15 Best Restaurants in Federal Way, WA

This article was written by local contributor Calvin Hall & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Calvin Hall

Jul 2, 2023 • 11 min read

Oh, the joys of living in Federal Way!

It's a perfect blend of the hustle and bustle of city life and the calm and serenity of nature.

One of the best things about this city is the culinary scene, which offers a diverse and delicious selection of cuisines.

Trust me, as someone who's been living here for quite some time, I know where to find the best spots for every taste bud.

Today, I am excited to share with you the best restaurants in Federal Way, Washington, that you simply cannot miss.

So, buckle up and join me on this mouth-watering journey through our beloved city's gastronomical delights.

Traditional Korean Beef Soup

As a frequent visitor to Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup, I can confidently say that this cozy eatery has never disappointed me with its delicious servings of Korean comfort fare.

The Asian decor touches add warmth and authenticity, making it a perfect spot for a comforting meal.

One of the things I enjoy most about Yi's is their small menu, which means I never have a problem deciding what to order!

Their seafood pancake is a must-try - crispy on the outside and packed with seafood, it's one of the best I've had at Korean restaurants.

I also love their brisket soup, which comes with the unique feature of allowing you to add salt to your desired taste.

And with generous amounts of brisket and flavorful broth, it's an amazing dish.

The friendly service and complimentary barley tea are also nice touches.

Pimienta Bistro and Bar

Last weekend, my friends and I decided to try out Pimienta Bistro and Bar, and I must say it was a fantastic experience.

The moment we entered, we were greeted by the warm and rustic ambiance of the place.

The restaurant is quite small and intimate, making it the perfect spot for catching up with friends or a romantic dinner with your significant other.

We were pleasantly surprised by the Latin American cuisine and the creative small plates that we ordered.

The food was high quality and absolutely mouth-watering.

I loved trying out their cocktails and wine selection – everything was top-notch.

Katsu Burger

So, I've been living in this area for quite some time and being a huge burger fan, I couldn't resist trying out Katsu Burger when it first opened.

I must say, I am absolutely in love with their unique and delicious burgers!

I remember my first time there, I ordered the Tokyo Tower, and while it was good, I realized I needed to try out their other options as well.

Fast forward to today, and I've had my fair share of their amazing burgers.

My personal favorite is the Mt. Fuji – hands down the best burger I've ever had, even better than the one I once had at the Heart Attack Grill in Vegas.

The Godzilla burger is another delicious choice, especially when paired with curry fries.

One thing that stands out to me is their selection of drinks – not the typical sodas you'd find at other burger joints.

I've tried an acai drink there that was absolutely refreshing and a perfect match for their flavorful burgers.

Another aspect I appreciate about Katsu Burger is its cleanliness.

Oh, and let's not forget about their 12-spice crispy fries – a must-try side dish with just the right amount of heat.

Koharu Japanese Restaurant

Recently, I stumbled upon a hidden gem called Koharu Japanese Restaurant.

This traditional sushi bar offers a great selection of sakes and appetizers, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots to grab a bite.

When I first visited Koharu, I was a bit skeptical about the higher prices for some dishes, but I decided to give it a try anyway.

As it turned out, the food was well worth the price!

The portions were generous, and everything I tried was delicious.

One thing I particularly enjoy about Koharu is the freshness of their fish - it's always top-notch.

The atmosphere at Koharu is another highlight for me.

They have excellent design and layout, with beautiful artwork and soothing music that creates a welcoming environment.

AGIT Korean Restaurant

Just recently, I discovered my new favorite restaurant - AGIT Korean Restaurant.

Every time I've been there, the food has been nothing short of amazing.

The egg "bomb", pajeon, chicken, tteokbokki, and stir-fried pork are all bursting with flavor, and I can't get enough.

What really stands out about AGIT is the fantastic service.

I've even noticed that the majority of the customers here are Korean, which is always a good sign when visiting an ethnic restaurant.

Tokyo-ya Ramen

One of my go-to spots for a delicious bowl of ramen in the area is Tokyo-ya Ramen.

This informal Japanese cafe offers great tonkatsu-style ramen that has never failed to satisfy my cravings.

The best part is that you can adjust the spice levels according to your preference, so it's perfect for everyone!

I usually like to order their chicken karaage as well, which is always perfectly cooked and comes in just the right quantity.

The place has a casual atmosphere, making it family-friendly and a great hangout spot for friends and loved ones.

Located in a plaza with other cuisine options, it's easy to find and has free public parking available.

Tokyo-ya Ramen has been rated "Good" by the Washington State Department of Health, and I can attest to the cleanliness of the place.

I've also tried their beef curry and gyoza, which are delicious alternatives to ramen if you're in the mood for something different.

Hiro Sushi & Bar

The atmosphere at Hiro Sushi & Bar was lively yet comfortable, and the lighting set a cozy mood.

I ordered an assortment of dishes, including the Dragon and Seattle rolls, along with a house box.

The quality and freshness of the food were impressive, and the flavors were exceptional.

I was especially impressed with the service from Carol, and watching the chef work in front of us was a treat.

The quality of the sushi we enjoyed was on par with some of the high-end sushi restaurants I've been to in Seattle.

The price-to-quality ratio at Hiro Sushi & Bar was spot on, making it a great value for the money.

Pac Island Grill

Oh, I just have to tell you about my most recent dining experience at Pac Island Grill!

As soon as I stepped inside this bright strip-mall storefront, I was instantly transported to a cozy beach cafe with its charming island vibes.

Honestly, every time I come here, it's always bustling with people, but luckily, the service is quick and friendly.

You know what I love most about this place?

The variety of choices they have on their menu - it's almost too hard to choose from!

I often end up creating my own combo.

Oh, and the mango bread pudding! That's a dessert you can't miss.

If you haven't been to Pac Island Grill yet, I strongly suggest you give it a try soon.

Crazy Pho Cajun

Crazy Pho Cajun is a restaurant that offers a fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisine.

Upon my visit, I was excited to try the cajun phở, and I must say, it did not disappoint.

The spicy kick was perfect for my taste buds, and it turned out to be a filling and satisfying meal.

I also decided to give the chicken teriyaki a try, but it turned out to be a bland dish with little sauce to go around.

I asked for more sauce, but unfortunately, it never arrived.

Despite the less-than-stellar chicken teriyaki, the phở more than made up for it.

One thing I did notice was the lack of music, which made the atmosphere a bit dull.

However, I was content with my spicy and flavorful phở.

On another visit, I got to try their Pho Ga and shrimp spring rolls, both of which were good.

Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse

I've been to Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse a couple of times now, and I must say, their service is always top-notch.

The atmosphere is spacious and inviting, with country music playing in the background and sports on the TV screens.

Their happy hours are something I look forward to, happening from Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6 PM, and 9 PM to close.

As soon as you sit down, you'll be offered free peanuts, bread, and butter, which is a nice touch.

The last time I was there, I had the “Texas Size” Filet Mignon, and it was fantastic—juicy medium-rare with a delicious crust on the outside.

I also enjoyed a baked potato and Caesar salad with my meal, as well as a bowl of crawdad chowder.

JP's Tavern

Visiting JP's Tavern on a Saturday night was a great experience!

Contrary to my expectations, the place wasn't overcrowded, and there were plenty of tables available for us to sit and enjoy.

We headed straight to the pool tables towards the back and had a blast playing a couple of games.

The food selection at JP's Tavern was impressive, and we couldn't resist ordering the calamari, cheese sticks, garlic fries, and fried pickles.

Tokyo Japanese Steak House

The other day, my friends and I decided to visit the Tokyo Japanese Steak House for a fun night out, and it turned out to be a great decision!

From the moment we walked in, we could tell that this was a popular and lively spot in town.

The ambiance was perfect, with clean and well-maintained interiors that set the mood for a delightful dining experience.

Although we missed out on some of the fire shows because of young kids at our table, it was nice to see the chef being mindful and respectful of his audience.

The food was absolutely delicious.

I ordered the lobster and chicken combo, while my friends opted for lobster and shrimp.

Verrazano's Restaurant

Verrazano's Restaurant is a nice Italian dinner. As soon as I walked in, I was drawn to the charming atmosphere and the views of Puget Sound.

The food was absolutely outstanding, and I couldn't resist trying their NYC-style pizza along with some other Italian dishes.

The atmosphere was quite lively that evening, with a large party of 20 people seated in the back.

It was a week before Christmas, so I didn't mind the additional noise too much.

What I loved most was the option to dine outside, which allowed me to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the water and trees.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

I must say, ever since I discovered L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, I've become a regular patron.

Their Island-themed place offers traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, and they never disappoint.

Just the other day, I ordered their BBQ MIX combo plate, and it was fantastic!

Everything on that plate was perfect: great flavor, tender meat, perfectly cooked rice, and their macaroni salad is simply addictive.

Whenever I have friends or family in town, I make sure to bring them to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and they always leave with a satisfied tummy and a smile on their faces.

Final Thoughts

Federal Way truly offers a diverse and delightful dining experience for anyone looking to explore the culinary scene.

So next time you find yourself in Federal Way, be sure to treat yourself to at least one of these amazing dining destinations.

You won't be disappointed!

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