Explore The Diverse Flavors Of Kent
From hoppy craft brews to steamy spiced stews, there’s an authentic spread of local and global fares to savor in Kent. Stay the night (or two!) to enjoy the tastiest food selection. Here, it’s easy to meet community chefs who are bringing new tastes to the table. You’ll quickly see, and taste, why Kent is ranked one of the most diverse cities in the nation.
For ideas on all things delicious, view more places to eat in Kent.
COVID-19 has changed the operations of many of our businesses, please call ahead before you visit.
Taste Your Way Through 5 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:
- Airways Bistro & Beer Garden: Kent’s flagship brewery pours craft beers and cooks up far more than just bar food, including the Muffuletta Sandwich and Bacon & Fig Pizza.
- Feast and Foliage: A cozy cafe that uses locally sourced ingredients! Sip some coffee while a variety of plants keep you company.
- Iron Pot: Strike gold at this restaurant that offers tasty Korean comfort food, located at the heart of Kent. So appetizing that it was even featured in Seattle Times!
- KJ’s Cakery Bakery Sweet Shop: An old-fashioned sweet shop that offers decadent desserts reminiscent of your childhood, including sriracha chocolate cupcakes and salted caramel tall cakes.
- Nana’s Southern Kitchen: Bringing soulful family recipes to life right at Downtown Kent. Feast on dishes like catfish, fried chicken, and macaroni and cheese.
- Thai Chili: this family-owned gem serves traditional Thai dishes like Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) and Panang Curry.
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
From spring rhubarb to summer berries and a bounty of pumpkins in the fall, there are boundless ways to enjoy the harvest in Kent.
Trail stops:
- Asadero: a family-owned Sinaloan steakhouse serving USDA Prime beef and fresh house-made salsa. Did we mention it’s been featured by Food Network?
- Baja Fresh: Snag a quick and flavorful Mexican dish that’s handmade and farm-fresh.
- Carpinito Brothers: grab locally-grown produce and plants at this nursery and garden center that has been family-owned and operated in Kent for more than 50 years. (Seasonal Produce Market is open June-December.)
- Egghole: Enjoy a hearty brunch at this cafe that commits to using the highest-quality locally sourced ingredients.
- Maza Grill: informal Pakistani kitchen serving 100% fresh quality halal meats and local ingredients. The massive halal steaks will win your heart.
- Mediterranean Breeze: traditional Turkish hospitality paired with locally sourced ingredients prepared from scratch to create unexpectedly Mediterranean dishes spanning three continents.
- Spring Kitchen: With a family-friendly atmosphere, you can revel in fresh, high-quality Vietnamese food with your loved ones.
- Vinason Pho & Grill: This restaurant combines fresh, local, natural, and sustainable ingredients with authentic Vietnamese food.
- Wild Wheat Bakery: this airy corner café offers freshly baked bread and artisanal dishes including classic breakfasts, gourmet omelets and "Grandma Minnie’s Blintzes."
Hungry for more?
Pack a picnic and wander restored Mary Olson Farm for a dive into the region's farming history. Stop by a local market for fresh milk (also try Tony’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee + Chocolate Milk) from Smith Brothers Farm, sourced from Pacific Northwest dairy farms and pasteurized in Kent.
3. International Eats Trail
Immerse yourself in Kent’s global food scene—without big-city lines or prices.
Trail stops:
- Banyan Tree: authentic Thai restaurant serving favorites such as steamed spicy mussels, barbecue pork and drunken noodles.
- Ding Tea: an assortment of milk and yogurt-based teas embracing the Taiwanese tea culture. First timers should order the signature milk tea. Hot tea and coffee also available.
- Imperial Garden: visitors will travel far to try the Beijing roast duck, and other favorites like dim sum. Tip: dip duck skin in a sugar bowl, then let it melt on your tongue.
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Mama's Dough: outstanding Chinese cuisine with a modern interpretation of classic dishes. Must try the dumplings and signature dough dishes.
- Manraj Palace: tasty Indian cuisine in downtown Kent. Try the lunch buffet or sit down for dinner. Tandoori bread and lamb are served up in a wide range of flavors.
- Punjab Sweets: local favorite serving authentic Indian desserts including Gulab Jamin and lemon burfi.
- Rafiki Restaurant & Lounge: offering fine Kenyan cuisine and great African vibes. From fried beef to Sukuma wiki (collard greens), there’s something for everyone.
- Saya Restaurant: this Japanese and Thai menu serves up specialties like chicken karaage and chicken gayang, in good sized portions.
- Shanasheel Restaurant: combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ingredients with halal sytles of cooking into flavorful dishes. Fresh bread, sweets and Mediterranean pizza keep families coming back for more.
- Szechuan First Restaurant: Dan Dan noodles and spicy fried fish are some of the most popular items at this under-the-radar Chinese cuisine spot.
Hungry for more?
Explore Kent’s Great Wall Shopping Mall, home to 99 Ranch Market, the largest Asian grocer in the U.S. Add a visit to the “Hands of Unity” mural and Kaibara Park. Don’t miss Kent International Festival every May.
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:
- Antigua Guatemala Restaurant: Traditional and fresh Guatemalan meals that will satisfy all ages! A portion of your purchase will be donated to children from low-income communities in Guatemala to help them afford to attend school.
- Cold Stone Creamery: An ice cream shop that offers design-your-own creations. A fun and delightful way to enjoy your cold treats!
- Cow Chip Cookie: Fresh-baked, soft, and gooey cookies in a variety of sizes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Dick’s Drive-In: skip the trip to Seattle and get your burger fix at this long-time Puget Sound favorite. Smaller appetites will enjoy the classic cheeseburger and fries.
- Johnny Rockets: An All-American restaurant that serves up an entertaining experience in a retro diner. Stop by for burgers, real ice cream milkshakes, fries, and fun!
- Maggie's on Meeker: Family-owned daytime cafe with affordable prices and freshly baked pastries.
- Skooder’s Hot Dogs: Delicious hot dogs with both traditional and unique toppings!
- Sweet Notes Cafe: Feel the chill and sweet ambiance inside this picturesque cafe. Enjoy a creative array of crepes, waffles, sandwiches, and more!
- Sweet Themes Bakery: a must-visit sweet stop sure to please everyone’s palates. Classic sugar cookies and mini cheesecakes are a crowd-pleaser.
- ZZ Dessert: Experience Chinese dessert in this charming and novel approach. Purple rice with durian, cheese mango souffle, and green tea latte are some fan-favorites.
Hungry for more?
Lake Meridian Park and Playground offers plenty of green spaces for your loved ones to roam. Don’t forget to stop at Sweet Kitty Anime while you’re in town!
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.
- Airways Taproom & Brewery: Kent’s flagship brewery serving beers true to its aerospace theme (Pre-Flight Pilsner and Big Ol’ Jet Airliner IPA to name a few) in a casual, relaxing setting. (ages 21+)
- El Piketon Restaurant & Lounge: Unique drinks served alongside Mexican, American, and Peruvian food. A non-alcoholic drink menu is also available!
- Four Horsemen Brewery: Locally sourced and green brewery made with 100% local WA ingredients!
- Half Lion Public House: the second location of this South Sound brewery is located at Kent’s Riverbend Golf Course.
- Pony Keg Grill & Bar: Low-key watering hole offering draft beer, American grub, pool tables, games, and a patio.
- Reds Wine Bar: just steps away from the heart of Kent Station, Reds serves local wines and craft brews paired with small plates—for both lunch and dinner.
- Sidetrack Distillery: tucked away on a 6-acre farm and tasting room, Sidetrack pours signature fruit-forward liqueurs, including the flagship Nocino (Walnut) Liqueur. Note: closed for the season.
- Soos Creek Wine Cellars: a small-batch production winery focused on making Washington reds since the 1980s. Note: plan ahead, tastings are available by appointment only
Hungry for more?
Designated drivers and imbibers may also enjoy tea tasting at Serenity Moon Tea, grabbing a pick-me-up at Dilettante Mocha Café, and hitting a bucket of balls at Riverbend Golf Course (next door to Half Lion Public House).
View our menu of drool-worthy events »
- April | Cider & Ale Trail (April 28, 2023)
- June | Kent Downtown Wine Walk
- June | Kent International Festival (June 3, 2023)
- June – September | Kent Farmer’s Market (June 17-Sept. 9, 2023)
- July | Kent Cornucopia Days (July 14-16, 2023)
- August | Cajun Food and Music Festival (Aug. 19, 2023)
- September–October | Carpinito Bros. Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
- October | Wine & Craft Beer Tasting
- September| Kent Downtown Wine Walk
- December | Ugly Sweater Wine Walk
- Ongoing | Migrating Meals with Project Feast
Check our events calendar for updates and details.