People walk past the new J.sweets storefront in Alderwood Mall on July 25 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

People walk past the new J.sweets storefront in Alderwood Mall on July 25 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

25 new Seattle-area restaurants to try

The list includes establishments in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Bothell, as well as a big-name noodle house down south.

By Tan Vinh / The Seattle Times

If you’re wondering why parking at Westfield Southcenter has gotten harder, it’s because Black Friday-like commotion has set in over the debuts of a famous noodle chain and a dim sum parlor.

We have more details on those mall openings below, but first, two big updates: Triumph Valley’s anticipated opening in Shoreline could happen as early as this month, pending the completion of some minor construction, management said. The Renton location is a critically acclaimed dim sum hall, and its encore should be the buzziest North End opening this fall.

On the Eastside, famed Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio’s latest restaurant La Mar will debut in downtown Bellevue on Oct. 14.

Diners should be stoked for those two October surprises.

Until then, here’s more on the buzz surrounding Westfield Southcenter, and our list of 23 other new restaurants around the Eastside and the North End.

South End

Marugame Udon, the Japanese chain that’s all the rage in Southeast Asia and Hawaii, makes its Washington debut at Westfield Southcenter. The lines have been long, with fans waiting at 11 a.m. for the signature Nikutama udon beef soup, and tempura shrimp and chicken. The 80-seat counter service, fast-casual spot makes a handful of different sauces and broths to pair with its handmade noodles, though most fans get the “BK,” essentially a dashi-umami rich broth. Marugame Udon is the talk of the town. It’s already plotting a second Washington location for next year, though management remains mum on which lucky city the chain will be expanding to. This udon chain is the biggest coup for Westfield Southcenter since it landed Din Tai Fung seven years ago.

Marugame Udon also gets a new mall neighbor in Mr. Dim Sum, where classics like siu mai and har gow shrimp dumplings are offered. Other favorites include the fried chives-and-shrimp dumplings and the rice roll with XO sauce. This mall restaurant is unusual in that it serves dumplings and other dim sum dishes all day (Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday until 8 p.m.). Chinatown restaurants usually offer dim sum only during brunch or until 3 p.m.

For an old-school steakhouse, hit Ables Steakhouse in Burien, which grills T-bones and a handful of high-end cuts over an open flame. All classic steakhouse staples are served, from Caesar and a blue cheese salad, to sides such as scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach.

North End

In Edmonds, the 40-seat bistro Bangkok Boulevard serves khao soi coconut noodle soup and pad pong karee or stir-fried curry soft shell crab. The Thai restaurant also pays homage to the Bangkok pushcart staple guya jab soup with rice rolls.

Five miles north is Chada Thai Lynnwood, which cooks chicken in various ways from deep-frying to charbroiling. Or if you prefer curry, there are 10 variations. Nearby, at Alderwood mall, J.sweets showcases Japanese confections.

In Shoreline, the Korean chain Sorimmara adds Chinese tingling mala flavors to comfort food such as tteokbokki rice cakes and Spam fried rice.

Eastside

Mercer Island

A much-talked-about Eastside debut, Allister runs an eclectic menu of classics tweaked with French-and-Asian flavors, including potato puff pommes dauphine, albacore crudo and roasted chicken with charred scallion rice. The drink list looks like it could’ve been cribbed from some East Village speakeasy, with popular New York City tipples like the Clover Club and the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Allister is experimenting with a late-night menu that runs until 11 p.m. from Sunday-Thursday and till midnight on Friday and Saturday. Its cheeseburger made with Mishima reserve wagyu beef might be the most indulgent late-night bite.

Allister isn’t the only newbie who believes this sleepy city needs a jolt. A half-mile south is The Crawlspace Gastropub, which plans to stay open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The gastropub is also organizing a late-night bar crawl on Oct. 24, with Allister and Asa Gathering. Crawlspace serves a fusion of Mexican, Korean, Hawaiian and Latin American flavors like a chicken sammie with garlic Buffalo sauce and kimchi slaw, a flat iron steak with avocado chimichurri and a Hawaiian butter mochi a la mode with caramel.

Bellevue

Fans of conveyor belt sushi, this is your lucky day: Sushi Omiya Factoria comes to The Marketplace at Factoria.

Along historic Main Street, Jocovine focuses on the sea: crabcakes, seared scallops and different pastas paired with salmon and shrimp. The bistro also fancies up the Philly steak with filet mignon, roasted balsamic onions, chili aioli and havarti cheese on a toasted bun. For the undecided, there’s the surf-and-turf route.

A mile northeast sits the Lebanese grill Tanoor with its lamb and beef kebabs, though a fan favorite is its dajaj mishwi, or chargrilled garlic-lemon chicken.

At Kelsey Creek Center, Tasty House serves Szechuan cuisine, including favorites such as boiled fish filet, mapo tofu and stir-fried rabbit in spicy peppers.

The Bravern gets two sweet tenants, HeyTea, which specializes in cheese tea drinks, and LeTAO, which does Japanese Hokkaido cheesecakes.

In Lincoln Square, the Korean-Detroit pizza counter KODE does East-meets-West pizzas, with bulgogi and kimchi toppings and sauces like spicy gochujang over the thick crust made famous in the Motor City. The mall also gets a Great State Burger. On the third floor sits the game-and-entertainment center Mirra, which serves tacos, sliders and flatbread pizzas.

And for those who abide by the clean, healthy-living mantra, Lincoln Square features the nonalcoholic bar Club Seltzer and EatDirt; the latter preaches fresh-and-local with salads, sandwiches, juices and bone broths.

Kirkland

Longtime Eastsiders have been waiting for this: Rimini by the waterfront comes from the family who started Montalcino Ristorante Italiano in Issaquah. The Northern Italian-inspired restaurant has 60 seats and live music. The menu ranges from short rib ravioli al cognac and wild boar Bolognese, to family-friendly options such as sausage rigatoni and pasta meatballs.

Ezell’s Famous Chicken opens its 18th branch, in Kirkland. A mile south of that, Pinckney Cookie Cafe does a dozen different flavors including its signature brown butter, brown sugar bourbon spice cookie.

Woodinville gets Sushi Koushi, and 5 miles north, Bothell gets the grilled chicken chain Port of Peri Peri.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Food & Drink

The conveyer belt moves past a table with a selection of food options available at Kura Sushi on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Robots rule at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Lynnwood

Addition of the new restaurant makes Lynnwood the unofficial conveyor-belt sushi capital of the county.

Image from Herb Grain (formerly Whippoorwill Grazing Co.) social media
Feasts to Remember: Catering Stars of Snohomish County

From elegant spreads to comfort classics, these culinary pros bring the magic to every meal.

Image from the Rustic Cork Wine Bar website
A taste of the vine: Snohomish county’s finest winery escapes

Raise a glass to three local wineries that pour passion into every bottle.

Beef birria tacos at El Mariachi in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Let’s Taco ‘Bout Flavor

Three Snohomish County spots bringing the heat, crunch, and crave-worthy bites

Image from Canva.com
Roll with the best: Snohomish County’s must-try Sushi spots

From sushi rolls to wasabi goals—flavors that hit all the right notes.

Image from Canva.com
Reelin’ in the flavor: Snohomish County’s must-try seafood spots

From fresh catches to coastal classics, these local favorites are making waves

The lumpia sub at Lasa Sandwiches & Pearls is stuffed with hearty meatballs doused in sweet chili sauce, crunchy shards of egg roll wrappers, then topped with cilantro and pickled papaya, pepper and carrot. Wednesday, June 2, 2022. (Taylor Goebel / The Herald).
Savor the flavor during Lynnwood’s Best Bites Dining Month

City partners with local eateries to hold its first dining month

Anthony’s HomePort Everett (Photo provided by Anthony’s HomePort)
Savor the Sunshine: Snohomish County’s Best Outdoor Dining Spots

These al fresco gems serve up delicious food with a side of fresh air

Image from www.Canva.com
Crust worth the hype

From wood-fired classics to cheesy favorites, these pizza places are stealingt the spotlight

Image from Canva.com
Spice, Flavor, Fiesta: Snohomish County’s Must-Try Mexican Eats

From sizzling tacos to bold salsas, these spots bring the flavors of Mexico to your plate.

Image from Canva.com
Savor the best margaritas Snohomish County has to offer

From classic to creative, these spots are shaking up the ultimate margarita experience!

Image from Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub website.
Savor the spirit of Ireland: Snohomish County’s must-try Irish eateries

Where to savor hearty stews, perfect pints, and the charm of authentic Irish cuisine? Let’s find out.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.