50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Mercer Island

“Good food and good staff. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Will be back!“

“It's very quick for a lot of food and the service here is beyond excellent. I was honestly surprised with how nice the staff is here. I was indecisive with how much of an amazing selection they have since they have a lot of options but I definitely recommend anything with chicken. Their noodles were also excellent. I ended up getting this to-go and there was so much food that I had some leftovers for the following day which was still great.“

“Delicious sushi!! Modern, bright and clean. We will definitely be back!!“

“Island Pho – Mercer Island’s Hidden Gem for Comforting Pho

If you’re craving a warm, flavorful bowl of pho, Island Pho on Mercer Island is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

The star of the show is, without a doubt, the pho. The broth is rich, aromatic, and clearly simmered with care—deep layers of flavor that hit all the right notes. Whether you go for the classic beef combo or the tender brisket, each bowl is packed with generous portions of meat, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked noodles. The balance is just right—nothing overpowers, and everything comes together beautifully.

The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the portions are more than satisfying. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to come back the next day for another bowl. For pho lovers, Island Pho is a comforting, delicious standout on the island.“

“Very good food and quickly delivered. Whether take out or eat in, your food will be in a Styrofoam box, which is a benefit if you have leftovers, which you might, because the potions are large.

All of the prices here and on their official site are off by a dollar or two.

Also, if you getting take out, get your drinks elsewhere. The bottles and cans are outrageously priced. If you eat in, they have a machine (hidden in a corner, I didn't realize until I heard another customer ask for it or a sequential visit.

But, again great food, quickly served.“

“I love Sushi Kappo Tamura and Taichi!! I have a hard time eating sushi anywhere else.“

“Service is ON POINT !!!! Food is amazing and our waitress is amazing ! We had to bring our little one last min because child care wasn’t available. But they kindly accommodate my little one and gave her some cooked sushi !!! We really appreciate it ! We definitely will come back for a different menu because their menu changes every month ! I recommend anyone coming over to try it if they want an authentic Japanese meal in Seattle !!!“

“Sushi Kashiba will provide you a memorable meal with the freshest fish. The chef are amazing of selecting and preparing amazing nigri sushi with wonderful hot dishes for your enjoyment. The omakasa is a must while a nice glass of sake or wine will pair well with your meal. Highly recommend and will be going back“

“I love their tonkatsu. I’m from Korea and every time I try tonkatsu in America, I’m not satisfied because they are just not authentic. But this place, I like that they cook pork a bit pink inside, which is very common and delicious way to eat tonkatsu in Japan/Korea. Don’t worry about safety, it’s just so good, juicy and tender!“

“This was, without a doubt, the best sushi I have ever had in my life. I would go here every day of my life if I could.“

“A very nice experience today with nice service and nice ambience. I'm not a big sushi fan but there are many other nice options too here. 5 out of 5.“

“One of my favorite Japanese restaurants (not to mention the oldest in Seattle) and it has never disappointed me. The food is delicious and the service is friendly and warm. It’s a difficult time we are in with the pandemic of 2020, but Maneki has transitioned to take out, which it never did before, and is so organized that it blew my mind when I saw how clearly labeled each item was when I got home. I could easily tell which was part of the teishoku 定食 or “set meal.” Support this small business because it needs us now more than ever. 01 DEC 2020.“

“TLDR: Food was increadible, felt very rushed and unwelcome by the staff.

My wife and I made a reservation and got 12 sushi + 18 sashimi and a bottle of sake to share. The food was increadible and came very quickly. There were many tables empty when we arrived and plenty still empty when we left. From the time we arrived to when we finished eating was maybe 30 min. It felt like after we paid they were trying to rush us out, really weird vibe. We sat for another 15 min finishing our water and left, having stayed for under an hour.“

“Fantastic sushi and people. Casual, kind and some of the best service and fish around.“

“Grilling is n art Issian has mastered . This is why we- my family and friends- love this place.“

“excellent sushi! everything was fresh and delicious! highly recommend checking them out!“

“We were looking online for the best lunch spots in seattle. I came across this place deep in a reddit thread. The #22 salmon and tuna bowl was INCREDIBLY fresh, light, and delicious. We got here a bit before lunch time on a Monday and had our food by the time we were done paying. EXCELLENT CHOICE.“

“This place is so good and very fresh. I come with my co workers every time when we crave sushi. I really do wish they were opened all day long or at least for my take out because the food is just that good. Are you guys considering opening all day?“

“Foodies, this is a must try if you are ever in the area. Most sushi houses have a hard time getting Uni, but we had 4 dishes with fresh Uni in it. You won't regret it.“

“Great food, broad Japanese food menu and saki options. Good flawless service. Tiny space plan for it. Also bring your Covid vaccine card or recent test.“

“Incredible! The owners are super sweet and friendly, they welcome you with big smiles and the food in hella good! I asked for spicy and they delivered! The yakiudon is 10/10! Quick service, great hospitality, and great location! Definitely recommend ☺️☺️☺️“

“The food quality here is soo good! The fish was fresh and delicious. You are not able to dine in here just fyi. The woman that took my order was really helpful in explaining the menu and had a contagious smile. Highly recommend this spot for a fresh light bite!“

“Best sushi. Joe is an exceptional sushi chef. His support staff are incredible. Vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records on the walls. Don’t miss out.“

“My favorite sushi restaurant hands down. Been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Well worth the drive to get there.“

“absolutely incredible — a perfect balance of indulgence and artistry. The juicy, medium-rare beef slices glisten with tenderness, while the golden tempura shrimp and vegetables add a gorgeous crunch and visual contrast. Every layer seems thoughtfully composed — from the glossy rice base to the vibrant green onions on top. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause just to admire before diving in — rich, satisfying, and full of umami harmony.“

“Such a gem this place. We ordered sashimi, sushi candy, magma roll. The sake menu is delightful. Fish quality was good, service was great, cute cozy spot. Next time we will be back for the omakase special. Our server Angie was so welcoming, love restaurants like this.“

“Akebono is the vibrant, new Japanese spot Seattle needed! From the moment you step inside, the staff is wonderfully welcoming, setting the stage for a delightful meal.
The menu truly shines with both comforting classics and fresh takes. The ramen is deep and flavorful—a perfect bowl of warmth. But don't miss the rolls; they are deliciously light yet full of taste.
And for the grand finale, the Matcha Tiramisu is an absolute must-try. It's the perfect, sweet, earthy end to an excellent dining experience. Akebono is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and already a must-visit!“

“(UPDATED REVIEW) I visited here in December 2023. Last time, the food was so good and the servicd was amazing. The prices weren't bad either. Im back again, and the food is still top tier. Really good dining place, the service is immaculate. The prices could be a little cheaper but its okay! Love this place!“

“Delicious food, great vibe“

“This locale has had many iterations, but the owners keep spicing it up and exploring new options…this is a Middle Eastern/Lebanese direction and the foods were divine and complemented quite nicely by the drinks!
You must end your meal with the Olive Oil Cake!“

“It was a great experience for my family. We highly recommend Sai Sushi & Sake!“

“Best place ever!! 5 stars!! The food is incredible, best vietnamese I’ve ever had. Not only is the food incredible, but the servers are so kind! Overall a great experience and would highly recommend!!“

“So good!! The onigiri were huge and delicious. We really liked the California and spicy tuna. Agedashi tofu was a delightful surprise too. Lychee iced tea was on the sweet side but also very refreshing. So glad to have visited! The wait for 2 wasn’t bad at all, and there’s a nice outdoor waiting area.“

“We had the sashimi and some offerings from the chef... to. die. for! Presentation was a work of art, and flavors matched!“

“I'm at the hotel across the street. I was originally going to walk over to the mall area and the Olive Garden, but I saw the sign for teriyaki and thought it would be good to support a small business.

I walked in through the mini mart. The man behind the counter asked if I was looking for teriyaki after I looked a little lost. He pointed me to the other side of the shop and met me over there.

I wish I'd thought to ask his name. He was very nice and personable. I told him I'd be in town for a couple days and was looking for a good spot. I asked what's good on the menu. He pointed out a few things, but I settled on the spicy orange chicken.

When I checked out, I thought it might be a tad pricey, but I also recognize the importance of helping a small business. While I waited for my order, I went back to the mini mart side and got a ginger ale and some gum. The same gentleman rang me up there.

Then, back next door, I looked at my phone for a minute or two, and he came back to thank me for my patience. While thoughtful, I was not put out at all, I had only placed the order a few minutes before, and it really didn't seem like much of a wait.

My food came out in short order, he bagged it up and put all the things I'd need (utensils, napkins, soy sauce) inside before I asked. He left me with a smile, and I walked across the street to my hotel to eat.

Bringing it up to my room, I saw that it was a lot of food. Honestly, I SHOULD have only eaten half and saved the rest for the next day. But I didn't.

The orange chicken was perfect. Just delicious. The rice was just right. Honestly, I can't think of a thing that would make it better.

Highly recommend for both the food and the service.“

“Finally visited the new location! Their udon is so good! The owner remembers me from the original Kirkland location 5 years ago!“

“My wife and I celebrated our anniversary today (on a Monday evening) and we were very pleasantly surprised that we were the only people dining here this evening. Everything was absolutely perfect: the food, the hospitality, and the service. The sukiyaki was arguably the best dish I've had in 2025. Also, having a private dinner where chef Nori was cooking for just us two made things extra special. We've dined at Michelin starred restaurants but the dining experience here will leave a more lasting impression for my wife and I.“

“One of the best sushi restaurants I’ve been part of!“

“A great meal that was delicious, but here are some pointers. The Area 206 curry is a very rich and like others have reviewed, the rice portion is not bigger enough, so I’m glad I ordered an extra portion of rice so in order to enjoy the curry. The fried chicken was great too, but because I ordered take out and the chicken was on top of the rice, by the time I had walked the 2 blocks back to my hotel, it was no longer crispy. The chicken should be put in a separate none plastic container. The staff were exceptionally kind and the seating was very authentic, but minimal…only 3 hi top tables and a counter top area down the side of the kitchen. Not that it will affect most, be aware too that they take cash, but don’t give change. I would definitely go again when back in town, as I would now love to try the Ramen with the Area 206 curry.“

“I stopped in on a whim and I’m so glad that I did. I got a large, spicy chicken and it was delicious! This was probably the most tender and moist chicken teriyaki that I’ve ever had! The rice had a little cheese on it and was really good as well. I will definitely be back to try something else!“

“The atmosphere and service are great. The food itself is good but could be slightly adjusted.

We ordered a tonkatsu and gyudon.

The tonkatsu was cooked well but lacked a bit of sauce. Portion size is appropriate, and overall flavor was delicious.

The gyudon was a bit tough. The beef was a little bit thicker than standard and was a bit overcooked. The rice was a little dry, but we did come in late in the evening, so that's not a major surprise.

Overall, it's a good experience, and we'll try coming back, but a bit earlier in the day.“

“Beware! Only gives amazing service & creates excellent dishes!! Husband and I had such a laid back and refined experience, even in the late hours of the evening when most servers are not at their peak of energy, our server Jayson was superb. He made top notch drinks for us, equally skilled at their signature beverages (cocktails and virgin mocktails). Highly recommend!“

“Their high quality tonkatsu reminds me of my home, Japan. I go there every chance I get. The staff is very friendly and nice. Highly recommend.“

“Nice place,good service,good food“

“We've been coming here for over a decade. When we first came the place was excellent. At some point there was a change in ownership and we felt the restaurant took a dip in quality so we stopped coming here. This was our first time back in about three years and it seems there was another change in ownership and the quality (as well as value) is back to what it was.“

“I know this picture makes no sense, but, I’ll I’m trying to show is how DELICIOUS this food was. Had no time to take photos just chow down. Come here, perfect hole in the wall place that will not disappoint. Its a cozy warm place with amazing food.“

“Best fresh fish (sashimi) and an incredible environment for food & fun“

“Their fish is of superior quality compared to other Japanese restaurants in this area. I used to live in Japan for a long time so when I feel like eating Japanese food I always go to this one. I am a routine customer and I always order their salmon box, which they remember every time.“

“食物很美味肉質很優 ，而且店員有很親切及專業的服務，我超喜歡！值得再訪“

“Delicious and friendly. I ordered the spicy chicken teriyaki and it was delicious. The staff were very kind and brought me cutlery and hot sauce. The restaurant is clean and modern with plenty of seating. If you come at lunch time, there will be many people picking up food or eating inside - it's popular for a reason. I would happily come here again.“