Monsoon

Expertly prepared Vietnamese cuisine consistently draws a hungry crowd to this family-run restaurant with locations in Bellevue and Seattle. The menu changes seasonally and offers an extensive selection, ranging from fresh, rotating oysters to crispy vegetarian rolls and barbecued Carlton Farms pork spare ribs. Vegetarians relish the lemongrass tofu, while omnivores delight in the rich flavors unleashed in banana leaf-wrapped halibut, lemongrass clay pot chicken and crispy, Washington-grown drunken chicken (a true show-stopper). Efficient service and reasonable prices add to the appeal, as does a weekend dim sum brunch. If you enjoy the welcoming outposts of this flavorful restaurant, be sure to also visit its local "siblings," Central Smoke and Ba Bar.