IL Mercato Cafe & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Hallandale Beach

Went there based on a recommendation of my friend Yaniv who dined there “at least a 100 times” I could really see a huge potential for the place, too bad that they fall on “small” things that eventually shape your over all experience.

I haven’t had Asparagus in a while, was excited to have it with my lamb chops but they didn’t have any, even though it is all over their Google photos. Ordered a risotto with at least 4 different veggies. Received it with the only veggie that wasn’t listed on the menu - chunks of tomatoes. Extremely unprofessional, they re-did it for me, but why not doing it the right way from the beginning?? Had to wait additional 15 min for my food to be “fixed” Asked if the Brussels sprouts were deep fried. A waiter with common sense will understand that I don’t want a grissy dish. It was “grilled” but soaked in grissy oil, brown, dead Brussels sprouts. I went to an Italian restaurant, after a busy day at work, to relax, have some good wine and good food. I trusted the place and asked for a glass of Malbec without seeing the menu. A professional restaurant will bring the bottle to the table and pour it. I got an anonymous glass of cheap wine, the sour kind that will give you a headache. I had one sip and didn’t drink the rest. What a disappointment. Of course they didn’t take it off the bill and I paid. Above my head was a Huge T.V blasting a football game . It was a torture. I already had them re-making the risotto and didn’t want to complain more. I felt like my head was going to explode. I asked them to pack the rest of the food and ate it cold at home because I couldn’t suffer another min in that terrible noise. Are you an Italian restaurant or an American sport Bar???

I gave two stars and not one because the lamb chops were fresh and tasty, the risotto was good once re-made, and the side of Zuccini was delicious, I wish they gave more that 4 small slices. Also the stuff was nice, they did try to accommodate and they were kind.

I would have loved to go there again because I can see how good this restaurant Could be, but after paying $60 for such a poor experience it was unfortunately my first...

Wow, what an incredible dining experience at IL Mercato Cafe & Wine Bar! From the moment I walked in, I was transported to Italy. The ambiance is charming and cozy, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive.

But what truly made our evening special was our fantastic server, Danik. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable meal. Danik was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also offered fantastic recommendations, which enhanced our dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the food – it's nothing short of spectacular. Every dish I tried was bursting with authentic Italian flavors. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the pizzas were heavenly, and the tiramisu was the best I've ever had.

I can't forget to mention the wonderful live music that added to the overall ambiance.

I highly recommend IL Mercato Cafe & Wine Bar to anyone craving delicious Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, and make sure to ask for Danik for a truly exceptional dining experience. I can't wait to return and try more of their delectable...

I was going to give 2 stars because the service was good, we sat outside and at the end of the meal there a bunch of specials, that the server never told us about.

Anyway we started our meal out with Tuna Tartare and the chickpea salad. Chickpea salad was very good. Tuna Tatartar was basically mush with capers, lemon wedges couldn't be squeezed even to add some flavor.

For mains we got Lamb Chops, Short Rib Gnocchis, and Saffron Risotto. Lamb chops come with 6 pieces, a side of cauliflower which was basically 3 pieces and the croquette. Short rib gnocchis was mediocre. The short ribs are supposedly braised but just taste like a poor mans ropa vieja.

Saffron Risotto had a good cheesy flavor and grilled shrimp were good( can't go wrong)

Bread pudding was good but portion sizes was too small.

Portions sizes were definitely faulty with the prices.

probably...