15 Best Restaurants in Issaquah for Food Lovers
- matthewbchapman8
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- Sep 12
- 11 min read
Nestled in the heart of Washington, Issaquah is a hidden gem for food lovers. Its culinary scene is as diverse as it’s delicious, and there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Every foodie will enjoy exploring the various offerings of Issaquah restaurants. Whether you prefer fine dining or local favorites, the city’s food scene will definitely not disappoint.
Why Issaquah's Dining Scene is a Foodie's Paradise
Issaquah, WA, boasts a wide range of dining options, from elite restaurants that serve exquisite dishes to charming cafés and bistros.
Discover hidden gems cherished by the locals and immerse yourself in Issaquah’s distinct, vibrant food scene.
The city is also home to a thriving coffee culture, featuring a wide array of coffee shops offering everything from artisan pour-overs to creamy lattes.
15 Best Restaurants in Issaquah for Food Lovers
1. Montalcino Ristorante Italiano
Located in the Historic Downtown Issaquah, Montalcino Ristorante Italiano is one of the best Italian restaurants Issaquah that offers a fine dining experience. Perfect for a romantic date night dinner or special occasions to celebrate with loved ones.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Pasta alla Champion - Sun-dried tomatoes, pancetta, organic porcini in a spicy tomato sauce.
2. Risotto - Choice of either four cheese, wild mushroom or fresh seafood.
3. Truffle and Caviar Pasta - Pasta stuffed with truffles in cream sauce topped with caviar.
Reviews:
“Lovely little Italian restaurant in Issaquah! We live in Renton and find ourselves driving to Seattle for good Italian so we’re thrilled to find a gem closer. The food was great, lobster tail ravioli and the lamb shank. The owner was very friendly and checked on us, service was phenomenal as well! We’ll be back.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $50–$100
Address: 15 NW Alder Pl, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
2. JaK's Grill
JaK's Grill has been the greater Seattle area's favorite neighborhood steakhouse for over 20 years. Patrons come here to enjoy their Nebraska beef, a filling brunch, and a great wine list.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Prime Porterhouse - Hand-selected and center-cut from the finest dry-aged short loins available.
2. The Bourbon Chop - Marinated in bourbon & brown sugar, grilled & finished with a honey peppercorn glaze. An actual pork porterhouse.
3. Ribeye - Smoky marinade, richly marbled, boneless & served with fresh horseradish.
Reviews:
“Steakhouse in downtown Issaquah. New York Strip Steak was decent, but not the best I ever had. Brussel sprouts were good but unfortunately had too much sauce on them, so they weren't great. Cheeseburger looked great and good size. Fries were nothing special. Potato pancakes were really, really good.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $50–$100
Address: 14 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
3. The Black Duck Cask and Bottle
The Black Duck Cask and Bottle is a small but comfortable beer house serving mouthwatering dishes meticulously thought out and full of flavor, and perfectly paired wit high-quality, local craft beers.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Ribs - Dry spice rubbed, cold smoked, grilled pork ribs, house honey chile sauce, garlic, and sage fries.
2. Duck Drummies - House confit duck legs, Okonomi sauce, and fresh chives.
3. Black Duck Pie - Confit duck, fresh arugula, Okonomi sauce, goat cheese, rosemary olive oil base, and pistachios.
Reviews:
“One of the best burgers I ever had. And I know my Burg's. Good beer selection. Late night food in Issaquah. Open till 12. Food last call 1130. Go get a burger. it's heavenly.”
Restaurant Information:
4. WildFin American Grill
WildFin American Grill is a favorite dining destination in Issaquah, known for its fresh seafood, premium steaks, and locally brewed craft beer. It’s a great spot for a casual lunch, dinner with friends, or relaxed happy hour.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Prawn Scampi - Thin spaghetti, butter, garlic, herbs, artichoke hearts, lemon, grape tomato, and Parmesan garlic bread.
2. Simply Grilled Seasonal Salmon – Lemon garlic vermouth butter, Columbia Basin marble
potatoes, seasonal vegetables, baby tomatoes, and avocado lime verde.
3. Northwest Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo - Salmon, Alaskan white fish, prawns, fresh spinach, mushroom, roasted red peppers, and shaved Parmesan.
Reviews:
“Great place to grab a bite. Hope you like fish. Even though I didn't have any fish the steak salad was excellent. Very nice flavors. The service was fine but a little slow. Everyone was friendly though. Worth a try if you’re in the Issaquah area.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $20–$30
Address: 835 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
5. Fins Bistro
Fins Bistro is Issaquah's neighborhood seafood place specializing in a wide range of exotic fish and shellfish from local waters and beyond. They also serve a variety of steaks, pasta and salads.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Fins Burger - Hand formed half pound patty with bacon, tomato, onion, and mayo with your choice of cheddar or Swiss cheese.
2. Macadamia Halibut - Fins' signature dish. Fresh halibut crusted with macadamia nuts and served with Thai peanut sauce.
3. Seafood Linguine - Shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and calamari in light tomato sauce.
Reviews:
“During a recent trip to Washington, my family and I had the pleasure of dining at Fins Bistro in Issaquah, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we walked in, the staff welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home. Jeff and Crystal, the owners of the restaurant, went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was top-notch. The cheesecake was out of this world, made from Crystal's Grandmas recipe. Trust me, you won't regret stopping by Fins Bistro for some amazing food and hospitality.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $30–$50
Address: 301 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
6. Levitate Gastropub
Led by Chef Pa Jallow, Levitate Gastropub in in Historic Downtown Issaquah is popular for its refreshing interpretations of classic pub dishes. The menu features dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients, as well as a good selection of beers, wine and spirits.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Salmon - Grilled butternut squash puree, tri-color cauliflower, sugar snap pea slaw, and purple cabbage puree.
2. Chilean Sea Bass - Pan-seared, curry poach daikon, med kimchi, coconut, lemongrass, and Thai basil cream.
3. Ribeye - 16oz ribeye cut topped with tri-color peppercorn butter, asparagus, and cheesy potato cake.
Reviews:
“Quaint eatery and drinkery nestled in the heart of historic downtown Issaquah. The burger was juicy, staff was friendly and personable. Highly recommend the salad. Refreshing with a homemade vinaigrette.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $20–$30
Address: 185 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98029
Click here to check out their menu!
7. Masa Mexican Kitchen & Cantina
One of the best Mexican restaurants in Issaquah, Masa Mexican Kitchen & Cantina is a place where people come together to share delicious, homestyle, Mexican-inspired dishes and freshly squeezed margaritas.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Pollo A La Crema - Chicken, onion, mushrooms, cream sauce.
2. Camarones a la Diabla - Spicy garlic shrimp, mushroom, onion, rice, corn or flour tortillas.
3. Chile Relleno - Jack cheese-filled poblano chile, spicy tomato sauce.
Reviews:
“Masa has the best homemade chips by far in the area. The nachos are consistently amazing. Sometimes they get busy and your water might not get filled, but overall it’s a solid choice in Issaquah.”
Restaurant Information:
8. Dough Zone Dumpling House
Dough Zone Dumpling House is a hidden gem where you can indulge in authentic and affordable Chinese comfort food, such as dumplings, bao buns, and other traditional dishes.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Pan-Fried Chive Dumplings - Traditional dumplings filled with chives and pan-fried to create crispiness.
2. Pork & Shrimp Boiled Dumplings - Boiled dumplings filled with our classic pork and shrimp.
3. Pork & Crab Meat Xiao Long Bao - Our most prestigious soup dumplings filled with pork and fresh crab meat.
Reviews:
“Best restaurant in Issaquah! Food is amazing. Most importantly, they don’t close at 8pm like other restaurants in the area. They continue to serve dinner at normal dinner hours. So good!”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $20–$30
Address: 1580 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
9. Naan N Curry
Naan N Curry is Seattle's premier destination for authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine. Their Halal menu highlights traditional dishes such as biryani, haleem, seekh kababs, and malai boti.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Chicken Tikka Masala - A sweet, creamy tomato and fenugreek-based sauce.
2. Lamb Korma - Boneless New Zealand lamb curry with onion, ginger, and garlic.
3. Lahori Fish - Fried Pakistani-style fish marinated with coriander, allspice, and red chili flakes.
Reviews:
“I was at Naan N Curry restaurant in Issaquah with great family friends. From the get go, I was sure the choice of this restaurant by my friend would not go wrong. Not surprised to test close to authentic Pakistani Indian fusion delicacies, accompanied by above, and beyond service by Jesus, who served us the entire duration, we were there. I can’t wait to have a second chance to test variety of their delicacies.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $20–$30
Address: 1420 NW Gilman Blvd n3, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
10. The Well and Table
The Well and Table is a farm-to-table restaurant and bar known for its good food and great service. Its seasonal menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails, and WA wines and ales.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Zucchini Lasagna – Zucchini, caramelized onions, fresh pasta, mozzarella, gruyere, and parmesan.
2. Pork Belly - Crispy fried pork belly and Yukon smashed potatoes.
3. Ribeye Steak - 12oz royal ranch ribeye, broccoli, lemon-thyme butter, and mashed potatoes.
Reviews:
“A nice place to grab a cocktail out on the dog-friendly back patio, especially on a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon! Fantastic service, wonderful location (I mean, how charming is Gilman Village?!), and a cozy interior as well. Although we didn't order any food, the farm-to-table menu boasts several intriguing entrees, several vegan options, and generally healthier entrées than you'll find at most restaurants. Very recommended, and we look forward to coming back for lunch or dinner in the future, the next time we're in the Issaquah area!”
Restaurant Information:
11. Flat Iron Grill
Nestled in the heart of Historic Gilman Village, Flat Iron Grill’s inviting patio is the perfect spot to savor its signature Northwest Steak & Seafood dishes with a South American twist.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Delmonico - 14oz bone-in, sautéed green beans, broccolini, goat cheese polenta, bourbon peppercorn sauce.
2. Flat Iron Steak - 10oz flat iron steak, creamy goat cheese polenta, chimichurri, salsa criolla.
3. Grilled Half Chicken - Free range organic chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini, porcini garlic chicken jus.
Reviews:
“A hidden brunch gem in Issaquah, so much so that i almost want to gatekeep it. They provide delicious table coffee cake. All the food we ordered was delicious! I loved the French toast. Cocktails were yummy. Atmosphere is peaceful which is a nice departure from crazy loud brunch places. The service is friendly!”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $30–$50
Address: 317 NW Gilman Blvd Ste 28, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
12. Sunset Alehouse
Sunset Alehouse offers hearty pub fare and 16 beers on draft in a lively space with rock and roll and other upbeat music on the stereo and the TVs tuned to sports.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Bulgogi Steak Bowl - Korean marinated skirt steak over bed of veggie rice with pickled cucumber and carrots with sunny side up egg.
2. Blackened Steelhead Sandwich - Bronzing spices dusted on steelhead filet, cilantro-lime aioli, lettuce, tomato, and onion on toasted Macrina Sodo roll.
3. Sunset Cheeseburger - 1/3rd pound patty, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, thousand island.
Reviews:
“One of the best in Issaquah got better. The new brunch menu is awesome, monster breakfast sandwich especially. The new hours for weekend brunch are quite nice as well!”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $20 - $30
Address: 20 Front St S, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
13. Highlands Bistro
What makes Highlands Bistro unique among Issaquah Highlands restaurants is its menu that showcases American breakfast, lunch, and dinner infused with touches of the owner’s Indian culinary heritage.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Chicken Piccata - Seared chicken breast with capers in zesty lemon glaze, served with asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes.
2. Signature Filet Mignon - 8oz certified Angus beef, grilled oyster and button mushrooms, red wine jus, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.
3. Highlands Cod Burger - House-battered cod, onion, tomato, lettuce, pickle, thousand island dressing, and mayo.
Reviews:
“We stopped in for breakfast. I had the asparagus and mushroom frittata which is better than I've had at any other breakfast establishment in Issaquah. Also the breakfast potatoes were perfect! This is a hidden breakfast gem in my own neighborhood. Looking forward to trying their dinner menu soon.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $20 - $30
Address: 984 NE Park Dr, Issaquah, WA 98029
Click here to check out their menu!
14. Khao San Thai Cuisine
Khao San Thai Cuisine serves a diverse selection of comfort Thai classics, from classic appetizers and street food favorites to flavorful noodles, rich curries, and delicious desserts.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Crispy Garlic Chicken - Stir-fried crispy chicken coated with chili paste topped with fried garlic, and fried basil.
2. Nam Khao Tod - Crispy rice salad with sour northern sausage called Nam, ginger, red onion, green onion, cilantro, and roasted peanuts tossed in fresh lime juice dressing.
3. Massaman Beef Stew - Slow simmered beef stew in Massaman curry sauce with coconut milk, potatoes, onion, and peanuts.
Reviews:
“My family and I love this place. We had been all over Issaquah to Sammamish to Bellevue looking for a good Thai place. There are a handful of good ones, but Khao San never disappoints. It’s been our go-to Thai spot for a few years now. The food is delicious and moderately priced. The staff takes time off each summer (restaurant is shut down) because they travel to Thailand…the food is obviously very authentic! Our usual dishes are: khao pad gra pao (rice dish), pad kee mao (noodle dish), and the yellow curry.”
Restaurant Information:
Price Range: $10 - $20
Address: 100 Front St S, Issaquah, WA 98027
Click here to check out their menu!
15. Issaquah Cafe
Issaquah Cafe is a cozy spot specializing in American breakfast and brunch dishes. The menu features classics like pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches served in generous portions in a welcoming atmosphere with a central fireplace.
⭐️ Must-Try:
1. Bacon Potato Pancakes - Fresh hash browns combined with egg, bacon, Tillamook cheddar, green onions, and seasonings. Served with sour cream and applesauce.
2. Pulled Pork Breakfast Burrito - Slow-braised pork shoulder, scrambled eggs, hash
browns, pepper jack, salsa, and chipotle sour cream. Served with pancakes, hashbrowns, or fruit.
3. Huevos Rancheros - Grilled tortillas topped with refried beans, queso fresco,
basted eggs, ranchero sauce, fresh avocado, cilantro, and sprinkled with green onions. Served with pancakes, hashbrowns, or fruit.
Reviews:
“I love a classic, old-time diner and the Issaquah Cafe did not disappoint. My husband had the steak and eggs, and it was cooked to a perfect medium rare. I had the Kentucky Club sandwich with seasoned potatoes, and we shared the best piece of coconut cream pie I’ve ever had.”
Restaurant Information:
Conclusion
Now that you’ve ventured through the diverse culinary landscape of Issaquah, you can see why this city is a paradise for food lovers. From elite dining experiences to cozy local cafés, there’s something here for every palate.
To know more about Issaquah, WA, specifically its real estate offerings, please give me a call today at (206)-501-8484 or email me at matthewbchapman@windermere.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fine dining options in Issaquah?
Yes, Montalcino Ristorante Italiano is one of the best options for fine dining in Issaquah.
Which Issaquah restaurants are known for their atmosphere?
Montalcino Ristorante Italiano is known for its romantic ambiance and Sunset Alehouse is popular for its upbeat and fun setting.
What types of cuisine are popular in Issaquah?
Popular cuisines in Issaquah include Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Mexican.
Are there good restaurants in downtown Issaquah?
Absolutely! Montalcino Ristorante Italiano, JaK's Grill, and Levitate Gastropub are some of the popular dining spots in the downtown area.
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