The World Cup is here in Seattle: A restaurant recommendation for every light rail stop
Jun 11, 2026, 9:57 AM
The biggest sporting event that Seattle has ever hosted is happening in just a week, the World Cup! We will host six matches from June 15 to July 6. Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) is right by the stadium stop, which is convenient for those who want to explore the city. I have picked some of my personal favorites at some of the highest-traffic stops, and it would not be too far of a walk.
Chengdu Memory (International District)
I love group meals after watching a sports game, and hot pot is the perfect communal meal. Chengdu Memory on Jackson Street is my favorite spot because it offers the best combination of value and ingredient quality. You can get two broths for $16 or three for $25. The best part is that your food will be brought to you in a way that will stimulate your appetite. The fatty beef, at only $10, or the lamb shoulder, at $15, is arranged in a ring of meat around the broth. For an upgrade, you can also get prime chuck eye or ribeye for $20 and Wagyu for $30. See why there is always a line at this bustling spot.
Skalka (Pioneer Square)
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Skalka has been one of the most hyped restaurants of this decade, and it lives up to it. It has been the flagship restaurant for Georgian cuisine, known for gooey cheese breads and hearty stews. They specialize in Khachapuri, which is bread boats filled with eggs, cheese, and meat. One boat is enough to feed two people. Stroganoff or the Lobani with red beans and bacon is a must-try. This is the perfect pre-game meal, and you can even see my picture on the front door.
Ludis (Westlake)
You will see a line stretching around the block on weekend mornings for this Seattle institution. This Filipino diner is famous for its Filipino Silog rice plates, Filipino egg breakfasts, and its iconic Ube pancakes. This was the meal that made every other Filipino restaurant put this aesthetic item on its menu. The portion sizes are huge, and you will feel like you are back in the Philippines or Hawaii when you dine here. Make sure you visit, as Greg Rosas is one of my favorite restaurant owners and will welcome you with the best customer service. Who else offers free samples to those in line?
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Café on the Ave (University District)
I spent four years living on the Ave as a student, with subpar cooking skills. I also didn’t have a food blog back then to provide me with meals. I was always on the hunt for a bargain, and I found it at Café on the Ave.
Each meal is enough for two portions. The food comes out fast, and it can double as a study spot with its ample seating. The drinks are a treat, and I still stop by for an Italian soda from time to time. The carbonara is also always a good choice, and the star of the show is their kimchi fried rice. It was one of the most consumed meals of my college career, and I heartily recommend it to anyone staying in the U-District.
STK Steakhouse (Downtown Bellevue)
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STK has been a restaurant that is discussed almost mythologically. It is one of the restaurants that readers and followers ask me about most when I am invited. I finally got to fulfill my curiosity with their delicious food, and any customer will love their dining experience. Their mocktails were a delight, and their appetizers were a dream. I had to be restrained from finishing their salad and bread. I was happy about it as their entrees were amazing.
The shrimp Scampi, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and Filet Steak are scrumptious, but you must remember to save room for dessert, as their lava cake and cloud dream dessert were worth the hype. Make sure to stop by if you are in Downtown Bellevue.
