Looking to get to know the newest businesses to open in Bellevue? From boba tea joints to a bento-style eatery, read on for the newest hot spots to arrive recently.
Kung Fu Tea
288 106th Ave. NE, Downtown
Kung Fu Tea is a spot to score bubble tea, coffee, smoothies and more.
This joint offers a variety of bubble teas that range from milk tea, slushies, yogurt and more. Flavors include green tea, mango, lychee and brown sugar ginger. Or, if you're in need of a pick-me-up, you can try one of its signature coffee drinks.
With a five-star rating out of five Yelp reviews, the new tea spot is off to a strong start among locals.
Jiajie H., who was among the first to review it on Dec. 11, said, "What I love about Kung Fu Tea is that I can choose the sugar level for my tea and ice level too. I ordered passion fruit green tea, which is my favorite, and it was perfect. The cashier was friendly in this location."
Em G. noted, "The milk tea was great. Honestly one of the best I've had in a while. You could taste the tea under the layers of sugar and milk. It wasn't too watered down, which was great."
The new spot is open from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 5–8 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Mr. Wish
14509 N.E. 20th St., Overlake
Mr. Wish is a spot to score coffee, tea and smoothies. Originating in Taiwan, this spot offers bubble teas and fruit beverages made with fresh ingredients.
Its menu includes its diced fruit tea, with sliced apple, pineapple, kiwi, orange, passionfruit and kumquat, and milk teas, which can be loaded with boba or flavored with matcha, cocoa and coconut.
It's off to strong start with 4.5 stars out of 20 reviews on Yelp thus far.
Yelper Shir S., who reviewed it on Dec. 11, said, "The best boba tea in Seattle! I love their brown sugar bubble so much. And so surprised they use real fruit, not artificial syrup."
Thuy D. wrote, "Very good fruit tea! They are generous with their fresh fruits and toppings. Tried their kumquat honey, as well as the grapefruit green tea, and both are so nice and refreshing."
Check it out: Mr. Wish is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Department Bento
100 Bellevue Square, Suite 200
Department Bento is a new Japanese and Asian fusion spot.
This restaurant serves bento-style dishes made with fresh proteins, rice and pickled vegetables. Its menu offers bento boxes and bowls, like its salad bowl with steamed rice, vegetables, miso deviled egg, mixed greens, pickled vegetables and kimchi, and house meals like its caramelized coconut chicken. (Check out the full menu here.)
It's off to an uneven start with local diners with a three-star rating out of 11 Yelp reviews.
Jennifer S., who was the first to review it on Nov. 8, said, "This is absolutely delicious, fresh and creative! Really enjoyed our dinner here. Cocktails are also great! We will definitely be coming back to eat here."
Jason D., however, said, "Expensive, but would be reasonable for Bellevue if the food was good. Sadly, the saltiness overwhelms. We had the pan fried noodles. Ingredients are likely high quality, but, seriously, Panda Express may taste better."
The eatery is open from 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday.
