Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat on Seattle’s Eastside is a list unlike any other. Sure, you’ll see some local favorites, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems, like Woodinville’s The PicNic Table known for inspired cuisine, creative brunches, and stylish to-go picnic baskets. From fine dining to hot dog carts — you’ll find it all on the Eastside.
Topping this year’s list is Xochi, the popular Issaquah-based taco truck known for creative fillings, like spicy chicken tinga or their vegan-friendly bruselas (brussels sprouts with carrots and garlic).
Did your favorite restaurant make the cut? Let us know on Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you leave a review for it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your top foodie spot will be on next year’s list!
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. Follow this collection on Yelp for the full Top 25 list to-go.
#1 Xochi (Issaquah)
Cuisine: Mexican
What they’re known for: All things tacos with traditionally-braised meats and vegetables.
Yelpers say: “An unique array of tacos! You will not get these anywhere else… The best was encebollados which was delicious beef steak and sauteed onions. Papas is with potatoes, rajas with peppers, tinga with shredded chicken, and calabazas with Zucchini.” – Ratish K
#2 Lewis & Main Restaurant & Brewery (Monroe)
Cuisine: American (New)
What they’re known for: Fresh, locally-sourced cuisine, craft beer and innovative cocktails.
Yelpers say: “Umm if you haven’t been here yet get in the car and go… We got the wedge salad, with bacon dressing and pickled onions. It was amazing. We also ordered a half roasted baguette (we couldn’t eat it all). I think I died and went to heaven it was so good.” – Sherry F
#3 Ta Joia (Bothell)
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Korean
What they’re known for: A Japanese, Korean and Brazilian-influenced menu with innovative bowl and rice combos—like their famous Spicy Chicken Teriyaki (don’t forget a side of pico with the rice).
Yelpers say: “Friendly service and great food! This is definitely on my list of restaurants to revisit and recommend to friends…. [O]ne of the best kimchi fried rice I’ve had. A lot of restaurants keep the kimchi in too big of chunks but this dice it up to the same size as the spam so you get a little of everything in each bite. ” – Linda C
#4 Corazon Azteca (Kirkland)
Cuisine: Mexican
What they’re known for: Authentic Mexican food, homemade tortillas, and fresh house-made salsas and sauces.
Yelpers say: “Best Mexican street food in the greater Seattle area. There were several Mexican, ‘quick eats’ places that sat at the top of my list, but after Corazon Azteca, nothing comes even close. It’s really in a league of its own.” – Bao N
#5 TRES Sandwich House (Bellevue)
Cuisine: Japanese, Sandwiches
What they’re known for: Japanese-style sandwiches with innovative fillings.
Yelpers say: “Each sandwich is a piece of art, much like the perfect piece of nigiri. Minimal ingredients, but each ingredient is brilliantly showcased. Really, the trickiest part is choosing which ones to order among the huge number of great sandwiches to choose from.” – Willie T
#6 Supreme Dumplings (Bellevue)
Cuisine: Shanghainese, Dim Sum
What they’re known for: Xiao long bao (soup dumplings), dim sum, and traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Yelpers say: “The dumplings are so tasty and they have flavors that are different than what others typically offer. My favorites were the Szechuan spicy xiao long bao and wild mushroom fried rice. The xiao long bao had the perfect amount of kick to it to make me want more. The wild mushroom fried rice was very flavorful and a must-try.” – Sabreena Y
#7 Happy Lamb Hot Pot (Bellevue)
Cuisine: Mongolian, Chinese, Hot Pot
What they’re known for: Mongolian-style hot pot with flavorful house-made broth.
Yelpers say: “Delicious food, love the all-you-can-eat option…I got the half and half soup option with the two traditional style broths, and both were delicious. The spicy soup base was not too bad, the longer you cook it the spicier it gets.” – Amber M
#8 The Bine Beer & Food (Bothell)
Cuisine: Sandwiches, Burgers, Beer
What they’re known for: A cozy vibe, tasty food and an impressive tap list.
Yelpers say: “We don’t spend much time in Bothell so good ol’ Yelp to the rescue! After eating at The Bine I think we’ll be visiting Bothell more often. The food was (really, honestly) fantastic, the waitstaff was super friendly in a not weird way, the outdoor seating was perfect and cozy, and the beer options were plentiful.” – Jennifer F
#9 Rocky’s Empanadas (Redmond)
Cuisine: Empanadas
What they’re known for: Traditional Argentinian empanadas and house-made chimichurri.
Yelpers say: “The empanadas here are so good I literally had eight in one sitting! I tried three flavors: chicken, spinach and cheese, and humita (corn and bechamel). All were sizable, amazingly delicious, chock full of flavor and filling, and very flavorful.” – Wendi K
#10 Dandy Dogs (Bothell)
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
What they’re known for: Delicious hot dogs with all the fixings.
Yelpers say: “Been a couple of times. Their hot dogs ‘snap’ when you bite into them. Haven’t had one of those kinds of dogs in quite awhile. They do an excellent job — don’t let the small booth in the parking lot steer you away.” – Nancy L
#11 Super Gyros (Kirkland)
#12 The PicNic Table (Woodinville)
#13 Sushi J (Bellevue)
#14 Zulu’s Board Game Cafe (Bothell)
#15 The Box & Burgers Eatery (Kirkland)
#16 The Lounge at DeLille Cellars (Woodinville)
#17 Buckshot Honey (Snoqualmie)
#18 Alanya Cafe (Kirkland)
#19 La Chingona Taqueria (Bellevue)
#20 Istanbul Cuisine (Bellevue)
#21 Wildflour Gluten-Free Baking (Bellevue)
#22 Gianfranco Ristorante Italiano (Snoqualmie)
#23 Bandido’s Mexican Grill (Redmond)
#24 Il Paesano Ristorante Italiano (North Bend)
#25 Gyro Express Mediterranean Grill (Woodinville)
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Seattle Eastside area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Seattle Eastside area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 29, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 29, 2022.
About the author: Jennifer Jones is Yelp’s Senior Community & Marketing Manager for the Seattle Eastside. She lives locally and works closely with businesses to help with promotion and marketing through Yelp Elite Events and via @YelpWashington on Instagram. She can be reached via email or through her Yelp profile.
