Marconi Mercato — Restaurant in St. Louis

This Sunday, 6/29, I chose Marconi Mer cato to celebrate my birthday. I heard good things and read reviews praising this new restaurant, revitalizing the old Amighetti's sandwich shop. It has a patio that was closed and an adjacent market that appeared closed as well. We made a reservation for dinner, and we had a choice of a hightop in the bar or a regular table in the dining room. The dining room was noisy, and as we took our seats, it was difficult to hear each other. The hostess had seated us in the corner near the restroom and took our drink orders. As we looked over the menu, I noticed a strange smell in the corner where we were sitting. I thought I imagined it, so I got the hostess to check. She immediately moved us to a new table. The server came over to let us know about the specials of the night. I chose pasta with caciocavera cheese in a white sauce. It was a new dish for me. I liked it, but it seemed salty but bland at the same time. The cream sauce, I assume. The service was just okay. It took a long time to get the food to us. The food is brought to you by the busboys. Our server walked by on her way to the bar. It was busy, I guess. We ate our meal but had to drink water for most of the meal. When the server did appear at our table, she asked us if we wanted another drink, but by that time, we were finishing up our plates, and it was too late. One odd thing we let the restaurant know was that it was a special occasion when my wife placed the reservation . The hostess and another server wished me a happy birthday but apparently did not let our server know. As we were wrapping up the meal. Our server asked if we wanted to see a desert list. My wife said 'Well it is your birthday after all you pick." Then the server spoke up and said Oh we have a special desert for birthday celebrations. " It is olive oil cake. We said great, and we will share that. It was delicious. I am not sure I can recommend this restaurant. Perhaps they had a bad night or something. There are many good restaurants on the Hill to choose from. I think Marconi Mercado needs to up their game to compete. There were too many surprises this evening to...

My partner and I both ordered the special this past Saturday, which was a Porterhouse served with risotto. The steaks were sicilian style with a light breadcrumb, topped with oyster mushrooms, grilled onions, and a garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce. One of the most memorable steaks I've had, and steak is my go-to entree.

Service was impeccable! My partner is the former GM of Gino's Restaurant and a former server at Da Baldo's Trattoria. Both were Italian restaurants off Hampton years ago, and he knows a thing or two about great Italian food and service. He said the food and service were top-notch, and he rarely gives praise. In fact, we don't eat out regularly, because he's usually disappointed in the food, service, or both.

We had the opportunity to speak with the owners, Carlos and Mary, and they are truly wonderful people. We look forward to returning to this establishment and visiting their other restaurants (El Milagro Azteca and...

Let me begin with this. I am a simple woman, it is easy to please me. However, the bland food and overpowering ingredients did just the opposite. I am offended, angry, and frankly feel taken advantage of. I wanted to smash my plate on the floor. Below see the food I tried and why it sucked so bad:

Rigatoni: bland, lacked sauce, chicken unseasoned Lobster bisque: super acidic taste like I’m going snorkeling and got fish poo in my mouth. Special which was a steak sandwich: undercooked, cold, why is there so much mustard? Baby carrot side: undercooked, bland, tasted like lighter fluid.

Overall I’m hurt. I still feel hungry. I’m sad because of that. You guys have succeeded in making a woman sad today.

Great...