Facing East | Taiwanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Bellevue

We came here on a Wednesday after 8 PM, but Facing East was still busy and crowded. That's usually a good sign of a good restaurant. We were asked to sit by the door and only waited about 10 minutes before being seated. First impression upon being seated was that the ambience and decor of the restaurant was well put together, yet it still felt authentic.

We managed to order mostly meatless platters (surprising for a meat lover like me) but yet I was thoroughly impressed by the food - which says quite bit without a meat dish on the table! We had the string beans which were recommended to us by a friendly couple at the table next to us, who told us that the beans were a must-have. They truly were, would highly recommend the string beans - they were very flavorful and had the right texture! We also ordered sesame noodles, Taiwanese sticky rice, and pumpkin with salty egg, all of which were decently good. When the bill came out, I was shocked - we ordered 4 plates, one for each person (though we ate family style) and the total was less than $50. We were stuffed, satisfied with the food, and it was well worth the cost. Only room for improvement would be the attentiveness of the waiters to our table (we had to ask a few times to get water refills) but that's forgivable because of how busy the place was, and they definitely returned without asking later in the evening when the business died down.

Overall, would highly recommend the place for the great food and good deal. Would come back if I go to Bellevue again! And would take my parents, too - I bet...

This restaurant used to be one of my favorites in downtown Bellevue (as an affordable, decent and lovely place to dine-in / buy takeout). Since a couple months back they moved to this new location on Bel-Red, they have switched to a take-out only operational model (no dine-in option completely). Their cost of operations has clearly dropped (smaller store rental, a more remote location as opposed to the prime downtown location, and drastically reduced staffing level), but their dish prices have gone up significantly (and the portion seems to have reduced too). Look, I'm keenly aware of the inflation and the challenges for restaurants to stay afloat for the past 2 years. But the way they have changed their operating model and prices didn't come across as sincere / caring for their customers.

Not sure if it's the impression or what, the dish flavor seems to also fade a little (moving from above-average to just so-so), particularly considering their new price point and the location (distance that we have to drive to pickup) they are in now.

As such, I'm not sure if we'd be back to this restaurant. Hence the 3 star rating. There are quite a few new restaurants (Taiwanese restaurants) in similar distance /perimeters with same / better cooks and lower price point (or bigger portion).

A bit disappointing to see them going down this path. But happy to see more Chinese restaurants popping up all over the east side with high quality similar / alternative...

Facing East | Taiwanese Restaurant in Bellevue is a culinary gem that offers an authentic taste of Taiwan in a cozy and inviting setting. Located at 12736 Bel-Red Road, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its delicious food and warm atmosphere. One of the standout features of Facing East is its diverse menu. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Taiwanese dishes, with the braised pork over rice and spicy pork over rice being particularly popular. The Taiwanese Pork Burger is another must-try, known for its flavorful and tender pork. The beef noodle soup is also highly recommended, with a rich broth that is both comforting and satisfying. The quality of the food is consistently praised by diners. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, making every meal a delightful experience. The portions are generous, and the presentation is always appealing. The service at Facing East is another highlight. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations or accommodate special requests. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall positive dining experience. Overall, Facing East | Taiwanese Restaurant in Bellevue is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or looking to try something new, Facing East offers a dining experience that...