Taste Your Way Through 6 Self-Guided Food Trails:
1. Downtown Dining Trail
Park the car and let your taste buds guide you through Kent’s historic downtown.
Trail stops:
- El Senor Pollo de Kent: Choose from tender roasted or grilled chicken for your authentic Mexican entrees. Families often opt for the whole chicken served with 12 tortillas.
- Iron Pot: Bring a friend to share the generous portions of Korean favorites like bulgogi and chicken katsu. Tip: the lunch bowls are the best deal around.
- Lucky House: Take a moment to appreciate the variety of dim sum on Lucky House’s menu. Then add the popular fried rice or siu mai (steamed shrimp and pork).
- Mama Stortini’s: Relax with short rib ravioli or the wild mushroom and gouda pizza after a shopping trip at Kent Station. Bonus: half-price bottles of wine every Wednesday.
- Shibu Ramen: Dip into a bowl of steamy Japanese ramen with tonkatsu (pork) and fresh veggies. Karaage (deep-fried squid tentacles) is a popular starter.
Hungry for more?
Enjoy outdoor shopping at nearby Kent Station and catch concerts and live events at accesso ShoWare Center, home of the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team.
2. Farm Fresh Trail
Kent Valley’s agricultural history continues today with spring rhubarb, summer berries and plenty of seasonal produce to enjoy.
Trail stops:
- Asadero Prime: Sit down for a memorable meal at this family owned Sinaloan steakhouse serving USDA Prime beef, fresh house-made salsa and other Mexican dishes.
- Carpinito Brothers: Find locally grown produce and plants at this longtime family owned nursery and garden center. Open June-December.
- Curry Pizza House: Spice up pizza night with innovative Asian seasonings and fresh ingredients. Chicken tikka or tandoori chicken are excellent atop the house-made dough.
- Maza Grill: Bring your appetite for the sizeable halal steaks served at this informal Pakistani restaurant. The menu features 100% fresh halal meats and local ingredients.
- Vinason Pho Kitchen: Meet the caring staff and savor their authentic Vietnamese food made with fresh, local, natural ingredients. The bright space will lift your spirits, too.
- Wild Wheat Bakery: Stop by for a gourmet omelet and coffee that’s ground in-house. Lunch options feature house-made artisan bread, with loaves baked fresh daily.
Hungry for more?
Step into the Kent Historical Museum for a look at Kent’s farm history. Stop by a local market for fresh milk from Smith Brothers Farms, which sources milk from statewide co-ops and processes it in Kent for stores and home delivery.
3. International Eats Trail
Kent is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the U.S., and Kent’s dining scene offers a world of choices.
Trail stops:
- Byblos Mediterranean Market: Enjoy tender kabobs, flavorful shawarma and several varieties of baklava crafted by the energetic Byblos team. Take home Mediterranean grocery items from the market side of the store.
- Green Valley & Hanapa’a Poke: Follow the locals to Green Valley for the six options of fried rice and fresh poke bowls. Ahi, ono, kajiki and more arrive direct from Hawaii daily.
- Janoon Indian Restaurant: Make your way to the corner of an industrial park for this genuine Indian cuisine. Specialties include chicken curry and garlic naan.
- Paolo’s Italian Restaurant: Stop by the kitchen counter to chat with owner-chef Paul Raftis, who opened Paolo’s more than 30 years ago. Signature dishes include the calamari appetizer and tortellini gorgonzola.
- Paparepas: Solve your on-the-go dining needs with Venezuelan food, including empanadas, arepas and bowls. Don’t forget the churros!
- Rafiki Restaurant & Lounge: Soak in the African energy and fine Kenyan cuisine at Rafiki. Try authentic dishes like grilled goat steak and kachumbari (tomato and onion salad).
Hungry for more?
Explore Kent’s Great Wall Shopping Mall, home to 99 Ranch Market, the largest Asian grocer in the U.S. Don’t miss Kent International Festival every spring.
4. Kid-Friendly Kitchen Trail
From favorite kid-approved dishes to more adventurous bites, there are plenty of options to satisfy kiddos in Kent.
Trail stops:
- A la Mexicana Burgers: Find all the easy-to-eat kid favorites here: burgers, nuggets and quesadillas. Get your order at the food truck and you’re a short walk to the Wiffle ball field at Kent Memorial Park!
- Family Drive-in: Stop by the fast, casual drive-in for kid-friendly corn dogs, nuggets, mini-size fries and drinks. Parents will like the old-fashioned milkshakes and cajun fries.
- MOD Pizza: Meet everyone’s pizza cravings with MOD’s individual custom pies. Three sizes and lots of toppings suit every appetite. Two Kent locations.
- Skooder’s Hot Dogs: Delicious hot dogs with both traditional and unique toppings.
- Sweet Notes Cafe: Feel the sweet ambiance inside this picturesque cafe. Enjoy a creative array of crepes, waffles, sandwiches and more.
Hungry for more?
Work out the wiggles at Van Doren’s Landing Park with its zipline, observation tower and Mount Rainier-inspired climbing structure. And don’t miss the cuteness in every aisle at the Daiso store in Kent Station.
5. Local Libations Trail
True to its agricultural roots, Kent is pouring handmade brews sure to please any palate.
Trail stops:
- Agave Cocina & Cantina: Explore this lively bar, with contemporary handcrafted Mexican food and 140+ handpicked Tequilas.
- Cloud 9: Come for the beer selection and tacos, and stay for the DJ and karaoke. Seahawks football fans watch the games at Cloud 9, where the building is dressed in the team colors.
- Duke’s Seafood: Celebrate special occasions (or an ordinary Tuesday!) at Duke’s renowned happy hour. Drink specials pair well with the always-fresh seafood and chowder.
- Four Horsemen Brewery: Relax in a rural setting with brews made from 100% Washington-sourced ingredients. Live music and an on-site food truck make for a memorable experience.
- The Harp Bar & Restaurant: Be ready for a spirited good time with Irish ales, Irish food and Irish entertainment. Family friendly, with outdoor seating overlooking the golf course.
- JP’s Taproom & Grill: Sample JP’s own beers, including American Hefeweizen and Mediocrity IPA. The wide-ranging menu features local products and gluten-free options.
Hungry for more?
Hanging out with friends in Kent might include trying these happy hour spots, hitting a bucket of balls at Riverbend Golf Course or taking in a Seattle Thunderbirds hockey game.
6. Buzzworthy Breakfast Trail
Light, hearty, sweet or savory? Satisfy your morning hunger at one of Kent’s comfortable breakfast tables.
Trail stops:
- Egghole: Start the day with breakfast sandwiches full of cage-free eggs, smoked bacon and gooey cheese. Built on a brioche bun, they’re easy to eat on the go.
- Fil Cuisine: Choose from flavorful Filipino silog dishes with garlic fried rice, eggs, various meats and tomato-mango salsa.
- Firestarter Bar & Grill: Wake up with stuffed hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy or an omelet with turkey sausage. Check out the arcade games before you leave!
- Maggie's on Meeker: Fill up on your breakfast and lunch favorites at Maggie’s. Generous portions and friendly staff are a staple of this longtime downtown diner.
- Mary’s Fine Foods: Leave with a smile thanks to Mary’s friendly staff. Menu highlights include egg scrambles and just-right crispy hashbrowns.
- Naya’s Cafe: Up early? Naya’s opens at 6 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. Breakfast served all day.
Hungry for more?
Head out for disc golf at Lake Fenwick Park or rent go-karts at PGP Motorsports Park. For a morning caffeine boost, stop by Dilettante Mocha Café.
Still hungry?
Get your fill of food festivals and other drool-worthy events. Check our events calendar regularly and full list of diverse foodie spots.