If you're looking for something a little bit different, or perhaps just a really well-made sandwich, consider checking out the Delicatessan of Europe (also known in the past as European Deli). This tiny shop has a variety of taste treats that should not be missed.
I can't think of another spot in downtown Bellevue with better sandwiches (my favorite is roast beef piled high on sourdough) and the people working the shop are always wonderfully friendly. The store itself is quite small, so I usually prefer to get my lunch to go though I've usually found a table or two when I've gone.
Delicatessan of Europe also carries a variety of deli meats and cheeses and other fresh goods along with imported European chocolates, cookies and other packaged snacks. Another of their staples worth trying that would be difficult to find elsewhere would be the bottles of imported fruit syrups. Among other uses, these eastern European syrups can be used as-is on pancakes and ice cream or can be mixed to taste with ice water as a sort of Kool-Aid alternative - very refreshing in warm weather.
In addition to food-stuffs you might be craving (or at least interested in trying), this Russian-owned and operated store is a great resource if you are looking for information about other Russian-operated or -friendly businesses, Russian language study, or general news and information. When a friend adopted a child from a Russian orphanage, this was my first stop to find a treat her daughter would recognize. It's just a cool place to go, so I definitely recommend you check it out.
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