101 College St. (at Elizabeth St.)
416-595-5625
Mercatto has become something of an institution in Toronto for consistently delicious casual Italian food. Serving up deliciously simple fare with “warm and attentive” service, this popular local venue proves that casual restaurant chains don’t have to be all bad.
The chain has locations on Bay and Toronto street, but thankfully there is also a location on College, just steps away from the Elev’n 21 condos! The College Street restaurant can be found right at the corner of the MaRS centre, boasting large windows and Munge Leung design for a “posh-yet-informal” atmosphere that’s perfect for a midday lunch escape.
Mercatto translates to “marketplace”, and this is certainly fitting given the fresh, in-season food featured on the menu. Most menu items contain less than four ingredients, so dishes are seasonal and simple. With the motto, “life’s too short to drink bad wine”, Mercatto also delivers when it comes to wine selection, with over 16 different varieties on a list designed to complement the regional cuisine of the menu.
The menu features meat and cheese boards and appetizers like lamb skewers with rosemary and lemon ($11) or the crostini with prosciutto, ricotta, arugula and grana padano ($9). Pasta options include the calamari spaghettini ($16), 1/2 lobster fettuccine ($19) and duck ragu gnocchi ($18). Of course, Mercatto offers a range of traditional thin crusts pizzas in addition to other entrees like the half cornish hen with roasted asparagus and new potatoes ($22).
Right in your neighbourhood, Mercatto is the ideal choice for simple yet delicious Italian food. Stop in today!
Sources:
http://www.mercatto.ca/
http://www.torontolife.com/guide/restaurants/midday/mercatto/location/
http://www.torontolife.com/features/mercatto/

