Island’s Pho & Teriyaki — Restaurant in Mercer Island

My boyfriend and I stopped here after failed attempts at going to Mioposto and Pagliacci. So glad that we did!

We have been on the hunt for good pho, and we've finally found a good place that's not too far from us!

Pho dac biet: broth was very flavorful, tasted homemade, and without any fillers or shortcuts. My boyfriend prefers really light broths, but I prefer richness of flavor - which this pho had. Had little bit of oil at the top, but much less than some places. The handmade rice noodles were a bit thicker than commercial rice stick noodles, but were quite enjoyable! Certainly better than dong thap.

Lemongrass chicken vermicelli: overall great! The chicken/onions were perfectly seasoned and really flavorful, but just a tiny bit too oily. I really appreciated that it was made using chicken breast instead of thighs. I find chicken breast to have a much cleaner flavor, and heartier texture. Good portion of noodles and veggies. I would have liked there to be more herbs (cilantro, basil), and more fish sauce dressing.

The owner is really nice, and was eager to know how we liked the food, and if we had any feedback. Please support this business if you're...

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...

Was really excited to try this place because of the positive reviews, now I’m feeling let down.

Arrived at 7:16pm and was met with a weird look by the person in the front. On Google maps the closing time is 8pm so I was surprised to feel the tension and then have them tell me they’re going to check to make sure they can serve me. A bowl of pho for a party of one would not throw a wrench in their ability to close on time… Odd.

The pho itself was just ok. I appreciated the amount of vegetables in the veg/tofu pho. The broth was very bland without addition of lime and jalapeño. The rice noodles were great though, veggies were a nice consistency.

I felt rushed to eat the food after it arrived at my table, there were no pleasantries from the employees, floors were sticky.

I was out of the establishment by 7:37pm. Possibly just not a good day to arrive after 7? If I ever return I know to arrive at...