Cuoco is an intimate Italian restaurant that is beautifully decorated. The ambiance is perfectly set with the paintings and pictures relating to delicious Italian food. Cuoco mainly attracts the employees working in the vicinity, however the menu is extensive with sumptuous options. Try their delicious pastas, bruschettas, authentic entrees and pair them with your favorite drink. Get seated at the bar to have some drinks and quick bites with your bunch of friends. Make sure you have prior reservations done. Check website for full menus.

The name pretty much sums up what this gem of a restaurant on Mercer Island is all about. Fresh ingredients and the talented kitchen staff combine to create memorable dishes with a delightful lack of anything artificial or processed. The menu's focus is on the Cascadia region that spans a number of states including Alaska, California, Oregon and Idaho. The food philosophy is deceptively simple, get the freshest natural ingredients you can, and don't mess with their basic flavors. Obviously, this is easier said than done, but the staff excel at what they do. The stellar accolades and awards Bennett's has received, is testimony to this. The restaurant's interiors have a stylish, contemporary vibe with lavish use of wood and warm hues. The restaurant is an excellent avenue for private functions as well. A star in Mercer Island's culinary landscape.

The charmingly old (but not ancient) building that houses Red House reeks of coziness almost as soon as you enter. A warmly-lit dining room, deep wooden hues on the floor and shelves stacked with wine and beer occupying pretty much every inch of the wall space make for interesting interiors and gives off strangely relaxing vibe. The green tables with blue-cushioned chairs add a contrasting dash of coolness to the warm hues in the room. The serene outdoor patio sees a perennial bustle, and is an excellent choice in summer months. The restaurant is renowned for it's tapas selection, which though not extensive, is varied when it comes to the flavors and combinations. Apart from this, there is also a selection of salads and entrees. The wine selection is astoundingly large, with close to 700 varieties and 20 available by the glass. Equally spectacular is the choice of beer with 500 on offer and seven on tap. Selections from the entire list are available for purchase. Check website for more.

The bright yellow building that houses the Woodman Lodge stands in peaceful surroundings in Snoqualmie and has an intriguing history that dates back to when the city was formed. But it's not just the history of the place that has locals and visitors alike queuing up for a meal at Woodmans Lodge. The restaurant is a shining star in the city's culinary landscape and has garnered not just local, but statewide recognition and also grabbed a few awards on the way. On offer is a wonderful menu of mouthwatering steaks featuring the finest cuts of meat. Begin your meal with the wide assortment of Hors d' ouvres (there's soups and salads if you're looking for something healthy) and dive right into the grill menu of favorites like sirloin, filet mignon, prime rib and many more. There's a good selection of seafood entrees as well. For something lighter, try their selection of burgers and sandwiches. The bar as a fine selection of spirits for every taste. The atmosphere inside is charming to say the least, with the interiors retaining many of their original features with thoughtful touches like the rustic wooden bar stools adding a nice touch. A must- visit when in Snoqualmie.

How To Cook A Wolf is an Italian restaurant, falling under the Ethan Stowell Restaurants group. The wood-paneled walls give a rustic look, however the restaurant still has a chic vibe. Enjoy some delicious entrees like Polenta Fritters, Gnochhi, Pasta, Duck Eggs and a lot more. The bar area is great to be seated at for a drink and some bites to go with while you have a chat with your friends. The culinary team at How To Cook A Wolf believes in simple cooking, hence they use as minimum ingredients in their dishes as possible. Creating a culinary marvel, How To Cook A Wolf is sure to want you coming back for more. Prior reservations are mandatory. 

Pasta Freska is a welcoming restaurant situated at Westlake Avenue. Chef and owner, Mike Horri, delivers great customer service by accommodating guest preferences for each dish. Inform them about your preferences and allergies and let the chef surprise you with his excellent dishes. They serve a lunch buffet on Wednesdays which includes Pastas, Rice preps, Salad bar and more that are reasonably priced. Call ahead to make a reservation.

A great spot to visit if you are in Bellevue. Lot No. 3 is known as a classy place to grab an excellent cocktail and some good food. The service here is quick and efficient. Unlike other bars, you will never see your server getting hassled with the crowd. Happy hours are on everyday. Call for details. Don't leave here without trying the Spiced Jar Cake...yummy!

Located in the McCaw Hall on Mercer Street, Prelude is an enchanting restaurant serving delicious food that you can enjoy before, after or between performances. The ambiance is sophisticated and they serve Northern American cuisine. The menu has a lot of varieties for lunch and dinner. Choose one of the desserts like ice creams, sorbets and more, to give a sweet ending to your meal. Prelude provides services like catering and are also open to hosting private events. Check website for details and call ahead for reservations.

Located on California Avenue, Blackboard Bistro is a friendly and casual eatery that is conceptualized by Chef Jacob. With a few options to choose from, the menu is handwritten on the blackboard in the restaurant. Enjoy some Sauteed Gnocchi with chard and parmesan cream, Spicy batter catfish slider and more. A few options for the kids are also available. The menu items keep changing periodically. The staff is attentive. Call ahead to make reservations.

A selection of four restaurants in Washington, Purple is a stand-out affair offering an excellent selection of American favorites and and exceptional selection of wine. The location in Kirkland features a huge outdoor patio perfect for people watching. Interiors are stylish with contemporary accents. The menu has an extensive selection of entrees, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas. There's even a choice of cheeses to go with your wine. Kids are well catered to with a choice of their own. The restaurant's dedication to wines has led them to employ a wine director for each of their locations under whose guidance, the wine list undergoes a constant evolution. The commitment paid off quite handsomely when they received a slew of awards including a distinction from the Wine Enthusiast Magazine. A must for lovers of wine.