Dine Around the World in Seattle Southside

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

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
Japanese
Italian
Indian
Mexican
Somali
Chinese
Thai
Vietnamese
Korean
Ethiopian
Honduran

Filipino

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

There are also several Filipino eateries inside Tukwila's Westfield Southcenter, including Crispy Town, Jollibee, and Red Ribbon Bakeshop, which is famous for its ube overload cake. There's even a Filipino grocery store in the mall, Seafood City, with an eatery, Grill City, inside. And just a few minutes away is Manila Sunset, a casual full-service restaurant.

Pictured: Max's Restaurant in Tukwila, Washington

Japanese

Our region is spoiled for choice when it comes to great Japanese cuisine. Locally owned Miyabi Sushi has been named the best sushi restaurant in the Northwest by the Seattle Times multiple years in a row, but it's also a great stop for generous bento boxes and other traditional dishes. Marugame Udon, a small, casual eatery within Westfield Southcenter, is the perfect quick stop for authentic noodle soup. There's plenty of seating, but you can be in and out in half an hour if you'd like. And if you're craving a relaxed setting, Arashi Ramen is a great choice. In addition to the soup, fans rave about the perfectly crisped gyoza and honey garlic karaage (fried chicken). For a casual bite, Shinya Shokudo specializes in yakitori (grilled skewers) and has the feel of a typical spot you'd duck into in Japan.

Pictured: Arashi Ramen 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. PortoVino, another Des Moines restaurant, offers a formal, elevated feel and an amazing wine selection. And in Tukwila, don't miss Grazie Ristorante, a local institution that's been around for more than 30 years. The business is so dedicated to the cuisine that it sends its staff to Italy to study it.

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

Craving something a little off the beaten path? Even if you're familiar with the fare at most Indian restaurants in the Seattle area, you may not have tried the street-food favorites at Urban Tapri. This unique spot offers a variety of vegetarian burgers made with noodles and potato patties spiced to perfection. It's fast and casual, with a nice seating area inside.

Pictured: Garlic naan and assorted curries at Indian Curry Palace 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! We're also big fans of Taqueria Jacarandas, another locally owned restaurant near the airport. The most popular dish is quesabirria, made from tender beef stew that’s slow-cooked in a rich, spiced broth, then folded into tortillas with melted cheese and served with a side of consommé (broth) for dipping. The restaurant is super close to several other great spots: hit up Las Delicias Bakery for fresh Mexican baked goods, and Latino Cafe for Mexican milkshakes.

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

Somali

Seattle Southside is home to one of the region’s most vibrant Somali communities, and that cultural richness is reflected in its food scene. Right near the airport, you'll find many welcoming, full-service restaurants, such as Camelback Grill and Zain Restaurant & Bakery Cafe, where traditional Somali stews, fragrant curries, and rice dishes are served with warmth and authenticity. For something quick but just as flavorful, Fivestar Espresso offers a unique drive-thru experience, pairing coffee drinks with freshly made Somali snacks like crispy sambusas. Don’t miss their signature “Somali Latte,” a spiced twist on a classic latte that captures the essence of Somali flavors. (Find more Somali eateries in our Guide to the Best Halal Food).

Pictured: Zain Restaurant & Bakery Cafe in SeaTac

Chinese

If you're looking for authentic Chinese dim sum, check out Mr. Dim Sum in Westfield Southcenter. At this locally-owned establishment, 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. Can't get enough of dumplings? You're in luck. The wildly popular chain Din Tai Fung is also located at Westfield Southcenter. Just a short drive away, you can also try Dough Zone, a local restaurant group with a hugely loyal following. Which dumpling spot reigns supreme? You'll have to try them all to decide for yourself.

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. Another popular spot is Mango Thai, which is walkable from the airport and thus a great choice for layovers or meals before or after a flight. With dependably good Thai classics and a colorful, cheerful ambience, it's one of our favorite places to recommend.

Pictured: Bai Tong Thai Restaurant in Tukwila, Washington

Vietnamese

Old Saigon Pho is a favorite lunch spot among locals for authentic Vietnamese food. The House Special Pho includes all of the beef options for pho: steak, meatballs, brisket, tendon, and tripe, plus all of the traditional fixings. We also love The Eatery inside Lam's Seafood Asian Market, which includes numerous places to grab Vietnamese food, including Natalie's Sugarcane & Dessert. While it may seem like primarily a beverage stand, Natalie's also makes delicious street food staples you might not see at your typical Vietnamese restaurant in the U.S. If you're visiting the Des Moines waterfront (as you absolutely should!) Teacup has some of the best deals around on banh mi, a spicy-savory Vietnamese sandwich on a perfectly soft baguette.

Korean

Korean cuisine has become increasingly popular in the Northwest, and there are several great places to enjoy it in Seattle Southside. Locally owned Sumi Korean Grill offers a fusion of traditional Korean food and Northwest-style cuts of meat. There are several preset menus, making ordering easy. It's an amazing value for the portions and quality, and a great spot for a date or elevated lunch or dinner. Gen Korean BBQ, located at Westfield Southcenter, offers a different experience: all-you-can-eat BBQ! This spot always feels like a party, and it's a great place to have one. You pay a set amount, then continue ordering until your heart's content. At both restaurants, you grill the meat yourself, making the meal fun and interactive.

Ethiopian

Star Coffee Restaurant in SeaTac is a local favorite for traditional Ethiopian dishes and coffee. You can also explore Ethiopian options at SeaTac Cuisines, a convenient spot near the Tukwila International Blvd Link light rail station. At both places, expect to find injera—the signature spongy flatbread—topped with savory selections like doro wat (spiced chicken stew), sega wat (beef stew), and misir wat (lentils), along with a range of vegetable sides. Whether you’re sitting down for a meal or grabbing something quick, it’s a delicious way to experience Ethiopian cuisine in Seattle Southside.

Honduran

Caribe Latin Cuisine in Tukwila brings the bold, comforting flavors of Honduras and Mexico to Seattle Southside. This locally and family-owned spot is known for its warm, welcoming vibe and a menu that highlights Honduran favorites like baleadas—thick, handmade tortillas folded around beans, cheese, crema, and your choice of fillings—along with other traditional dishes that deliver rich, homestyle flavor. You’ll also find Mexican classics in the mix, making it a great place to explore a variety of Latin cuisines in one stop. Pair your meal with something from their killer cocktail selection, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a laid-back, memorable dining experience.

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