Bellevue, a city situated in the east of King County, is a vibrant culinary haven that offers a variety of cuisines to satisfy any palate. From fine-dining establishments to casual eateries, Bellevue has an abundance of culinary delights waiting to be savored. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are must-try dishes that you should add to your list.

One of the must-try dishes in Bellevue is the Señor Taco’s quesadillas. This relaxed, open-air Mexican restaurant serves up some of the best Mexican food in Bellevue. Señor Taco, which has been around for over ten years, is where all your classic favorite dishes like quesadillas, burritos, tacos, and tortas will be found. Another must-try dish is the five-spice fried chicken from Facing East, a Taiwanese restaurant that offers a variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it’s served with a side of pickled daikon and carrots.

If you’re a pizza lover, then the Margherita pizza from Mercato Stellina Pizzeria is a must-try dish. This Neapolitan-style pizzeria is known for its thin-crust pizza that’s made with fresh ingredients. The Margherita pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. It’s simple yet delicious!

Bellevue Culinary Landscape

Bellevue, located on the shores of Lake Washington, is a vibrant city known for its extraordinary dining scene. From fine-dining establishments to casual eateries, there’s an abundance of culinary delights waiting to be savored. Bellevue’s culinary landscape is a testament to its cultural diversity, offering a world tour of flavors right at your doorstep.

Pacific Northwest Cuisine

Bellevue is located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, and its culinary scene reflects the region’s love for fresh, local ingredients. The city is home to several farm-to-table restaurants, where chefs showcase the bounty of the region’s farms and fisheries. Some of the must-try dishes of the Pacific Northwest cuisine include:

• Cedar plank salmon: A Pacific Northwest classic, this dish features fresh salmon cooked on a cedar plank and seasoned with herbs and spices.
• Dungeness crab cakes: Made with fresh Dungeness crab meat, these crab cakes are a local favorite.
• Rainier cherry pie: Made with the region’s famous Rainier cherries, this pie is a perfect way to end a meal.

Cultural Diversity in Dining

Bellevue’s cultural diversity is reflected in its dining scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines. Food connoisseurs can embark on a gastronomic journey sampling international cuisine that spans continents. Some of the must-try dishes of Bellevue’s cultural diversity include:

• Peking duck: Savor the mouth-watering Peking duck at Baron’s, one of the most outstanding culinary destinations in Bellevue.
• Authentic Mexican cuisine: Explore authentic Mexican cuisine at Cantina Monarca, where you can find delicious tacos, burritos, and more.
• Spanish tapas: Delight in Spanish tapas at Castilla, where you can find a wide range of small plates to share with friends and family.

Iconic Bellevue Dishes

Bellevue, Washington is a city that is known for its vibrant food scene, featuring a wide range of cuisines and flavors. When it comes to must-try dishes in Bellevue, there are a few iconic options that stand out above the rest. Here are two of the most famous dishes that you simply must try when visiting Bellevue.

Cedar-Planked Salmon

One of the most iconic dishes in Bellevue is cedar-planked salmon. This dish features fresh salmon that is cooked on a cedar plank, which adds a smoky and fragrant flavor to the fish. The salmon is typically seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, and is often served with a side of vegetables or rice.

If you’re looking to try cedar-planked salmon in Bellevue, there are several restaurants that offer this dish. One of the most popular is the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar, which serves a delicious cedar-planked salmon dish that is seasoned with dill and lemon.

Dungeness Crab Cakes

Another must-try dish in Bellevue is Dungeness crab cakes. These crispy and flavorful cakes are made with fresh Dungeness crab meat, which is mixed with breadcrumbs, spices, and other ingredients. The cakes are then pan-fried until golden brown and served with a side of tartar sauce.

There are several restaurants in Bellevue that serve Dungeness crab cakes, but one of the best is the Crab King, which offers a variety of seafood dishes including their signature crab cakes. The crab cakes at Crab King are made with fresh, local Dungeness crab and are served with a side of coleslaw and fries.

Overall, if you’re looking to experience the best of Bellevue’s food scene, be sure to try these two iconic dishes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for something new to try, cedar-planked salmon and Dungeness crab cakes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

International Flavors in Bellevue

Bellevue is a city that offers a diverse range of cuisines from around the world. From Vietnamese pho to authentic Mexican tacos, there is something for everyone’s taste buds. Here are some of the must-try international dishes in Bellevue:

Pho From Vietnam

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup that is made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various herbs and spices. It is a popular dish in Bellevue, and there are several restaurants that serve this delicious dish. One of the best places to try pho is Pho Cyclo Cafe, which offers a variety of pho dishes with different types of meat and vegetables.

Authentic Mexican Tacos

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and spices, and Bellevue has several restaurants that serve authentic Mexican tacos. One of the best places to try tacos is Cantina Monarca, which offers a variety of tacos with different types of meat and vegetables. The tacos are served with fresh salsa and guacamole, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Indian Curry Delights

Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices, and Bellevue has several restaurants that serve authentic Indian curries. One of the best places to try Indian curries is Spice Room, which offers a variety of curries with different types of meat and vegetables. The curries are served with rice and naan bread, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Overall, Bellevue is a city that offers a diverse range of international cuisines, and there is something for everyone’s taste buds. Whether you are in the mood for pho, tacos, or curry, Bellevue has got you covered.

Local Seafood Specialties

Bellevue is a city that is well-known for its seafood specialties. The city is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. Here are two must-try dishes that you should definitely try when you’re in Bellevue.

Oysters on the Half Shell

If you’re a seafood lover, then you must try the Oysters on the Half Shell. These fresh and delicious oysters are served raw and are best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce. You can find these oysters at many of the seafood restaurants in Bellevue, including Water Grill Bellevue and Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar.

Geoduck Sashimi

Another local seafood specialty that you must try is the Geoduck Sashimi. Geoduck is a type of large clam that is native to the Pacific Northwest. The meat of the geoduck is sweet and tender and is best served raw. The sashimi is thinly sliced and served with soy sauce and wasabi. You can find this dish at many of the Japanese restaurants in Bellevue, including Wild Wasabi Signature.

Bellevue’s local seafood specialties are not to be missed. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, these dishes are sure to impress.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Bellevue is a great place for vegetarians and vegans, with many options available. Here are some of the must-try dishes for those who prefer plant-based meals.

Farm-to-Table Salads

Bellevue is known for its farm-to-table restaurants, and vegetarians and vegans can enjoy fresh and delicious salads made with local produce. One of the best places to try is DERU Market, which offers a variety of salads made with organic ingredients. Their beet and goat cheese salad is a favorite among locals, but they also have vegan options, such as their kale salad with avocado and quinoa.

Creative Tofu Dishes

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways, and Bellevue restaurants have come up with some creative and delicious ways to prepare it. For example, Din Tai Fung offers a vegan spicy tofu dish that is packed with flavor and spice. Araya’s Place Vegan Thai Bellevue is another great option, offering a variety of vegan Thai dishes that feature tofu as the main protein.

Overall, vegetarians and vegans will have no trouble finding delicious and satisfying meals in Bellevue. With so many options available, it’s easy to eat healthy and flavorful meals that are also good for the environment.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

Bellevue is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, and its desserts are no exception. Whether you have a sweet tooth or are just looking for a delicious way to end your meal, Bellevue has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Handcrafted Chocolates

For those who love chocolate, Bellevue offers a variety of handcrafted chocolates that are sure to please. One must-try spot is the Chocolate Box, which offers a wide selection of artisan chocolates made with high-quality ingredients. Their truffles are especially popular, with flavors like dark chocolate sea salt, champagne, and lavender.

Another great option is Fran’s Chocolates, which has been a Bellevue staple since 1982. Their salted caramels are a fan favorite, but they also offer a range of other chocolates, including dark chocolate bars, milk chocolate truffles, and chocolate-covered nuts.

Seasonal Fruit Pies

If you’re in the mood for something fruity, Bellevue has plenty of seasonal fruit pies to choose from. One popular option is the apple pie from A la Mode Pies, which uses locally sourced apples and a homemade crust. They also offer a variety of other fruit pies, including blueberry, cherry, and peach.

For a more unique pie experience, head to Pie Bar, which offers a rotating selection of sweet and savory pies. Their fruit pies are made with seasonal ingredients and can include flavors like strawberry rhubarb, apricot, and blackberry. They also offer mini pies, so you can try a few different flavors without overindulging.

Overall, Bellevue’s sweet treats and desserts are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re in the mood for chocolate or fruit, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Food Festivals and Events

Bellevue is a city that takes pride in its food scene, and there’s no better way to experience it than by attending one of the city’s many food festivals and events. Below are two of the most popular food festivals in Bellevue.

Bellevue Strawberry Festival

The Bellevue Strawberry Festival is an annual event that takes place in Crossroads Park. This festival celebrates the strawberry harvest with a variety of activities, including a pie-eating contest and a strawberry shortcake eating contest. There are also live performances, a car show, and a marketplace featuring local vendors. The festival is free to attend and is a great way to experience the local community.

Taste of Bellevue

The Taste of Bellevue is an event that takes place in the summer and showcases the best of Bellevue’s food scene. This event features over 30 restaurants and vendors, allowing attendees to sample a variety of dishes from around the city. The event also includes live music and a beer and wine garden. Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Overall, food festivals and events are a great way to experience the local food scene in Bellevue. Whether you’re looking to try new dishes or simply enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at these events.