Hope you have an appetite for dramatic dishes. Vivienne’s Bistro made its debut on Mercer Island, slinging some seriously mouth-watering Asian fusion items — including signature entree the forbidden duck (we’ll dig into this soon). 🦆

The highly anticipated new spot comes from the folks behind South Lake Union’s China Harbor where chef Danna Hwang reinvigorated the dim sum menu last year to critical acclaim. She now runs the kitchen at the bright, inviting Vivienne’s with a similar flair for fab flavors + stylish presentation.

We recently got to try out some the bistro’s food and drinks — so here are some tips for maximum, multi-course delight. (Note: The restaurant remains in "soft open" mode, so items + hours may change.)

Start with an original cocktail

The drinks list includes some creative takes on classics — particularly the Smoky Island, made with mezcal, agave + pineapple juice, pairing well with meaty bites. For those who want something a little sweeter, though, the Mango Drop may hit the spot.

Order some light apps

Snag one of the deep booths so trading plates is easy — if you’re willing to share, that is. The walnut prawns and potstickers should be crowd-pleasers, and the squid-ink baked rice comes with melted cheese. There are also plenty of gluten-free + veggie options.

Save room for that duck, tho…

Drool time. Hwang’s showstopper is a five-spice roasted duck with caramelized lemons + hoisin sauce, served with fluffy bao buns. The skin is oh so crispy and may be worth the trek out to Mercer Island on its own.

Vibe: Good for groups, family night out, or a fun date
Price: Moderate-to-high; shareable plates are in the $15-20 range, but larger entrees are $30-50
Current hours: Wed.-Mon., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. + 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
For reservations: email jason@viviennesbistro.com or call 206-829-9508