings" are excellent and substantial), soup (the coconut chicken soup is rich and rewarding), or one of the many creative salads; have them all in addition to an entree, and it becomes an inexpensive, adventurous feast.
Sushi-ten
2217 140th Avenue NE
(425) 643-6637
Every night of the week, twenty bucks gets you an all-you-can-eat sushi feast. Sushi chef Masashi Seki rolls, slices and arranges your favorites (tuna, yellowtail, the ubiquitous California roll) and keeps them coming till you drop. The small dining room (where you can order plump gyoza, lightly battered tempura and sparingly doused teriyaki chicken or salmon) is more conducive to leisurely conversation.
Daniel’s Broiler
10500 NE 8th Street
(425) 462-4662
Top of the Seafirst Building across from the Hyatt Hotel. Specializes in Steak & Pork Chops. A variety of seafood, poultry, pasta & salads. Although the menu offers other choices, Daniel's is a steakhouse. Beef is prime-grade and corn-fed, expertly cooked under an 1,800-degree broiler. The long wine list covers Northwest vintners especially well, and there are 22 choices available by the glass.
McCormick & Schmick’s
700 Bellevue Way NE
(425) 454-2606
Their extensive menu changes daily depending on each day’s fresh seafood deliveries and in keeping with McCormick & Schmick’s tradition of offering only the freshest seafood available in season. With more than 80 preparations available on the menu each day, every guest is sure to find something to satisfy their palate. Located in the Lincoln Square tower across from Bellevue Square.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
550 106th Avenue NE
(425) 462-9300
Rock Bottom built its foundation on a tradition of fresh, handcrafted beers and a diverse menu. Each Rock Bottom is rich in brass, warm woods, earth tones, and gleaming brewing vessels. Its moderately-priced American food menu includes chicken, seafood, steaks, salads, hearty sandwiches, and burgers. Located in the Bellevue Galleria.
Kirkland Restaurants
Anthony’s Home Port
135 Lake Street, Homeport Marina,
(425) 822-0225
http://www.anthonys.com
A wide selection of seafood simply prepared. Reliable and reasonable. Reservations are suggested. Kirkland waterfront dining at its finest!
Kirkland Roaster & Ale House
111 Central Way
(425) 827-4400
Comfortable, casual dining featuring a vertical split roaster.
Cucina Cucina Carillon Pt
2220 Carillon Point
(425) 822-4000
http://www.cucinacucina.com
Fun, lively, casual Italian cafe serving cutting edge as well as traditional Italian food. Located on Carillon Point on Lake Washington.
TGI Friday’s
505 Park Place
(425) 828-3743
http://www.tgifridays.com
Upbeat atmosphere serving a wide variety of dishes including steak, pasta, hamburgers, chicken, and low-carb selections.
Crab Cracker
452 Central Avenue
(425) 827-8700
http://www.crabcracker.com
Featuring delicious preparations of Dungeness crab, wild Pacific salmon, and northwest seafood in abundance. Reservations recommended.
Lynn’s Bistro
214 Central Way
(425) 889-2808
Beautifully prepared, Asian-accented French fare in intimate, unpretentious surroundings.
Yarrow Bay Grill
1270 Carillon Point, upstairs
(425) 889-0303
http://www.yarrowbaygrill.citysearch.com
Informal elegance – beautiful lakeside location featuring a variety of fresh seafood and naturally raised meats and poultry. Reservations are welcome.
A romantic restaurant overlooking Pike Place Market. French inspired, fixed-price, four course meals are served daily. Everything is fresh and first rate. Reservations are essential; only two seatings nightly.
The Pink Door
1919 Post Alley, Pike Place Market
(206) 443-3241
http://www.svhamstra.com/CabSeaPinkDoor.shtml
Another Pike Place Market restaurant, The Pink Door features simple Italian cooking and a cheerful atmosphere. Very reasonable; reservations recommended.
F.X. McRory’s Steak, Chop & Oyster House
419 Occidental Avenue S.
(206) 623-4800
Located across from Safeco field, this Seattle institution is the liveliest place in town following a Seattle Sonics or Seattle Mariners game. It also has the world’s largest collection of bourbons on display in the bar.
Place Pigalle
81 Pike Street
(206) 624-1756
This airy café in the Pike Place Market has a cliff hanging view of Elliot Bay. The menu consists of daily fresh offerings, simply and uniquely prepared. Known for its Northwest cuisine and good seafood.
IL Terrazo Carmine
411 First Avenue S., Pioneer Square
(206) 467-7797
One of the prettiest restaurants in the city, located just off a fountain plaza in Pioneer Square and next to the Empty Space Theater. Entrees range from veal scaloppini with capers and lemon to spicy calamari to more traditional Italian dishes.
Jillian’s Billiard Café
731 Westlake Avenue N.
(206) 223-0300
http://www.jillians.com
Tournament quality pool tables, ping pong, and steel tip darts are in order while being in an upscale and comfortable environment. Enjoy American bistro-style cuisine with a full service bar for interactive dining right off the shore of Lake Union.
Kells
1916 Post Alley
(206) 728-1916
Just across the alley from the Pink Door restaurant sits this wonderful bare bones Irish pub. Food is hot and hearty--meat pies, leg of lamb, roasted chicken. On Friday nights they have a real Irish shillelagh band and pints of ale.
Wild Ginger
1401 3rd Avenue
(206) 623-4450
Park at the famous Satay Bar and watch as chefs take turns racing plump scallops over hot coals or charring bite-size hunks of marinated boar for a dip in sweet pineapple-peanut sauce. For the money, stools at the Satay are the best in the house. Soups should not be missed. Best are the tangy, layered, hot and sour soup with mint, and laksa (a coconut-based bouillabaisse buoying tender chunks of scallops and seafood). Among the entrees, the fragrant duck is the house specialty, though daily specials--like mango-braised pork--can be better bets.
Santa Fe Café
5910 Phinney Avenue N.
(206) 783-9755
This is New Mexican cooking with lots of hot red chilies and blue tortillas. Fun atmosphere.
Sea Garden Chinese Restaurant
509 7th Avenue S.
(206) 623-2100
Popular, gourmet Chinese restaurant in Seattle. Newly remodeled restaurant just 4 minutes away from Safeco field.
McCormick’s Fish House and Bar
722 Fourth Avenue
(206) 682-3900
This Seattle landmark is tucked inside a historic building. Now encased in the base of the massive Columbia Center tower (tallest building west of the Mississippi). This place looks like a good seafood restaurant should; dark, wood paneled booths, white tablecloths, busy waiters. Both the food and the atmosphere are great. Reservations are suggested.
Space Needle Sky City
400 Broad Street
(206) 905-2100
Partake in the natural taste treasures of the Pacific Northwest. The freshest seafoods and finest aged meats are virtually reinvented through the skill and creativity of a world-class crew of chefs. Indulge yourself in Seattle’s unique dining experience as you rotate in 360 degrees of spectacular! Reservations are recommended. Valet parking is available. Dress code is business casual.
Waterfront
2801 Alaskan Way
(206) 956-9171
Water views surround. Waiters sport tuxedos. It's all a bit "Love Boat," but McCaffree's knack for seafood ensures the eats will impress beyond the trappings. Seafood steals the show: Understated delicacy penetrates the sesame seed-crusted sea bass, while a dramatic flair marks the Magnificent Flavor fried fish, which arrives whole, head and tail intact. Winning starters include meaty Thai crab cakes with basil-avocado aioli and salt-and-pepper prawns over sweet, spicy Asian slaw. Straying from seafood can be dicey.
Buca Di Beppo
701 9th Avenue N.
(206) 244-2288
Portions are not for the faint of heart--our eyes bulged upon the arrival of platters piled impossibly high with slabs of eggplant parmigiana and the baseball-sized meatballs on a mountain of spaghetti. A classic version of chicken Marsala impressed--tender chicken breast surrounded by giant mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce. But, as with most of the fare here, we found the flavors bottled and predictable. Dessert? Are you kidding? If you're really going for it, a giant bowl of strawberries with lemon gelato, or a rich helping of tiramisu are pleasing finishes to a gargantuan meal.
Perche No
621 1/2 Queen Anne Avenue N
(206) 298-0230
Perche No's wide-ranging menu includes a selection of pastas and such notable specials as sauteed sweetbreads and porcini risotto. For dessert? An inventive chocolate and mascarpone "lasagna." The charm here isn't limited to the food; live opera or classical music is featured once a month, while piano players serenade diners every night of the week.
El Gaucho
2505 First Avenue
(206) 728-1337
http://www.elgaucho.com
Portions are large, prices high. Some steaks are better than others, but all are dry-aged Angus. The filet mignon, the Chateaubriand for two and especially the baseball-cut top sirloin (a nearly round hunk of meat) are fully satisfying. Start with the shrimp or the steamed mussels in balsamic cream sauce and don't skip salad; El Gaucho's version of the Caesar is tossed at the table in a deliberately entertaining fashion.
Assaggio Ristorante
2010 4th Avenue
(206) 441-1399
“Good food and good wine are a way of life in Italy. As a restaurateur, I travel four times a year to Italy's wine regions searching for the perfect wines to complement Assaggio's menu. Each of these wines has been carefully chosen to bring a very Italian taste to your table. We invite you to experiment and taste these wines again and again. Of course, if you need a recommendation, you can trust my staff to assist you in choosing a wine. We hope you will join us soon at Assaggio.”
Cascadia Restaurant
2328 1st Avenue
(206) 448-8884
Sear serves only what he can procure in the Cascadia region, that lush area between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. He and his large staff turn this bounty into subtly flavored dishes with considerable finesse. Witness the air-dried duck with stuffed squash blossoms and warm peaches or seared halibut in chanterelle broth with chickweed. Not everything works to perfection, nor will this food suit everyone's appetite or dining-out budget. But, for sophisticated or venturesome palates, Cascadia provides a stream of mostly gratifying insights into the Northwest's astounding variety of foodstuffs.
Boeing offers tours of its 747 plant just outside of Everett. A 90 minute tour is offered twice a day, Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 1pm.
Gray Line Tours
720 S. Forest Street
(206) 624-5813
http://www.grayline.com
Several standard guided tours, mostly by bus, include longer excursions such as a nine hour trip to Mt. Rainier and overnight trips (May through October) in the North Cascade Mountains.
One story beneath Pioneer Square is the city of Seattle, after the Great Fire of 1889. It is an eccentric and funny tour that lasts about an hour and a half. Tour times vary seasonally, call ahead for reservations. The tour starts at Doc Marynard’s at 610 First Ave.
Shopping
Eastside
Bellevue Square
http://www.bellevuesquare.com
Hard-core shoppers delight in favorite department stores, world-renowned boutiques and a smattering of exclusive shops. One of the largest shopping malls in the northwest, Bellevue Square has something for everybody. You’ll find Nordstrom, Macy’s, JC Penney, Banana Republic, J Crew, The Gap, Eddie Bauer, Pendleton, exclusive gift shops, shoe stores, bookstores and a wide selection of restaurants.
Redmond Town Center
http://www.shopredmondtowncenter.com
Young moms, teens and techies--all types come here to shop for apparel, clothing, books, cards, gifts and home furnishings. An eight-screen Cineplex lies at the heart of the complex surrounded by eats from well-known chains such as Claim Jumper, Red Robin, and Spazzo Italian Restaurant. Although the chill factor can make this outdoor mall less desirable in the fall and winter months, it's literally a breath of fresh air on warmer days.
Lake Street, Kirkland
http://www.kirklanddowntown.org/visitorinfo.htm
This lovely little town lines beautiful Lake Washington and has several nice restaurants along the waterfront. There are also many city parks along the lake where you can watch wind surfers and sailboats pass by. In downtown Kirkland, you will find a distinct collection of specialty shops surrounded by several noted restaurants.
Gilman Village, Issaquah
http://www.gilmanvillage.com
Two dozen old farmhouses, barns and outbuildings have been renovated into an open-air mall consisting of fifty-five galleries, boutiques and down home eateries. It is especially colorful during the holiday season when the entire town, including the early ninetieth century lampposts, is decorated to the light of the holiday glamour and glitter.
Two large department stores anchor the main retail district on Pine Street between Third and Sixth Avenues. The original Nordstrom site is at 1501 Fifth Avenue. Westlake Center and Pacific Place are two sophisticated shopping atriums of exclusive shops, boutiques and restaurants. Our latest edition to the downtown shopping district is Nike Town located at 1500 Sixth Avenue off of Pike Street. This is where you will find a variety of the trendiest styles for athletes and tennis shoe lovers! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 8:00pm; Saturday, 9:30am – 7:00pm; and Sunday, 11:00am – 6:00 pm. Most department stores are open seven days a week, 9:30am to 5:30pm. On Friday evenings many stores are open until 9:00pm. Another elegant shopping area is Rainier Square at Forth and Union.
Pike Place Market
1st and Pike Street, downtown Seattle
http://www.pikeplacemarket.org
The Market is a National Historic Landmark and one of the liveliest, most colorful shopping experiences in Seattle. You will find more than 600 vendors selling fresh or smoked seafood (packed on ice to ship), Washington State apples, coffees, and teas from around the world, ethnic pastries, crafts and other goods. The Market boasts of many fabulous restaurants (Place Pigalle, The Pink Door are considered among the finest in the city). There is live entertainment on weekend nights, such as plays and comedy improv.
A large shopping mall within minutes from the airport, you will find all the Northwest major stores with a wide selection of gift shops and a food pavilion.
Factory Stores of America
461 S. Fork Avenue SW
North Bend, WA 98045
(425) 888-4505
Located just off Interstate-90 in eastern King County, this factory outlet mall has more than 50 stores ranging from luggage and shoes to clothes and books.
Mon-Sat 10:00am- 8:00pm
Sun 10:00am- 6:00pm
Entertainment & Leisure
Meridian 16 Movie Theater
1501 7th Avenue, Downtown Seattle
(206) 223-9600
Located in Downtown Seattle. This is a beautifully structured 16 screen theater upstairs from Pacific Place Shopping Center.
Lincoln Square Cinemas
700 Bellevue Way, Bellevue
Movie times - (425) 460-5775
http://www.lincolnsquare.com
A 16-screen luxury cinema with plush leather seats and gourmet treats!
Gene Juarez Salon and Spa
550 106th Avenue NE #105, Bellevue
(425) 455-5511
http://www.genejuarez.com
A salon and spa with an outstanding reputation for the ultimate retreat to pampering yourself in luxurious surroundings and creating an experience to escape, replenish, and feel beautiful. They offer award-winning salon services and exclusive spa treatments.
Gameworks
1511 7th Avenue, Seattle
(206) 521-0952
Located in Downtown Seattle, this is the ultimate in big toy video game fun! Starbucks, pool, internet café, darts, full bar all on site!
http://www.gameworks.com
Emerald Downs Horse Racing Track
2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn
(253) 288-7700
http://www.emeralddowns.com
There’s always lots of action here. Whether you are planning a family outing, going on a date, or spending quality time with your friends, there are many activities like horse races, face painting and pony rides at Emerald Downs.
Willows Run Golf Course
10402 Willows Road NE, Redmond
(425) 883-1200
http://www.willowsrun.com
A beautiful golf course that is open daily to the public. Links style, no temporary greens, very dry and well draining year round. Daily pin-placement sheets.
Museums
Bellevue Art Museum
510 Bellevue Way
(425) 519-0770
http://www.bellevuearts.org
Across the street from Bellevue Square mall is the new Bellevue Art Museum, which features unique touring exhibits specializing in regional art.
Burke Memorial Museum
University of Washington on 45th and NE 17th, Seattle
(206) 543-5590
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum
A natural history museum, the Burke covers the cultures of the Pacific Rim, focusing on Northwest Coast Indian, Eskimo and Oceanic culture art.
Museum of Flight
9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 764-5720
http://www.museumofflight.org
The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. The collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft. The aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast.
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
2700 24th Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 324-1126
http://www.seattlehistory.org
Dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation.
Seattle Art Museum
University Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue
(206) 654-3100
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
An exceptional and diverse museum in downtown Seattle, exhibiting permanent collections of Asian art and jade, European, Persian, Pre-Columbia, Islamic and African art. The museum also offers lectures, education rooms and hands-on activities.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
1400 E Prospect Street, Seattle
(206) 344-5265
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
A museum that has a wide variety of beautiful and unique Asian art collections from historic to modern. The museum has a beautiful grand entrance. A must see museum located at Volunteer Park. Nominated for best museum because of its stunning art deco design, beautiful vistas and extensive Asian art collection.
Sight Seeing
Experience Music Project
2901 3rd Avenue # 400, Seattle
(877) 454-7836
http://www.emplive.com
Exploring and celebrating musical diversity is what EMP is all about. Includes interactive exhibits, unique artifacts, and space for extraordinary live performances.
Seattle Center
(206) 684-7200
http://www.seattlecenter.com
This 74 acre park just north of downtown was the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. The Center is open all hours with free admission. The Pacific Science Center (206) 443-2001, hosts interesting hands-on displays of computers, mathematics and physics, including exhibits on the Mt. St. Helen’s volcano eruption. There are also planetarium shows, laser-beam music shows and natural history films, and some feature movies on the Imax screen.
The Space Needle
(206) 443-2100
http://www.spaceneedle.com
Seattle’s official symbol is also located in the Seattle Center park. Take a ride in the elevator up to the top of the 605 foot tower for an incredible 360 degree view of the city and Puget Sound. Restaurant patrons ride for free.
Snoqualmie Falls
6501 Railroad Avenue SE
Snoqualmie, WA
The falls are less than an hour's drive from Seattle, but they seem a world away. At 270 feet, the falls are 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Yet they are substantially less well known (no one has ever tried to follow the flow of the entire Snoqualmie River over the edge in a barrel). The waterfall did gain a measure of fame, however, when it (and the Salish Lodge perched atop the cliff) was featured in David Lynch's cult TV series, "Twin Peaks." Even if you're not a fan of the show, you'll still enjoy the breathtaking view of cascading water. If it's sunny, you'll see rainbows in the mist. A steep half-mile hike will lead you down to the base of the falls. If you don't want to hike, the park above has an excellent lookout point for waterfall-gazing without the work. http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/
Pike Place Market
1st and Pike Street, downtown Seattle
http://www.pikeplacemarket.org
The Market is a National Historic Landmark and one of the liveliest, most colorful shopping experiences in Seattle. You will find more than 600 vendors selling fresh or smoked seafood (packed on ice to ship), Washington State apples, coffees, and teas from around the world, ethic pastries, crafts and other goods. The Market boasts of many fabulous restaurants (Place Pigalie, The Pink Door are considered among the finest in the city). There is live entertainment on weekend nights, such as plays and comedy improv.
The Monorail
The monorail was built for the World’s Fair and connects the Seattle Center with the Westlake Center which is the heart of the downtown retail district. Operation is generally Sunday through Thursday, 10am – 9pm and Friday through Saturday 10am – 12:30 am. Train departs every 15 – 20 minutes from either terminal. http://www.seattlemonorail.com
Most of the shipping piers have been transformed into complexes of tourist shops and food spots- but the waterfront is still a great place to see Washington State ferries arrive and depart. While you are out people watching, be sure to stop by the Seattle Aquarium (206-386-4320) on Pier 59. Hours vary seasonally.
Seattle Harbor Tours
http://www.portseattle.org/harbor
(206) 623-1445
Located on Pier 55, provides tours of Elliot Bay on the hour. This tour gives the history of Seattle including an incredible view of the Seattle scenery and close look at one of the world’s largest shipping terminals.
Spirit of Puget Sound Cruises
Pier 70 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 674-3500
Washington State Ferry
(206) 464-6400
You can board a ferry at Pier 52 and ride across the sound to Bainbridge Island and back. The trip lasts about 30 minutes each way. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
The Victoria Clipper
(206) 448-5000
The Victoria Clipper is a large catamaran that travels to Victoria, British Columbia from Pier 69. The trip takes about 2 ½ hours. http://www.victoriaclipper.com
Parks
Arboretum
(206) 543-8800
http://www.depts.washington.edu/
The arboretum serves jointly as 267-acre botanical research for the University of Washington and as a public park. You will find more than 5,500 species of trees, vines, shrubs and flowers here from all over the world. Trails and plants are well marked from the Japanese Tea Garden to Azalea Way. You can rent canoes at the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center (206) 542-2217. There are dozens of estuaries and small lakes to explore wildlife preserve.
Marymoor Park
6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond
(206) 296-2966
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/rentals/pomjun99.htm
Only 2 ½ miles away from Microsoft, Redmond campus which is about a 5 minute drive. Large park for relaxing, walking, recreation and activities.
Mount Rainier National Park
(360) 569-2211
http://www.mount.rainier.national-park.com
Mount Rainier 14,140 foot volcanic dome dominates Seattle’s southern skyline. The visitor center at Sunrise, the 6,400 foot level, is the closest you’ll get to the peak. The lodge and visitor center at Paradise (5,400 ft) offer more spectacular views. In the winter, always carry tire chains and a shovel and check current road and weather conditions by calling a 24-hour recorded message (360) 569-2343.
Volunteer Park
(206) 322-4112
Located on the summit of Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park was designed by the Olmstead brothers, who are better known for their design of New York’s Central Park. At one end of the park is an elaborate conservatory with three large greenhouses filled with exotic flowers. The park offers a sweeping view of the Space Needle, Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Be sure to take your camera.
Woodland Park Zoo
(206) 684-4800
http://www.zoo.org
This zoo is one of the best in the country. Seattle has made a strong commitment to provide natural and healthy environments for animals, with good view points and pleasant surroundings for visitors. There are “open” bi-climatic zones where animals are free to roam in groupings found in nature (the tropical forest for gorillas, apes and macaques or the African savanna with zebras, giraffes, monkeys and hippos). The zoo has seasonal hours.
Free WiFi Locations
Bellevue
Redmond
1. Caffe Coccinella - 10232 NE 10th St
2. Roach's Place - 14230 NE 20th St
3. QFC - coffee nook area - 10116 NE 8th St
4. Crossroads Shopping Center
5. Bellevue Square Mall
1. Jerzy's Coffee - 16727 Redmond Way
2. Canyons Restaurant - 15740 Redmond Way
3. Sassy's Teahouse and Boutique - 16244 Cleveland St
4. Celtic Bayou Brewpub - 7281 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy
5. Palmers East Restaurant - 7853 Leary Way NE
6. Panera Bread - 17262 Redmond Way
7. QFC – coffee nook area - 15800 Redmond Way NE
8. Jitters Coffeehouse – 2200 148th Avenue NE
9. Tully’s Coffee – 8862 161st Avenue NE
10. Marymoor Park - 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE
