Mercato Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in City of Ithaca

Our first visit to Ithaca and we had no idea of the restaurants in town, but we did a cursory search on Google reviews and settled on giving Mercato a try. It was already late (nearly 8 PM on this Friday night) and we walked in off the street to see if we might get a table. This seemed iffy, as the restaurant appeared to be restricting diners to every other table inside and no one was sitting at the bar seats. The host appeared, greeted us, took our name and number and said it might be a half hour or so.

It was much less than that and we headed back to the restaurant. We were greeted, seated, and welcomed by our waiter (Zach), who took us through the several specials in addition to the rangy menu. The food was great--we had the tomato soup special and the crostini to start, along with the pollack en papillote and gnocchi with eggplant. The food was fresh, tasty, seasoned well, and hot, and the tomato soup and pillowy-soft gnocchi were particular standouts.

What stood out more to me was the overall experience and level of service. Everyone we interacted with was professional, personable, and genuinely nice. The waitstaff was informed about what was on the menu and could make recommendations without overselling. At the end of the meal, I got up in search of the restroom, and the host called me by name to direct me. He had taken my name an hour and a half before when we first arrived, yet he was able to recall this and make me feel like a special guest, not someone there for the first time!

The other notable thing for me was the kitchen and the atmosphere related to that. It is an open kitchen, adjacent to the bar seats and opposite tables situated along the wall to the front of the house. We sat near the front and I never heard a pot clatter or a shouted command, nor did I see flames flaring up as cooking happend. There was a complete sense of calm, of control, and the dishes simply came out and were taken by the waiters to the customers. No sense at all of a chef prima donna, and as a result the vibe in the restaurant was completely relaxed.

The food was terrific, the prices seemed right to me (this being a university town and me being from NYC), the setting was great, and the overall atmosphere was positive and relaxed. This seemed to me a place where all the staff were working in harmony, where procedures are established and are being followed, and the result was one of the best dining experiences I've had anywhere. If I lived nearby I'd eat here...

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...

My girlfriend and I decided to take a romantic getaway on the finger lakes and our drive had us passing through Ithaca, so we decided to stop for dinner. A good friend recommended this place, and admittedly I was skeptical of Italian food this far from New York City, but I trust their recommendations and decided to give it a try.

I am so glad that I did.

For our wine selection, our server allowed us to sample one of the wines by the glass, which tasted thin. When we described what we wanted, she came back with a reasonably priced bottle that exactly hit the deep red notes that we were looking for (see the picture for the winery / vintage if interested).

We started with the crostini sampler. In my opinion, the Caponata was the best, but they were all interesting to try and I was glad we got all three. As a nice touch, they cut each crostini in half so my girlfriend and I could both easily sample each one.

For dinner, I had the grilled hanger steak, which came with rapini and shoestring fries. I admittedly gave an annoyingly long description of how I wanted it cooked (essentially rare+) and they nailed it. The steak was fantastic, but the accompaniments were so good that they almost stole the show. The shoestring fries’ rosemary seasoning was a fun twist and the rapini was both familiar (garlic and olive oil) and excitingly different.

For dessert, I had what was essentially espresso mousse with graham crackers and a glass of dessert wine. While probably the weakest course, it was still a delicious way to cap an amazing meal. The mousse required a bit more texture, but fortunately they provided graham crackers on the side (which I suggest crumbling into the mousse).

I’d highly recommend checking this place out if you happen to be...