Seattle restaurant recommendations

Newton

My wife and I are going to be spending Friday night in Bellevue for our anniversary and we're looking for a place for dinner. Neither of us is very familiar with that part of town, though. We're looking for a place that is reasonably nice, but not ridiculously expensive. Less than $100 for dinner and drinks would be good. The only restrictions on type of food is that my wife doesn't eat seafood of any kind, and in general, isn't a very adventurous eater. I'm leaning towards Bis on Main, but I'm afraid it isn't going to have a lot options for my wife so I'd like to hear any suggestions from people here. Thanks in advance for the help.

decibe11e

I work right in this area, so I've definitely eaten at my fair share of Bellevue restaurants! It really depends on what sort of food and atmosphere you're looking for. Maggiano's on NE 8th has really good Italian and a pretty nice atmosphere (though it can be a bit loud, perhaps). I've heard fantastic things aboutPearl from my coworkers, in terms of something a little more upscale.

If you can name a particular type of cuisine, I can probably give some more specific suggestions:).

Newton

Both of those places look good, although we'd prefer to avoid places that are really loud or where there will be lots of kids around. The atmosphere of the place would be more important than the specific food, as long as the food is good. Have you eaten at either Palomino or Yama at the Galleria? I found those through the reservation site that pearl uses.

TychoCelchuuu

Bis on Maine is pretty good. I've eaten at Yama and it was okay. What the Pho is by far my favorite food, but the atmosphere is a mix between take-out and eat-in so it's not super fancy or quiet or anything. Seastar is supposed to be good but I've never been there and it's possible you won't find much non-seafood anyways. Z Tejas in Bellevue Square is good if you like Southewestern food.

TheDragon

Mediterranean Kitchen has great mediterranean food, huge portions (me and my girlfriend share an entree for $15) and a nice atmosphere. Dim lighting, music, candles, it can be romantic. It's a small place, with tables close to each other, but very nice IMO. The food's healthy too without compromising on taste.
http://mediterraneankitchens.net/

I recommend getting the shish tawook (Charbroiled chicken breast tenderloin marinated in garlic, lemon juicec, herbs and spices).

Doc

Newton wrote: »

Both of those places look good, although we'd prefer to avoid places that are really loud or where there will be lots of kids around. The atmosphere of the place would be more important than the specific food, as long as the food is good. Have you eaten at either Palomino or Yama at the Galleria? I found those through the reservation site that pearl uses.

Yama is really good, we used to go there for lunch from work when we felt like spluging. Like Thai food? Nibbana is really good, but maybe not as upscale as you want.

Also, if you don't terribly mind going a bit (well, significantly) over-budget:
http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_bellevue/

TheDragon

The Melting Pot is another good restaurant, if you like fondue.
http://www.meltingpot.com/
Bellevue location: http://www.meltingpot.com/locations.aspx?z=98004&n=37444

It's a quiet, personal atmosphere, with dim lighting and plenty of personal space so you don't notice other guests. It's a little pricey but worth it if you've never had fondue before, just for the memorable experience. You and your wife will have a pot of bubbling cheese/oil/chocolate on your table's burner, and you'll get a few courses to dip. So appetizers will be bread and apples dipped in cheese, main course is meat and vegetables dipped in oil/broth (whatever you choose), and dessert is strawberries, brownies and marshmallows dipped in chocolate.

I just reread the OP and saw that it's your anniversary. This is perfect, she'll love it and remember it

However, I think it's nearly $100 just for the meal for you two alone, and drinks will probably be pricey. And dinner/service is slooow! It'll take 1.5 hours probably. But you're cooking your own food which takes time, and enjoying the time together, which is what really matters.

decibe11e

Doc wrote: »

Newton wrote: »

Both of those places look good, although we'd prefer to avoid places that are really loud or where there will be lots of kids around. The atmosphere of the place would be more important than the specific food, as long as the food is good. Have you eaten at either Palomino or Yama at the Galleria? I found those through the reservation site that pearl uses.

Yama is really good, we used to go there for lunch from work when we felt like spluging. Like Thai food? Nibbana is really good, but maybe not as upscale as you want.

Also, if you don't terribly mind going a bit (well, significantly) over-budget:
http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_bellevue/

I agree about Yama! It's good food, and has a nice atmosphere. I've never eaten at Palomino (I'm a vegetarian, and it didn't look like they'd have a lot for me there), but I know it's a popular place among my local friends & coworkers for special occasion dinners, too.