Explore Seattle Southside recently announced the official launch of the Global Dining District, a new dining district celebrating the vibrant, multicultural mix of independent restaurants, cafés, and markets located along International Boulevard and Military Road near Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.
The district includes 30 local restaurants, cafés, and markets in total, inviting visitors to experience SeaTac as an authentic and welcoming destination for adventurous palates.
A full, searchable guide and map featuring participating businesses is available at:
www.GlobalDiningDistrict.com
Participating businesses span everything from East African and Middle Eastern specialties to Thai cuisine, Latin American comfort food, and lively cafés and bakeries. Visitors can sample flavors from around the world in just a four-mile stretch, trying dishes like kati kati — Somali street-style chicken in a savory tomato sauce — at Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café; lomo saltado, sirloin strips sautéed with onions, tomatoes and fries, or ají de gallina, a creamy chicken stew made with spicy ají peppers, at San Fernando Peruvian Chicken. Guests can also enjoy bold Thai favorites like curries and noodle dishes at Chontong Thai Cuisine, sample decadent milkshakes in horchata, mazapán (peanut) and other colorful flavors at Latino Café or browse international groceries and specialty ingredients at a variety ofmulticultural food markets.
Designed to spotlight one of the most globally diverse food corridors in the region, the name Global Dining District reflects the idea that this neighborhood is a place where diverse cultures, dishes, and people come together through food. Just minutes from the airport, visitors can discover an extraordinary range of independently owned dining destinations representing SeaTac’s rich multicultural community.
“For many of us, food is more than just a meal — it’s a way to share our stories, our heritage, and our hospitality,” said Mehdi Jumale, co-owner of Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café. “Meals have a special way of bringing our community together, creating space for conversation, connection, and lasting memories. Being part of the Global Dining District allows us to stand alongside fellow restaurant owners in welcoming visitors, uplifting one another, and celebrating the diverse cultures and global flavors that make SeaTac such a vibrant and special place.”
“This district is about helping SeaTac’s incredible independent restaurants stand out and thrive,” said Mark Everton, CEO of Explore Seattle Southside. “The Global Dining District will increase visibility and foot traffic for locally owned businesses along the corridor, encourage visitors to spend more time — and more dollars — in SeaTac, and ensure our community is ready to welcome the world ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. At its heart, the Global Dining District is a celebration of cultural pride, authentic stories, and the global flavors that make this city so special.”
About Explore Seattle Southside
Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines and beyond. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized three years in a row, 2023-2025—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces. Learn more at www.seattlesouthside.com.
