FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar Celebrates 19 Years in Bellevue

February 17, 2022 – by Sandy Vo

As Downtown Bellevue continues to grow, mom-and-pop shops are becoming a rarity. FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar is one of the few remaining in Bellevue. Owners and Bellevue residents Steve and Jia Mooko opened FLO in February 2003, looking to bring a flair of traditional Japanese cuisine to Downtown.

“We wanted to offer new Japanese cuisine to Bellevue by serving higher quality ingredients,” Steve Mooko said.

The Mookos moved from Hawaii to Bellevue in the late 1990s. From the beginning, they saw economic growth potential for independent restaurants.

“You had global corporations moving in alongside rural residence,” Mooko said. “We were in the perfect location to reach a wide audience.”

This year, the Mookos are celebrating 19 years of offering a unique dining experience in Downtown Bellevue.

The concept of FLO was inspired by small traditional Japanese plates focused on fresh ingredients. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is spaciously comfortable, with neutral lighting and soft colors.

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Best of 425 2020

Best of 425 2020

Best of 425 2020

By 425 staff | May 4, 2020

Best Sushi + Japanese: FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar

“Colorful art takes the form of sumptuous sushi contrasted with white ceramic plates. But the food isn’t just gorgeous. It’s incredibly delicious and thoughtfully sourced. But readers, you probably already know this, because it’s a recurring Best Of 425 winner. Bellevue

Read Original Article


2018 Best of 425

By 425 staff | May 1, 2018

Best of 425 | 425 Magazine

By Kirsten Abel, Zoe Branch, Lauren Foster, Joanna Kresge, Emily Manke, Todd Matthews, and Shelby Rowe Moyer / llustrations by Jorgen Burt


Sushi + Japanese

FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar

If the aesthetics of a perfectly plated sushi roll aren’t enough to bring you into FLO, the unbelievable flavors of a uniquely curated meal will. And they will keep you coming back again and again to share the experience with others. Bellevue

Chef

Junichiro Ise at FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar

The artful mind of executive chef Junichiro Ise is behind the beautifully crafted dishes at FLO. With such refined attention to detail, it’s obvious every plate is designed with care. Bellevue


FLO Bellevue | Photo by Connor Surdi