Lunch is quite the event in Bellevue, serving as a midday break that allows you to experience the city's dynamic food scene. Whether you’re grabbing a bite between meetings in downtown, enjoying a scenic lunch near Meydenbauer Bay, or exploring a hidden gem tucked into one of Bellevue’s vibrant neighborhoods, you’re never far from something delicious. Because lunch is truly the real power hour, here's a guide to help you discover where to lunch in Bellevue.

Header photo: Jocovine Bistro by Bellevue Downtown Association

For a Power Lunch

For a top tier business lunch ambiance, you'll be looking for consistent quality food paired with impressive decor and hospitality. Chef John Howie's Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar offers daily lunch specials with seafood and South Asian flavors. At Carmine's, the crystal chandeliers and open kitchen are a showstopper for any celebration, and the lunch menu offers a full range of Italian salads, pastas, risottos, and entrees. Bis on Main is a longstanding restaurant in the charm of Old Bellevue's Main Street, serving a French-American lunch menu with salads, a wonderful lobster roll, and other sandwiches. 

Lunch For The Girls

Looking for a lunch spot with elegant decor, pretty glassware and plate settings? Try Jocovine Bistro, who serves a daily brunch menu that's perfect for gatherings with lots to dish. At Cafe Hagen, the glassware matches the lighting, and the ambiance is Scandinavian luxe. Cantina Monarca is great for the girls, with spicy margaritas and stunning decor. All Thai Restaurant brings the opulence to a whole new level, with decor and plating that emulates Thai royalty. 

For Healthy & Fresh Lunch Options

With a food philosophy that covers the range of colors in the rainbow, Bellden Cafe offers lunch options that are as healthy as they are delicious. At the Lakehouse, indulge on fresh farm-to-table fare from the award-winning Chef Jason Wilson. At EatDirt, located at the Lincoln Square South food court in The Bellevue Collection, savor delectable sandwiches made in partnership with Charlie's Produce and local farmers, focusing on simplifying healthy, vegetable-forward eating. Duke's Seafood at The Bellevue Collection offers a spectacular Seafood "Un-Salad" and an array of sustainably caught seafood options. 

For Plant-Based Goodness

Grab some fresh Thai food at Araya's Place, the first vegan-Thai restaurant in the northwest, open since 1987 on Bellevue's Main Street. Down the street, pick up a protein-rich and nutrient-packed smoothie at Matcha Magic, a female owned establishment that's super easy on the eyes. Bellevue's array of Indian cuisine features countless vegan and vegetarian options, like Desi Tadka Indian Grill, Chutneys, and more.

For a Luxe Lunch

Sometimes you splurge on lunch, and that's okay as long as you're not skipping lunch. Farzi Cafe is serving gastronomic Indian cuisine along Bellevue Way, with elegant curries, shared plates, biriyani, and naan. At Cantina Monarca, immerse yourself in the ambiance of Tulum while indulging in elegant Mexican fare. La Mar Peruana Cucina is now offering a sensational Peruvian lunch with cebiche, tiraditos, and an executive lunch option that includes a starter and main course. Water Grill is the place to go to drop some bills on sophisticated seafood entrees and iced shellfish platters. For Japanese BBQ with luxurious decor and hospitality, Itadaki Yakiniku has a beef lunch combo that features Wagyu in many different ways.

For a Quick & Casual Lunch

Head to the Lincoln South Food Court in The Bellevue Collection for a $5 slice of Korean-Detroit pizza at KODE Pizza, some Korean food at Seoul Bowl, and boba tea to boot. At Cielo Bellevue, grab a quick bite of classic Mexican food in a laid back restaurant and bar in downtown. Tendon Kohaku is only fast if you have a reservation, or if you get there early enough to beat the lunch rush, and the Japanese rice bowls are fantastic. Tutta Bella is a local favorite for Italian fare and Italian sodas. There's also a bunch of great pizza spots and ramen joints to try. 

For an International Flavor Adventure

Taste the flavors inspired by all corners of the earth in Bellevue. From Monsoon's famous claypot catfish and other Vietnamese fare, to the sumptuous dumplings at the homegrown Dough Zone regional chain, and the pure vegetarian cuisine inspired by the ancient city of Varansi at Banaras Indian Restaurant, you're in for a flavor party. Tem Sib has a wide menu of signature Thai cuisine and a lovely patio. Paddy Coynes serves straight up Irish fare, with bangers and mash and the whole gamut Irish dishes. The newly opened Pasifika Grill by Coast 116 Hotel serves the cuisines of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. For Mexican street food, Los Chilangos is known for their tacos, quesadillas and burritos at their food truck. 

For a Grab & Go Lunch

Sometimes, you just gotta do lunch on the go, and Istanbul Cuisine's little window shop at Bellevue Square is made for just that. The Turkish spot serves gozleme, pide, and yummy wraps. For quick soupy dumplings, go to Xiao Chi Jie, which is the mastermind behind the popular Mila dumpling brand. The ultimate grab & go in the Pacific Northwest has got to be Dick's Drive-In, which slings burgers in the Crossroads neighborhood. For a Chinese hot bar, complete with BBQ duck, pork, and more, head to T&T Supermarket in the same neighborhood. At Cafe Aloe, grab some pineapple bun sandwiches or buns shaped like a pig. FOB Poke & Sushi offers sushi by the pound along with fresh poke.