Mercato
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 985-2962
- Cross Street:
- Juniper Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- BYOB Restaurant 2008
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-10:30pm , Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm , Sun 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Mercato – by Lauren McCutcheon
In Short
On the corner of a quiet side street, this petite and pretty box of a bistro caters to both gussied up first-daters and gym-bag-toting Washington West denizens. The tables--spaced edge to edge throughout the dining room--fill up quickly, as reservations are first-come, first-seated. Anticipate Tuscan salads of butter beans, beets and haricots verts with Chianti vinaigrette, hearty-sweet pasta and meatballs, nearly miraculous crispy-skinned striped bass, and a fall-off-the-bone mojo-cut short ribs.
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Insider Tips
When to GoThe no-reservations policy can extend weekend night waits into the hour range. Go early or late--or plan to have a cocktail across the street at the bar of Valanni.
Where to SitWhen the weather's warm, the best tables are along the sidewalk and near the open windows. Stools pulled up to a bar overlooking the open kitchen offer a grand view of the fast-paced action.
Know Before You GoMercato's menu changes seasonally, but always features heady olive oils and homemade desserts, including an irresistible torrone topped with vanilla-flavored cherries.
User Reviews for Mercato
05/10/2008 Posted by KathyPhilly
Mercato is the best place to go for a group of 4 or less. We always have a great meal and the menu changes a bit seasonally so that we can always try something new. Try the basil olive oil, the cheese plate and the pumpkin pasta in the fall/winter. Short rib ragu is awesome. All of the fish is extremely fresh...strongly recommend the crispy skin striped bass...so good!!! Very small, very hard to get in at peak dinner time...but worth the wait (while grabbing a drink or two) across the street at newly-expanded Valanni.
Pros: Amazing food, fantastic staff
Cons: Long wait, crowded
05/09/2008 Posted by marisadz
I dined here with 5 other people. We arrived at their opening on a Friday night and were promptly seated (they only take reservations up to a certain time). I'm glad we decided to dine pretty early because the place filled up very quickly. The prix fixe is a great deal if you're hungry and you're a first-timer - I highly recommend it since you get the run of their menu and basically get 4 courses for the price of 2. You can even order their specials for a little additional charge when you choose the prix fixe menu. The service was attentive and polite. The food was phenomenal. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meals - everyone left happy.
Pros: Delicious food, great prix fixe deal
Cons: Gets packed quickly - show up early or be willing to wait
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