We all saw your search history for ‘best restaurants in Kirkland.’ That’s good. We love that about you. But have you considered these 19 spots we’ve personally vetted for 2026? To get you even more amped up to explore, we’ve identified the absolute must-visit establishments across Kirkland. So you can discover new favorites, support local chefs, and eat something incredible—all in one delicious journey.
Wendy’s
$ | (425) 821-8703 | WEBSITE
We cannot think of a better followup to exploring Kirkland than pulling into Wendy’s drive-thru, admiring the Cascade Mountains in the distance, and eating a double classic bacon burger fresh off the grill. If you’re looking for something sweeter, get the Frosty. Wendy’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Toshi’s Teriyaki
$ | (425) 822-8970 | WEBSITE
Your go-to lunch in Kirkland should be the teriyaki chicken at Toshi’s Teriyaki. It’s a local favorite served with a salad that has a kimchi-like kick, and we’d recommend trying the spicy 5-star version for an extra punch. The generous portions and affordable prices—around $12 for a plate—make it a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. The simple, no-frills setting with quick service and a friendly owner adds to the charm, perfect for a casual bite or takeout.
Just remember to call ahead, as they sometimes close unexpectedly.
I Love Bento’s
$ | (425) 821-9325 | WEBSITE
I Love Bento’s in Kirkland serves Japanese teriyaki like spicy chicken and spicy beef plates with rice and salad. They have a clean, well-organized dining area where you can eat inside, as well as takeout and bento box options available in case you want variety or value for your meal.
Spud Fish & Chips Juanita
$ | (425) 823-0607 | WEBSITE
While Spud Fish & Chips Juanita offers excellent milkshakes, your first priority should be the breaded cod and British-style chips. Their fish is firmer than typical fast-food fish, but more comforting than gourmet seafood. Get the classic fish and chips. It comes with piping hot cod fried in fresh oil, perfectly crisp chips, and that tasty tartar sauce, and it tastes like homemade recipes from childhood.
Due’ Cucina Italian Restaurant – Totem Lake
$ | (425) 777-7725 | WEBSITE
A lot of things feel uncertain these days, but at least there’s truffle pasta with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Order a plate from this modern Italian spot in Totem Lake and go find a table for forty-five minutes. Will there be a busy lunch crowd making seating scarce? Will you savor every bite? We hope, for your sake, the answer is yes.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (425) 825-7272 | WEBSITE
Kirkland has plenty of pizza spots, but Papa Murphy’s stands out for its take-and-bake convenience, mostly because of the customization. Their build-your-own option, for example, lets you pick toppings freely, but comes with potential pricing discrepancies, unexpected closing times, and occasional door-locking issues in a generally friendly, fast, and professional setting.
Pochi Bubble Tea Cafe (Kirkland)
$ | WEBSITE
Looking for a chill spot that isn’t too formal where you can hang out with a couple friends after shopping? Head to Pochi Bubble Tea Cafe. Right in the heart of Kirkland, this popular bubble tea spot has a pleasant atmosphere with board games available and free wifi. While we like the Banana Milk Tea more than the Taro with Boba, we think every visit here should include their customizable sugar levels – they have the perfect sweetness.
Dough Zone Dumpling House Kirkland
$$ | (425) 641-8000 | WEBSITE
Dough Zone’s soup dumplings are the size of a ping pong ball, and come with a steaming hot broth inside, plus a delicate wrapper that holds it all together. They’re possibly the best in the city. Get the XLB or an order of pig ears to celebrate surviving the lunch rush in the free parking garage.
Arth -The Indian Bistro
$$ | (425) 822-8922 | WEBSITE
Technically speaking, Arth is the best Indian restaurant in Kirkland. But we think it’s more appropriate to call it a Mughlai chicken destination. The dishes here have complex layers and a depth of flavor that tastes like generations of tradition (in a good way). It ultimately doesn’t matter what else you order because the Mughlai Chicken is the star.
Mediterranean Kitchen
$ | (425) 823-8101 | WEBSITE
Mediterranean Kitchen is one of our favorite spots in Kirkland for both Lebanese cuisine and a quick lunch, and probably the best place to grab a satisfying meal when you’re short on time in the area. This Lebanese spot in a strip mall serves some very good chicken shawarma and hummus, as well as generous Gyro Plates and lentil soups. Get a side of Kibby appetizer, and an extra side of tahini for dipping.
Noon Cafe
$$ | (206) 486-7424 | WEBSITE
Noon Cafe in Kirkland is one of our favorite places to recommend for a satisfying Persian meal right now, since it’s located in a cozy spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere, and you can sit right by the window watching the neighborhood. Get the babaganush with roasted eggplant, or a massive plate of Persian pizza and chicken kabob, as well as some pita bread that arrives hot and fresh. Noon Cafe opens early for lunch every day.
Vovina
$$ | (425) 822-2221 | WEBSITE
Vovina on the Kirkland waterfront makes some of our favorite scratch kitchen food in the area, including a bar burger and fries where you savor the perfectly cooked patty with each bite. Make sure to try the steak and fig flatbread, which is distinctly fig-forward – as well as an order of gnocchi and shrimp.
Vovina is open for indoor dining with cozy lake views, relaxed outdoor seating by the marina, and takeout, so you can enjoy some excellent sunset drinks and anti pasta wherever you’re most comfortable.
Buddha Bruddah Kirkland
$ | (425) 629-3197 | WEBSITE
If you’re exploring Kirkland, make sure to stop by Buddha Bruddah Kirkland for some Hawaiian-inspired takeout. The food here is the best part of the experience, but you probably won’t mind a plate of chashu pork and a side of mac salad to enjoy after a long day of errands. The portions are generous, often enough for two meals, and the friendly staff adds a nice touch to the whole affair.
Cafe Veloce
$$ | (425) 814-2972 | WEBSITE
If you’re not already someone who dreams about eating Italian a few times per week, all of that will change after you eat at this very good Italian restaurant in Kirkland. Cafe Veloce makes our favorite Italian seafood and pasta dishes in the area, like a steaming seafood scallopini with tender scallops and prawns in a rich, creamy white sauce, and an excellent hearty lamb lasagna.
Komorebi Sushi & Rolls
$$ | (425) 828-3106 | WEBSITE
Komorebi Sushi & Rolls is a Japanese spot in a Kirkland strip mall where I usually stop in for lunch at least once a week. Get the Barbie roll, which features fresh salmon, avocado, and a special sauce. Or, if you need something with a bit more kick after a long morning, try the Fire Kiss roll. No matter what, it’s essential that you order at least one piece of nigiri. If you want to eat outside of your car, know that Komorebi has a cozy dining area with a peaceful atmosphere.
Sitar Indian Cuisine
$$ | (425) 305-4560 | WEBSITE
Ideally, you’d be able to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in Delhi right now (and, ideally for you, they’d be serving your favorite family recipes). But at least Sitar Indian Cuisine is offering their Sunday buffet, which happens to be highly praised for its quality and value.
This welcoming neighborhood spot has a huge selection of North and South Indian dishes and a bunch of flavorful options like chicken tikka and shrimp coconut curry that you can eat while surrounded by a like-minded food-loving crowd.
Thanh Vi Restaurant
$ | (206) 329-0208 | WEBSITE
There are roughly 20 variations of pho you can try at this Vietnamese restaurant in Kirkland, including rare steak, brisket, and meatballs. No matter which type you get excited about, we’d recommend sticking with some type of pho here. Thanh Vi Restaurant have takeout available as well as free parking.
Mongolian Grill Kirkland
$ | (425) 820-9700 | WEBSITE
There’s an argument to be made that Mongolian Grill Kirkland is our real savior of customizable comfort. This family spot makes one of the best stir-fry experiences in the city. Go for the Spicy Mongolian sauce, which comes with a rich, complex flavor, generous portions of fresh vegetables, and more customizable options than at most other build-your-own places we’ve tried.
Anthony’s HomePort Kirkland
$$ | (425) 822-0225 | WEBSITE
It’s entirely possible your first thought after a long week is, “I need to eat something delicious with a stunning view,” Anthony’s HomePort Kirkland is exactly what you’re looking for. This local restaurant has a fantastic upstairs bar area with lovely views of Lake Washington, comfortable seating for solo diners and groups alike, and a dedicated staff that provides friendly, attentive service.
The 3 for $33 menu remains a popular choice with excellent options, and the happy hour selections are equally tasty. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a meal, the ambiance, great service, and beautiful scenery make this spot worth repeat visits.
