TLDR
Authentic Southern Italian trattoria w/ a genuine neighborhood vibe. Fantastic food & modest prices—a long-standing hidden gem.
Details
This beloved neighborhood Southern Italian trattoria offers a fantastic dining experience with modest prices that avoid feeling kitschy [6]. It is widely considered a hidden gem, often preferred over trendier, more hyped establishments near Penn Station [8], [13]. Visitors appreciate its classic, straightforward atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for an authentic meal before or after a Broadway show [17], [18].
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently rave about the restaurant, frequently highlighting it as a personal favorite and a reliable, high-quality dining destination [1], [2]. While the food and value are widely praised, guests should be aware that the space is small and can require a reservation [8].
Caveats
Because the restaurant is quite small, it is often recommended to secure a reservation in advance [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MERCATO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Nice Italian Restaurant After Broadway Show That
"A solid, straightforward Italian spot that provides a classic New York dining experience."
PositiveFrom post: Nice Italian Restaurant After Broadway Show That
"A low-key spot within a 10-minute walk of the theater district with good food and a relaxing atmosphere."
PositiveFrom post: Help Need Dinner Recs Near Javits For Party Of 8
"Mercato located at 39th & 9th was listed as a restaurant option."
NeutralFrom post: Help Need Dinner Recs Near Javits For Party Of 8
"Mercato was suggested as a dining option."
NeutralFrom post: Freshdirect Quality Is Now Abysmal Grocery
"This user highly recommends Mercato for grocery delivery, citing reliable deliveries, great quality, and a wide variety of vendors, although they acknowledge it might be more expensive than FreshDirect."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user has considered Mercato on W 39th their hidden gem for over 15 years and also mentioned its sister restaurant, Ulivo, as terrific."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity
"The original poster is considering various options for their first beef experience, including burgers and sandwiches, while deliberately excluding steak."
NeutralFrom post: Italian Recs With Vegetarian Options
"The commenter recommends Mercato for fancy pizza, noting that it does not take reservations."
PositiveFrom post: Last Minute Dinner Recs First Time Nyc
"Mercato, located on 39th St between 8th & 9th Aves, is mentioned."
NeutralFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"Mercato is recommended as an dining option located on 39th St. between 8th and 9th Ave."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Slices Now Far More Expensive Than Subway
"The user mentions that Pizza Mercado's lunch special helped them through college, implying it was an affordable and satisfactory option during that time."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Mercato on W. 39th St. is described as a fantastic Southern Italian restaurant with great food and modest prices, offering a genuinely good trattoria experience without being kitschy."
PositiveFrom post: Red Sauce Italian
"Mercato on W. 39th St. is described as a fantastic Southern Italian restaurant with great food and modest prices, offering a genuinely good trattoria experience without being kitschy."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Find A Plan C
"Recommends Mercato for excellent Italian food close to Penn Station, preferring its vibe to more hyped places, but notes it's small and requires a reservation."
PositiveFrom post: Italian Restaurant To Feel Classy On A Budget
"Mercato is recommended as a dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Italian Restaurant To Feel Classy On A Budget
"Mercato, the sister restaurant of Ulivo, is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Sunday Night Near Times Square
"The user mentioned that Mercato is the only restaurant they have visited twice, highlighting it as a favorite."
PositiveFrom post: Sunday Night Near Times Square
"This is a highly recommended Italian restaurant that has a neighborhood feel."
Positive