food-drink
The Bellevue Date Night Guide
Twelve date nights that beat dinner-and-a-movie — from the bar with the view to the dessert worth the drive across the bridge.

In this guide
A Bellevue date night doesn't have to be "Cheesecake Factory at the mall." Here are twelve we actually use.
The classic upgrade
Drinks at the rooftop of the W, dinner at Daniel's Broiler, dessert at Bis on Main's bar in Old Bellevue. A safe perfect night.
The slow walk
Coffee at a downtown café, a loop of Downtown Park at dusk, then pasta at Frankie & Jo's sister spot. Bonus: no parking math.
Art night
Catch whatever's at Bellevue Arts Museum, then walk to Lot No.3 for happy-hour cocktails and a shared plate.
Theatre night
Touring show at Meydenbauer Center or a local production at Bellevue Youth Theatre, dinner before at Spazzo.
Music night
Live jazz at The Crossroads Bellevue Stage (yes, the mall — it works), then a late dessert at The Cheesecake Factory only because you can walk there in 30 seconds.
The view
Cocktails at the top of the Hyatt Regency's Eques bar facing the Olympics on a clear day. Dinner downstairs.
The book night
Bookstore browse at Page 2 Books, sushi at a counter seat at I Love Sushi, slow dessert at Hello Robin.
The lake night
Sunset paddle at Meydenbauer Beach, takeout from Pearl eaten on a dock blanket.
The Crossroads detour
Cheap, fun, real: dumplings at Facing East, a movie at the Crossroads Cinema, board games in the market food court.
Hike + reward
A short hike at Coal Creek, hot showers at home, then a real meal at Bellden Brewing in Bel-Red.
Brunch date
Lazy late breakfast at Cafe Cesura, a walk through the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Drive-and-dessert
The hot detour: drive to Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle, eat in the car overlooking the city. Worth it twice a year.
Browse more restaurants in Bellevue.
Featured in this guide
Places to know
Bis on Main
4.7Old Bellevue's neighborhood-anchor dining room — Pacific Northwest bistro cooking, a serious wine list, and the special-occasion table on Main Street.
Old Bellevue
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
4.7Bellevue's highest dining room — dry-aged prime steaks, hand-rolled sushi, and a wraparound Cascades-and-skyline view from Lincoln Square South.
Downtown

John Howie Steak
4.7The Bravern's flagship steakhouse — a serious dry-aging program, one of the deepest wine lists on the Eastside, and the Downtown Bellevue business-dinner room chef John Howie built.
Downtown
El Gaucho
4.6Pacific Northwest classic steakhouse — tableside service, prime beef, and the tuxedoed room that has defined Bellevue special-occasion dining for a generation.
Downtown
Keep reading
More from BellevueExplorer

guide
The 25 Best Restaurants in Bellevue
Our annual list of the kitchens that defined Bellevue dining this year.

nightlife
The Bellevue Nightlife Guide
Bellevue closes earlier than Seattle, but the bars that are open are better than they used to be. Here's where to actually go out.

food-drink
Bellevue Coffee Crawl: One Perfect Morning
Four downtown cafes, one morning, on foot. The walkable Bellevue coffee crawl with what to order at each stop.

guide
The 12 Best Brunch Spots in Bellevue
Where to take the in-laws, the kids, and the friend who only eats avocado toast.
Editor's collections
Continue with a curated collection
Featured collection
Best Parks & Trails in Bellevue
The full Bellevue outdoors map: Downtown Park, Botanical Garden, Mercer Slough, Bridle Trails, and Coal Creek — sequenced by mood.
Featured collection
Bellevue Weekend Itinerary
The three-day Bellevue: Friday arrival dinner, a full Saturday, and a slower Sunday. Sequenced.
Featured collection
Bellevue Hidden Gems
The Bellevue places tourists miss and locals keep: quiet parks, small rooms, and afternoon rituals under the radar.