20 Incredible Restaurants in Kirkland, WA
This article was written by local contributor Ethan Wilson & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Ah, the charming city of Kirkland - my beloved home, nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Washington.
As a food enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of exploring the culinary scene here, indulging in a variety of gastronomic delights that cater to every taste and craving.
Read on to discover my top picks of the best restaurants in Kirkland, Washington, and savor the flavors that make this city truly special.
Noon Cafe
Last week, I decided to give Noon Cafe a try after hearing amazing things about their Persian pizza.
I checked out their Instagram page here and was instantly drawn to the beautiful pictures of their food.
Upon entering the cafe, I was immediately welcomed by the cozy vibes and adorable Ikea furniture.
The wall arts were so carefully chosen, adding to the friendly and comfortable atmosphere.
I especially appreciated the reasonable prices, as the 12-inch pizza and a small side dish were more than enough to satisfy me and my friend.
We ordered the Persian pizza and a couple of sandwiches, which all arrived quickly and tasted absolutely delicious.
My friends, who have had similar dishes in Iran, even said that the food tasted very close to what you would find there.
Nick's Grill
Whenever I'm craving some delicious Tex-Mex food, I always head to Nick's Grill in Kirkland.
This funky, laid-back spot is known for their amazing burritos, burgers, sandwiches, and other comfort bites.
I've been visiting the restaurant for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that they serve the best burritos in town.
I remember trying their highly recommended Chicken & Steak burrito last Wednesday (5/2/23), and I absolutely loved it.
The portion sizes are huge, and I often find it difficult to finish the whole thing by myself.
But trust me, it's worth indulging in!
Just be sure to bring your appetite and maybe even a fork, as it can get a little messy.
Apart from the burritos, I also enjoy their steak sandwiches and the friendly service.
Although the seating area is quite limited, the cozy atmosphere and excellent food more than make up for it.
Teriyaki Plus Kirkland
Let me tell you about my go-to spot for mouthwatering teriyaki dishes.
I've been frequenting Teriyaki Plus Kirkland for quite some time now, and I can safely say it never disappoints.
The other day, I ordered a mix of chicken and pork teriyaki, pork teriyaki and Katsu chicken, egg rolls, and spicy garlic chicken.
I was not only impressed by the taste but also by the generous portions and quality of the food.
The meat was cooked perfectly, moist, and full of flavor, while the egg rolls were delightfully crispy.
My personal favorite, though, had to be the spicy garlic chicken - it was so incredibly good!
I also tried their general Taos chicken and chicken yakisoba, which tasted quite different from those at other teriyaki places in the area but were still delicious.
Another aspect that keeps me coming back to Teriyaki Plus Kirkland is the amazing value for money.
Their takeout containers are always filled to the brim, and the cucumber salad adds a fresh, light touch to their dishes.
Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina Downtown Kirkland
I recently decided to try out Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina in Downtown Kirkland with a group of friends.
We were a party of eight, and the restaurant was quite accommodating to our large group.
The ambiance was enjoyable, but the parking situation was a little rough due to the street parking in downtown Kirkland.
We were amazed by the generous portion sizes and the delicious drinks.
I ordered the Camarones A La Diabla, which was delightful and arrived quickly.
My friend's Tamarindo Margarita was huge and definitely got the job done!
We also tried their spicy mango margarita, which I would highly recommend.
Their iced tea was served in a gigantic glass, which was a nice touch.
The vegetarian quesadilla was also good, with a large portion size that could easily be shared by two adults.
Cafe Juanita
When it comes to celebrating special occasions, I often find myself drawn to Cafe Juanita.
Just the other day, I was there with my spouse for a memorable dinner.
The atmosphere of the place, tucked amidst trees, sets the mood for a lovely evening.
The moment we stepped into this sleek eatery, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality.
We opted for the unique prix fixe menu, which offers a choice between omnivore, pescatarian, or vegan dishes.
It's always a pleasure to savor the Northern Italian fare infused with Northwestern ingredients, making the cuisine both innovative and exquisite.
As we progressed through the eight courses, each dish was a delightful play on taste, textures, and presentation.
Bella Balducci's
Whenever I'm in the mood for some delicious Mediterranean cuisine, I know I can count on Bella Balducci's in Kirkland to satisfy my cravings.
I've been a regular at this local gem for quite some time, and it never disappoints.
You can find their menu and location details on their website.
I just love their chicken kebabs, which are always cooked to perfection.
Unlike other places, they never turn out dry.
They usually include a whole-cooked tomato with the kebabs, but I prefer to request that they leave it out.
Apart from their kebabs, I've also tried some of their other grill dishes like the soltani, waziri, and kobideh, and they're all amazing.
The portions are generous, and they serve each dish with a big side of rice, making it a satisfying meal.
The restaurant itself has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot to dine in or order takeout.
Padria Mediterranean Cafe
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Padria Mediterranean Cafe, and what an experience it was!
This family eatery is tucked away in Kirkland and offers a beautiful blend of Greek and Persian dishes.
I couldn't help but fall in love with the menu, which was presented on a board and had a diverse selection of authentic Mediterranean and Persian dishes.
I opted for a hot kabob plate, and boy, was I in for a treat!
The steak and chicken were incredibly juicy and flavorful, and the rice was perfectly cooked and fluffy.
Finding parking can be a bit challenging on busy weekends, but trust me when I say it's worth the effort.
The remarkable food, coupled with the exceptional service, truly sets Padria Mediterranean Cafe apart from other local eateries.
Urban Coffee Lounge
I have a bit of a coffee addiction, and I'm always on the hunt for the perfect café to satisfy my caffeine cravings.
One of my favorite spots in the area is Urban Coffee Lounge, an industrial-chic café that not only serves delicious coffee but also offers locally sourced baked goods, beer, and wine.
It's one of the reasons why I keep coming back – not to mention the amazing seasonal coffee flavors they offer, which I love trying every month.
On sunny days, the outdoor seating area is perfect for soaking up some rays, while the cozy indoor space is great for settling down with a book or getting some work done on my laptop.
I also appreciate the diverse food options they have available, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
One of my all-time favorite drinks from Urban Coffee Lounge is their truffle mocha – hands down, the best mocha I've ever had.
Rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious, I highly recommend it to any fellow coffee lover!
Plaza Garcia
Just last week, I decided to grab dinner at Plaza Garcia, and it did not disappoint!
The complimentary salsa and chips were a delightful start to the meal, boasting the perfect balance of flavor and heat.
I decided to order the burrito Asada, which turned out to be huge and absolutely delicious.
The service was fast, and the prices were very appropriate for the portion sizes.
My dining companion ordered the beef fajita, which has quickly become a favorite dish for my family.
The wall art all over the restaurant added to the ambiance and made the experience even more enjoyable.
To top it all off, Plaza Garcia offers a full cocktail bar, happy-hour specials, and even karaoke!
Hello Banh Mi Kirkland
I've always been a fan of banh mi and started visiting Hello Banh Mi Kirkland ever since they opened in our neighborhood.
The place is amazing!
I usually order the ham combo, and it tastes just like my mom's homemade banh mi.
The freshness and quality of their ingredients never disappoint.
Their sandwiches are huge, definitely more than your typical 6-8 inch banh mi.
I love that they offer a footlong option, which is perfect for sharing or saving some for later.
The bread is always fresh with the perfect crust, and they're quite generous with their pickled veggies, which I absolutely adore.
My personal favorite is the BBQ pork belly – it's fantastic!
Aside from their banh mi, I'm also a fan of their bubble tea and fresh fruit tea.
The fresh fruit tea actually has pieces of fresh fruit in it, making it a delicious and refreshing choice.
Alanya Doner
I have been eyeing Alanya Doner for quite some time and finally decided to give it a try.
Boy, am I glad I did!
I ordered the Gyro on pita, and it was nothing short of amazing - overflowing with meat and fresh tomatoes.
The homemade sauce and pita turned it into an absolute flavor feast!
You can find this quaint Mediterranean eatery on Google Maps, providing sizable sandwiches, gyros, and Turkish pizzas.
During my visit, the place was packed, but finding a seat was no trouble.
Everything I tried was delicious, from the Turkey sandwich to the iskender kabab, which was meat with tomato sauce, and the pide's dough that was soft and freshly baked.
I cannot wait to go back and try their other dishes!
Los Chilangos Kirkland
The other day, I decided to grab a quick bite at Los Chilangos, a popular food truck in downtown Kirkland.
The location is perfect, within walking distance of several local businesses and the Google campus.
As a fan of Mexican food, I was excited to see what this food truck had to offer.
When I got there, I ordered a spicy burrito.
The taste was good, but I must say it was a bit too wet for my liking.
It would have been a mess if I had tried to eat it in my car.
I also noticed that their salsa was more like a liquid hot sauce, which probably contributed to the wetness of the burrito.
If I were to order again, I would probably avoid getting it spicy, as it seemed the sauce just added more liquid to the mix.
Despite the messy experience, I have to give Los Chilangos credit for their service.
I've heard stories about them saving the day at parties and events when catering doesn't show up, whipping up large orders of burritos in record time.
I Love Bento's
One of my favorite spots to grab a quick and delicious meal is I Love Bento's.
The chicken teriyaki here is hands down the best in town.
I remember my first visit to this place, and ever since then, I've been a regular customer.
Whenever I'm in the mood for some teriyaki, I usually go for the chicken teriyaki with a California roll on the side.
It costs around $16, but it's absolutely worth it and fills me up.
If you're not a fan of too much chicken, you could opt for the chicken+gyoza combo with a California roll instead.
The chicken is always soft and tender, while the rice and salad complement the dish perfectly.
The gyoza is pretty tasty too!
One thing that I love about I Love Bento's is their California roll.
It's a simple roll, but the quality of the rice and ingredients make it one of the best I've ever had.
Santorini Greek Grill
I absolutely love stopping by Santorini Greek Grill whenever I crave some delicious Greek food.
This cash-only spot is known for its meat-laden gyros, falafel, and other Greek staples served in a casual and comfortable atmosphere.
The service is always friendly and quick, making it a perfect choice for a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends.
The gyros here are a must-try – they're packed with tender, flavorful meat, and fresh, crunchy veggies.
I can hardly ever finish one by myself, but that just means I get to enjoy the leftovers later.
Their fries are freshly fried and perfectly seasoned, making them the ideal side to accompany the gyros.
Acropolis Pizza & Pasta
I've had the pleasure of dining at Acropolis Pizza & Pasta quite a few times.
This no-frills diner offers a mix of Italian and Greek dishes, with their pizzas and grinders being my go-to options.
Although they don't serve fries and booze, the food is good enough to keep me coming back for more.
One of my favorite things about Acropolis is their pastrami grinder.
It's huge, but I can never finish it in one sitting, so I love having the leftovers the next day.
The bread doesn't get soggy or hard when reheating, which is a huge plus for me.
Their pizzas are also quite delicious, making it hard to choose between the two sometimes.
Lynn's Bistro
I recently revisited my favorite little restaurant in Kirkland, Lynn's Bistro, and I can't help but rave about it.
As always, the intimate atmosphere and white tablecloths create an elegant dining experience.
I decided to try their Google Maps-recommended escargot for the first time, and I was blown away by the flavor and texture.
The Asian-influenced French cuisine is always a treat, and I can't get enough of their French onion soup.
On this visit, I also tried the lamb entree, which was cooked to perfection.
The rum bread pudding was the ideal finish to a fantastic meal, striking just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
It's no surprise that when my company hosted a dinner, we booked half of the restaurant and had a fantastic experience.
Mongolian Grill Kirkland
I recently dined at Mongolian Grill Kirkland, and while the food was undeniably delicious, I couldn't help but feel a tad overwhelmed by the number of choices and rules that came along with the meal.
The system is quite unique—you start by picking up a small bowl, filling it with noodles and veggies, and then have the option to grab a second bowl for an additional charge.
Next, you take your selection to the cook and choose your protein, with the option to double or triple it, as well as select your sauce and rice.
Once that's done, you simply find a seat, grab utensils and fortune cookies, and wait to be called.
Surprisingly, they don't use names or numbers for orders, but they seem to have an uncanny ability to remember groups.
There are also rules regarding the weight of the food to prevent people from overindulging, which I found interesting.
Despite the somewhat intimidating process, the food was excellent, and the service was fantastic.
Plus, they added the sauce to the dish while stir-frying, which made a huge difference in the taste.
Spicy Talk Bistro Chinese Szechuan Food
I'm always on the lookout for great local eateries.
Recently, I stumbled upon Spicy Talk Bistro Chinese Szechuan Food, a hidden gem tucked away near Fred Meyer in Totem Lake.
I must say, it's become my new favorite Chinese food spot!
The Spicy Talk Bistro offers a simple and unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for a quick meal or takeout.
When I first visited, I ordered Szechuan wontons, Singapore rice noodles, Mandarin crispy chicken with fried rice, and sweet & sour soup - and boy, was I impressed!
The food was not only delicious but also well-seasoned and served super fast, even during lunch hour on a weekday.
I particularly fell in love with the Mandarin chicken, which has a light, puffy coating that's deep-fried and smothered in a mouthwatering sauce.
I loved it so much that I brought my mom the very next day, and we shared more scrumptious dishes like mapo tofu with pork and sizzling beef.
The hand-cut noodles and family-style portions make it a great place for sharing a meal with loved ones.
JB Bungalow
One of my favorite spots to unwind after a long day is at JB Bungalow.
The moment I step inside, I immediately feel like I'm in a Cancun bar, enjoying the chill atmosphere and sipping on the best margaritas I've ever had.
Their food is simply mouth-watering, and while their Korean dishes might not be entirely authentic, that's not what I'm here for.
I just love indulging in their poke, steak skewers, fried ice cream a la mode, spam musubi, and poutine.
Located right by the water, JB Bungalow offers a fantastic setting to relax and have a great time with friends.
I've been there on both weekdays and weekends and while the vibe is a bit more mellow during the week, it gets quite lively on weekend nights.
aa Sushi
One of my favorite spots to visit is aa Sushi.
The atmosphere is always lively, and the staff is so friendly and welcoming.
I usually go for lunch when the conveyor belt isn't running, but that doesn't stop me from trying a variety of their delicious dishes.
The vegetarian rolls are always a hit with me, and I love that they have so many veggie options.
I also appreciate that their miso soup is made without fish flakes.
Another interesting aspect of aa Sushi is the Korean music they play, which adds a unique touch to the overall ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Living in Kirkland has been a delight when it comes to experiencing diverse dining options.
Some of my personal favorites include the warm and inviting atmosphere at Noon Café, the authentic flavors at Plaza Garcia, and the unforgettable dining experience at Café Juanita.
I invite you to explore these fantastic restaurants in Kirkland and discover your own favorites.
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