A Taste of the World and a Splash of Adventure in Seattle Southside

Just south of Seattle, this diverse community is home to family-run restaurants serving up authentic dishes from around the world—think rich curries, handmade pastas, sizzling fajitas, and colorful desserts. As the mercury continues to creep, take your appetite outdoors with scenic waterfront dining and cool treats.

Balance out your foodie finds with a bit of adventure: paddle calm waterways, fish for salmon during what’s forecasted to be a record-breaking run, or dive beneath the surface of Puget Sound in what’s been dubbed the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World. Whether you’re chasing bold flavors or peaceful moments, Seattle Southside is made for curious travelers.

Flavors Without Borders: Your Guide to Global Eats in Seattle Southside
Seattle Southside is a hidden gem for global cuisine where visitors can enjoy a flavorful journey around the world. Families from across the globe have settled here in Seattle Southside and set up shop with some of the best spicy, savory and sweet tastes.

Must-Try Restaurants for Global Flavors
Zain’s Restaurant and Bakery– Ask the head chef about incredible, off-menu specialties at this hidden gem, run by the Abubakar family, who bring generations of East African culinary traditions to life. Originally from Somalia, the family immigrated to the U.S. and built Zain’s as a welcoming space rooted in heritage, hospitality, and bold flavor. Everything is made with heart and history, from sambusas to fresh-baked pastries and hearty stews.

Tawakal Market – Just next door, the family also operates this vibrant market, stocked with global ingredients and pantry staples from across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Tawakal reflects their mission to share the flavors they grew up with and create access to culturally significant foods for the broader community.

Indian Curry Palace is a favorite among locals. It is known for rich curries, veggie wraps, and warm hospitality. In addition to a buffet, they specialize in fusion items such aspaneer tacos and potato-stuffed dose crepes. Don’t skip the rice pudding.

Arturo’s Restaurant offers a lively spot with sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and vibrant margaritas. Family-owned and operated, Arturo’s family grew up in Zamora, Michoacán, a fertile and abundant agricultural farming community neighboring Guadalajara.

Mr. Dim Sum. Tucked into Westfield Southcenter Mall, this new arrival is already beloved for shui mai, pan-fried dumplings, and soup dumplings. This family-run gem is rooted in tradition and serves up authentic Cantonese-style dim sum, drawing from generations of culinary knowledge.

Bai Tong Thai has been a longtime favorite, delighting guests since 1989. It is known for its green curry, crispy garlic chicken, and warm, family-driven spirit.

Old Saigon Pho is a family-owned, hidden gem in Tukwila that serves pho with depth and spice and standout chicken banh mi. Rooted in heritage recipes passed down through generations, the family behind Old Saigon Pho brings warmth and hospitality to every dish.

Sweet D’licias is a family-owned treasure that delivers irresistible Mexican-style frozen treats, chamoy-covered fruit cups, and colorful desserts. Try the nieves de gafa, housemade tropical-style ice cream crafted in small batches with fresh, seasonal fruits like mamey, guava, and tamarind.

PortoVino brings handmade pastas, Italian comfort food like risotto and polenta, an extensive wine list, and a cozy fireplace lounge perfect for slow dinners and special celebrations. The restaurant is lovingly run by the Grasso family, whose roots and recipes trace back to the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

SeaTango is a husband/wife duo from Argentina that incorporates flavor combinations and techniques from their families, which have been passed down for generations. They are a new addition in the former Spice Bridge Food Hall space, offering authentic Argentinian flavors in a lively atmosphere.

From dim sum to dessert, Seattle Southside is full of delicious surprises. Come hungry—and bring your curiosity.

Trending Tips for Adventurous Diners
If you're part of the Hot Cheetos cult following, Seattle Southside has you covered. There are at least three local spots where you can spice up your snack with this iconic crunchy topping: Sweet D’licias, grab loaded fries or other snacks topped with this cheesy, crunchy goodness.

Savor summer with these top outdoor dining locales. Post up at a waterfront favorite like Anthony’s HomePort and Lower Deck, perfect for seafood with a view. Cozy patios await at Copperleaf at Cedarbrook Lodge and Billy Baroo’s, while casual bites shine at Quarterdeck where they also feature live music throughout the summer.

Spice up your summer dinners with Taco Tuesday at Rendition, the stylish restaurant inside Hotel Interurban! Every Tuesday, Rendition serves up flavorful, chef-crafted tacos featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold, global-inspired twists.

Now Open! Second Love Coffee is a small-batch roaster known for ethically sourced beans and deep community roots. After building a loyal following online, this month the team has opened its first brick-and-mortar café in Des Moines, complete with a Puget Sound view, outdoor patio, and a rotating menu of baked goods from local, underrepresented makers. The space is designed to be a neighborhood hub, hosting regular events that blend coffee, culture, and community.

Choose Your Adventure: Cast a Line, Explore the Deep, or Paddle Seattle Southside’s Waterways

Seattle Southside is a playground for water lovers, offering exciting opportunities to scuba dive, fish, kayak, and paddleboard—all against the stunning backdrop of Puget Sound and nearby lakes.

Fishing: Late summer promises to be huge for pink salmon returns in Puget Sound, with nearly two million expected to pass through the Duwamish and Green Rivers. Des Moines Marina Pier is a popular fishing and crabbing spot, open for crabbing on Sundays and Mondays through September 1. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just curious, it’s a great place to drop a line and soak up the waterfront atmosphere. Learn more about locations, licensing, and regulations here.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Angle Lake is a favorite spot for a calm, scenic paddle. Its tranquil waters are perfect for beginners and families. Des Moines Beach Park also offers a beautiful setting for paddling adventures. Both locations provide peaceful, beautiful experiences close to the city.

Scuba Diving: Dive into Puget Sound’s underwater wonders with local dive shops like 8 Diving in downtown Des Moines, offering gear, lessons, and group events. Popular dive sites include Redondo Beach—known for sixgill shark sightings—and Saltwater State Park, home to Washington’s only underwater artificial reef. As a protected marine sanctuary, it’s a hotspot to see octopus, wolf eels, and a diverse range of marine life.

Whether casting a line, paddling across serene waters, or exploring the depths below, Seattle Southside offers adventures for every type of traveler.