Mercado 27 — Restaurant in Hartford

Two months ago, my wife and I traveled to Hartford, CT, for a Post Malone concert. Before the event, we stopped by the Parkville Market, a bustling food hall featuring incredible ethnic food from numerous countries. Picking a place to eat was a challenge with so many delicious options, but after exploring, I decided on Mercado 27, a Peruvian restaurant offering a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine.

Mercado 27 draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Peru, showcasing classic dishes that highlight bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and deep cultural roots. The restaurant's name, "Mercado," nods to Peru's vibrant marketplaces, which are central to its food culture, and “27” reflects its position as one of the standout vendors in the food hall.

I ordered the Pollo Saltado. A savory dish featuring sautéed chicken, onions, and tomatoes, served with crispy fries and fluffy white rice. The meal, priced at $17.00, was hearty and flavorful, offering a perfect balance of textures and spices. To complement the main dish, I added two sides: Sweet Plantains ($5.00) and Fried Yuca ($6.00), both prepared to perfection. The plantains were caramelized and sweet, while the yuca was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, delivering a satisfying crunch.

For my drink, I chose a 16oz Chicha Morada ($5.00), a traditional Peruvian beverage with a deep purple hue. Made from dried purple corn, fruits, and spices, this natural juice was refreshing and subtly sweet, a perfect accompaniment to the meal. Chicha Morada’s unique flavor transported me to the Andean regions of Peru, where the drink originated.

The ambiance at Mercado 27 was inviting and vibrant, fitting for its location within the lively Parkville Market. The space was filled with energy from fellow diners enjoying a diverse range of cuisines. The décor was simple yet modern, allowing the food to take center stage. The service was excellent, with our server, Alejandra, providing attentive and friendly care throughout our visit. She patiently explained the menu items and even recommended the sides and drink that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Overall, Mercado 27 delivered an exceptional dining experience that added to the excitement of our trip. The combination of authentic flavors, warm service, and the lively atmosphere made it a memorable stop before heading to...

I never write a bad review but I am really disappointed with Mercado 27, my co-worker and I love the Chicken Chaufa Rice from Vista Alegre (the best) however we decided to give Mercado 27 a try as the picture for this dish looked amazing online. I place my order first off I asked to pay for the order separate (as we needed two chicken chaufa rice) the gentleman that took my order said it was $12 but with two extra green sauces it would be $13.50 I handed him $20 (did not get back any change)-he then proceeded to say I will charge you for the other one which will be the same price-I handed him another $20 and he handed me back $10-the place was packed and he was attending to what seemed to be a personal friend. Once I left the store and got to work I realized that the containers of rice were small not enough to feed a grown man even if he is on a strict diet, the two sauces that I paid $1.50 for were not even a tablespoon of sauce in the little cups but the WORSE PART is that without my consent he kept $3 as a tip...he felt the need to keep the $3 and refused to give me a receipt! I am a great tipper as I know the struggle in todays world truly DISAPPOINTING-do not eat here! The food is pricey, very small amount, you are NOT charged what it says online and they take their own tips without...

The 1st couple of times of ordering Jalea, were amazing last year... 1st time order this year I believe... Upon opening my order im missing the onion salad ( my fav btw), but worst of all the fish tasted like cleaning supplies!! tried another piece same thing... then it dawned in me to smell it... OMG!!! IT WREAKED OF SOME TYPE OF CLEANING CHEMICAL!! it smelled exactly like a freshly cleaned and sanitized bathroom!!! no lie lol NEVER AGAIN!!! The crazy thing is I heard of restaurants using chemical to kill the smell of old fish and hope yall not doing that either...