Restaurant Guide Main Index

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Washington

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• Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
• Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources

Bellevue

Din Tai Fung–700 Bellevue Way NE (Chinese) Open Daily. Specializes in Taiwanese and Shanghainese cuisine. If you follow the on-line reviews, this is the place to go in Bellevue for Chinese food. The problem is that they usually have a waiting line (but I experienced this at several restaurants, and I would say it is normal for good restaurants in the Seattle area). Soup dumplings (xiao long bao) are a specialty of the restaurant, and are best when eaten right after they are served (so you will probably have to wait in line for a table to get the best experience with this). Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Facing East–12736 Bel-Red Rd. (Taiwanese) Open daily (closed from 3:00 to 5:00 pm). Authentic Taiwanese food. There is a debate whether this or Henry’s is the best. Map (Takeout only 7-17-22)

Istanbul–405 Bellevue Way NE (Turkish) Open daily except Sun evening.  Flavors are so good people put this on their regular rotation. This is a casual place with good prices. Map (Dining room is open 7-17-22)

Kizuki Ramen–14845 Main St. (Japanese) Open Daily.  Apparently it goes to great lengths to provide authentic Japanese ramen with a rich flavor. Is a local chain with 9 locations in Seattle & Portland, and two in the Midwest. Might be the latest version of the old Takohachi Restaurant but I am not sure if this is the case. Map (Dining room is open 7-17-22)

Top Gun–12450 SE 38th St. (Chinese) Open Daily.  Dim sum at lunch every day. I felt that this was the best dim sum place in Seattle (but parking is usually difficult). Map (Dining room is open 7-17-22)

Uwajimaya–699 120th Ave. NE (Grocery Store) Open daily (open until 8:00 pm).  The old Takohachi from the International District moved to the food court here (had a ramen drawing in front of the store) but I think it is no longer here. They currently have 3 Japanese restaurants in the food court–a Japanese restaurant, a sushi place, and a Japanese dessert place. As far as the grocery store is concerned–I have never seen such a good selection of Asian foods and other items anywhere (although this refers mainly to the downtown Seattle location). Map (I don’t know if the eating places have dine-in 7-17-22)

Xiao Chi Jie–278 106th Ave. NE (Chinese) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm.  This is “Chinese street food” with a small menu of bao, bowls, and jian bing (crepes). It is highly rated, but may be expensive even for something this good (according to reviewers). Map (Dining room is open 9-14-22)

Black Diamond

Europa–29030 216th Ave. SE (German) Closed Sun.  Reviewers say this is food like you would find in Germany. Dinner plates look very large from the photos, but lunch specials are also available. Map (Dining room is open 4-6-24)

Bothell

Afghan Choopan–17121 Bothell Way NE (Afghan) Dinner only (closed Mon & Tue).  An Afghan restaurant that used to be open in Issaquah convinced me about how delicious this food can be, and the one here looks good. Map (Dining room is open 4-6-24)

Des Moines

Salty’s–28201 Redondo Beach Dr. S (Seafood) Open daily (restaurant closes at 8 pm, but the cafe/bar serves until 9:30 pm). After hearing about the great seafood in the Northwest, I have to say this was one of the few places which really delivered for me. However, I only recommend the plain fish dishes (not the ones with fancy sauces). Map (Temporarily closed 9-19-22)

Edmonds

Hosoonyi–23830 Hwy. 99 (Korean) Closed Tue.  Said to have excellent food, but reviewers also say it has excellent prices. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Noodle Hut–8418 Bowdoin Way (Thai) Closed Sun & Mon (and closed from 3 to 4:30 pm). Reviewers say it is absolutely authentic and quite good (and the details make me think they know what they are talking about). (Moved from Everett). Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Enumclaw

El Camino–1225 Griffin Ave. (Mexican) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon).  I did not eat here, but I walked in, looked at the menu, and vowed to return because at last I found authentic Mexican food in Enumclaw. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Griffin & Wells Cafe–1239 Griffin Ave. (American) Dinner only (open Wed-Sat).  Specializes in sandwiches, but has flavorful and very well prepared dinners also. Reviewers say this place is making a name for itself, and that Enumclaw needed this place. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Pho Real–1118 Stevenson Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun.  People say the pho and vermicelli bowls are authentic and have a very good flavor. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Teriyaki House–1040 Stevenson Ave. (Japanese) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun).  Teriyaki restaurants seem to be a particular phenomenon in southern King County, and I tried several. This one was my favorite. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

The Kettle–1666 Garrett St. (American) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Mon & Tue).  Omelettes, muffins are very good. Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Federal Way

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue–32225 Pacific Hwy. S. (Hawaiian) Open daily 10 am to 9 pm). The highest rated place I have found in south King County for Hawaiian style lunches.  Note: for large dinners and luau style food you might want to try Pac Island Grill at 2012 S. 320th St. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

So Moon Nan Jib–33324 Pacific Hwy. S. (Korean) Open 11 am to 10 pm (closed Wed).  Reported by many to be the best Korean restaurant in Federal Way (which is known for its Korean food). A key phrase for me in the reviews is that it is “home style.” Korean BBQ is the specialty, but they have a wide variety of dishes. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Issaquah

Jak’s Grill–14 Front St. N (Steaks) Open daily except Mon lunch (closed from 2 to 4 pm).  Although I have never eaten here, I know it is good because of what I have heard about it from other people. This is a fairly expensive steak restaurant–it is not a fancy one where you are paying for the atmosphere, but you are paying for good steak (or other items they serve). Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Max’s World Cafe–212 Front St. N (Indian) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon).  Fresh and flavorful Indian food which is very consistent because this is a small restaurant. Serves Goan style Indian food (probably not something you will find at very many restaurants). Map (Temporarily closed 9-19-22)

Noodle Boat–700 NW Gilman Blvd. (Thai) Open daily except Sun lunch (and closed from 2 to 4 pm).  At the time it was the best Thai had ever experienced in the U.S. (and it is still way up near the top). The food is not Americanized, so I think it tastes best when it is ordered with the spice level that complements the flavor (ask the chef to make it the right level, and it is not always extremely spicy). Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Taqueria La Venadita–730 NW Gilman Blvd. (Mexican) Open daily 10:30 am to 8:30 pm.  Supposedly the most authentic Mexican rest. in the Seattle area. Mostly tacos, burritos, and Mexican “street food.”  Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Kent

Bahn Sip Song–1734 Central Ave. S. (Lao) Open Daily.  Several reviewers say it serves authentic Lao food. Papaya salad and larb are recommended items. They also have Thai food which is served on the lunch specials (and are said to be good food at a good price). Map (Temporarily closed 9-19-22)

Fil Cuisine–23843 108th Ave. SE (Filipino) Open daily (closes at 7:30 pm except Sun at 6:30 pm).  Seems to be the best of several very good Filipino restaurants in the area. Reviews say the food here is home style. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Imperial Garden–18230 E. Valley Hwy. (Dim Sum) Open daily (10 am to 9 pm). Large dim sum menu–beginning in 2022 they have an all day menu including dim sum (previously there was a smaller menu after 4 pm). Beijing duck is their signature dish but it has to be ordered a day ahead of time. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Pho Saigon Garden–25632 Pacific Hwy. S (Vietnamese) Open Daily.  Does not have the variety of dishes found at Green leaf in Seattle, but has food so good I find very little reason to go into Seattle if I am on the south side. Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Punjab Sweets–23617 104th Ave. SE (Indian) Open 1 pm to 8 pm (closed Mon).  Vegetarian Indian restaurant. Malai kofta is recommended. Has thali. Sweets (desserts) are what sets it apart from many other restaurants (in addition to the fact that many restaurants do no seem to have the food quality that they have here). Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Szechuan First–18124 E. Valley Hwy. (Chinese) Open Daily.  I’m not sure if everything here is authentic but some of it seems to be, and it gets good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Kirkland

Beijing O’Chef–206 Main St. (Chinese) Open Daily.  I am unsure whether they have northern Chinese (Beijing style) cuisine. It does seem to have some good items. They do have Peking duck. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen–170 Lake St. S. (Thai) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.  Seems to be very authentic. Many of the reviewers say they do not really like Thai food all that much except for here (I know that Isan style is different from mainstream Thai so this may be one of the reasons). Much of the menu is street food. Down side here is that it is small and frequently has a line waiting for a table. Also in Lynnwood and Seattle. Map (Dining room is open 9-19-22)

Note: Cafe Juanita (Italian) is probably the most well known and highest rated restaurant in Kirkland, but is $$$$

Maple Valley

Pho Binh Minh–23714 222nd Place SE (Vietnamese) Dinner Tue-Sun; Lunch Fri-Sun.  One of the highest rated Vietnamese restaurants south of Seattle, and the highest rated of any kind in MV. Has dishes other than pho, and reviewers like them, but they don’t say what they are and I can’t find a menu. They do say, though, that they like the banh mi. Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Mercer Island

Pogacha–2707 78th Ave. SE (Croatian) Dinner daily; lunch Wed-Sun.  Advertised as a Northwest restaurant with a Croatian flair (including the Croatian flatbread called pogacha). When I went to the restaurant in Issaquah they had dishes such as fish and chips and northwest salads, but the flatbread appetizer convinced me to order what I had wanted to try anyway–the Croatian food. In my case it was Dobar chicken with the very noticeable taste of Gorgonzola cheese and port wine, but I really liked it. Only a few Croatian dishes are on the menu, but I think they are supplemented with daily specials. Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Newcastle

Yea’s Wok–6969 Coal Creek Pkwy. SE (Chinese) Closed Mon (and closed 2:45 to 5:00 pm).  Cantonese, Mandarin, and Sichuan (all of them are excellent, and each one has an expert cook preparing it). Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Redmond

Kanishka–16651 Redmond Way (Indian) Open Daily.  At the time it was the best Indian restaurant I had tried anywhere (I have since found some others that are about the same quality). Has both vegetarian and meat thali sampler plates. Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Malay Satay Hut–15230 NE 24th St. (Malaysian) Closed Tue.  Look for daily specials. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the Seattle area. I liked the ginger tofu (not on the menu but they will make it for you). I always enjoyed the specials as well. Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Sichuan Cuisine–2010 148th Ave. NE (Sichuanese) Open Daily.  This is the most authentic Sichuanese food I have ever found in the U.S. The ma po tofu is swimming in oil, and delicious. Was more casual and lower priced than other authentic restaurants in the area. The spice level is also the real deal. There is also a location on S. Jackson St. in Seattle. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Renton

Five Sisters Thai Cuisine–14252 SE 176th St. (Thai) Open Daily.  Reviewers say the food is at the same level as Bai Tong (which I think is one of the best in Seattle). Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Himalayan Cafe–202 SW 43rd St. (Nepalese) Open Daily.  What I know from reviews is that it has an Indian buffet and that it has Nepalese food. It seems that few people have tried the Nepalese food but those who have say it is good. They also like the buffet. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Renton Bistro–212 S. 3rd St. (Vietnamese) Closed Mon.  Small restaurant with a surprisingly large menu and surprisingly good food (according to reviewers). Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Taqueria Los Potrillos–2800 NE Sunset Blvd. (Mexican) Open daily 10 am to 11 pm.  This section of highway is lined with Mexican restaurants, but I never knew which one to try. Many reviewers say the best one is actually a taco truck called Los Portrillos, serving a good variety of very good tacos at amazingly cheap prices. Photos of the food make it look like something I would get in El Paso. There are 5 other locations in the Seattle area. Map (Takeout only; picnic tables available 9-19-22)

Seattle

Archipelago–5607 Rainier Ave. S. (Filipino) Open Wed-Sat (dinner only).  This is a “progressive” restaurant that merges Filipino with Northwestern cuisine, with dishes such as potato or squash in adobo sauce. There is not much information about the menu on the Internet except that great care is taken in preparing each item and diners love it. Map (Dining room is open–reservations are advised 4-6-24)

Chiang’s Gourmet–7845 Lake City Way NE (Chinese) Closed Tue.  This is one of the authentic Chinese restaurants that lived up to the hype I read on Chowhound. They have Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine, but most people order Sichuan (as did I because there are not as many restaurants serving it). They have several menus, and waiters do not always volunteer this information to customers. I think the best strategy is to talk to them, tell them what you want, and order what sounds best out of their suggestions. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar–1916 Pike Pl. #16 (Seafood) Lunch only (closed Tue & Wed).  Reviewers say chefs prepare elevated versions of local seafood at relatively inexpensive prices. Map (Dining room is open 9-14-22)

Henry’s Taiwan–4106 Brooklyn Ave. NE (Taiwanese) Open daily 7 am to 10 pm.  Said to be more authentic than Facing East but some think Facing East is culinarily the better choice. It is probably a good idea to look at the reviews and decide what you want to order before you go because most people are not familiar with the food and it is not explained very well on the menu (according to some reviewers). Map (Dining room is open 9-28-22)

Ivar’s Acres of Clams–1001 Alaskan Way (Seafood) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Tourist restaurant, but some items are quite good (also it is worth eating on the waterfront if you have never done so). The Copper River salmon here (available in late May/early June) is the best I have had anywhere. Map (Dine-in and patio dining are available 8-2-24)

Kisaku Sushi–2101 N. 55th St. (Japanese) Closed Sun. lunch (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). This is not the kind of sushi restaurant that is normally found across the country. This is high end, very professionally prepared sushi (but not at exorbitant prices). It also has a large menu of cooked Japanese items. Both the sushi and regular menu are the best I have had in Seattle. Map (Dining room is open 4-6-24)

La Carta de Oaxaca–5431 Ballard Ave. NW (Mexican) Closed Sun (and closed from 3 to 5 pm).  Supposedly has authentic Oaxaca style food, but in any case it has mole and the reviews are good (it has had excellent reviews for a number of years). Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Little Ting’s Dumplings–14411 Greenwood Ave. N (Chinese) Open daily 10:30 am to 11 pm.  Authentic northern Chinese style dumplings, onion pancakes, hand shaved noodles. Multiple sources indicate this is one of the best, if not the best in Seattle. Small restaurant with large demand for its food sometimes means slow service, problems when trying to call in an order, etc. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Maneki–304 6th Ave. S (Japanese) Open 4:30 pm to 8 pm (closed Mon). My second favorite Japanese place (behind Kisaku). However, this is located in the International District, is a very old and well known restaurant, and is probably more fun because of the large crowds who come as much for the atmosphere as the food. I definitely recommend this restaurant also. Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Matt’s In the Market–94 Pike St. (Northwest) Closed Sun evening & Mon (closed from 2:30 to 5:30 pm).  Small upscale restaurant that many times has more people who want to eat here than they have space to accommodate (but if you are able to get a table you will be richly rewarded with some of the very best food in Seattle). The view of Pike Place Market out the window is great, but this is a bonus (the food is the reason to come here). Map (Dining room is open 4-6-24)

Monsoon–615 19th Ave. E (Vietnamese) Open daily 11:30 am to 9 pm (9:30 on Fri & Sat). This is an upscale French/Vietnamese fusion restaurant that makes the Vietnamese food even better (rather than dumbing it down to a “fusion” style). One of the few places with outdoor seating that I found to be very comfortable. Map (Dining room is open 9-14-22)

Oriental Mart–1506 Pike Pl. (Filipino) Open 11 am to 4 pm (closed Mon).  Specialty is sinigang (tamarind soup with salmon–a local twist to the traditional dish). Other than this, though, it serves Filipino food as it would be done in the homeland. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Pike Place Chowder–1530 Post Alley (Seafood) Open daily 11 am to 5 pm.  Based on the Yelp rankings this is the best place to eat in Pike Place. Serves several flavors of chowder, and you can either get a sampler plate or pick the one that suits you. Has another location at 600 Pine St. Map (Dining room is open 9-14-22)

Pizzeria Pulcinella– 10003 Rainier Ave. S (Pizza) Closed Fri lunch.  Seattle has a large selection of VPN certified Neapolitan pizzas, and besides Tutta Bella, this restaurant and Pizzeria 22 look like good choices (prices are a little lower than some of the other places). At Pizzeria Pulcinella pizza is just about all they do (a few other dishes are available, and they are not expensive). Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Portage Bay Cafe–4130 Roosevelt Bay NE (New American) Breakfast & lunch only (open daily).  Fresh and sustainable food that has been getting good reviews for a number of years (most people go for breakfast or brunch). Now has 3 locations. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Rocking Wok–4301 Interlake Ave. N (Taiwanese) Closed Tue.  Seemed to be authentic Taiwanese food, and I really enjoyed it. Located in an old house–all the dining rooms are very small. Some say it is better than Din Tai Fung because it is cheaper and the food is just as good. Serves congee (at least some of the time). Map (Dining room is open 9-28-22)

Shanghai Garden–524 6th Ave. S (Chinese) Closed Tue.  This was my favorite restaurant in Issaquah (because of the variety of choices, the price, and the comfortable setting). Bean curd sheet rolls, hand shaven noodles, hot and sour soup are very good. (There is a link to my review of the Issaquah location, which is now closed). Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Sushi Kashiba–86 Pine St. (Sushi) Dinner only (closed Tue).  This is a reader’s suggestion, and Google Maps says it is $$$$ (I think their most expensive category). However, I think it is the type of special experience that people will find worthwhile. It is a project of Shiro Kashiba who owned the former Shiro’s which was considered the ultimate sushi experience (and reviews indicate that Sushi Kashiba is the same). I do know that there are other very good sushi restaurants in Seattle but I would certainly like to try this one. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Tamarind Tree–1036 S. Jackson St. (Vietnamese) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.  This, along with Green Leaf, convinced me that Vietnamese food could be much more than is typically found in US restaurants, although I realize that the customer base in Seattle’s International District gives these restaurants a much greater chance of having success with a larger menu. When I went I did not like it quite as much as Green Leaf, but the prices were lower so I had a little bit of leeway to try some extra items that I added to the meal (and all of them were good). Map (Dining room is open 2-17-23)

Note: On Feb. 16, 2023 KOMO News reported “Seattle-King County Public Health said 32 people reported becoming ill after eating food from Tamarind Tree Restaurant between Jan. 14-17… It reopened on Feb. 7 after investigators determined the restaurant had been properly cleaned and disinfected.”  Google Maps says Green Leaf has closed so this would still be one of the best choices if reports say Tamarind Tree has not had any more problems.

Tutta Bella–4411 Stone Way N. (Pizza) Open daily 11 am to 10 pm.  There are several locations of this restaurant throughout the metropolitan area, and all are VPN certified serving authentic Neapolitan pizza. Photos show it having a fluffy crust around the edges, as it should, Has a few other items, and most are ones I see in other VPN restaurants meaning that they are taking seriously the task of serving authentic Italian food. I think what I like the most is that as of Dec. 2021 you can get a 10″ margherita pizza for $13 (one of the best prices I have seen for this pizza). Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Shoreline

Pho 99–19828 Aurora Ave. N (Vietnamese) Open daily 10 am to 8 pm.  Reviewers say it is an authentic hole in the wall with very good food. Has a full menu (not just pho). Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Snoqualmie

Aahaar-7726 Center Blvd. SE (Indian) Closed Mon (and closed from 2 to 5 pm).  Owner is from the Kerala state in South India, which has food that I have found to be some of the most delicious I have tried in Indian restaurants (in fact I think it is the best of any of them). This cuisine has a number of fish dishes, which is a good fit for the Seattle area. Located in the Snoqualmie Ridge planned community, I found the community center where the restaurant is located to be very interesting (and with a number of restaurant choices). Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Gianfranco–8150 Railroad Ave. SE (Italian) Open daily 4 pm to 9 pm.  I think this is quite a special Italian restaurant, serving an outstanding “penne Gianfranco” dish with gorganzola and seasonal specials such as Copper River salmon. Map (Dining room is open 9-28-22)

Tukwila

Aaran–13820 Tukwila Intl. Blvd. (Somali) Open Daily.  There used to be two Somali restaurants in town, but this is the one still operating (and apparently is very popular). Map (Dining room is open 3-5-22)

Bai Tong–16876 Southcenter Pkwy. (Thai) Open Daily.  Quality is in the same league as Noodle Boat in Issaquah, and Bai Tong has a larger menu with items that will appeal to just about everyone (including those who do not like it spicy). This restaurant was started to serve the Thai pilots and airline personnel who flew into the Seattle airport. Note: now has locations in Redmond, Capitol Hill (Seattle), and Issaquah. Map (Dining room is open 8-2-24)

Din Tai Fung–181 Southcenter Mall (Taiwanese) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm.  This is a chain that is very popular in the Los Angeles area. There are two locations in Seattle and one in Bellevue (I expect that all of them have the same food). Has xiao long bao. Map (Dining room is open 9-14-22)

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• For additional explanation of this list see Index
• Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.

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James Beard Foundation America’s Classics

The following are locally owned restaurants that are distinguished by their timeless appeal, and which serve quality food that represents the character of their communities:

• Seattle: Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar–1916 Pike Place #16
• Seattle: Maneki–304 6th Ave. S.
• Seattle: Oriental Mart–1506 Pike Place #509
• Seattle: Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe–6049 Seaview Ave. NW

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Note About “50 States, 50 Dishes” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Jul. 3, 2018 using various sources to compile a “list of the dishes that capture the hearts, souls, and (oh, yes) stomachs of these 50 states (plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico), and where you should order them.” For Washington it was cedar plank salmon–salmon cooked on a cedar plank over an open flame. The editors say a good place for it is at Six Seven Restaurant at the Edgewater Hotel (on Pier 67 in Seattle).

Note About “50 States, 50 Cuisines” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Sep. 14, 2020 explaining how they set out to go beyond a previous article that had identified the signature dish for each state, and to find food that goes beyond the classics and “to highlight a cuisine worth traveling to each state for, much of which you truly can’t get anywhere else.” For Washington it was Filipino cuisine, which has the unique characteristic of using local seafood in the recipes because of many early immigrants working in the area’s canneries.

A couple of examples of Filipino food are Oriental Mart in Pike Place Market that uses salmon scraps in the Filipino dish sinigang, while Archipelago uses locally grown green apples to provide the dish’s signature sourness.

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Closed (Formerly on the Restaurant Guide)

• Cafe Happy–102 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland (closed 2022) Vegetarian Taiwanese food and boba drinks that I think people would really like even if they are not vegetarian. Location in Seattle at 1408 NE 40th St. is still open, but has limited menu items (but I think they have more boba selection that the Kirkland location had).
• Cafe Ori–14339 NE 20th St., Bellevue (closed 2022) Had Cantonese style–excellent and authentic with good prices.
• Green Leaf–418 8th Ave. S, Seattle (closed 2022) A comment on Google Maps dated May 2022 stated “Sadly still boarded up due to rampant drug use and crime in the neighborhood that Seattle enables, but so glad we checked it out as the food was delicious.”  I liked it because of the large number of dishes that I have not found in any other Vietnamese restaurant I have visited (and because of the delicious food, as the other commenter states).
• The PicNic Table–18672 142nd Ave. NE. Woodinville (closed 2024)  Dine-in restaurant with menu set up so you could take food with you as you tour the nearby wineries.

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Sources:

James Beard Foundation (America’s Classics Award Winners)

Chowhound (former web site)

City-Data “What are Your Favorite Restaurants in Seattle?”

Condé Nast Traveler “50 States, 50 Cuisines: The Food Worth Traveling For in Every State”

Condé Nast Traveler, “50 States, 50 Dishes: America’s Favorite Foods and Where to Get Them”

Google Maps

Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)

VPN Americas (Washington)

Yelp (Washington)

Zomato (Seattle)