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Mercatto
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
101 College StToronto, ON M5G 1L7
Neighbourhoods: Discovery District, Downtown Core
(416) 595-5625
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 8 am - 10 pm
Thu-Fri 8 am - 11 pm
Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
23 reviews for Mercatto
Review Highlights
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"The freshmade pasta specials are your best bet." In 7 reviews -
"I don't know if some of this relates to Rob Rossi's..." In 3 reviews -
"Bread was served, with delish olive oil for dipping." In 2 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Michael L.
Brampton, ON
4/20/2012
Mercatto is one of my favourite Italian restaurants in Toronto because it satisfies very specific cravings. I have always found this location a little better in with regards to the service and the food itself. My favourite dish is the Orecciette (5 stars) and I get it approximately 90% of the time I go there (some call it an addiction, I call it satisfaction). I am not a fan of creamy/saucey pastas because when it comes to pasta, I value simplicity. The Orecciette pasta is cooked to perfection and seasoned to a simple peppery taste that offers that little kick of spice which takes the dish to the next level. The addition of the fennel sausage and chopped greens adds a nice balance to the texture/taste of the dish. The dish comes in a pretty decent size and is a pretty good value at modest cost of $15.
Mercatto also offers a nice selection of cured meats which can be coupled with fresh bread to start off your meal. I highly recommend the the spicy salami and the proschiutto which just melts in your mouth. The risotto balls (3.5 stars) are also quite tasty but is a little hearty for one person to have, especially if you're going to get the Orecciette which comes in a pretty decent portion. It's a great dish to share. The pizzas are also a great addition to the menu. The Maialina pizza (3.5 stars) is good if you like a little meat on your pizza but the Margherita pizza (4 stars) offers a simple, yet elegant alternative that has a crunch to every bite.
The atmosphere makes for a pretty decent place to go on a date during dinner time or for business meetings during lunch hours. However, the service can be pretty hit-or-miss and the other entrees are relatively mediocre for such a steep price. But if you are looking for a nice place to go for some delicious pasta or traditional Italian Pizza, definitely check it out. -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mercatto turned out better than I thought.
It's a great place for a business meeting. It's all about the hustle and bustle, which I love. It's like an open kitchen with a nice long bar that stretches across it.
I went in at 12:00Noon and it was packed. I was able to get a table for two however, quite quickly. The tables were set close together but I didn't mind. It felt like cafeteria style seating, but in a fine dining way. I'm not sure how else to describe it.
The server was ultra friendly, polite and filled my water glass at least 4 times while I had my lunch. They have daily specials, soup and entree. Their regular menu had pastas, pizzas and entrees of fish, chicken and beef. I tried the prosciutto pizza and it was really good, decent for $15. My friend had the ginger and carrot soup with the sausage pizza. I liked both but mine was crunchier, his was cheesier.
Overall, I really like the atmosphere. Business meetings are great here. The windows are large and take advantage of the natural light. The place is busy so moments of awkwardness are minimal and there is always something to comment on.
This 3 star restaurant got it's fourth star for the service. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2012 2 photos
It's not bad, not spectacular either. At the same time, you're out of luck to find anything other than a food court in the area.
I was able to make a last minute same day reservation for lunch. Recommended, as it was quite busy.
Menu is mainly pastas and pizzas, Be prepared to spend $20 for your lunch.
I usually get the Orrecheti with Rapini and Pancetta. I opted for their 'Carbonara' (which I am not sure why it's in quote. Creamy and cheesy, comes with Pancetta (but disappointed it was mostly fat, not the meat), with Brussel Sprouts.
You get bread with olive oil (no vinegar) prior to the meal, but the guy only brought it to us minutes before the meal was served.
We sat on the back couches, and not a fan that my couch made me taller than my partner sitting on the chair. It was a weird angle.
I'd come back, but sparingly. They also have panini's available for take out only. -
Review from Gurpreet B.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2012
They have great coffee but, I think there are much better place to eat in TO...though the location can be very convenient to the research crowd.
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Review from Lara P.
3/28/2012
Lovely spot for a business lunch. Service is prompt and they get your food fast. The food offerings are fresh and well made but they have not completely blown me over except for the delicious olive oil they serve with the bread. Wicked good that I always walk away with a bottle. So glad that they sell the bottles.
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Review from Sandra K.
North York, ON
7/27/2011
I went there for a recent lunch and was impressed. It's a great place to meet for lunch and though packed, less busy than the location on Bay and Queen where there always seems to be a wait a lunchtime. Here, we were able to get a table for two at noon with no problem
The food was excellent. We ordered the specials of the day--the boconcini heirloom tomato salad, and cucumber yogurt soup which were fantastic and perfect for a summer afternoon.
The tagliatele almond pesto with sun dried tomato was fine, although rather tasteless. -
Review from Vivek S.
Updated - 5/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here last night for dinner on the patio. As usual, everything was pretty good, though the meals skewed toward the saline side. I ordered the arancini to start (deep fried risotto balls), and salsiccia (sausage and potatoes). I REALLY dug the sausage and the sauce was key. The escarole on the side was a nice touch, but the potatoes didn't do anything for me.
Still not quite "I'm a fan" status for me. I wouldn't mind a few more beer options.Listed in: That's Amore!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/28/2010
Located in the the Mars building, Mercatto is known as the-place-to-have-a-birth day. As such, I… Read more »
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Review from Ellie A.
6/16/2011
I've been to Mercatto a number of times and, while I am usually a big fan of their beautiful homemade pasta, their food fell a bit flat for me tonight.
To make the most of Mercatto, I suggest staying basic. They have wonderful local meats and cheeses that you can pair up with fresh bread, a salad or two, and a glass of wine, and make a night of it. Their pasta is wonderful, especially their fennel sausage orecchiette ("little ears") with rapini and a little spice. Or go for a simple, but delicious, margherita pizza.
The place where Mercatto falls a little short is with the more "interesting" dishes that require more finesse. Tonight I had a veggie pasta with zucchini, peas, fava beans and baby tomatoes. It should have been fresh and beautiful, but it was disappointing. The peas did not taste fresh and yet they were undercooked. The fava beans were overcooked and mealy. The tomatoes were hot, but didn't have the caramelized concentration that roasting them first would have provided. (Note to self: stop watching so many food shows that make it seem okay to used terms like "caramelized concentration"!)
Then, again, the chef at Mercatto is currently on Top Chef Canada, so let's all give ourselves full reign to pretend we're Mark McEwan.
Vegetarian Score: 6/10. There are some nice veggie options, you'll have no problem finding something, but the menu unapologetically favours meat. -
Review from James K.
Toronto, ON
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent food and wine. The atmosphere on the patio was great too. Just far enough away from the street, but not too far.
I'd go back there anytime, but it's especially nice at dusk... -
Review from Chris E.
Toronto, ON
2/6/2011
Quite enjoyed the food, ambience, music, & service. I went on a Saturday evening & was surprised by how few people were there; however, there was a snowstorm that may have affected attendance.
I began with a plate of 3 salumi meats. They were freshly shaved and yummy. Came with aniseed pretzels.
Then, for mains, I had pasta with chunks of unsmoked bacon, with a gorgeous tomato-based sauce. Pasta was delightfully al dente.
Bread was served, with delish olive oil for dipping. An order of olives came toasty-warm and melt-in-your-mouth.
I didn't bother with dessert or drinks.
Total bill, $36
I'll be back. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2011
I quite liked this place. Really great setup. Good atmosphere, and cool that they write down some menu stuff (specials etc) on a gigantic piece of paper that when they are done with, can just roll up and recycle and roll down a new one.
Pizza was really great/ basic. Others in my party that got more complex pastas didn't seem to be overwhelmingly thrilled.
Price is reasonable at $16-$18 for most pasta/pizzas and service was average-good I thought. Nothing too notable either way there.
Would definitely go back! Just need to find a date to bring with me ;) -
Review from Stephen B.
Toronto, ON
10/30/2011
Been here twice and had a terrific Italian dinner. Friendly, helpful staff. Relaxed spot out on the patio made for a great time.
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Review from Grainne M.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 12/1/2011 3 photos
Mercatto has pretty much plummeted in my eyes. I considered a 2 star, but it's not quite that bad. I've had a couple of dinners there since my previous reviews and my usual feeling leaving is one of disappointment. The most recent visit was for a friend's birthday. I had the half Cornish hen which was served with cauliflower and spinach. It basically tasted like chicken in gravy with a measly portion of veg. I was still hungry after it and it was not in any way special. The friend across from me got butternut squash pizza which was tasty but cold. The still lovely staff presented the birthday girl with a chocolate mousse thing as a cake substitute at the end which was OK. The desserts in general were underwhelming. In general people I talked to afterwards were not impressed and thought it was overpriced with mediocre food. I don't know if some of this relates to Rob Rossi's departure as executive chef, but I think it will be reserved for wine and cheese nights for me from now on.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/10/2011
*Edited to add* (12/6/11)
Went again the other night. I thought a little more about why I like it as… Read more »
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Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
11/8/2009
Deliciously Overpriced Lunch.
The food at Mercatto is always fantastic. But $19 is a bit much to pay for a piece of swordfish and a few veggies that were more garnish than side.
My birthday lunch with Dave "Hamilton's FTR King" R., Mike "Who Da Man?" S. and a few Non-yelper "Not Cool Enough for Nicknames" Friends kicked off an epic three days of celebration never before seen on Guy Fawkes Day (at least not outside of the UK and almost never on my behalf, if one must qualify such remarks).
I arrived a few minutes after everyone else, and was shown to the table for ten set aside for six of us during the busy lunch hour (this turned out to be poor strategy on their part). Our server eventually* swung by, told us about the specials and grabbed our orders. I went for the swordfish special, others opted for pasta.
About the same time as the food came up, our server came back to the table to ask a small favour. Could a couple of additional diners be seated at our table? This was a strange request but as nobody in our group wanted to be the jerk who said no, we obliged. Next thing I know, two of my colleagues are seated at the far end of our table, at which point I realized just how much had been asked of us.** I found the intrusion a bit unprofessional for an establishment like this. Maybe at Taco Bell, but not here.
The swordfish was delicious. Most were pleased with their food, although the browned-butter ravioli drew one thumbs-up and one thumbs-down, which by my calculation averages to thumbs-sideways. My swordfish was delightful with the first bite bordering on foodgasmic (though not quite), and the few pieces of vegetable matter underneath it were equally yummy (kale, I think, though I don't know my veggies very well). While I have no direct complaint about the food, I'm a bit dissatisfied on value - they could have given me a bit more to eat for $19. At least a side of rice?
It also took a while to get our bill and get the hell outta there. Again, this is lunch, folks! Maybe if you were serving your tables more effectively (hire more servers if that's what it takes) you wouldn't have to seat two parties at one table!
The company was great - thanks Dave R. for putting it together and thanks all of you for coming. Three-star experience***, five-star friends!
* I wasn't timing, but she seemed to take a while to show up considering it was lunch and their clientele likely has places to be in the afternoon.
** To be clear, I like both of the colleagues who were joined our table. Still, their presence placed some limitations on the conversations I could engage in with my friends and had me minding my P's and Q's a bit more than I would have preferred while celebrating my birthday and away from the office.
*** Five-star food. Deduct one point for really poor value, and another for service unbecoming of a mid-pricey restaurant.Listed in: Epic Birthday Bender
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Review from Ian C.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2010
As everyone mentions, food here is very good. Everything has got an italian comfort food type of feel to it, and I like that.
For lunch, it's a bit expensive, but prices are on point for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was for a dinner date! Given the area, I was worried it would be dead in the evening, but there was a nice crowd and warm ambiance. Our server was nice too, and gave us great suggestions. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2009 2 photos
Visited the new Mercatto (4 weeks old) on a quiet weekday evening shortly after work for dinner. I ordered some kind of jumbo seafood linguine which was moderately priced at around $15 accompanied by complimentary bread. Overall it was rather tasty and I have no regrets.
There's an excellent patio that is sort of nestled away from the bustle of College but you can peak through the foliage just enough to people watch.
The waitstaff was extremely attentive and useful during my entire visit and were able to bring a patio umbrella over to my table when it became too hot and sunny. -
Review from Morgan L.
9/7/2011
Great lunch scene to meet for pleasure or business. I am a huge fan of Chef Emily! Her inventive gourmet salad/pizza/pasta/panini confections rivals the world's top-rated five star restaurants. Amazing creativity using farm fresh ingredients daily! I'd follow Chef Emily wherever she goes! Chef Emily is an absolute ROCK STAR and a keeper Mercatto at MaRS!
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Review from Su B.
8/29/2010
I really like this loacation. We had no issues getting a table at 8pm on Saturday and got a great table on the patio. The staff was super friendly and let us linger for hours. The wine list was pretty solid and I loved my Sauvignon Blanc. I had the special - fresh salmon with fennel and polenta which was really nice. My SO had a pasta with lamb ragou and friends had Gnocchi and ravioli - tasted everything and the gnocchi was outstanding.
Their dark chocolate sorbet is to die for. Definitely going back - soon. -
Review from Christian P.
Toronto, ON
9/9/2011
excellent food. I want more on my plate, that's all... service can be quite slow and remains a little bit unpersonnalized and rough/cold/straight place. lacks of some warmth, but otherwise perfect.
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Review from ritchie c.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2010
I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Mercatto's. The open concept kitchen decorated with etch-a-sketch doodles everywhere had a playful and friendly feel. Big chalkboards displaying the daily specials, along with a well laid out simple menu gave a pretentious free feel, which in my opinion goes a long way.
It seemed like this was the place many older folks came to after work to unwind and relax with friends. Many tables had people just kicking back and sipping wine and shooting the shit.
Our waitress was a doll. Very friendly and taking her time to explain the dishes, while genuinely trying to engage with us as we pondered our choices. We allowed her to select our wines for us based on the food we were ordering and unlike other places I've been to, she didn't just pick from the top tier priced wines and surprise us with the bill. She even brought over the bottle for us and took the extra step of writing down the info so we could purchase it at the lcbo. Definitely didn't feel like she was just doing it to milk the tip.
Ordered the Antipasti misti for a munchies selection. Not exactly an expert on this so all I can say is it did what an antipasti is suppose to do while tasting pretty good. Nice selection of cheeses and the mushrooms were well seasoned and the sausages had an excellent salty, spicy kick.
For entree, we split the Diavolo pizza. Fantastic dough, a nice consistency, texture and chew to it. The sauce was spicy and the cheese gooey. A sage leaf was the finishing touch to a very simple, well executed pizza.
$66 for antipasti, 3 glasses of wine, and a pizza. Not too bad. This is the type of place I would love to have in my neighborhood to drink some wine, eat some bread and see old friends. -
Review from Kat T.
9/22/2010
The MaRS building is lovely, and with million dollar rents, it should be. The building houses geeks of all scientific sorts. You can see their pale complexions, unshaven neck hair and slightly too short pants coming a mile away. So, be forwarned, if you are looking for Bay-street types who make millions, instead of write grants for millions of funds, this is not the Mercatto for you. However, if you value brains over braun, saddle up to the bar with a glass of red and order yourself a pasta special and wait.
The wine bar is fantastic. They have the machine that spits out the perfect taste, 3 oz or 5 oz pour. It keeps the wine fresh and if you don't know your Italian wines, ask for a taste.
I've been here several times now, and the food keeps getting better, or I've learned enough to make the best choices!
The margarita pizza is bland. The bread is OK, but tastes better with a scoop of the Italian hot peppers that they can bring over for you.
The freshmade pasta specials are your best bet. Get it topped with anchovies, olives and basil and a light tomato sauce, if they've got it.
The wine list is extensive by the bottle, too.
Antipasti appetizer platter that can be shared among 4-5 people are swell.
Service has been great for a big group, and OK for a small group.
Outside patio faces North and gets the sun at the peak of the work-day, but after work, it gets cold, windy and dark.Listed in: Catered Events or Dinners
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Review from Tina H.
3/21/2010
Pretty decent for a quick lunch. Looks like a better place to go for a drink, though. Service was friendly but average. The option to sit outside is always a great thing, and the outdoor seating area is very nice for outdoor seating. If you're looking for a place to grab a pretty healthy lunch and sit outside and you want a healthier meal and a nicer experience than plastic lawn chairs on a pub patio, then check this place out. The food doesn't blow me away but it doesn't disappoint either.
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Review from Ailin K.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2010
Mercatto is simply delicious! I picked this place to meet up with a friend visiting from California, and was upfront about my choice and told her, "hey, i never tried this place, but the website is cute, so hopefully it will be good." And was it ever good! The menu is a one pager with the perfect amount of choices. I would say the dishes does not appear to be out of ordinary, but what makes Mercatto special is that the food taste just simply delicious and unique. We ordered Crostone - mozzarella di bufalo on top of calabrian bread with olive oil. The mozzarella was soo fresh it was out of this world! Definitely recommend this dish. For the main course, it was Spaghettini - standard spaghetti with assorted seafood and Funghi pizza - mushroom pizza. The taste and texture of the spaghetti, pizza crust, and the fresh ingredient were just amazing! My only thing was ...our server never told us about the special of the day - sardine and other dishes. It wasn't until after we ordered and took the time to look around, we saw the board listed with specials. Other than that, the service was excellent, I like how the servers are all dressed very chic, chilled, Italian cafe street way. Mmmmm... Mozzarella...
