Dine Around the World in Seattle Southside

Seattle Southside is one of the most diverse regions in the U.S., which is reflected in our incredible culinary scene.

You can eat your way around the world without ever leaving Seattle Southside. See below for some of the best places to find international cuisine, then browse our complete directory of dining options (which you can filter by cuisine type).

The Best International Restaurants in Seattle Southside

Filipino

Indian

Italian

Japanese

Mexican

Somali

Chinese

Thai

Vietnamese

Filipino

Max’s Restaurant has helped popularize Filipino cuisine, with hundreds of locations worldwide. Seattle Southside is home to one of only a handful of locations in North America. It's known for its fried chicken, but there are plenty of traditional Filipino dishes, like the pancit rice noodles or sizzling sisig dishes. Don't miss the crispy pata, a ham hock that’s slowly simmered, making it extra tender, then fried, giving it its signature crispy texture. For dessert, try the halo halo, a Filipino dessert with layers of sweet shaved ice and fruit jellies crowned with a hearty scoop of ube ice cream.

Pictured: Max's Restaurant in Tukwila, Washington

Indian

Keep calm and curry on! At Indian Curry Palace, you can choose from a wide array of classic Indian dishes, including chicken tikka masala, gobhi aloo, lamb korma, and more. For a quick lunch or dinner, try one of their wraps with chicken, lamb, seafood, or grilled vegetables tucked into naan with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, sweet chutney, green chutney, raita, and lettuce. Vegetarians will have no problem finding meatless dishes either. Top it all off with homemade Indian ice cream or rice pudding.

Pictured: Garlic naan and assorted curries at Indian Curry Palace in Tukwila, Washington.

Italian

Via Marina Wood Fired Pizza and Italian Cafe is a quaint eatery in downtown Des Moines. This locally owned spot follows the strict Vera Napolenta Association Guidelines, which require baking pizza in an 800-degree oven in less than 90 seconds! Beyond pizza, the menu includes delicious pasta, like the rigatoni all'Amatriciana with scratch-made tomato sauce and bacon, or frutti di mare with assorted seafood, capers, and Gaeta olives. Top off your meal with one of the delectable desserts.

Pictured: Pizza baked fresh at Via Marina in Des Moines, Washington

Japanese

If you’ve never had authentic ramen, Arashi Ramen is a delicious introduction to the dish. Start with the perfectly crisped gyoza or the honey garlic karaage, a type of fried chicken. All the ramen flavors are great, but we love the spicy tantan men – it has slightly thicker noodles, a spicy sesame paste, and incredibly rich flavor.

Pictured: Arashi Ramen in Tukwila, Washington

Mexican

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, brothers Arturo, Joel, and Salvador have been serving up their mother’s recipes alongside their own at Arturo’s Restaurant in Des Moines since 2011. In addition to classics like fajitas, chimichangas, and enchiladas, you'll find a wide variety of flavored margaritas, plus other staples like micheladas and piña coladas. Don’t miss the great happy hour!

Pictured: Arturo's Mexican Restaurant in Des Moines, Washington

Somali

Attached to the Mall of Africa, a bustling space filled with vendors selling clothes, jewelry, incense, and more, is the Mall of Africa Restaurants, where you can find incredible Somali cuisine. If you’ve never had Qadafi, it’s a bit like biryani or fried rice, with a mélange of rich savory flavors in long-grain rice. The flavorful goat dishes are a must-try as well.

Chinese

If you're looking for authentic Chinese dim sum, check out Mr. Dim Sum in Tukwila (inside Westfield Southcenter Mall). At this locally-owned establishment, which just opened in 2024, you'll enjoy meticulously made shrimp and pork shui mai, savory pan-fried dumplings, and soup dumplings that burst with flavor in your mouth. People also rave about the BBQ pork buns, which are light and airy, with a touch of sweetness.

Pictured: Shrimp Dumplings and Pork and Shrimp Shui Mai at Mr. Dim Sum in Seattle Southside.

Thai

Bai Tong Thai was born from the owner's longing for a taste of home. A former Thai Airways flight attendant, she wanted to be able to feed the crew members the dishes they ate back in Thailand. More than 30 years later, Bai Tong is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in the region. Standout dishes include the fragrant green curry, bursting with flavor from fresh Thai basil and creamy coconut milk, and crispy garlic chicken—a customer favorite known for its bold flavor and satisfying crunch.

Pictured: Bai Tong Thai Restaurant in Tukwila, Washington

Vietnamese

Old Saigon Pho is a favorite lunch spot among locals for authentic Vietnamese food. While it might look nondescript, the food steals the show. Tucked into a humble industrial park next to Westfield Southcenter Mall, this spot has some of the best pho around. The House Special Pho includes all of the beef options for pho: steak, meatballs, brisket, tendon, and tripe, plus all of the traditional fixings. The banh mi is another excellent option, filled with generous portions of hot n’ spicy chicken, with refreshing crunch from the cucumber, pickled carrots, and lettuce.