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Mercato Italian Gourmet
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Tue, Sun 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Wed 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Thu-Sat 5:30 pm - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Mercato Italian Gourmet
Review Highlights
"...that simply fresh tomatoes, pasta, and spices can create..."
(in 14 reviews)
"...you decide to go, I strongly recommend going family style."
(in 4 reviews)
"...capers, on-site bottling of olive oil and various Italian..."
(in 4 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Sam B.
Calgary, AB
12/6/2011
woooo mumma this is a good spot I had the tomato and buffalo cheese salad to start and it was amazing the cheese was melt in the mouth perfect and the pesto dressing was on the money.
main course I had there famous steak and it was fantastic loved it cooked to perfection I asked more mine to be a little more on the rare side and the chef nailed it. The sea salt and that accompanies this dish sets it off.
Glass of wine recomended by the waiter was great too.
See you again soon -
Review from Jon K.
1/16/2012
Do yourself a favour and leave yourself plenty of time for the four course Italian family style dinner. It's incredible and worth both the time and expense. I normally don't care to sit by the kitchen but a seat at the bar gives a fantastic view of all that goes on and comes highly recommended.
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Review from Mia T.
6/16/2011
The food was delicious, and the communal seating we had I actually enjoyed. It reminds me of some restaurants Ive been to in NYC. the staff are very knowledgable, but I do have to agree, its a place to go for a special night out, since the bill was well over $100 each, with a couple drinks, a few shared apps, a main and a dessert each.
Ive heard its hard to get a last minute reservation, so book ahead if you are a group! The only reason I didnt give it a four was due to the pricing. -
Review from Salsaboy S.
8/4/2011
Excellent restaurant serving fresh ingredients. Virtually everything was homemade. This is family-style Italian, so none of the portions is supposedly made for one. Perhaps I'm a big eater, but the full portion of the pasta, while a generous portion, wasn't too much for one.
As a vegetarian, I was somewhat limited in my selections, but I didn't feel remotely deprived. We shared a bruschetta (incredible) and a caprese salad as appetizers. We got full orders of the tagliatelle and the pistachio pesto for our entrees. The tagliatelle is their signature item, or so I'm told, and it's quite good, but I preferred the pesto, which was simply out-of-this-world. It's not what I would call robust in flavor, but rather a more delicate and subtle taste to the freshly pressed pasta creations. None of the sauces are pre-made, if I understood correctly, but rather prepared as one orders. A neighboring diner offered us some of the side order of mushrooms, which were also delicious.
I asked our server to recommend a glass of wine with the meal -- the Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria -- and it was perfect.
The downsides:
First, this place has Nazi-like time restrictions. If one enters at 9:01p on a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, she will not be served (I believe the last seating is at 9:30p on Wednesday, and 10 or 10:30p on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday . . . the hours listed on Yelp are wrong). I came here three times -- the first two times just slightly after 9p (as in 9:05p), and was sent away. Third time's a charm, but I arrived at 8:20p, knowning the likely outcome if I pressed my luck. Persistence pays. It was worth the wait.
Also, it's loud. So loud you can barely hear yourself. It cuts both ways. Mercato always seems to be rockin' and busy. It's a wonderful venue for a celebration or festivity. But it is loud.
Finally, it's not cheap. For two people, the tab (with tip) was $150, and we ate vegetarian. If we ordered the steak or the fritto misto, I would expect the bill easily to top $200.
Deceptively, it has the feel of an everyday place, but it has the prices of a special occasion.
Everyone is friendly and the it's a definite winner. Recommended for the local or the tourist to Calgary. -
Review from Lana W.
Calgary, AB
3/18/2011
I grew up in Renfrew and frequented the Italian Supermarket owned by the family that now own Mercato. I'd go in and stock up and was greeted by one of the "mama's" who always added a little something to my basket as a thank you for shopping here and supporting them. I always loved the experience and felt very special.
I was very excited for the family when they moved to Mission and opened Mercato ( and yes, I understand the family dynamics involved ). I love the deli and will drive across the city for the spicy sausage (sans fennel) to add to my own home made Italian recipes. I will overlook the price on certain items because they are so tasty. The Franca sandwich is my favorite sandwich in Calgary and well worth the wait and price. I will always buy a latte at Mercato, even though Starbucks is across the street.
However, there are very few items I will splurge for in the deli, and I most certainly will not eat in the restaurant again. The first time I visited was for lunch shortly after they opened. After $80 for lunch (for 2 people) without liquor, I left hungry. I get the whole "slow food" thing, but come on.
Our last experience at Mercato was before a 7:30 puck drop at the dome. Our reservation was for 5:30. We FINALLY got our food at 7:05 (the server knew we had a game to go to) and after devouring it, was presented with a ridiculous bill. Keep in mind, we had 2 appetizers, 4 entrees, 4 al a carte items and 2 glasses of wine between 4 people. Let's just say, the bill started with a 4. I'm pretty sure the meal was good, but eating a "gourmet" meal in 10 minutes doesn't do it justice.
I'm not a follower, so I'm not inclined to go to places to see and be seen. I think people will tolerate the ridiculous prices and the off-handed service just so they can say they've eaten here. Not me.
I'll continue to spend my extra money on the 2 or 3 familiar items I used to buy when the market was in Bridgeland; Sausages, a Franca sandwich and a latte. -
Review from Joey N.
Calgary, AB
3/30/2011
Good atmostphere; good food; pasta was excellent, I could tell it's not the dried pasta; tiramisu is one of the best I've had; interesting open kitchen concept.
Complaints:
-a bit over priced even the food was good.
-use way too much salt and olive oil!! (Food didn't end up too salty though)
-too much instructions from the waiter....I'd much rather read it on a menu
-VERY LOUD
-the cut of the steak is a little more fatty than I'd like, but others might like it
-good to sit facing the kitchen and watching all the action, otherwise might get a little dull and loud and bored as it takes a little longer to get the food.
Good place for once in a while dining out. -
Review from Brad M.
2/12/2011
I don't get the city's fascination with this place. The food is good, but not great. The deli is way too expensive.
I've been to italian markets in New York and London that offer much better value and taste more authentic. Obviously, I'm not going to even compare it to Italy.
Having said that, given the city's fascination with Mercato, it does make for a solid environment. You can find the most pretentious and the most laid back. Families and homeless. Ok, maybe not homeless. But you get my drift. I like it, just for that. Never had a problem with the service, although I've had friends with bad experiences with the owners.
I just don't think the food is good enough for four stars, given the cost. There's better italian restaurants in Calgary, but they aren't on "high roller" streets like 4th Street. -
Review from Rob C.
Okotoks, AB
3/27/2011
My wife and I and another couple dined at Mercato recently. We have had several great experiences at this restaurant but this wasn't one of them.
The food ( we shared the stuffed rabbit and risotto) was marginal at best!
The noise level was atrocious. We won't be in a hurry to go back. -
Review from Sergey S.
2/18/2011
People in the neighbourhood were absolutely raving about Mercato, but after about five visits there I am still struggling to understand - why?
Open kitchen is a great idea, agreed. Maybe not so entertaining when chef & co are tired and busy, but still not bad.
Lots of people around give the place that cute "Italian" feeling like everyone around is yelling, and there is no space left, and someones underwear is hanging on the cables across the street right over your head...
Food is an "american-Italian" variety. Decent quality, but overly expensive for those diminutive portions. Wine list is ok - but just ok, I can't remember anything special about it, sorry.
Not friendly for the casual drop-ins - you absolutely *have* to book a place before you go. Publicity, sir.
Overall? Not bad, overpriced, leaving you hungry... and rather faceless. Like, there is nothing special to remember about it. Maybe inadvertent compensation for that is the reason for all those ravings I've heard? -
Review from Jason C.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Finally, I've found an Italian restaurant that serves great food and meets it's own expectations: keeping it simple. I would give this experience 4.5 stars. By "keeping it simple" does not refer to Kraft dinner-like simplicity, what Mercato does well is utilize the traditional methods, ingredients, preparation that has worked so well in the past. It delivers quality dishes representative of regional (and house hold) Italian cuisine--resulting in a succinct message that connects with its eaters.
Like some of the other reviewers had said that the price is pretty high, and it's true. But, if you want an atmosphere that is lively (because eating in a quiet Italian setting is just wrong), and dishes that are prepared in a traditional fashion and tasty too, then do it (pay the price). It's cheaper than flying to Italy. My Italian family members would enjoy Mercados, I'm sure you will too.
Dishes ordered:
Antipasta - assorted cuts, cheese and
The risotto with cuttle fish - looked unattractive (like a slop of grounded black beans) but tasted heavenly (especially if you're a risotto fan). Texture of the rice was done perfectly (not too mushy and soft).
Spaghetti with light tomato sauce - simple and done right. Noodles are hand-made (you can tell) and like hand-made tortillas it really brings the dish together with a simple and flavourful sauce that is not too "heavy".
Veal and steak (I can't remember the cut--rib eye I think) Again seasoned perfectly (not too salty) and cooked just right (not too dry).
Egg Plant and Mushroom/Fungi
Mixed berries cheese cake = wow -
Review from Helene R.
Calgary, AB
11/24/2010
My husband and I came to this restaurant for dinner after hearing some rave reviews from friends who had come here for lunch.
You are greeted by a market when you first come in that offers many Italian specialty items and some that you can pick up at the Safeway down the street. Prices are not for the tightwad, I guess being in the core you should be prepared to spend a little more, having said that Scarpones and Lina's offers pretty much the same stuff at more reasonable prices.
The menu itself is not extensive but the dishes offered are very well executed. I had the halibut and hubby had the rib-eye. Sides are not included and must be ordered separately, we had the mushrooms and green beans. They were good but on the pricey side but they come family style so the portions are generous. The halibut was huge and had a wonderful crispy crust with a moist, juicy centre. Done perfectly and topped with grilled lemon, YUM! The rib-eye was grilled to perfection and I loved the fact that they pre-cut it for you right before it was served. Meaty, chunky beef on a plate with just the simplest of ingredients to bring out the natural flavour, salt, pepper and brushed with a bit of olive oil. You need a really good steak in order to do this!
Mercato is not a fancy formal restaurant, really casual and cool feel to the place. Your meal is essentially cooked in front of you and you can see when your order is actually being plated, so the waiter can't lie and say "your meal is on its way out" here.
Finished with a fancy coffee, I basically asked the waiter to surprise me and he did. I thought it was delicious because there obviously was some hazelnutty booze lurking in the background, but it was warm, delicious and came with a mini biscotti which I thought was nice.
Overall a really nice place that has a cool vibe located in the core. A bit pricey so don't expect to leave here dropping less than $100 for 2 (booze not included!) Would have given it a 5 stars but service was just ok, and it is very loud in there, also with the market inside, you get quite a few people popping in to shop. -
Review from Linh N.
Calgary, AB
It's always difficult to get reservations at this restaurant so I was looking forward to coming back after a pleasant experience the first time. It's small and boasts a market like atmosphere. Depending where you sit, you can watch the chefs in action with the open kitchen. We had to share a table with other people and the high chairs were quite uncomfortable.
Our friend vows to this place and quickly became on of their regulars so he took care of all the ordering.
We had this tomato pasta. It tasted pretty plain but after a few bites, the flavors started to erupt. I usually prefer a cream sauce but this tomato sauce was quite delicious. It would be perfect if there were prawns or some sort of seafood in there because it was just simply pasta and tomatoes.
The one thing I didn't like about this place is that they use a lot of salt, seasalt. I eat pretty salty but this is salt to the max so I was a little worried. The wait time for the food is really slow. By the time our main course came out, we didn't really have an appetite anymore. We shared this platter of meats that included chicken, ribs, steak, lamb and sausages. There wasn't any seasoning except seasalt on the side. It wasn't salty at all this time; a lot of people must of complained or something. I thought the meats were disappointing. I much prefer my entrees marinaded with a burst of flavors. I later found out that the platter costs almost 2 bills which I think was ridiculous. The only thing I was looking forward to was the cheesecake but they ran out of it by the time we ordered. Double disappointment. I don't know why everyone loves this place but it's definitely not forte and I think you pay a lot for what you get. The only thing that I'll be back is for their desserts. -
Review from Jennifer E.
Canmore, AB
9/11/2011
Went for a friends birthday dinner on a Friday night. We were a group of 8 girls and as usual, late! The restaurant still held our table and we had quick service. Wine was delicious, appetizers & mains were fast, and the cappuccinos hot. Highlights: open kitchen, nice staff, family style service
Best food: Caprese salad was full of fresh ingredients, Swordfish carpaccio was a mix of great flavours (good to share), and the Ribs were so tasty we couldn't get enough. Their pasta was the perfect texture and you can't go wrong with any.
I'll be returning here!
Other tips: lots of Seafood on the menu and Pasta. Calamari wasn't the greatest -
Review from Yunn A.
7/4/2010
I love this place. It's lively, you get to watch the kitchen, and the food is fantastic. The owners are friendly, and the several times I've been here the serving staff has been great. Great wine choices, with staff that have great recommendations for pairing.
Once I came, and my reservation wasn't quite ready, so they bought us our appetizer and then we drank Grappa with the owner.
I love it here and always recommend it to people. -
Review from Mike L.
Calgary, AB
2/11/2011
Lunch at mercato is a flash back to Tuscany
Go with 3 friends, order a pasta, risotto and a meat dish (if your friends are linebackers or sumo more dish, if not these 3 will fill you all -
Review from Deb S.
Calgary, AB
7/26/2011
Service was terrific, food was awesome!
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
11/3/2009 4 photos
Once upon a time, there was a place called "the Italian Centre" that existed in Bridgeland. And one day it moved far, far away, classed up and became the beautiful restaurant/grocery store called Mercato on Calgary's hip Beltline. It also had some of the best authentic, traditional Italian food outside of Italy, and certainly in Calgary.
So one day, old friends of the Italian Centre trekked down to Mercato to see how much it had changed. But behold, the insides were still the same! They were pleased to find that the grocery side was as well-stocked and delicious as always, the staff as friendly and laughing as always. And the new adjoining restaurant quickly became an addiction, a gourmet realization of all of their Italian hopes and dreams. It was full of light woods and an open kitchen, with tables scattered around the edges. And because Mercato had become so beautiful, it had new friends filling it almost every day of the week!
These old friends found that while the lunches were cheaper and delicious, dinner was where it was at! Just last night, they visited their new haunt once again. Delicious food was to be had all around. A "small" starter of Ahi Tuna Carpaccio was excellently prepared, light and delicious but flavorful with the addition of a light aioli and sea salt. Also amazing was the stuffed cuttlefish. Then came the pastas and risotto. The risotto was flavorful and filling, and surprisingly light. The gnocchi was covered in marscapone and a light lemon sauce, adding a refreshing spin to a dense dish. Throw in a dry prosecco, some excellent service and a lovely atmosphere for a night out, and it became the stuff of delicious history.
The story ends happily, as the old friends parted stuffed full of delicious food, and promising to come back soon. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
10/20/2009 2 photos
Just a hop skip and a jump from my home, Mercato Italian Gourmet. I have lunched here twice and in two different ways, first of all with a friend indoors and by myself outdoors. The two seating options have two different menus and prices. Outside on the patio one can get an option of about 5 light lunch dishes all under $10. This is a great place for me to write and I can get a lot of work done here, while watching the colourful 4th avenue populace walk by. I believe I had a prosciutto sandwich, and a well brewed Italian coffee. My lunch was delicious and the service was impeccable but I had to resume it indoors because an umbrella caught wind and almost knocked over myself and my laptop.
Indoor seating is reminiscent of a very fancy New York diner with an open main kitchen with high stools surrounding the Chef action. To give the Mission elite a chance to watch their Italian dishes prepared, garnished and served. I always get a kick of watching the business women in their Prada and Gucci pencil skirts shimmy up the high stools.
The menu indoors is incredibly pricey but well worth it around 20 dollars and up for a main course. I have also seen many patrons enjoying full bottles of wine at lunchtime. I have had the mushroom appetizer as well as one of the main pasta dishes and they are presented in very large portions plus are accompanied by fresh focaccia bread complimentary with every meal.
The decor is very chic and expect the service to be top notch, the Italian delicatessen reminds me of the ones in Little Italy in Montreal. Huge variety of meats and cheeses and everything from the best olive oils to the most decadent of deserts.
5 stars without a question, if you don't mind paying for such a privilege.Listed in: Best Places to Eat
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Review from Ken N.
7/20/2010
Up in Calgary great Italian food is hard to come by but this place does it right. Exceptional and unique menu with a very friendly staff. This place has been busy every time I've gone, even during the week which is a always a good sign. Had an amazing swordfish dish. I've gone without a reservation and they easily accommodated.
Great wine and homemade dessert selection too! A++++ -
Review from Andrew M.
9/13/2009
Had one of the best meals since I moved to Calgary a year ago. Mercato is serving up traditional Italian fare, prepared extremely well. If you decide to go, I strongly recommend going family style. There are lots of great items on the menu, and they are more than willing to allow you to share.
The menu is set up to be eaten in three courses. First is your antipasto, second is a pasta dish, and third is a protein. We started with the clams, which were cooked beautifully and served with fresh greenery to make it like a light salad. Next we had a risotto, which has surprisingly light and fresh. Last we had the halibut, which was cooked to perfection (which seems to be a rarity in Calgary).
The service was extremely competent. The allowed us to take our time and slowly enjoy are food and wine. We had a great dining experience. I would strongly recommend that people check it out again if they had a bad first experience. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
9/16/2009
My sister & I decided to surprise my parents with an anniversary dinner at Mercato.
Mercato proved to be the perfect choice.
We opted to sit at the bar which faces the chef. When you sit right at the bar, you get the priveledge of watching the chef cook everything. We were mesmorized by his professionalism. He was a TRUE chef, tasting a spoon of EVERY dish that went out. I felt like I was in an episode of Hell's Kitchen...well, without the Hell part.
We ordered a bunch of different dishes, but our absolute favourite was the risotto. I'm usually not a fan, but this stuff was heaven on a plate! It was light, well cooked and absolutely delicious.
I highly recommend you borrow the idea and treat someone you love to a dinner at Mercato. You'll thank me later. -
Review from spaniel l.
Calgary, AB
5/18/2009
I really wanted to rate this place high, but all I can give is a 3.5 stars - sorry
I expected more from Mercato. Everything in my salad was super salty (felt like I was drinking sea water) , baked mussels were okay (could have been fresher - fun concept though ,the bread crumbs reminded me of the sand) and the pasta was alright (I've had much better homemade pasta's - to name one off the top of my head, one place from Calgary would be Teatro).
Definately didn't feel like I was back in Italy enjoying their simple fresh dishes...
To end it in a positive note, the latte was good and maybe the market will surprise me. -
Review from Trace F.
Calgary, AB
11/5/2009
Make a Reservation. That's all I have to say. Every time we attempted to go it was the spur of the moment kinda thing.
It's all about sharing at Mercato's. Appetizer/Pasta/Meat Dish/Stuff on the side. You pick from each of the categories and go straight to heaven. Our tomatoes were vine ripened in Holland. I didn't know that would matter, but it did. :) Thank you Holland.
We had lamb for the meat dish, and it was probably the best lamb I have ever tried. Our waitress was young/ cool, and very knowledgeable in helping us match our wine to our dinner. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
This place is a must if you enjoy italian food! I was clearly born into the wrong family.
Ciao Ciao -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
11/14/2009
Sometimes it's really hit or miss with Italian restaurants. Luckily, Mercato is a hit!
They've got great food, and a wonderful selection. Being an Italian place they should know what good pasta tastes like. They serve up traditional dishes with their own little quirks to them. And you've got to love the classic bread and oil they serve! That's probably one of my favourite thing about Italian restaurants. Mmm!
I also really enjoy the interior design of this place. It's pretty different from most other restaurants in that you're almost expected to interact with the kitchen staff. See, there's a large counter that you can sit at and watch the chefs work. It's pretty neat... but a little noisy.
I also think it's pretty cool that they are a market as well as a restaurant. It's nice because all the ingredients used in their menu items are fresh from their adjoining market.
Mercato really is fine Italian cuisine, highly recommended by me! -
Review from JP D.
Calgary, AB
2/22/2010
Mercato is a great Deli/Restaurant in Mission.
The food is great, if a bit overpriced. This restaurant has a a great atmosphere. The decor is modern but very airy and Californian/Italian. During the weekday lunch, it is a business crowd hangout, so I cannot recommend this place for a non-business lunch at that time. -
Review from Wilbert C.
Calgary, AB
8/24/2008
My favorite Italian restaurant for lunch in the summer. I love sitting in their patio, taking in the sounds and sights of fourth street.
My favorite dish is their tasty Zuppa di Pesce. In fact, they have a picture of this dish on their website.
A word of warning, their serving of pasta is ginormous. [well at least for me] So if you're planning to have a pasta course in between your antipasto and main, be mindful of the generous serving.
When I think of summer, I think of Mercato. [I know it sounds weird.] -
Review from J j.
3/14/2010
Love it!!
Love the italian market beside it! and love the restaurant, yes I agreed with other people, it's a bit overpriced, but I highly recommend the "Bistecca", so good! juicy beef meat, perfect blend with the sea salt, baby argula and lemon, portion is big, good for 2 person, or 3 small eater!s! -
Review from Larry N.
Calgary, AB
4/6/2011
I had the highest expectations when I took a couple friends from out of town to Mercato. I'd heard some great things. Some were right on...the entire feel of the place is lively and upscale. Both of my guests were satisfied though now wowed by their meals, but mine was a disaster. I had a Veal Chop that was easily tthe worst I have ever had...I would defy my pug to chew it...and what was worse, when I told my server about this he just left and came back with the comment that "this is just the nature of the cut"....excuse me!...Anyway, I was more than a tad put off. Despite this I will give them another chance because the atmosphere demands it.
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Review from Rick A.
Ottawa, ON
2/6/2011
Fun, good, wonderful noisy setting
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Review from Starkie S.
Calgary, AB
8/22/2009
Its Friday at 5:30 pm and we walk into the 'empty' restaurant and ask for a table for two. Well, once the hostess organized herself and greeted us and looked at her screen and looked at her book she stated that the best she could do was two seats at a :gang style" table. Give me a break - the place was empty.So , we went down the street and found another restaurant and on the way back 90 minutes later looked into Mercato and the the place was 1/4 empty. The owners must have made too much money already to have emptry seats.
My advice...keep walking. This place has lost its way since the sons took over and moved to 4th Street - when they were located in Bridgeland the parents were very friendly and accomodating, I guess this is what they call progress.
I have eaten here only once before - food was good but bring your wallet!! -
Review from Quddous B.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2010
The rib steak was so awesome. The steak is huge; It's meant for a group of people. We shared it between 5 people (with a few other dishes)
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Review from Melissa L.
Calgary, AB
5/23/2010 1 photo
I've been to Mercato for dinner three times in the past two years. It's hard for me to review it objectively as, honestly, it's out of my price range for regular dining. Each time I've been to Mercato I have been treated by a generous friend or family member. I also struggle to review Mercato objectively as I spent several years living in Italy and Italian food is close to my heart.
I guess I'll start by saying that the food at Mercato is really good. On my last visit I had the bruschetta as an appetizer (one classic tomato, one with eggplant and a third I don't recall). It's something like $17 for three slices of bread with toppings. Three really good slices of bread with really good toppings, true. As a vegetarian I can't eat any of the main courses listed on the menu, so I usually like to order a first-course sized pasta (a little smaller than the "entree"-sized) and then share lots of vegetable side dishes. On my last visit I had the gnocchi, which were amazing. A little heat to the sauce, lots of parmesan (it might have been pecorino or another similar cheese), and a crumble of almonds and pistachios on top. It was great. Easily worth the $15 price tag (it might have been a dollar or two more or less). For shared sides we had proscuitto-wrapped asparagus (it got rave reviews, I can't eat the proscuitto), zucchini with fresh ricotta (to die for) and green beans with pine nuts (also amazing). Vegetable sides are meant for sharing and run about $10-15 each, if I recall correctly. Bottles of wine start around $45 and desserts (which I never have room for) are around the $10-15 price point as well (I believe). As mentioned earlier I never eat main courses at Mercato, but most look to be upwards of $25 and do require the additional contorni (side dishes).
The food at Mercato is to die for, and it's a great upscale choice. I have a hard time believing the price is justified (especially when I could get similar food at half the price in Italy) but then again... you won't find Italian that good for any cheaper here in Calgary.
One thing that I do have to say is that I've always found the service at Mercato makes me uncomfortable. I've had the same server all three times I've been, and she's often spoken brusquely to the people at my table and used hostile body language. In all three visits I don't think she's cracked a smile once, and she makes me so uncomfortable that I dread ending up in her section. Maybe if you buy a $500 bottle of wine she'll warm up to you, but until then you should visit Mercato for the food, definitely not the service.
(Oh, and Mercato has a little market attached where you can buy fresh and packaged Italian foods. The stuff in the deli cases looks amazing... but expensive... while most of the packaged stuff can be purchased at much lower prices at Lina's Italian Market.) -
Review from Anne M.
1/8/2010
Thanks to Yelp! Canada, we found this local treasure on the day we decided to visit it. After verifying with the restaurant on its dress code (none) and children policy (none), we challenged the Yelp! suggested dress code (dressy) with our 6 and 8 year old daughters in causal winter layers and boots. The restaurant is very urban and hip, much like a NYC restaurant "Otto" that I visited last year. The staff was super friendly. I did make a reservation for 1:30 p.m. for lunch earlier that morning but the place was busy on a Saturday afternoon. Upon our arrival, the hostess apologized and explained that the table would be available in 10 minutes and invited us to browse the store during that time. We were intrigued with the truffle oils, capers, on-site bottling of olive oil and various Italian ingredients. As we were about to sit in the bar tables in the store (odd place for it but appreciated under the circumstances), the hostess came and offered us the corner station on the bar that just opened up, apparently a highly coveted spot in the restaurant, which we happily accepted. We watched with great fascination as the chefs work in the kitchen and the waiter offered excellent Italian red wine options by the glass, which my husband was super impressed with. We ordered their daily special in appetizer portion, ok but not spectacular. The amazing dish we enjoyed was pasta with fresh tomato and a hint of chili spices, thanks to a friendly patron seated next to my daughter. Just don't ask me the name of it since all the names were Italian and not familiar to me. Who knew that simply fresh tomatoes, pasta, and spices can create such a phenomenal dish. We also added a side of brocollini, so good in every way!
Turns out, the restaurant is casual for business casual for lunch and accepting of children. My husband and I loved it. While I wish had more than 3 options for dessert, we did thoroughly enjoyed our lattes with a sponge cake and cheesecake. Their cheesecake is made with ricotta cheese which gave it a lighter texture than your traditional cheesecake. Neither cakes were overly sweet, just perfect for me. The kids loved both.
While to meal was a bit pricey ($140) for 4 people, we did order quite a bit of food (couple glasses of wine, 2 italian sodas, 3 entrees, 2 lattes, and 2 desserts). I thought it was well worth it.
Having gone to many Italian restaurants, I have to say that this is definitely worth the effort of trekking there in the cold winter weather. I loved the ambiance, service and food quality. I just know that my trip is off to great start and I'll have to put my new-year resolution to start my low-carb diet off until after this vacation. -
Review from Orpha C.
Calgary, AB
7/10/2009
The food was good but what's up with the full charge for a coffee refill? This restaurant is not inexpensive. You would think that they'd at least include one free refill with the original cup of coffee. And my brother-in-law ordered the halibut and it was tasty but that's all that came on the plate - one piece of fish. Again, is it that expensive to include a small amount of pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil to accompany the fish on the plate? Not only would it be a nice side with the fish but the presentation would be much more appealing. I ordered the clams vongole and had them add pasta to it and it was delicious and my husband had the special and it was very good as well. It's just too bad about the little things that can inhibit one from returning any time soon.
