Hidden Gem Alert! | Mercato - NYC's Best $50 Fancy Pasta Night 🍝💎

Stumbled upon Mercato in Midtown—a no-hype, authentic Italian spot where handmade pasta steals the show (without stealing your wallet!). Here’s why this 39th Street secret is worth every carb: 🍽️ Pasta Perfection 🍄 Fettuccine Ai Funghi ($20) • Hand-cut ribbons + truffle-kissed cream sauce = forest fairy vibes. • Pro move: Scrape the plate clean with their warm bread. 🐟 Orecchiette Cime Di Rapa ($18) • Ear-shaped pasta + bitter greens + umami anchovies = Mediterranean magic. • Texture win: Garlic breadcrumbs for crunchy surprises. Hot Take: Their pasta texture > most NYC "fancy" spots. 💰 Budget-Friendly Luxe • Lunch for two ≈ $50 (with drinks!). • Dinner hack: Split a cheese board + bottle of wine 🍷 (date-night gold). Q: Team Creamy Mushroom or Team Salty Anchovy? #NYCPasta #HiddenEats #ItalianFood #DateNightSpot