We had an amazing dinner here. Our server was so attentive and professional, the timing of everything was perfect. We ordered two entrees that we were planning to share, and the server had the kitchen split them for us without us asking, which felt really above and beyond. We had a white wine that the server helped us select, the fettuccine with clams, chicken piccata, finishing up with panna cotta and coffee. Each part perfect. We loved the cozy vibe inside as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Prem Yesudian
Service was 12/10. Bread and butter was 10/10. We ordered the caponata crostoni for starter. Gf and I split the Gnochi with eggplant. I’ve had this dish before but unfortunately this tasted much different. Wasn’t able to taste many other flavors besides salt. Perhaps try a different dish when you go.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jeff Perkins
Had a fantastic meal here. We loved everything. The service was excellent and the wine list was great, toi.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bunny Oliver
Service was very slow, waitress forgot our order. Got there at 5:35pm and got our food at 6:50 pm. Drinks took forever and at the time there were only 4 other tables for a total of 8 people.
Sierra Mitchell
This place is absolutely to die for. If you don’t like anything on the menu that you think you’ll like… GET THE BREAD!!! The bread is amazing and I could eat it all just for dinner. The service was also incredible, got a taste test of wine, as a family we felt very cared for and respected. I would come here again and again if I could. Definitely a recommendation!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Raub
I don't know how this restaurant doesn't have five stars. The food was full of flavor and nuance. The service was friendly and extremely knowledgeable on every aspect of the menu. I cannot say enough about our experience here. If you are coming to Ithaca, you have to have dinner here! And if you're not in Ithaca, you need to make a special trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phương Đài Trịnh
Mercato Bar & Kitchen is a sophisticated yet cozy spot in Ithaca that delivers a dining experience full of flavor, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its Italian-inspired menu and top-notch cocktails, this restaurant is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a more refined dinner, Mercato manages to strike the perfect balance.
The menu is filled with a variety of dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation. The wood-fired pizzas are a standout, with the Margherita being a classic, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tangy tomato sauce, all cooked to perfection in the wood-burning oven. If you're craving something a little different, the fennel sausage and ricotta pizza is a flavorful and slightly spicy option that’s a true crowd-pleaser.
For something heartier, the braised short ribs are a must-try—tender, rich, and packed with flavor, served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarians will love the roasted butternut squash risotto, creamy and satisfying, with a lovely balance of sweetness from the squash and depth from the parmesan. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you'll leave feeling full and content.
The beverage program at Mercato is equally impressive, with a curated list of Italian wines, craft beers, and expertly crafted cocktails. The Negroni is a standout, perfectly balanced and refreshing. They also offer a variety of house-made syrups and mixers, elevating classic cocktails with unique flavors.
The ambiance at Mercato Bar & Kitchen is chic yet inviting, with a sleek bar area and comfortable seating that makes it perfect for both an intimate dinner or a night out with friends. The exposed brick and modern décor create a warm, stylish setting, while the open kitchen adds a touch of excitement and transparency to the dining experience.
Service is impeccable—attentive without being overbearing. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and always ready to recommend the perfect wine or dish to suit your tastes.
Overall, Mercato Bar & Kitchen is one of Ithaca’s finest dining spots, offering fantastic food, a stellar drink selection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a great place to eat, Mercato consistently delivers a memorable experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire Chen
Server spilled food on my brother and ran off without apologizing, there wasn’t any spills on her as she tipped the plate over so we’re not sure why she sprinted away so fast. We had to use everyone’s napkins at the table to clean up my brother’s arm and chair. This server never came back to our table.
Hostess and our waiter was nice otherwise. Food is fine, nothing special but not bad.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Deborah Bennett
The food was absolutely phenomenal. I had the ravioli which was possibly the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Paired with a lovely Italian red wine, the pasta was perfectly prepared and the tomato sauce was divine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tim Roth
Overall disappointed. The wine suggested was delicious, our server was in training but did a good job and was attentive. The kitchen was very disappointing. We waited 45 minutes after finishing our appetizers for the entrees to be served. Sea scallops were good, but the plate was overall small. The fettuccine and clams was bad, overcooked, chewy, and very salty.
Mercato serves up excellent food in a cozy, intimate space. I had the fish baked in parchment paper—the special of the night—and it was absolutely delicious: light, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. My daughter had the skirt steak and fries, which were also excellent—tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.
The restaurant is on the smaller side, so seating can feel a bit tight, but the quality of the food makes it well worth it. A great spot to dine if you're in Ithaca and looking for something special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Murad Rasul
The host and owner denied us entry upon seeing my service animal, claiming “psychiatric service animals are not service animals.” That statement is both false and discriminatory under federal law.
I would give 0 stars if I could for the attitude and sheer audacity of the staff toward me and my service animal, right before my partner and I’s wedding anniversary. Ignorant, dismissive, and embarrassingly misinformed — 3 words that sum up the experience. It’s easy to smile for customers until real hospitality is required — and clearly, this establishment failed at that.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Tracy Gray
Great hostess, bartender and servers, very kind too!! Amazing food and environment! The food best Italian in a long time! Thank you!
Bret Friday
Amazing dinner here. Definitely recommend the fresh fettuccini dish and the gnocchi! Great service and help with the wine list. Really enjoyed ourselves and I would definitely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Homemade Gnocchi with Braised Short Ribs
Andy Harris
Intimate, delicious, great service. Highly recommend. Be prepared to wait, or come before opening and get in line early.
We had an amazing dinner here. Our server was so attentive and professional, the timing of everything was perfect. We ordered two entrees that we were planning to share, and the server had the kitchen split them for us without us asking, which felt really above and beyond. We had a white wine that the server helped us select, the fettuccine with clams, chicken piccata, finishing up with panna cotta and coffee. Each part perfect. We loved the cozy vibe inside as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was 12/10. Bread and butter was 10/10. We ordered the caponata crostoni for starter. Gf and I split the Gnochi with eggplant. I’ve had this dish before but unfortunately this tasted much different. Wasn’t able to taste many other flavors besides salt. Perhaps try a different dish when you go.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Had a fantastic meal here. We loved everything. The service was excellent and the wine list was great, toi.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was very slow, waitress forgot our order. Got there at 5:35pm and got our food at 6:50 pm. Drinks took forever and at the time there were only 4 other tables for a total of 8 people.
This place is absolutely to die for. If you don’t like anything on the menu that you think you’ll like… GET THE BREAD!!! The bread is amazing and I could eat it all just for dinner. The service was also incredible, got a taste test of wine, as a family we felt very cared for and respected. I would come here again and again if I could. Definitely a recommendation!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't know how this restaurant doesn't have five stars. The food was full of flavor and nuance. The service was friendly and extremely knowledgeable on every aspect of the menu. I cannot say enough about our experience here. If you are coming to Ithaca, you have to have dinner here! And if you're not in Ithaca, you need to make a special trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mercato Bar & Kitchen is a sophisticated yet cozy spot in Ithaca that delivers a dining experience full of flavor, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its Italian-inspired menu and top-notch cocktails, this restaurant is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a more refined dinner, Mercato manages to strike the perfect balance.
The menu is filled with a variety of dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation. The wood-fired pizzas are a standout, with the Margherita being a classic, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tangy tomato sauce, all cooked to perfection in the wood-burning oven. If you're craving something a little different, the fennel sausage and ricotta pizza is a flavorful and slightly spicy option that’s a true crowd-pleaser.
For something heartier, the braised short ribs are a must-try—tender, rich, and packed with flavor, served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarians will love the roasted butternut squash risotto, creamy and satisfying, with a lovely balance of sweetness from the squash and depth from the parmesan. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you'll leave feeling full and content.
The beverage program at Mercato is equally impressive, with a curated list of Italian wines, craft beers, and expertly crafted cocktails. The Negroni is a standout, perfectly balanced and refreshing. They also offer a variety of house-made syrups and mixers, elevating classic cocktails with unique flavors.
The ambiance at Mercato Bar & Kitchen is chic yet inviting, with a sleek bar area and comfortable seating that makes it perfect for both an intimate dinner or a night out with friends. The exposed brick and modern décor create a warm, stylish setting, while the open kitchen adds a touch of excitement and transparency to the dining experience.
Service is impeccable—attentive without being overbearing. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and always ready to recommend the perfect wine or dish to suit your tastes.
Overall, Mercato Bar & Kitchen is one of Ithaca’s finest dining spots, offering fantastic food, a stellar drink selection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a great place to eat, Mercato consistently delivers a memorable experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Server spilled food on my brother and ran off without apologizing, there wasn’t any spills on her as she tipped the plate over so we’re not sure why she sprinted away so fast. We had to use everyone’s napkins at the table to clean up my brother’s arm and chair. This server never came back to our table.
Hostess and our waiter was nice otherwise. Food is fine, nothing special but not bad.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
The food was absolutely phenomenal. I had the ravioli which was possibly the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Paired with a lovely Italian red wine, the pasta was perfectly prepared and the tomato sauce was divine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Overall disappointed. The wine suggested was delicious, our server was in training but did a good job and was attentive. The kitchen was very disappointing. We waited 45 minutes after finishing our appetizers for the entrees to be served. Sea scallops were good, but the plate was overall small. The fettuccine and clams was bad, overcooked, chewy, and very salty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Mercato serves up excellent food in a cozy, intimate space. I had the fish baked in parchment paper—the special of the night—and it was absolutely delicious: light, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. My daughter had the skirt steak and fries, which were also excellent—tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.
The restaurant is on the smaller side, so seating can feel a bit tight, but the quality of the food makes it well worth it. A great spot to dine if you're in Ithaca and looking for something special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The host and owner denied us entry upon seeing my service animal, claiming “psychiatric service animals are not service animals.” That statement is both false and discriminatory under federal law.
I would give 0 stars if I could for the attitude and sheer audacity of the staff toward me and my service animal, right before my partner and I’s wedding anniversary. Ignorant, dismissive, and embarrassingly misinformed — 3 words that sum up the experience. It’s easy to smile for customers until real hospitality is required — and clearly, this establishment failed at that.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great hostess, bartender and servers, very kind too!! Amazing food and environment! The food best Italian in a long time! Thank you!
Amazing dinner here. Definitely recommend the fresh fettuccini dish and the gnocchi! Great service and help with the wine list. Really enjoyed ourselves and I would definitely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Homemade Gnocchi with Braised Short Ribs
Intimate, delicious, great service. Highly recommend. Be prepared to wait, or come before opening and get in line early.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Skirt Steak, Truffle Fries
Loading...