Mercato
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Garment District
Best Romantic Restaurants in Garment District
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Garment District
Best Family Friendly Italian in Garment District
Best Date Night Italian in Garment District
Master Critic Review
Mercato
8.5
Owner Fabio Camardi recreates his hometown Taranto's Apulian cuisine in this cozy trattoria near Port Authority. Homemade pastas, daily-sourced seafood from Seabreeze, and imported regional wines create an authentic Southern Italian experience where regulars become family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Tradizionale, Orecchiette, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Authentic Apulian cuisine from Taranto with daily-sourced fish
Who should go: Travelers seeking a true neighborhood Italian experience
When to visit: Late evening after Broadway for a relaxed meal until midnight
What to order: Gnocchi al ragù, seafood linguine, semifreddo
Insider tip: The complimentary bread with lentils in oil sets the tone perfectly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; typical Hell's Kitchen street parking or nearby garages. Located between 8th and 9th Ave near Port Authority—subway A/C/E to 42nd St recommended
Dress code: Casual—come comfortable. No need to dress up for this cozy neighborhood trattoria
Noise level: Moderate to lively—cozy room with tables close together can get buzzy when full. Back room tends to be louder; front room more intimate
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; strongly recommend booking ahead as it's a small space
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; opens 11:30am daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—several pasta dishes, caprese salad, fava bean puree with chicory, fried artichokes. Not a dedicated section but options exist
Vegan options: Very limited—speak with server for possible modifications. Not a strong suit
Gluten-free options: Not specifically offered—traditional pasta-focused menu. Discuss needs with staff for possible accommodations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent—Time Out called it 'super-romantic' and the intimate trattoria setting with cozy lighting, attentive service, and homemade pasta creates genuine charm. Bar seating ideal for conversation with strangers-turned-friends. Tables are small and close, so embrace the European bistro intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky for prime dinner hours. Late night after Broadway shows (they're open until midnight) rarely needs a reservation. Weekday lunch is your best walk-in bet. Book via Resy for peace of mind
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—Yelp marks it 'Good for Kids' and homemade pastas appeal to all ages. However, the small tables and cozy atmosphere suit older children who can handle a traditional sit-down meal better than toddlers
Best For
Better for: Solo diners and couples seeking an authentic neighborhood trattoria with Michelin Guide recognition, late-night post-theater dining until midnight, and regional Apulian specialties you won't find at generic Italian spots—daily fish from Seabreeze, imported Apulian cheeses and wines, homemade pasta with family recipes from Taranto
Skip if: You need extensive vegetarian/vegan options, want pizza (they don't serve it), prefer spacious tables and quiet conversation, or are bringing young children who need high chairs and kid menus