Best Family Style Restaurants in Mercer Island

Been wanting to go since they remodeled and was very pleased with everything. The space did not disappoint (very nice remodel). We have a 5 yo son so we didn’t mind it was a little loud in there, so if you’re going for a quiet dinner, it might not be the best option. The food, cocktails, and service were excellent. We’ll be back and would certainly recommend to friends.

We were sat right after checking in even though it was very busy so that was great. The server was very prompt and the appetizer came soon after but unfortunately the drinks didn’t come until when we were almost done with the appetizer so that was a little disappointing. The lobster roll, scampi and salmon were decent. We also ordered almond cake and it was ok. I wouldn’t get it again. Overall, we had a good time.

My group of 4 were seated outside for dinner. It was rainy and somewhat cold, and our server offered us blankets to stay warm. There was also an overhead heater that kept us cozy. The restaurant was out of lemonade and sweet tea, but our server offered a "dealer's choice" non-alcoholic drink which was refreshing and delicious. It was a pink drink that had a sprig of rosemary in it (rosemary happens to be my favorite herb). Everything we ordered for food was delicious and cooked well. The hoe cakes (3 in an order) were moist and buttery. The mussels and clams dish was so good, and the sauce they came in was very flavorful with a slight spicy kick. We also got the mojo chicken over garlic rice and the unc's fried chicken which were very tender. The grilled okra with onions as well as the collard greens were really good sides. For dessert, we had the salted caramel ice cream and bread pudding which were just the right amount of sweet. They serve family style here, and all the dishes were ordered were enough to satisfy a table of 4 people (our server recommended we order 5-6 dishes total). The only thing we thought was weird was the last dish to come out was the collard greens which was just weird timing to finish our meal with a side. Your whole order is put in, so things come out as they are ready to serve. Besides that, the atmosphere was lovely, and the whole experience was great. The staff here are very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and helped us make choices for what to order. I am definitely coming back and hope to get seated at a table inside because the music they play in the restaurant is some soulful rhythm and blues.

Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back again.

We were able to snag a reservation for Spinasse about one month before our visit-even then, the times available were 5 or 9 PM. We opted for 5 PM, and were seated promptly when they opened. My husband and I ordered the Tajarin Al Ragu and it did not disappoint! Loved watched the fresh pasta in the making, and our server was fantastic. Not local to SEA, but would visit again.