Written by Kennydale resident Mark Hancock suggested I ask readers to share some of their best dining experiences in Renton. In particular, if there is a place you really like, or a recent discovery that you wish to share, we would all like to hear about it. Renton has many nice restaurants, with a wide variety of offerings. What are some of your favorite places to go?
Here is a recent blog posting from Team Reba Real Estate on this topic:
Is Renton ahead of the eating curve?
Posted by Reba Haas on November 16, 2007 , link to teamreba.com
When I first moved to the Seattle area back in late 1989 my first home was in Renton. Back then it seemed a sleepy enough little place and the downtown area was not my favorite place to hang out because it was a little on the “low brow” side of things; which meant I drove into Seattle a lot to see friends and to try new places for entertainment, volleyball, restaurants, etc.
Now, so many years later, I am a Renton resident again having just purchased a home in the Talbot Hill area. Downtown is still sometimes a little sleepy compared to downtown Seattle but there are definitely a lot more cool places to go hang out for dinner. Recently we spent some time at the “new” location for Armondo’s, Whistle Stop Ale House, Vince’s Italian (ok, that’s up the hill on Sunset/SR900), and a Japanese/sushi place on Benson called New Zen Sushi (Benson Hill).
I’m happy to say that so far we’ve been pleased with the gastronomic results. A few folks with even more insider info gave us a hot tip that we need to get to the ”Red House” and we soon will. After reading up on their website what they have to offer I’m sure we’ll be there within the next few weeks, as well as getting to Fin N Bone and Melrose Grill (owned by the same folks as Armondo’s).
“Sushi Teriyaki” in the Renton Highlands (behind the State Farm agency on Sunset/Duvall) is really good. Inexpensive, and their Yakisoba is fantastic! I’m always surprised they’re not packed when I go there. Definitely an underrated place, and one that deserves more publicity.
vince’s 100% my favorite
Melrose Grill or FinNBone
Bella Napoli another good Itailan place on 3rd next to the theater, Naan and Curry GREAT Indian food also on 3rd.
Little Dives….
Everybody loves Melrose/Red House…..
*But* if you have a sense of adventure, give Omar Al-Khyam a try:
http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=22109627
Omar Al-Khyam has been around for a long time – the people are sweet and the food’s great.
Tommy on Rainer is has a great $4.50 breakfast – lots of old men there have their beakfast meetings there with their life long friends. A good sign if there ever was.
Don’t forget Ivars at Coulon beach – when you consider the view, it’s a bargain.
One of my favorites is Royal Orchid Thai – some of the best thai food I’ve ever had!
I concure 🙂
~Brandon
Which Chinese restaurants are favorites?
Armondo’s is good and all, but for my money the really great places are Vino and Bella Napoli. As for non-Italian places, I don’t know because I don’t eat anything that isn’t covered in marinara sauce.
>>Which Chinese restaurants are favorites?
Hong’s Garden in the little strip mall south of the Airport (There’s a Hollywood video there) was excellent a few years ago. The Seafood restaurunt in the Great Wall shopping center is worth a visit.
The chinese places in Renton (what few we have) aren’t the best. Golden Peacock in Fairwood is usually good or the MayFlower at SouthCenter is good.
The Met is my favorite, great atmosphere, service, and a clean safe fun location.
Bella Napoli is simply phenomenal. Ciro has such an authentic and not overly heavy menu.
As for the Met. It is good, but I have mixed feelings.
I am a local business person and I no longer meet colleagues for dinner there as they refuse to seat people until the entire party is there (even when one of us is only a few minutes away) And they have no place to wait to add insult to injury.
Also, we were going to have our office Christmas dinner there, but they would not take a reservation and encouraged us to just show up and wait. Given that it is a rainy season and the nature of that type of event, “it shouldn’t be too long” is a completely inappropriate response and option. Since one person (the boss) is paying for the party for their staff, and that with Christmas, the boss is usually generous in ordering and tipping, that is a huge mistake. Not to mention the fact that this happened over two years ago and it is still discussed to this day in our office, with friends and with colleagues. Unfortunate.
CORRECTION to above Dec 6th posting
I owe The Met an apology. In my response of December 6th, I mistakenly identified them with some issues. Let me set the record straight.
The Met is great.
It was the Melrose Grill I was referring to. So please read the above review in that context. I wish I could edit my comments, perhaps Randy can?
Thanks
That policy still stands at the Melrose