Mercato Di Mare - Ocean Drive — Restaurant in Miami Beach

I can't help but feel like we were swindled after deciding to stop and eat here for dinner on a Thursday night...

We noticed someone eating a lobster and steak dinner for 2 and we were told it was a "special" (It was called the "Mare e Manti"). We thought that meant a "special deal", so we chose to stay, but it was far from a special deal...I do understand that it was our fault for not asking about prices up front, but at the end of the day we did not expect the meal to cost THAT much. I definitely felt over charged.

Humberto upsold us on still water, okay that's fine. But when he upsold us on Don Julio 1942 margaritas we did not know the drink was going to cost $45 each. I did not feel any type of buzz. I would've never agreed if I knew and would've stuck with the Jose Cuervo margarita.

On to the food...when it came out of course it looked nice aesthetically (see pictures). Too bad it was a small lobster with mushy watery meat for the tail, no meat in my deformed claw and watery mush with little to no meat out of the other more normal looking claw. The taste was watered down and underwhelming, the dab of pesto sauce helped with that a little, I guess. My man doesn't eat seafood that much so he kept asking me if his lobster meat was undercooked? That's how mushy it was. I felt bad. It looked as if the lobster was frozen and thawed and not fresh lobster out of a tank.

We proceeded to eat because we didn't want to be a problem or a bother. The portion of spaghetti rolled in a Parmesan cheese block tasted good but was only portioned enough for one person. That also disappointed us, because it was supposed to be a meal shared for 2. Why did we each literally get one bite of pasta and it was done?? We filled up on bread cuz our side dish was tapas sized lol smh. We were told shrimp came with the meal but it was an add-on charge on the receipt as if it wasn't already included, but the shrimp was good nonetheless. The bone-in ribeye was good, but was more medium well than medium like I asked.

The Mare e Manti came to a total cost of $150. Now, that might be "cheap" or "nothing" for some people but for us it was a total shock for what we ate. We could've gotten a 34oz tomahawk steak dinner and more, or something similar at an upscale restaurant elsewhere for that price! The shock was real. Plus the 20% gratuity added without notice was the icing on the cake! Plus, I tipped additionally on top of that because the staff was nice, we loved Humberto's energy he's a nice guy and the staff were very apologetic and accommodating, so I'll give them that by adding another star. I had to share this review because it had been bothering me, and I just had to vent.

All in all I think I would recommend this restaurant, but if you are not wealthy or rich I recommend asking for prices upfront, don't be ashamed, we all work hard...

This is a newly opened restaurant in the old Hotel Victor on Oceanside Dr in South Beach Miami. It was a spontaneous pick for our family as we strolled from the south gazing the different hotel menu options along the strip. We were a family with teenagers, so the loud overly sexualized desperate for customer restaurants were not interesting for us and we were not dressed for the jazzy white table cloth options either.

The Mercato had gentle music playing and comfortable outdoor casual seating available which was appealing to us. We could hear each other speak, able to people watch and was family suitable.

To our surprise the service and menu presentation was outstanding and professional. Raúl was our server. He is bilingual (English & Spanish) and knew how to explain a more sophisticated menu to teens. He gave them a 5-star grandiose experience finishing with table side assembly of the tiramisu! When he put that fancy cheesecake in front of our wide-eyed teenage boy, Raúl knew to identify all the components and explain the flavors. Our son then slowed down and learned what the palate the chef was combining for him. We were so happy to find a place where the staff made us feel like welcome visitors and wanted to share their special dining experience rather than approach us like vultures picking tourist's wallets.

This restaurant has taken time to intentionally combine flavors of high quality and Raúl made sure to identify to our the teens the nuances of the chef's choices. This made the experience much fun as Miami tourists visiting for the first time. Great service, great menu....we ate at the Mercator twice too.

Our teens said this was the best service they have ever had in a restaurant. Giving your kids this opportunity to learn teaches them about fine dining and quality hospitality which was worth the price in addition to leaving with satisfied bellies.

Two managers even stopped by to chat with us, probably curious because we were having such happy family conversations and enjoying Raúl's flare teaching and serving. We had memorable experiences and would recommend you giving this new competition on the...

SEA THE DIFFERENCE: A final night in Miami and a last chance for a local restaurant to make a positive, lasting impression; I walked up to Mercato Di Mare and crossed my fingers.

It was early evening as the sun began to set and I was greeted by Santiago, my server and "ottima guida" (excellent guide) to the meal that was about to take place. His pleasant and professional table-side manner was only matched by his enthusiasm and his knowledge of the menu.

I started with the calamari.

Fearing a repeat performance as I had with another restaurant the night before, an overcooked and under flavored pile of squid, my fears were unfounded as a delicately fried and flavorful plate arrived. Tender and fresh, and an excellent mix of rings and crowns, paired with an amazing aioli sauce, the dish was delicious and delightful! Then on to the main course.

The seafood risotto.

Creamy, with just the right bit of bite to the sauce, the portions were plentiful and fresh, without any fishiness or off-putting flavors. I had to pace myself, caught between the urge to shovel all the greatness into my mouth at once and savor every bite... I chose the latter. But it was hard. And once I finished, another choice had to be made. Dessert or no dessert.

The reason for my reticence was because I didn't want to take the chance of having the meal ruined at the last minute by a less than magnificent final course. However, I took the plunge.

I ordered the cheesecake. And what arrived was legendary.

Two large slices of freshly made, creamy cuts accompanied with French Crème Chantilly, grapes, and placed within several pieces of pine nut crust. Amazing.

As I finished I sat there, taking it all in and wishing I had another few nights in Miami to visit Mercato Di Mare again and again.

So take my advice, come soon and come often and "sea" for yourself. You won't be...