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# Island’s Pho & Teriyaki – Authentic Vietnamese and Japanese Cuisine in Seattle

Island’s Pho & Teriyaki is a charming restaurant located in Mercer Island, Seattle, WA, offering a delightful mix of Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. Known for its flavorful pho and teriyaki options, this eatery has garnered a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant has a rich history, evolving from its previous incarnation as Pho-bulous, and has undergone changes in ownership and menu offerings. Customers frequently highlight the affordable prices and friendly service, making it a go-to spot for Asian cuisine enthusiasts. With a cozy atmosphere and a commitment to quality, Island’s Pho & Teriyaki continues to be a beloved dining destination in the area.

## History
### The story of Island’s Pho & Teriyaki
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki began its journey as Pho-bulous, a popular spot for Vietnamese cuisine. Over the years, it has transformed under new ownership while maintaining its core offerings of pho and teriyaki. The vision behind the restaurant has always been to provide authentic Asian flavors in a welcoming environment, catering to both locals and visitors. The dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has been a driving force in its evolution.

### Milestones and growth
- Transitioned from Pho-bulous to Island’s Pho & Teriyaki
- Expanded menu to include a variety of teriyaki dishes
- Gained a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth and positive reviews
- Improved dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and quick service

### Cultural and local influence
The restaurant has become an integral part of the Mercer Island community, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the area. It serves as a gathering place for locals who appreciate authentic Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s offerings resonate with the cultural influences of the region, making it a popular choice for those seeking comfort food that evokes a sense of home.

### Continuing the tradition
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki continues to uphold the traditions of Vietnamese and Japanese cooking by using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. The restaurant strives to create a menu that honors its roots while also adapting to the preferences of its clientele. This commitment to tradition ensures that customers receive a genuine dining experience that reflects the rich culinary heritage of both cultures.

## Community
### Community involvement
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki actively engages with the local community by participating in neighborhood events and supporting local initiatives. The restaurant often collaborates with nearby businesses and organizations to foster a sense of community and promote local culture. This involvement has helped strengthen its ties with residents and enhance its reputation as a community-oriented establishment.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Island’s Pho & Teriyaki as a reliable dining option that offers delicious food at reasonable prices. Many locals appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to quality and service, often recommending it to friends and family. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits.

### Events and gatherings
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki hosts occasional events that celebrate Asian culture and cuisine, attracting both regular patrons and newcomers. These gatherings often feature special menu items or promotions, creating a festive atmosphere that brings the community together. The restaurant's small size makes it an intimate setting for gatherings, allowing for personal interactions among guests.

## Offerings
### What Island’s Pho & Teriyaki offers
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki boasts a diverse menu that includes a variety of pho options, teriyaki dishes, and other Asian favorites. The restaurant is known for its flavorful broth, generous portions, and fresh ingredients. Customers can enjoy a casual dining experience while savoring authentic flavors that transport them to Southeast Asia.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Island’s Pho & Teriyaki is characterized by a focus on quality and authenticity. Guests can expect to find a menu filled with traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as pho with various protein options, as well as a selection of teriyaki plates. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients ensures that each dish is flavorful and satisfying, making it a popular choice for lunch and dinner.

### Events and packages
While Island’s Pho & Teriyaki primarily serves individual diners and small groups, it occasionally offers special promotions and meal packages. These packages may include family-style servings or discounts on certain menu items, making it an attractive option for gatherings or celebrations. The restaurant’s flexibility in accommodating different dining needs has contributed to its popularity among locals.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy dining area with limited seating
- Quick service for dine-in and takeout orders
- Menu variety including vegetarian options
- Clean and welcoming atmosphere

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Island’s Pho & Teriyaki reveal a mix of experiences, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Many customers praise the quality of the pho and the affordability of the menu, while some express concerns about consistency and specific menu items.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently compliment the restaurant for its flavorful pho, generous portion sizes, and friendly service. The affordability of the dishes is also a recurring theme in positive reviews, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious diners. The cozy atmosphere and cleanliness of the restaurant contribute to a pleasant dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some customers have noted inconsistencies in the quality of certain dishes, particularly the teriyaki options. Feedback suggests that while the pho is generally well-received, the teriyaki may not meet the same standards. Additionally, some diners have mentioned issues with portion sizes or missing items in takeout orders.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Island’s Pho & Teriyaki is regarded as a solid choice for Vietnamese cuisine in the Mercer Island area. The restaurant’s strengths in pho and affordability are often highlighted, while occasional inconsistencies in other menu items suggest room for improvement. Despite these contrasts, the restaurant remains a beloved spot for many locals.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki is conveniently located at 3033 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040, just a short drive from Seattle. The restaurant is nestled in a strip mall, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The surrounding area offers a variety of shops and services, providing a convenient stop for those exploring Mercer Island. The community’s vibrant atmosphere and proximity to local parks and recreational areas enhance the appeal of dining at Island’s Pho & Teriyaki.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Island’s Pho & Teriyaki serve** The restaurant offers Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine, specializing in pho and teriyaki dishes.
**Is there outdoor seating available** The restaurant has limited indoor seating and does not typically offer outdoor seating.
**Are vegetarian options available** Yes, there are vegetarian options on the menu for those seeking plant-based meals.
**Do they offer takeout services** Yes, Island’s Pho & Teriyaki provides takeout services for customers who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.
**Is the restaurant family-friendly** Yes, the restaurant is suitable for families and offers a casual dining experience.

## Visit Island’s Pho & Teriyaki Today
Island’s Pho & Teriyaki invites you to experience authentic Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine in a cozy setting. With a commitment to quality and affordability, this restaurant has become a favorite among locals. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of pho or a flavorful teriyaki dish, Island’s Pho & Teriyaki is ready to serve you. Come and enjoy a meal that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Asia, and discover why this charming eatery has captured the hearts of its community.

0f7ce3c4-8114-48d8-ae99-b735d16ec48b

I went to island's pho and teriyaki, with a friend, for lunch. I had the barbecue pork Bahn Mi and he had the combination PHO. Both were extremely delicious and affordable. This small place on Mercer Island has the best Asian cuisine that I've experienced in a long time. The best part, aside from the excellent service, is that the prices are so reasonable. I will continue come back here on a regular basis.

b1e41321-c423-4520-b63b-b81780141013

Good things first. Pho was excellent. I know there are some mixed reviews on yelp, but I think this is very good, definitely above average, pho. Slightly on the sweeter side and less herbal. Noodles are wider and chewier than usual but I liked it. Nothing like instant noodles as one reviewer described it. Prices were ...not cheap but I have accepted it. I didn't think it was particularly expensive either. Papaya in Renton landing for example is much worse value compared to this place in terms of portions and amount of meat. This place tastes better too. Very oddly, this place also has a full teriyaki restaurant menu as well. Our group got curious so we ordered spicy chicken teriyaki and imo, it was not very good. It didn't even taste like teriyaki. It tasted too much like the Vietnamese Sriracha and chili sauce (not much of sweet teriyaki flavors at all). The meat itself was cooked properly (grilled). If you're looking for teriyaki, I would not recommend this place. But for pho, a definite yes. It's not the best pho I have had on the Eastside but this place is quite good. Service was unmemorably good.

e7bd32c1-fd2b-4328-907c-ea57c2e21e51

Ordered 2 Combination Phos and 2 Kids Pho online to go and when we got back home, the only meat that was given in the combination Pho was steak. There was no brisket, no tendon, and no tripe. Also, there were no utensils either. The broth was overly sweet and oily as well. By then the restaurant was closed.

6d404703-d3cf-4fe1-9017-a07373832d91

I don't know if this is the same restaurant re-branded or different ownership, but this is in the same location as Pho-bulous used to be. I stopped here on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. The pho noodles seemed to be freshly made and are thicker than what you'd typically expect in pho, but have a nice chewy texture. Portion sizes are generous and the food came out quickly. The menu has a decent variety of pho, sides, and teriyaki options, so there's plenty to choose from. There is, however, fairly limited seating inside and it's not great for larger groups. If I'm on the island and craving pho, I would definitely come back!

afa51ad2-9e67-4f80-8257-1df48346f1b1

Banh Mi is a good price and should taste fine if not for the cigarette ash smell that's infused into the sandwich :( Bummer

2d5d0ca1-3f0a-45b1-89da-cc9a006c14e3

The first time we came here three years ago, the food was absolutely delicious. However, when we returned about six months later under different ownership, it was a completely different experience. They used the wrong type of noodles for pho, and the broth had no flavor, so we haven't been back since. That said, after reading more recent reviews, it seems like things might have improved again. We're considering giving it another try since we live so close, and it would be great to have a good pho option nearby instead of driving all the way to Bellevue.

f0a8d04c-0069-46cb-8450-ad00c96d56bb

Classic lunch staple is pho and this place is reliable! Nice sized portions and fresh ingredients. Small dining area if you choose to stay. N12 is one of the best menu items.

20d1ef14-89a2-4722-ae96-cadb658beded

Island's Pho has been on my Yelp bucket list for a couple of years now, and I just never seemed to find myself on the island around meal time. In fact, I almost didn't go yesterday because, even though I was hungry for lunch, it was a warm, sunny day, and a hot meal didn't really sound appetizing. But since I was there, I went anyway! This tiny little restaurant is tucked into a dark strip mall corner next to the Village's one and only Rite Aid. Inside, I was impressed about how bright and clean it was, but a little surprised to see the tables so empty at noon. By the time I sat down and ordered, though, it was starting to fill up with locals who didn't even need to look at the menu to know what they wanted to order. Considering the warm weather, I opted against a bowl of pho, and instead got one of my fave Southeast Asian dishes: vermicelli noodle salad. They even offered my very favorite variety, grilled pork with egg roll. And, unlike my last unfortunate experience ordering this dish at a restaurant far away, this one included the requisite dressing/sauce that makes this noodle salad so delish. But it wasn't just the dressing that made it good. The noodles were tender, the meat delicious, the eggroll hot, and the veggies on top super fresh and crispy. I was most impressed by the garnish of fried garlic that took this dish from a 10 to an 11! The prices were super reasonable too. The salad was less than $14! I will look forward to a cooler day when I'm nearby and can try their pho on the next visit.

d04b5abe-9e43-4942-b3a2-ead270811404

Skip this place and go to the Gastropub nextdoor. Pork was burnt. Spring rolls were burnt. Chicken wings were undercooked. 25% of my plate was just bean sprouts. Fish sauce way too sweet. Owner didn't care. My wife and I have been going here for years through multiple names and owners. When it changed from Phobulous to Island Pho, I was initially pleasantly surprised at the change. The place has been on a steady decline as corners continue to be cut. I can forgive a food mistake here and there, but bad service is unforgivable.

452e1751-d995-4c4c-a55f-3fb4145a751c

Pho was not very good. The broth was overly sweet but the rare beef was good. This restaurant does make their own noodles but in this case homemade is not always better; they were very thick, chewy and soggy.

Discover Island’s Pho & Teriyaki in Mercer Island, Seattle—delicious Vietnamese cuisine with authentic flavors. Visit us today for a tasty experience.

Island’s Pho & Teriyaki in Mercer Island, Seattle - Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Mercer Island

Island’s Pho & Teriyaki

Washington

Explore the full menu at Island’s Pho & Teriyaki in Mercer Island. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 3033 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island.

Island’s Pho & Teriyaki Menu – Food & Drinks in Mercer Island

Learn about Island’s Pho & Teriyaki, a beloved restaurant in Mercer Island. Offering authentic Vietnamese and Japanese dishes in a cozy setting. Visit us at 3033 78th Ave SE.

About Island’s Pho & Teriyaki, Mercer Island

Opening hours for Island’s Pho & Teriyaki, Mercer Island. Find opening hours for Island’s Pho & Teriyaki, Mercer Island on 3033 78th Ave SE.

Island’s Pho & Teriyaki Menu Overview

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