Calling all juice and smoothie lovers, wellness warriors, and anyone who just wants a healthy, energy-jolting meal or snack to power through the day.

Mercer Island just got a fantastic new dining option – Sano Cafe, which opened earlier this week in the former Roberto’s location of downtown Mercer Island.

“Sano” is an Italian word, which means “healthy” or “wholesome.” According to its website, the mission of the new cafe is “to give you choices that will sustain your energy and achieve your goals to have a healthy mind and body.”

The cafe offers juices, smoothies, house elixirs, salads, bowls, toasts, and espresso drinks (check out the full menu here). Sano Cafe is owned by fourth-generation Mercer Island resident Lisa Nordstrom, who is also founder of the Sano Bar (a nutrition bar company), launched in August 2015.

Earlier this year, the Sano Cafe team announced their opening on Instagram with an image of vibrant oranges, grapefruits, and pomegranates, along with the following caption:

After launching [Sano Bar] in 2015 and seeing the demand and support for healthy alternatives to the food we and our families are eating, we were encouraged to expand our philosophy across a range of delicious foods. We also wanted the opportunity to create a gathering place for our customers who care about what they are eating. Our menu development has begun and we are working to bring you juices, elixirs, smoothies, salads, and açaí bowls made with fresh and, in most cases, organic ingredients to help you live your best life.

Sano Cafe appeals not only to healthy diet preferences but also to the busy lifestyles of its customers. The cafe has a grab-and-go section that includes overnight oats, chia parfaits, raw energy balls, and charcoal lemonade. Poké bowls will be a forthcoming addition.

We’ve been into the cafe several times already (one visit captured on Instagram here), and we give it an enthusiastic thumbs-up. We loved the bright space, friendly team, and of course, the delicious food. We’ll be back for the Goodness Greens smoothie, harvest salad, and the chocolate-coconut energy balls, and we can’t wait to try other offerings.

Visitors will find indoor and outdoor seating. There are several tables inside, along with bar-style seating along the front window and next to the open kitchen.

Learn more about Nordstrom’s story by reading this recent Mercer Island Reporter article, “New Sano Cafe to open on Mercer Island this month.”

Sano Cafe is located at 7605 SE 27th St, Ste 111, in downtown Mercer Island. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm; Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm; and Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm. Learn more at: www.thesanocafe.com