Best Authentic Restaurants in Mercer Island

The freshest seafood. Flavors that are bright, complex, and awaken the senses. Absolutely spectacular experience-food, ambiance, service!!

Tulio has been around forever, since 1992 to be exact, and was the love child of founder and Chef Walter Pisano who pioneered West Coast Cuisine with a focus on sourcing local ingredients while being true to his family and heritage. Tulio, with Walter at the helm, changed the course of culinary expectations in Seattle, just as Alice Walters and Chez Panisse set the stage for California Cuisine (a.k.a. Nouvelle Cuisine) that forever changed the landscape of American Cuisine. Although Walter recently retired in November, his legacy continues to be reflected in the mission and spirit of Tulio. Having said that, I had an amazing dinner at Tulio. The restaurant is an unassuming neighborhood destination, centrally located on 5th Ave., caddy corner to the Seattle Public Library (which is worth a trip to the neighborhood itself), beautiful location on the corner street level of the Kimpton Hotel Vintage. The space has old school charm, and is comfortable and welcoming. The service is informed, professionally, and helpful. Shasta was my waiter on my recent visit (and in the past), his suggestions, particularly with the wine pairings, made for an excellent experience. The food is, and has been consistently amazing. The focus is on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and after 32+ years the kitchen continues to meet and exceed expectations. Disclaimer, I live out of town and dine at Trulio 1 to 3 times a year; however, I've been a patron since 2001. I always come back for the gnocchi which imho has been the star of the menu since God created Adam and Eve, then I realize the unassuming menu has so much to offer. In addition, the wine list is educated and well curated even though it may seem limited. Who needs pages of vintages when you're only going to chose a bottle or two to pair with your meal? Here's the deal, centrally located and comfortable atmosphere, excellent and educated service, AND great consistent food that is localy sourced.

We had a wonderful dining experience. The menu has a lot of variety on it and the restaurant is upscale & beautiful. The sushi was fresh, delicious and all our dishes were presented beautifully. I was disappointed that the restaurant did not acknowledge our anniversary that was noted on the reservation, however when they realized it they apologized & went above & beyond to prepare an anniversary treat and made us feel extra special. We really appreciated this. We will definitely dine again at this exceptional restaurant.

The service and food were all excellent except for the woman maitre’d. She was somewhat rude and inattentive. Everything else was top tier.

Really enjoyed our dinner last night. We each ordered the nigiri set and shared several Ala Carte selections. Everything was well prepared, sushi was very fresh and rice perfectly seasoned. The sake selection was excellent and reasonably priced. We loved the minimalist decor, which still had a warm vibe. Tables are well appointed in the dining room giving each party some privacy. And if you take a coat, do check it in with the receptionist as you will be pleasantly surprised when you retrieve it at the end of the evening. Nice job Takai by Kashiba!