By Erin Sirianni | January 16th, 2026
Mercer Island’s Town Center is the dynamic and evolving commercial hub of the island. It is also a gathering spot for islanders, whether to enjoy a shared meal at a local restaurant, to meet for a group fitness class, or to shop together at the local home decor store or book store.
Downtown shops and restaurants are tucked into different shopping strips and in the ground-floor retail and commercial space of mixed-use apartment and condo developments. Take a little drive around, and you’ll find the local gems – the beloved Island Books bookstore, Barrels Wine Bar, the Mercer Island Florist, Hap’s Burgers and Taps, the MIVAL Art Gallery, Sushi Joa, and more.
Every Sunday during the summer, the Mercer Island Farmers Market brings a buzz of activity to the streets near Mercerdale Park.
Housing
Mercer Island Town Center is home to most of the island’s condominium buildings, as well as most of the island’s apartment developments and several senior living communities.
Apartment dwellings include: 77 Central, The Aviara, Island Square Apartments, The Mercer Apartment Homes, The Hadley, among others.
If you are looking for a place to rent on Mercer Island, be sure to check out our Mercer Island Rental Guide.
Senior living communities, including Aljoya, Island House, and Aegis Living, are also located downtown Mercer Island.
Restaurants and Shopping
Favorite island restaurants include allister, Mioposto, Vivienne’s Bistro, Homegrown Sustainable Sandwich Shop, the Roanoke Inn, Pagliacci Pizza, Sano Cafe, Sushi Joa, Anise Thai Cuisine, HAP’s Burgers & Taps, and more. Be sure to check out our Restaurant Guide.
Mercer Island has three local grocery stores. Metropolitan Market offers a well-developed array of produce, meat, catering services, flowers, to-go items, cheeses, wines, and kitchenware. Islanders also grocery shop at QFC, which has two locations – one in downtown and one on the south end – on Mercer Island.
The island wouldn’t be complete without several coffee shops and cafes. You can get delicious espresso drinks and specialty teas, along with croissants, pain au chocolat, and other patisserie, at the island’s two French cafes – La Fête Pâtisserie Française and L’Experience Paris. Macrina Bakery and Shawn’s Cafe & Bakery also serves great coffee and an array of baked goods. And of course Starbucks has a location downtown and a location in the south end QFC shopping center.
Shopping highlights include the charming Island Books, Terra Bella, Hip Zephyr, and many others. Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts Gallery sells antiques and vintage items from around the world.
Mercer Island Florist has served as the island flower shop for over 50 years, and Metropolitan Market also has a great floral department.
Health & Fitness
Fitness studios add to the restaurant and shopping mix. Club Pilates, YogaSix, and Orangetheory are popular favorites, but be sure to check out all the options in our Mercer Island Fitness Guide.
Transportation
Many islanders take the bus into work or to local sporting events by parking at Mercer Island’s Park-and-Ride. The Mercer Island Light Rail station is targeted to open in 2026.
Parks
Aubrey Davis Park (Park on the Lid) borders the north end of Town Center, featuring smooth-paved walking paths and a sculpture garden.
To the south of Town Center, you’ll find Mercerdale Park complete with a playground, skate park, pavilion, exercise equipment, and a circular walking path.
