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Mercato
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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
Mercato
8.0
A big, energetic Italian trattoria-bar that works for romantic nights when you treat it like a shared-plate pasta hang rather than a hushed anniversary temple. The sweet spot is one standout pasta plus one classic comfort dish—enough richness to feel indulgent without turning the table into chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malloreddus al Sugo di Cinghiale, Lasagna Tradizionale, Linguine ai Frutti di Mare
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Pasta-forward Italian with a full bar and late-friendly Midtown rhythm.
Who should go: Couples who want pasta and cocktails.
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for best energy.
What to order: Wild boar malloreddus, lasagna, seafood linguine.
Insider tip: Order one pasta + one main—skip the menu sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited; multiple paid garages within a 1–2 block walk are the realistic option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine with a polished top; date-night attire fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—conversation is easy, but expect background buzz, especially later at night.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; brief lines possible around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and starters that feel intentional, not afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with simple pasta or vegetable-focused modifications; not a dedicated strength.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations available (notably pasta substitutions), but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want energy without pressure. The lively room, shared pasta rhythm, and cocktails give you plenty to talk about without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or earlier evenings, but peak dinner hours are tough. A reservation is strongly recommended after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a casual sense—kids are welcome, and familiar Italian dishes help—but it’s more of an adult-leaning, social dining room than a family destination.
Best For
Better for: Energetic date nights, pasta-sharing meals, and couples who want Italian comfort food plus a real bar scene.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate anniversary dinner or highly specialized dietary dining—choose a smaller, calmer Italian room instead.
Mercato
8.3
A West 39th Italian room that’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for it—exactly why it works. The kitchen leans into crowd-pleasers (pasta, red-sauce comfort, steak-and-fish standards) and the vibe is tuned for groups who want a dependable Midtown dinner without the usual theater-district chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne alla Vodka, Cacio e Pepe, Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A quietly dependable Italian that wins on consistency and pacing.
Who should go: Groups who want a no-drama Midtown dinner.
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch to avoid bottlenecks.
What to order: Penne vodka; cacio e pepe; meatballs.
Insider tip: Order pasta-first, then add a main only if the table’s still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive on West 39th; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for business dinners and dates.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively enough for groups, but conversation at the table is easy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended for groups.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several pasta and appetizer options work well without modification.
Vegan options: Limited. A couple of pastas or sides can be adapted, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Some mains and salads work, but pasta substitutes are not the kitchen’s strength—ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want low pressure. The room is calm, service is steady, and the menu avoids surprises, which keeps the focus on conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early or late. For weeknights before 6:30pm you have a good shot; weekends and group dinners should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat pasta and classic Italian dishes. It’s not designed for strollers or toddlers, but accommodating for families at earlier hours.
Best For
Better for: Reliable group dinners, business-friendly pacing, and classic Italian comfort without the chaos of busier theater-district spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a buzzy scene, experimental Italian, or a late-night energy play—there are livelier options nearby.
Mercato
8.2
A cozy, neighborhood-leaning trattoria just off the Midtown churn, built around crowd-pleasing pastas and a warm room that works for multigenerational tables. It’s a smart “family dinner near everything” pick when you want Italian that feels settled rather than trendy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried artichokes, Ravioli (seasonal), Semifreddo
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Trattoria comfort in a calmer pocket near the Midtown crush.
Who should go: Families who want a relaxed Italian room
When to visit: Weeknights for easiest seating
What to order: Fried artichokes, a ravioli, semifreddo
Insider tip: Ask what pasta is best today—kitchen rotates strengths.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; meters are tight after 6pm. Nearby paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans, sweaters, and casual dresses all fit—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate-low. Easy conversation at the table, even with a full room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta, salad, and vegetable-driven starters are easy to order meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and simple pasta modifications work, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options available; confirm preparation details with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want low pressure. The room is warm and calm, food is familiar, and conversation isn’t competing with noise or theatrics.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening. Weekends fill up quickly, but short waits are common if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Best for elementary-age kids and up—pasta portions are generous, pacing is relaxed, and the room welcomes families without feeling chaotic.
Best For
Better for: Calm, neighborhood-style Italian meals where comfort, pacing, and conversation matter more than trendiness.
Skip if: You want a buzzy scene, creative twists, or a late-night energy—flashier Midtown Italian rooms may suit better.
Mercato
8.0
A brick-lined trattoria that’s best used as a cozy, conversation-first date: tight tables, low lighting, and a menu built around comforting pastas and classic Italian-American rhythms. Order the dishes the kitchen does most reliably—pasta, burrata, and one shareable starter—and you’ll get the best version of the room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi, Burrata, Rigatoni (seasonal variations)
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Brick-walled trattoria energy with pasta-first comfort for dates.
Who should go: Couples who want cozy, classic Italian.
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid the tight-room crush.
What to order: Burrata, gnocchi, one pasta special.
Insider tip: Sit deeper in the back for the quietest tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited and competitive after 6pm; garages on 9th Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—nice top, clean shoes, date-ready layers.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively hum but still workable for conversation, especially toward the back.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Multiple pasta options, burrata, salads, and vegetable sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited. Some pastas and sides can be adapted, but it requires asking.
Gluten-free options: Limited. A few naturally gluten-free dishes and substitutions may be possible, but no dedicated gluten-free program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you like cozy and conversational. The tight room and low lighting create intimacy, but it’s best for relaxed chemistry rather than a big, flashy first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early dinner or later evenings work best; peak weekend hours are risky without booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. While kids are welcome, the tight tables, low lighting, and date-night crowd make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, classic Italian-American comfort with a low-key, romantic feel—stronger for conversation than trend-driven Midtown Italian spots.
Skip if: You want space, spectacle, or a buzzy scene. Choose a larger, more modern Italian room if you need energy or room to linger.