Kirkland is fast becoming a phenomenal dining destination in its own right: home to the Italian veteran Cafe Juanita, upmarket Japanese fine-dining Oto, and tantalizing seafood at Bottle & Bull, among others. This article shines a light on 16 of the best restaurants in Kirkland, making it an ideal getaway spot for locals, boaters, or even visitors alike.
Kirkland has come a long way since the days of the King’s Table Buffet off 85th, Burgermaster, and the ever-rotating selection of restaurants along the waterfront. Nowadays, it is a true dining destination worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Seattle or Bellevue. With an array of fantastic restaurants, Kirkland is the ideal spot for locals looking to enjoy a meal, boaters pulling up to the marina, or visitors planning a trip to the area. Here are 16 of the best restaurants in Kirkland.
Top Restaurants in Kirkland
The team at Seattle Travel has sampled the full range of restaurants in Kirkland and has compiled their list of the top 16. One of these is Cafe Juanita, a long-standing institution in the Kirkland dining scene, serving up northern Italian cuisine with modern twists. A meal here could set you back around $200 for a full-tasting menu experience, but it’s worth it for special occasions or a romantic date night. Another favorite on the list is Bottle & Bull, located near the marina on Lake Street. This popular eatery offers burgers, seafood dishes, pastas, and small plates, and is known for its Penn Cove mussels and steak frites.
Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Oto is a top-notch fine dining experience that will surprise and delight all who visit. With its minimalistic aesthetic, it provides a truly authentic Japanese experience reminiscent of sushi restaurants found in the suburbs of Japan. Oto’s menu combines the highest quality fish with traditional homemade Japanese dishes such as Oyakodon and Chirashi Sushi.
Enjoy a Memorable Dining Experience at Lynn’s Bistro and BeachHouse Bar + Grill
Lynn’s Bistro is a simple, yet highly successful restaurant. Its walls are adorned with framed posters and each table is covered in white tablecloths. Despite its spartan look, the food is full of flavor. There is a wide range of steaks and other meaty dishes available, as well as seafood and chicken options. BeachHouse Bar + Grill is another great establishment that has been pleasing customers for many years. It serves up an array of classic dishes such as burgers, salads, and fish & chips, but also offers more unique options including paella, kung pao chicken, and the signature kalbi braised short rib. All dishes are cooked to perfection and offer an unforgettable dining experience.
Customizable Pizza Made-to-Order
Serious Pie is a top spot to eat in Totem Lake, located in The Village at Totem Lake. This pizzeria was created by renowned restauranteur Tom Douglass and also has locations in Ballard and downtown Seattle. Customers can customize their pizza made-to-order in a wood oven, with options such as sausage and roasted pepper, Penn Cove clams, pancetta, and chili. Many diners have praised the delicious flavor of Serious Pie’s pizzas, making it one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
Mouth-Watering Entrees
Ristorante Paradiso is a delicious Italian restaurant located in the heart of Kirkland’s downtown. It has a simple and unassuming exterior, but it should not be overlooked as its owner and head chef, Fabrizio Loi is a graduate of Italy’s National Culinary College and he has brought his expertise to this restaurant. Ristorante Paradiso offers a traditional sit-down experience compared to other nearby restaurants such as Volterra. The menu includes tantalizing entrees such as duck cassoulet, raclette burger, and steak frites.
Northwest Cuisine in Kirkland
DERU is an unexpected gem in the city of Kirkland. Located a short walk away from downtown, this hidden spot is nestled between a group of autobody repair shops, yet it offers delicious brunches, sweets, sandwiches, pizza, coffees, and teas. With rotating options depending on the night, DERU is sure to surprise visitors with its diversity of dishes – don’t forget to save room for a slice of cake! Similarly, Anthony’s HomePort has been serving up Northwest seafood since 1975. Whether you’re looking for fried cod ‘n chips, fresh fish caught from local waters, steaks, cheeseburgers, or salads, Anthony’s will not disappoint.
Indian Cuisine at Kathakali
Cactus is a popular restaurant in the Seattle region, with locations on Alki Beach, near Madison Park, and in downtown Kirkland. This last location is particularly special, as it’s within walking distance of many attractions, making it an ideal spot to stop for a bite or drink at happy hour. Offering all the usual favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, Cactus also prepares these dishes fresh with tasty ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere. Popular dishes include chipotle garlic prawns, chicken fried chicken in chorizo gravy, and butternut squash enchiladas.
For those looking to spice things up, Kathakali is a small Indian shop on Market Street in Juanita that serves cuisine from Kerala, a state in South India. The menu offers a long list of entrees and starters in coconut milk with plenty of spices, such as Ishtoos with your choice of chicken or vegetable. Those wanting something unique can try Munnar Mutton Kurma, which features mutton cubes in a rich curry. No matter what you choose, the flavors of Keralan cuisine will be delicious.
Supreme Dumplings: Delicious Dishes and Delectable Desserts
Kirkland is home to some of the best dumpling restaurants in the country, and Supreme Dumplings is the newest and proudest addition to the food scene. Since its opening in the summer of 2023, the restaurant has been a hit with locals and visitors alike, often resulting in long wait times on Fridays and Saturdays. Those who are fortunate enough to get a table can expect delicious dishes like Tan Tan Noodles, Xiao Long Bao, wontons, fried rice, and noodle dishes. The Szechuan Spicy Xiao Long Bao is a must-try for spicy food lovers, while those opting for a milder dish should sample the Black Truffle & Chicken version. Of course, no visit is complete without trying one of the delectable desserts.
Kirkland is fast becoming a premier dining destination in the Puget Sound area. With its plethora of unique, delicious, and high-end restaurants, you’re guaranteed to find something to tingle your tastebuds. Whether you’re locals looking for a great night out or travelers making your way through town, you can’t go wrong with any of the 16 best food spots in Kirkland listed here. From traditional Japanese cuisine at Oto to Mediterranean flair at Cafe Juanita, these culinary experiences are examples of why Kirkland has become a go-to destination for foodies everywhere.
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