What People Are Saying About Bennett's Pure Food Bistro
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Fine dining by night and accessible deli by day, this downtown Mercer Island eatery provides meals comprised of organic ingredients from regional producers. The nighttime menu ranges from pan-seared local salmon to grilled steak accompanied by a large selection of Northwest wines. At lunch time, businessmen and locals stop by to grab entrees, like Beecher's acclaimed mac and cheese, along with sides and salads from the deli cold-case or browse the adjacent freezer section for take-out.
Organic food at reasonable prices
by eskercurve at Citysearch
I've eaten at Bennett's twice and both times I was stunned at the food served. First time I had the crab salad and it was a never ending awesome dish! The quantity was excellent too. The second time I went for lunch and had the eggs bennett, and that was excellent too! The atmosphere is casual which is nice, and the service is OK. Also, try the cola (they don't serve coke) ... it's how Coke probably was before they engineered it for profit.
- Pros: great food, ambiance
- Cons: service is a little slow
Great Food, Poor Service
by Mikefly562 at Citysearch
Over food quality is excellent and fresh, but staff at Bennetts not very friendly. I ordered to go and after I paid, they never said thank you. They just gave me the receipt back and walked away. I had to say thank you, and they did not even acknowledge it. Great food, bad service.
Terrific all around!
by glennastone at Citysearch
I have been here twice... Loved the food and the service. Our server both times was very attentive and freindly, but did not rush us. Very knowledgeble about the menu and food, and passionate about her favorite dishes when we asked what they were.
Love the cheese selections, Heirloom Tomato Pasta Primavera special, Italian Cous Cous, Surf and Surf, gorgeous Beet Salad... The Burger and homemade ketchup were very good as well.
The wine by the glass may have seemed a little pricey, but they give you a 7oz pour!
Nice decor. The restaurant is not to big, not too small... Open wall on sunny days is great.
I will go back! Loved everything about it.
- Pros: Quality Food, Great Service, Free Parking, Beautiful place.
- Cons: Not closer to my house... (Bothell)
Hidden treasure on the Eastside!!!
by cris07 at Citysearch
Eastside dinning is not the same, thanks to Bennett's pure food bistro! I have two kids, 8 and 12 years old. It's been difficult to find a causal fine dinning that fits the whole family. We tried a couple supposedly the best restaurants in downtown and the old Bellevue but the food and services were just mediocre. We decided to try Bennett's Pure Food Bistro because my coworker told me about it. The restaurant is located on the north end of Mercer Island, right off the island crest way exit on I-90. Our first impression was warm and cozy, the mural on the back wall of restaurant was beautifully done. It was a Thursday night, the wait wasn't too bad and we were seated almost right away. For appetizer we had the salmon poke and appetizer trio (crab cake, prosciutto prawns, and beef skewer). Entree, I had pan seared halibut. Since I've been on the low-carb diet, I have not been able to finish the whole plate of food in most restaurants because it always comes with some sort of pastas or potatoes, but with this dish, I can! The grilled fennel and red onion was not boring and the dill-parsley pesto halibut was nicely cooked to medium. It was heavenly! My husband had the Beef Tenderloin. The beef was again cooked perfectly medium rare and the smokey blue smashed potatoes was so good. My kids had Beecher's Mac and Cheese with added grilled chicken and the older boy had a burger. They both loved the food, the gooey Mac and Cheese and the burger was nice and juicy. To finish off, we shared the hazelnut bread pudding. I only had a bit because of my diet, but it was the most incredible bread pudding I've ever had in my life! We also got to meet the chef at the end of the dinner. He was telling us that they only use the freshest ingredients from local farms, very nice guy! Overall, it was an awesome dinning experience we haven't had for a very long time. We will definitely go back and perhaps check out their brunches on the weekend.
Pure Delight!
by maddiew at Citysearch
Creative fare, healthy options, great ambience, reasonably priced, superb wine choices, delicious food! That about sums it up! This is a long awaited and much anticipated addition to the restaurant scene. (and not just on Mercer Island). A restaurant that cares about the horrors of additives and preservatives and does it while creating delicious food. Thank you Bennett's! Favs after a couple of visits - The iceberg salad, salmon entree with blueberry sauce, Pork tenderloin, and the pasta with prawns. For apps, try the crab cakes and the beet and mozzarella salad (I think they call it the Beetrese. It's delicious!)
- Pros: Food!!
- Cons: It could be a little bigger.
The Details on Bennett's Pure Food Bistro
Know Before You Go:
Pick up a few items in the on-site deli, open daily from 10am to 7pm.
When to Go:
Weekend brunch includes a variety that includes brioche French toast and crab eggs Benedict.
Parking:
There is a small, free lot located off the alleyway on the west side of the building.
Category:
Restaurants, Delis And Delicatessens
Payment Methods:
Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Quiet, Fine Dining, Brunch, Notable Wine List, Outdoor Dining


