17 Best Restaurants in Redmond, WA
This article was written by local contributor Zayn Stewart & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Welcome to Redmond, the heart of Washington's tech scene and home to some of the most delicious and diverse cuisine the Pacific Northwest has to offer!
Whenever I find myself craving something special, I know I can always count on the vibrant food scene in Redmond to satisfy my taste buds.
Over the years, I've been lucky enough to explore the culinary landscape of our city and discover some truly exceptional dining experiences.
From elegant fine dining to casual and comforting eats, Redmond has it all.
So, sit back and get ready to embark on a gastronomical journey through this list of the best restaurants in Redmond, Washington!
Bandido Mexican Grill
I have been a Bandido Mexican Grill diner for quite some time, and it always delivers!
Whenever I crave some delicious, traditional Mexican food, this is my go-to spot.
They have the best tacos in town, and I can't get enough of their carnitas and beef tongue.
The street tacos are absolutely amazing, and the flavors are just perfect.
I recently discovered that they moved their location to 8151 164th Ave NE, so make sure to visit them there!
One thing I really appreciate about Bandido Mexican Grill is that you can call ahead to order your food.
Since they freshly prepare everything, it can take a bit of time, but it's definitely worth the wait.
Rocky's Empanadas
One of my must-visits whenever I'm craving some delicious empanadas is Rocky's Empanadas.
This unassuming counter-serve restaurant in our town is well-known for its housemade Argentinean empanadas and chimichurri to-go.
Although the place is small and mainly for to-go orders, it never fails to satisfy my taste buds.
I've tried several flavors of their empanadas, but the classic beef and the mushroom & cheese are my absolute favorites.
They bake their empanadas fresh, so sometimes there's a bit of a wait time (around 15 minutes), but trust me, it's worth the wait.
Besides, you can always call in advance to place your order and save time.
I didn't care much for the chimichurri dipping sauce, but the empanadas are flavorful enough on their own.
Keep in mind that Rocky's Empanadas is not pet-friendly nor family-friendly, as it's a to-go place only.
However, the shared commercial strip mall parking lot makes it convenient to pick up your order and enjoy a delicious meal at home.
Sahara Mediterranean Kitchen
I'm always on the lookout for new places to try in my neighborhood, and I recently came across Sahara Mediterranean Kitchen.
This cozy spot offers an incredible selection of Mediterranean dishes, and their quality and taste blew me away.
I visited Sahara for a late lunch one afternoon and opted for the beef and lamb platter.
Not only was the dish delicious, but the portion size was generous too.
The salad that came with my platter was fresh, and the seasoning on the meats was just perfect.
I couldn't have asked for a better meal.
Tropea Ristorante Italiano
I recently decided to order takeout from Tropea Ristorante Italiano for the first time, and it has quickly become one of my favorite Italian places in the area.
The portions were quite generous - I found that one dish could easily feed two people.
The seafood risotto and gnocchi I tried were absolutely delicious, and I could tell that they were made with authentic Italian ingredients and techniques.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is charming and down-to-earth, and it was a pleasure to enjoy a meal in their cozy strip-mall space.
My friends raved about the pesto penne, calamari spaghetti, and linguini Alfredo with shrimp.
Their authentic Italian flavors, friendly service, and delightful atmosphere make it a must-try for any local resident or visitor to the area.
Three Lions Pub
One of my favorite spots to unwind after work or catch a game on the weekend is Three Lions Pub.
This neighborhood gem has a charmingly old-school Irish pub vibe and instantly makes you feel at home.
What really sets this place apart, though, is their impressive selection of English and Irish tap beers.
I've tried the Radler, Guinness, London Porter, and a stout, and each one has been a delicious experience.
Since I'm not always hungry after work, I usually just grab a drink and sometimes a small snack like their freshly-made crumpets.
But on game days, I like to indulge in their country-style pub grub.
I've had their three burger sliders, and let me tell you, there's some kind of secret sauce that makes them absolutely delectable.
Tipsy Cow Redmond
I've been to Tipsy Cow Redmond a couple of times, and it never disappoints!
The first time I went there, I was under 21 and couldn't try their milkshakes with liquor, but I enjoyed the amazing burgers nonetheless.
My recent visit allowed me to experience their alcoholic milkshakes, and oh boy, they were fantastic!
At Tipsy Cow, the burgers might look like a decent portion, but once you dig in, you realize they're quite generous, even for us grown-ups.
Their truffle fries are a must-try – I upgraded from the regular fries and didn't regret it.
Crispy and delicious, there wasn't a single soggy fry in sight.
The service at Tipsy Cow is on point, and the atmosphere is cozy with an industrial touch.
I've also tried their northwest salad, which was so huge it could feed three people!
The onion rings were slightly over-crispy but still enjoyable, and while the Tipsy burger was a bit over-seasoned and salty, it was still a satisfying meal.
The burgers here might give you heartburn because they're so over the top, but trust me, it's worth it.
Sages Restaurant
I absolutely love visiting Sages Restaurant whenever I get a chance.
This charming Italian eatery is a hidden gem in our town, and it never fails to impress me with its rustic Italian fare and quiet atmosphere.
One of my favorite dishes to order is the Sausage Linguine, while my partner often goes for the Mediterranean Pasta.
Though the latter can be a bit salty due to the Kalamata olives and capers, it still tastes amazing.
What sets Sages apart from other restaurants is its cozy and understated ambiance, allowing for a more intimate dining experience.
It's a refreshing change from the fast-food places that seem to be taking over our neighborhood.
They also have a great selection of wines, which is perfect for a romantic date night.
A standout dish that I highly recommend trying is their bruschetta, and don't miss out on the gnocchi with its delicious sauce and sausage.
Oto Sushi
What caught my attention the first time I went to Oto Sushi was the casual atmosphere and the lovely pale wood décor.
It's always a treat to bring friends and family to this place whenever they visit.
The sushi at Oto Sushi is simply amazing.
They have a wide range of options, including some really fantastic vegetarian selections.
I'm always impressed by the freshness and quality of their fish.
One of my favorite dishes is their fried oyster - it's never fishy and has no metallic taste.
The menu is quite diverse, so I always find myself trying something new every time I visit.
While the sushi is a bit pricier than other places like Musashi's, the quality and variety definitely make it worth the extra cost.
I'm excited to try their omakase soon, which starts at around $50.
Shabu Shaburina
I recently dined at Shabu Shaburina, a trendy Japanese restaurant in the area, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots.
I went there with some friends on a Monday evening and quickly received an explanation of the buffet-style hot pot concept and how to cook our meats and veggies on the table grills.
The food quality was as expected for the price, and their buffet options allowed us to customize our meals according to our preferences.
The meats we ordered were of good quality, and the choices at the buffet bar were diverse.
What I loved the most was the individual pot for each person.
I went for the spicy miso broth, while my friend opted for the house broth, and both were delicious.
Even though I'm not usually a big fan of hot pot-style meals, this Japanese version was delightful, and the free ice cream at the end was a great touch.
The restaurant is conveniently located on the ground floor of an apartment building, making it easy to find parking in the attached garage.
151 Days Chicken Soup House
I've always been a fan of comfort food, and I recently discovered 151 Days Chicken Soup House, a local Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood.
They have a diverse menu filled with both comfort food and more exciting dishes.
I absolutely love their creamy mushroom soup and shredded chicken salad.
During my last visit, I decided to try something new and went for the squid ink noodle salad, chicken soup noodle, seafood chicken soup with rice, and flatbread with eggplant.
Everything tasted delicious and reminded me of my childhood.
What I appreciate most about this place is its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, which reflects in the taste of its broths and chicken.
Their hand-pulled noodles have the perfect texture, and I always ask for chili oil on the side to spice things up.
The service has never been an issue for me, even when the dining room is half full.
I've heard about their coconut chicken soup hot pot and can't wait to try it next time I visit.
Woomadang
I remember the first time I stepped into Woomadang, and boy, was I impressed.
As a foodie, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting places to dine, and I was thrilled to find a Korean barbecue restaurant right in my neighborhood.
The moment I walked in, I was struck by the inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats.
I decided to go for the All-You-Can-Eat option, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny.
The quality of the meats was excellent, and my favorites were the Bulgogi beef and pork.
They were perfectly marinated - not too sweet or salty, just the right balance of flavors.
I also enjoyed the fish cake and the beef radish soup, which was perfect for the cold weather.
What amazed me the most about Woomadang was their cooking method.
There was absolutely no smoke or odor while grilling the meats, making the dining experience much more enjoyable.
As someone who always seems to absorb food smells, I truly appreciated this.
Hello Poke
I must admit, Hello Poke has become a staple in my dining routine.
This casual, quick-serve poke bar offers create-your-own Hawaiian seafood bowls with a wide variety of toppings to choose from.
I find their regular-sized poke bowl to be extremely filling and delicious!
What I really appreciate about this place is its self-checkout system.
It's very convenient and helps me not to get lost in the countless options available.
I've also noticed that they recently started offering "presets", which basically means that some of the ingredients are predefined, making the ordering process even quicker.
And let me tell you, their miso soup is the perfect addition to any poke bowl.
El Toreador
El Toreador is one of my favorite spots for delicious Mexican food.
This family-run restaurant in the heart of Redmond offers a bright, cozy setting and a full bar alongside their traditional dishes.
The generous portion sizes never disappoint— I've even shared their huge nachos with friends on multiple occasions!
Trust me, you won't leave hungry.
One of my personal favorites is the pollo asada, which is perfectly cooked and flavorful, especially when paired with scrumptious rice.
And if you're a fan of chimichangas, you must give theirs a try.
To top it all off, their fresh chips are a delight to munch on while waiting for the main course.
Whenever I crave authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown Redmond, El Toreador is always at the top of my list.
Supporting this local family-owned business while enjoying great food is a win-win situation!
Blu Sardinia
One of my favorite places to dine in Redmond is Blu Sardinia, an Italian restaurant that offers an authentic Sardinian experience.
I first visited the restaurant with some friends and was immediately impressed by the modern and spacious ambiance.
It also has outdoor seating.
The food at Blu Sardinia is absolutely delicious.
We started with the pane rustica, a delicious flatbread made in-house and grilled in their wood-fired oven.
For my main course, I had the pesto prawns bucatini – the pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, the sauce was flavorful without being too heavy, and the shrimp were fresh.
To finish off the meal, I indulged in a trio of gelato, which featured classic flavors as well as some unique ones like rice.
The atmosphere at Blu Sardinia is a nice blend of casual and upscale, making it suitable for anything from a quick bite at the bar to a celebration with friends.
While the menu prices are higher than a fast-casual restaurant, I find them to be reasonable for the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.
Their menu is also available on their website, which is quite helpful.
Redmond's Bar & Grill
Redmond's Bar & Grill is one of the few places open late in the area, and I find myself coming back for their wide-ranging pub food and great beer selection.
The dark-hued room and TVs for sports make it an ideal hangout spot, especially during their popular happy hour.
One thing I appreciate about this place is their flexibility with food options.
When I wanted a healthier option, they allowed me to swap out the bun for a lettuce wrap on my burger – talk about accommodating!
Their tacos are also top-notch; I don't usually go for tacos, but their fish and pork ones are absolutely delicious.
Dough Zone Dumpling House
I've visited Dough Zone Dumpling House quite a few times.
It's hands down one of my favorite dumpling spots around.
When I first visited their website, I was excited to try their menu.
Although the portions might be a bit small, the dumplings are absolutely delicious, and their spicy noodles are a must-try for spice lovers.
I was surprised by the contrasting flavors in their spicy wontons, as they were sweet rather than spicy but still very enjoyable.
Dough Zone Dumpling House reminds me a lot of the soup dumpling spots I've tried in Beijing.
The prices are reasonable, with spending of around $25 per person when dining with friends or family.
Among my favorites are their white chicken and shrimp dumplings.
I'd also recommend trying their featured bao.
Every bite is packed with flavor, well-seasoned, and has the perfect texture.
Woodblock Redmond
I recently dined at Woodblock Redmond and had an incredible experience.
I tried the scotch eggs, which were off the charts, and my partner had the brisket gnocchi, which was the best we've ever had.
One of the highlights of Woodblock is their extensive whiskey selection, which blew my mind.
I enjoyed some great whiskey cocktails and tried a few flights of rye whiskey that were simply fabulous.
The baked brie appetizer was warm, gooey, and delicious, and the falafel veggie burger they made for me upon request was fantastic, accompanied by perfectly cooked fries.
The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, with a heated tent on the street providing a cozy setting.
Final Thoughts
I've had the pleasure of dining at many of these fantastic restaurants in Redmond, and I can confidently say that our city has a diverse and vibrant culinary scene.
From the mouthwatering empanadas at Rocky's to the authentic Mediterranean flavors of Sahara Mediterranean Kitchen, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Don't hesitate to try out new spots, as you might just find your new favorite restaurant.
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