The Best Restaurant in The Eastside, Seattle

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Bellevue, Kirkland, and Woodinville are theoretically easy to get to from Downtown Seattle: the 520 (toll bridge) and I–90 bridges both are accessible from I–5. However, traffic is always an issue and grinds to a halt during rush hour. Don't plan a culinary expedition unless you already plan to visit this side of things—unless, of course, you have reservations at Café Juanita, the beloved and critically acclaimed restaurant that is more than worth the trek.

Monsoon

$$$

The Eastside sibling of Capitol Hill's darling Vietnamese eatery is utterly polished and sleek—much fancier than the original restaurant. But the favorites remain the same; diners love the bo la lot beef, crispy drunken chicken, catfish clay pot, and barbecued hoisin pork ribs, and all go impressively well with the specialty cocktails. In signature Bellevue style, diners dress up a bit more than in, say, Capitol Hill or Ballard, though the weekend dim sum brunches draw more casual diners. The free parking in the garage behind the restaurant is a boon on busy Main Street.