Neatly nested between Seattle and Bellevue, Mercer Island is home to a surprising variety of…
Quietly located between two busy hubs of Washington state is Mercer Island, home to 25,000 citizens who have come to enjoy the many amenities Mercer Island and its neighboring areas have to offer.
For those considering moving to this gem of the Pacific Northwest, we will explore the best Mercer Island restaurants, parks, and recreational sites available on and around the island.
Top Restaurants Near Mercer Island
Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
In Bellevue, WA, just a short drive from Mercer Island, you will find Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar, a popular Washington restaurant known for its expansive seafood and dessert menu, as well as a wide selection of cocktails.
El Gaucho
This fine-dining eatery offers a high-quality selection of steaks and seafood options between 4 p.m. and 9.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. El Gaucho is also available for private dining reservations.
Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean Kitchen offers authentic Lebanese dining for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Dining at Mediterranean Kitchen, you will enjoy a variety of meat dishes, vegetarian options, and a constantly changing soup of the day.
Monsoon
For high-quality and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Monsoon in Bellevue. Monsoon is open seven days a week for brunch, lunch, and dinner and offers take-out food and drink options for those looking to enjoy their food from home.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Bellevue’s Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse branch brings the restaurant chain’s expansive menu to the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy a variety of sumptuous steak, chicken, pork, and seafood dishes in a group dining experience.
Cactus Restaurants
Cactus brings the taste and authentic appeal of Mexican and Southwest lunch and dinner dishes to the West Coast. Cactus offers an assortment of ways to enjoy their food all seven days of the week, whether it’s stopping in for a meal, reserving a private dining room, or ordering catering service.
John Howie Steak
Known for its award-winning wine bar, luxurious private dining options, and high-quality food, John Howie Steak is the perfect restaurant for a classy night out. John Howie Steak is open for dinner service from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 4 p.m. to 9.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Square Lotus
Square Lotus is a family-owned and operated Vietnamese restaurant located in Bellevue. With expansive menus for traditional and vegetarian Vietnamese options, Square Lotus has something to offer everyone and is available for curbside pickup and dine-in.
Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a Michelin Star-winning chain of gourmet Chinese restaurants, with branches open in Seattle and Bellevue. Din Tai Fung boasts a wide array of authentic dishes, such as wontons, dumplings, and their famous Xiao Long Bao.
Best Parks in Mercer Island
Mercer Island restaurants are not the only part of the area that will make you fall in love. There are also a variety of waterfront parks and Mercer Island activities to keep you engaged in your free time.
Luther Burbank Park
This 77-acre park located on Lake Washington is one of the most activity-dense Mercer Island parks. In addition to a fishing pier and swimming area, Luther Burbank Park offers tennis courts, a playground, and the best Mercer Island dog park.
Mercerdale Park
Mercerdale Park is one of the most popular parks on Mercer Island, located near the city’s busy downtown area. In addition to playgrounds and picnic areas, Mercerdale Park also has a collection of popular walking trails.
Pioneer Park
This expansive forest area on Mercer Island is the perfect spot for the outdoor adventurer’s weekend hike. Pioneer Park covers 113 acres of land and offers over 6.5 miles of different hiking trails.
Aubrey Davis Park
Aubrey Davis Park is at the northernmost point of Mercer Island, with a clear view toward the big city of Seattle. In addition to the beautiful views and walking areas, Aubrey Davis Park offers options for athletes, with well-maintained softball fields, tennis areas, and basketball courts.
Groveland Beach Park
One of Mercer Island’s most popular spots for outdoor gatherings is Groveland Beach Park. In addition to a pier available for fishing and swimming, this park has picnic and barbeque areas and a playground for kids.
Island Crest Park
Island Crest Park is the perfect visit for athletes of all ages. Here, you will find designated areas for various sports, including football, soccer, tennis, and even batting cages.
First Hill Park
For a quiet outdoor getaway for you and the family, First Hill Park is the place to visit. This small park tucked away in a quiet corner of eastern Mercer Island has a small playground, a basketball court, and equipment for T-ball.
Mercer Island Recreation Centers
Mercer Island Beach Club
The Mercer Island Beach Club is a waterfront recreation site with both fitness and social activities available. In addition to tennis and fitness courses, the club organizes regular movie nights and communal gatherings.
IMPACT Fitness + Training
Previously known as MI Athletic Club, IMPACT Fitness & Training is one of the most popular places to get in shape on all of Mercer Island. IMPACT’s fitness courses and personal training options can help you reach your fitness goals on your terms.
Mercer Island Country Club
The Mercer Island Country Club is the ideal spot for Washington residents to engage in casual athletics, regardless of their sport of choice. This country club offers a gym, yoga classes, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
MIVAL Gallery
The Mercer Island Visual Arts League is a gallery available for local artists in Mercer Island and the surrounding areas to submit their paintings and other artistic pursuits for display.
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts
This gallery in Mercer Island displays contemporary art, artifacts, and sculptures from artists and cultures worldwide.
Mercer Island Center For the Arts
Mercer Island’s Center For the Arts seeks to keep the residents of Mercer Island engaged in local artistic pursuits by organizing galleries and other showings for local artists.
Explore and Visit Mercer Island Today!
With the many Mercer Island restaurants and parks to explore, moving to this quiet island between Seattle and Bellevue could be a dream come true, and On The Go Moving and Storage can help you get there.
Our team of professional, fully licensed, and insured movers can help you relocate to Mercer Island while taking the headache of moving your belongings out of your hands. To learn more about our moving services, call On The Go Moving and Storage today at (425) 440-3241.
