Since opening in March 2002, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar has become well known as the Pacific Northwest’s premier destination for seafood and the fine dining pioneer of downtown Bellevue. Recognized both nationally and locally with prestigious awards, Seastar has endured because it is relentless about continuous culinary innovation and beloved by the community for its long-standing tradition of generously supporting hundreds of philanthropic organizations.
To celebrate Seastar’s 20th anniversary on March 11th, the restaurant will offer a special menu for 20 days featuring classic favorites from Seastar’s opening menu. The menu will change each week to reflect Seastar’s commitment to offer the best of what is fresh and in season. All items on the anniversary menu will be available for 20 percent off and guests can opt to receive the discount on their check or donate the discount to a charitable pool that will benefit the top three charities Seastar has supported over the years: Bellevue LifeSpring, Food Lifeline and NW Children’s Foundation.
Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar in Bellevue was Chef John Howie’s first restaurant. He later opened SPORT Restaurant in Seattle, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar in Seattle, John Howie Steak in Bellevue, in.gredients on the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Beardslee Public House in Bothell, Wildwood Spirits Co. in Bothell and Whiskey by John Howie in Bellevue.
Chef Howie is also author of the cookbook Passion & Palate: Recipes for a Generous Table and was nominated Outstanding Restaurateur by the James Beard Foundation Awards. Of all his achievements, he is most grateful for what his restaurants have allowed him to contribute to his community. Since 2002, the John Howie Restaurant Group has donated more than $8 million to hundreds of charitable organizations in the Seattle area.
At Seastar, especially, giving back is ingrained in the culture. For 17 years, with the exception of the last two Covid years, Seastar has hosted a special Thanksgiving feast at no cost for guests who might otherwise not enjoy a holiday meal.
By closing to the public, Seastar can accommodate approximately 650 guests each Thanksgiving for a complimentary fine dining feast. Attendees have attended from Bellevue LifeSpring, Hopelink, Olive Crest, Redmond YWCA and the Sophia Way, and are treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The meal is made possible by Chef Howie, local vendors and countless volunteers.
When Seastar turned 15 in 2017, the restaurant underwent a complete rebuilding of the interior from the studs up. The new space was designed to be comfortable and casual with a sophisticated, contemporary edge. New features included a new and immersive Raw Bar dining area and stunning temperature-controlled floor-to-ceiling glass enclosed wine storage to allow expansion of the restaurant’s award-winning wine program.
On March 11th, in celebration of Seastar’s 20th anniversary, Chef Howie will unveil a new dining room photo installation that will bring Seastar’s history to life. The addition of dramatic new images throughout the restaurant will tell the story of Seastar’s 20 years and include photos of the Seastar family, including crew members who have been at the restaurant since opening night, partners and purveyors, as well as event milestones that have made Seastar the enduring classic it is today.
Chef John Howie is excited to celebrate Seastar’s anniversary with the guests who have supported him over the last 20 years. Reservations are available for dinner on March 11 and throughout the restaurant’s 20 days of celebrating and can be made via OpenTable, by calling 425-456-0010 or visiting www.seastarrestaurant.com.
