Location: Federal Way
Top Restaurants in Federal Way
Top Things to do in Federal Way
Federal Way Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Federal Way
Federal Way is a city in King County, Washington, United States. It is a coastal city inside the Seattle metropolitan area. Its southwestern boundary is NE Tacoma Puget Sound, to the south is the cities of Milton, then Fife, then Tacoma. It is bordered by Des Moines and Kent on the northeast, Auburn as well as the town of Lakeland North and Lakeland South in unincorporated King County on the east, Milton on the south, and Tacoma as well as Fife Heights and Dash Point in unincorporated Pierce County on the southwest. The population was 95,171 at the 2015 United States Census. Federal Way is currently the 9th largest city in Washington State and the 5th largest in King County, according to the Census Bureau's 2015 population estimate.
Things to do in Federal Way
1. Ram Restaurant & Brewery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By NEVenturer - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The food was good American food! I love a great burger and fries. I am gluten free and have multiple allergies. They were very accommodating. The service was very good! I’d recommend this for a brewery atmosphere and food American fare!
2. Burger Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Roadtrip E - Auburn, Washington
but somehow I've left Burger Express out. I've been here probably ten times over the years. I've had a variety of burgers and they are all excellent...fresh, juicy, and made to order. You also get a ton of fries (more than I can eat). It's easy to miss, so keep a sharp lookout. It's a real food place and an old school place...try it, you'll like it.
3. Black Angus Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By TBall9652 - Olympia, Washington
It has been a few months since we were there but Black Angus never fails to please. Food is always super great and service is right up there. Try t make it at least four times a year.
4. Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
We are a locally owned, “Texas-style,” family friendly restaurant featuring quality steaks, handcrafted food, craft cocktails and ice cold beer. Enjoy all you can eat, hot-out-of-the-oven yeast rolls with whipped honey butter & endless peanuts… throw your shells on the floor, we’ll bring you more! Our signature, handmade dishes include Dungeness crab cakes, crawfish chowder, BBQ baby back pork ribs, fresh grilled salmon, shrimp, a variety of specialty salads, hubcap burgers, grilled chicken entrees & sandwiches, smoked pork, desserts and more. We’re proud of our food — nearly everything is made from scratch in our own kitchen at Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse.
Reviewed By Buzzsaw22 - Shelton, Washington
Most people go here for the steaks. The pulled pork sandwich was dry, not sure why I was served Thai sweet chili sauce for it, instead of bbq sauce. My friend had the chicken tenders which was average. Remember to scoop up the free peanuts at the front door. Lite lunch/dinner menu items run $12, steaks start at $16. Surprised there wasn’t more bbq items.
5. Black Bear Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By Roadtrip E - Auburn, Washington
Our kids were at their in-laws, so we took our granddaughter out for dinner. The restaurant was crowded on a Thanksgiving afternoon, but we were seated in less than 10 minutes. Our server, Ulysses (that name gave me an opportunity to acquaint my granddaughter with some Greek history) was very attentive and quick even though clearly very busy. They offer the full menu on Thanksgiving, but have a very nice Turkey dinner: soup or salad, Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, a cornbread muffin, and a very tasty gravy. It all tasted homemade and the portion was large (we brought home enough for a nice leftover meal). I know it's not everyone's cup of tea to have Thanksgiving at a restaurant, but we had a nice conversation, there was no muss and no fuss and no dishes.
6. East India Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
IndiaReviewed By Adam G - Federal Way, Washington
Nothing here particularly stood out, from the average food to the adequate service. It is in a convenient location, and it really wasn't bad. It just wasn't really good either. My wife and I had a couple of chicken dishes. The butter chicken was good, although there was so much liquid with it, that we thought it might be a curry at first when it arrived. I had the briyani. What should have been a dish heavy with turmeric and curry spices, was instead made using cubed "tandoori" chicken (I don't think they actually have a tandoori oven on site). It wasn't bad it just wasn't right.
7. Marlene's Market & Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By TravelPair1968 - Steilacoom, Washington
Traveling separately after class, we met up at Marlene's. For many it was a first visit to Marlene's. I ordered the gluten free pizza, a favorite, and the pumpkin curry soup. My mother ordered soup and half sandwich and it was enough for another meal. Most ordered the soup and loved it. Some ordered prepared salads, like tuna salad. Fresh and delicious. We also shopped for healthy snacks. I like their gluten free section which has chips and crackers made from brown rice and bread using tapioca. They even have hot dog and hamburger buns. Try the deli salad bar. It sells by the pound. Many healthy choices. If you are trying to eat healthier, stop by Marlene's.
8. Pimienta Bistro & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By gdeakins - Des Moines, Washington
Delicious, inventive approach to familiar dining options. Identifying their menu as “American” is a little misleading as they have put a tasty, playful Latin influenced twist to almost everything. Squash tacos? Fried calamari with cherry tomatoes? Truffle fries? Although the menu is not extensive, every dish is nicely prepared and presented. The service is friendly and helpful. The ambience is colorful and creative without being pretentious (the background music adds to the experience). Lots of wines to choose from. Pricing reflects the quality of the dishes served here. Great choice for date night or casual dinner.
9. Verrazano's Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By GCKJA - Lincoln, Nebraska
I had visited Verrazano's about three years ago, and it fell flat.
They've come a long way in three years!
We had reservations and, even though they were very busy, our table was ready.
Our server was absolutely fantastic- so knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. His recommendations were spot on and his service was excellent.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and were able to sit and savor while we watched the sun set over the Sound.
10. Thai Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By narfishi
Have had FABULOUS meals here. Have also been disappointed. The unpredictability is baffling!
First the positives about last night's dinner: fried tofu appetizer's tofu was crispy without being greasy, waitress graciously brought plum sauce as substitute for peanut sauce for tofu, black sticky rice with coconut milk dessert was delicious, and water glasses were constantly refilled.
Would have benefited from improvement: tofu appetizer was in need of salt or other seasoning, my favorite Lemon Grass Chicken was served with "broken" sauce which was surprisingly blah and watery, and service personnel were unavailable at key times such as when we were ready to place food order and to ask about a substitute sauce for tofu. And since the restaurant was only about half full there was ample staffing!
Last night's experience has dissuaded us from returning.
