Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Mercer Island

The food was simply outstanding. This was my second time there in two weeks. Try Cebiche Tasting sampler, el trio tiraditos and different sides like tacu tacu, fried rice, they are all super tasty and flavorful and so are the yucca fries. The sauces are fantastic. For the main course we tried California halibut prepared the Peruvian way and it was delicious and the quantity good enough for 5. Only ding is limited dessert options, but you are so full by the time you get there you may not want one :)

Friend and I both opted for the 6 course tasting menu. Decided that the best dish was on that we added on (the octopus, which was delicious and cooked to perfection) but the tasting menu’s two final courses left much to be desired. The smoked salmon was delicious but overpowered my palette, and the pork dish lacked a wow factor.

The food, service and ambience were fine. Being a John Howie restaurant, we weren’t surprised by the high prices. Two cocktails, two starters, two steaks with no sides, and two glasses of wine were almost $300. We were surprised, however, at the 20% service charge on the bill that goes entirely to John Howie. Their explanation was that they pay their staff well and give them benefits. There was a typical place for a tip on the check. Had we added a typical 20% tip, we would have paid over $100 in add-ons plus $35 tax which included tax on the service charge. This certainly put a damper on our enthusiasm for this restaurant. $400+ for the above listed food is certainly not worth it.

Awesome server! He gave great suggestions to make my breakfast selection spot on.

Great food and amazing service! Perfect for a pre-show dinner