"People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child
The people of Bellevue celebrate food with love and compassion, as an exploration of culture, community, and creativity. Between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, Bellevueites have been creating an ecosystem that supports women in business.
Harvard Kennedy School found in a study that "women typically reinvest up to 90 percent of their earnings into their communities, compared to 30-40% from male-owned businesses." In Bellevue, these investments into women-owned establishments challenge historical norms to create some of the most nurturing flavors found in the Pacific Northwest. Women-led restaurants across Bellevue range from cozy cafes to high-end dining, offering brunch, fine dining, and scenic spots. Here's where to find them.
Where to Find the Best Women-Owned Restaurants in Bellevue
Bellden Cafe: Coffee with a Cause
Location: 10527 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Claire Sumadiwirya's Bellden Cafe offers handcrafted coffee and fresh, healthy bites with community impact. Her welcoming café partners with local charities year-round, offering various handcrafted coffee, tea, and health-conscious bites. Claire plays an important role in the local community, employment, skill development, and assistance for refugees. Her food philosophy is to incorporate foods in all the colors of the rainbow onto the plate, providing a fun and vibrant way to eat grains, nuts, and more. It’s a great place to start your day before exploring Bellevue’s parks and urban forests.
Matcha Magic: Plant-Based Empowerment
Location: 10246 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004
On Bellevue's Old Main Street, Matcha Magic serves plant-based beverages and snacks inside an aesthetically stunning pink exterior. Opened by Rachel Barnecut in 2022, Matcha Magic donates a portion of its proceeds to Ladies Who Launch, a nonprofit organization on a mission to empower a global community of women and non-binary entrepreneurs. While sipping on your adaptogen and protein packed smoothie, enjoy a stroll down to Meydenbauer Bay Park to enjoy the calming waters of Lake Washington.
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi: Dining in the sky
Location: 10400 NE 4th St, Ste 3100, Bellevue, WA 98004
With stunning views of Bellevue’s skyline and the Puget Sound, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi offers a truly elevated menu of steak, sushi, and specialty cocktails. Led by CEO Elaina Morris, Ascend Hospitality Group's philanthropic initiative provides back-to-school supplies and custom-designed backpacks for underserved children, funds scholarships and internships for aspiring culinarians, donates a portion from their cocktail program to local nonprofits, and brings us the Bellevue New Year's Eve Night Market that supports local artisans with community engagement. This is the perfect spot to catch a spectacular West Coast sunset over cocktails and mocktails, paired with decadent bites.
Castilla: Authentic Spanish Tapas
Location: 504 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004
Bringing the heart of Spain to the Pacific Northwest, Castilla is a lively Spanish restaurant and tapas bar owned by Chef Clara Gutierrez Carroll. The menu highlights authentic Spanish flavors with an impressive selection of paellas, tapas, and expertly curated wines. Inspired by Chef Clara’s roots, Castilla offers an immersive dining experience in the heart of Bellevue Square.
Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper: A Family Legacy
Location: 563 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004
The Thai Kitchen was one of the first Thai restaurants to open in the region in 1981, led by Lisa Ruhl (Yai Yai), who wanted to introduce Thai flavors to the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Now known as Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper, Lisa's daughter Cindy Gayte carried on the legacy with a new location in Bellevue Square with a modern, playful twist. There's even a dish called Khao Moo Deng, named in honor of Thailand's most famous girl.
Cafe Hagen: Scandinavian Living
Location: 545 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Marie Hagerty's stylish new Bellevue cafe serves handcrafted coffee, Nordic-inspired dishes, and pastries, as well as cocktails, a curated wine selection, and local brews. Cafe Hagen captures the essence of slow living, wellness, and a Scandinavian approach to cafe culture. With an eye for design, Marie meticulously selected every aspect of the decor - from the hanging chandeliers and the seating to the dishware and glassware. Electronics are not encouraged here - just unplug and enjoy the day!
Xi'an Noodles: Hand-pulled perfection
Location: 1075 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Xi'an is one of China's oldest cities and is famous for its biang biang noodles, freshly hand-pulled and packed with rich flavors. You can taste them at Xi'an Noodles in downtown Bellevue, a regional mini-chain founded by Lily Wu, who studied and perfected the craft of noodle-making to bring these authentic flavors to our region. The noodles are thick and chewy, presenting the perfect base for sauces and toppings. A must-try if you've never had them before.
Supporting Women-Owned Restaurants in Bellevue
Bellevue’s food scene thrives because of the talented women leading the way. These restaurants, cafés, and dessert shops reflect the city’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or a longtime local, these dining spots showcase what makes Bellevue a standout destination.
Looking for more great places to eat? Explore our Bellevue Restaurant Guide for even more recommendations.
