Mercato Ristorante at Gennaro's — Restaurant in Franklin Township

– A Celebration of Flavorful Comfort and Elegance

Nestled in the heart of Kingston, Mercato offers an Italian dining experience that is both rustic and refined. During my visit, I had the privilege of indulging in the Pappardelle di Manzo, a dish that perfectly exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to fresh ingredients, hearty flavors, and culinary craftsmanship.

The Pappardelle di Manzo is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. Tender, slow-braised Angus beef short rib melts in your mouth, bathed in a rich, velvety wild mushroom and ricotta ragu. The fresh pappardelle pasta provides the perfect vehicle for the robust sauce, its wide ribbons absorbing every ounce of flavor. The dish is elegantly garnished with fresh herbs, adding a bright, aromatic touch that complements the earthy mushrooms and savory beef.

What makes this dish truly exceptional is its balance: the ragu is indulgent without being heavy, the beef is deeply flavorful without overpowering, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. Pairing it with a bold wine, such as the 2016 Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated the dining experience even further, as the wine’s dark fruit and tannic structure harmonized beautifully with the dish’s richness.

The ambiance at Mercato is warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between upscale dining and a welcoming, neighborhood vibe. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, making thoughtful recommendations that enhanced the meal.

While the Pappardelle di Manzo was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, it is clear that Mercato prides itself on offering a menu where every dish is prepared with care and creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting pasta or a more refined entrée, this restaurant delivers on all fronts.

Final Verdict: If you’re seeking an Italian dining experience that combines the heartiness of traditional flavors with the finesse of modern culinary techniques, Mercato is an absolute must-visit. The Pappardelle di Manzo alone is worth the trip, but it’s the overall experience that will have you planning your...

We spent our anniversary dinner there, last year. It was a very special & delicious dinner, for a special occasion. And, the fact that it’s right here in the Kingston area of South Brunswick, which makes it all the much better. The food is fantastic! Made fresh on site & one can taste & see that freshness in every bite. The owner comes to every table to say hello, & ask how you are, if you are enjoying your food also; if it’s a special occasion. If your a foodie, (and I am) the conversation will most likely become about the food itself; how it’s prepared, whether it’s locally grown or from a farmers market, etc......He also owns a little shop open all week attached to the store with mostly all the ingredients used in the restaurant & more! The pastas are wonderful & home made, the sides of vegetables or couscous, rice, or potatoes are also as fresh as could be. There is everything from traditional lasagna to stuffed veal chops or bronzini. Gennaros is a byob restaurant which for us makes it all the better. And not just for price. I have a medical condition that causes esophageal pain. So, having the correct type of wine is crucial for me. Lastly, the desserts are beyond delicious. They are all rich & delicious! Running the variety from fruits with a side of whipped cream to a delicate yet ever so delicious cheesecake with different toppings which my husband has ordered. I tasted it & it was over the moon with flavor & composition! I would recommend Gennaros to anyone in search of a high quality & large variety of Italian cooking. It is a bit pricey so, please be aware of that when going to eat there or pick up take out. Superb Italian dining from every...

We have always enjoyed Gennaro's restaurants. Old timers may remember his start with Cafe Piazza in Hillsborough and his long time establishment on Rt. 206 just outside of Princeton. His newest place in Kingston carries on his tradition of quality food and jovial atmosphere but in a "house" setting with intimate tables spread out throughout. His restaurant shares its kitchen with his Italian market next door. His menu is fairly extensive and there are always specials. We were able to snag a table on short notice at 6:30 on a Friday night. Sometimes you get lucky. This time we started with the Zucchini Rollatini and a shrimp special. Both were quite good but a bit slow to arrive. The butterflied shrimp had been billed as blackened, but they were deep fried instead. The sauce was very good. For our entrees we chose the Classico and the Pollo Marghetia. These took a long time to arrive, but when they did, they were hot and flavorful. The Classico had two meatballs and a large hot Italian sausage cut in half over a bed of really nice pasta. The meatballs were dense... maybe a little to dense, but had a nice taste with a great sauce. Overall, the presentation was not the best and the ratio of pasta to meat was not quite right, but good none the less. The Chicken was nicely prepared and pasta was excellent. We saw the veal chop at the table next to us. That was large portion and looked quite appetizing. Maybe we will try that next time. We decided to skip dessert as the prices of $10-12 were, we thought, high. We also chose not to get the coffee as they are also a bit on the high side. In any case, with tip, we still spent about...