Mercato Bar & Kitchen

On a recent trip back to Ithaca, Mercato's served up the best food of our stay.

We started with a round of cocktails, and of those, I enjoyed the basil-inflected Crespo the best.  So flavorful, and so well-balanced!  Complex, crisp and refreshing, with just enough basil for you to know that it was there without dominating the flavor profile.  Actually, all the cocktails we tried were good, creative and original, and all featured local and seasonal ingredients.  

On to the main course, which for me was hanger steak with a side of shoestring potatoes.  The steak was seasoned simply with salt and pepper, which is the way to go with a cut like hanger, as it lets the full, natural flavor of the cut shine. It was cooked perfectly, and was insanely juicy and tender!  The fries were cut a bit thin for my taste (although, to be fair, they were accurately advertised as shoestring on the menu), but were cooked perfectly and seasoned with a yummy blend of salt and rosemary.  Dessert - carmel and espresso pot de creme - was also delicious.

Our server was definitely knowledgeable about the menu, polite and attentive, and we enjoyed the early-summer outdoor seating.  Would definitely come back again next time I'm in town.

One of Ithaca's best for an elegant meal, a good glass of wine, a well-crafted cocktail, and tasty desserts. I have had dinner here several times, and have had an enjoyable experience each time. I usually get the fish in parchment, which is always tender and flaky, dressed simply with oil and lemon and seasonal herbs.

The chicken liver pate is a good starter. I also love their chocolate pots de creme and the panna cotta for dessert.

The best feature of Mercato, though, is their bar. They have developed a nice menu of cocktails, featuring bitters and liqueurs that you don't find everywhere else. They are potent but well-balanced. It's easy (too easy) to down a couple of these before you know it.

Here is my recommendation to anyone wanting to try this restaurant: Sit at the bar and order a cocktail only, they have an excellent and interesting cocktail list that is well executed. However, don't waste your money on the food or stay long enough to allow the charcoal smell to become absorbed by your clothing. I understand they had a recent fire, so I forgive the unfortunate smell.  What I can not forgive is the pretentious and pompous attitude that you can taste in the food and is reflected in many of the staffs demeanor. I don't like to generalize as many yelpers do by saying all "staff," many are great, the curly haired owner is very affable and they have one exceptional bartender. The food is usually well prepared, meaning the cooks know how to get a sear on a scallop or keep pork moist. However the food is uninspired for how small the menu is and how much you are charged. I mean great you can cook a protein, but can I have something other than tiny fries, a waterey sauce or a raw rabbit's salad with it?! This again I could overlook if the staff did not act like they were operating a michelin star restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. Sorry guys its Ithaca, which means your guest's opinions matter, eye rolls are not a good way to welcome guests and if I say I do not want another course or dessert I should not be made to feel like some sort of second class citizen.  So in summary: Cocktails are great, food is palatable but not memorable, and the level of service is definitely hit or miss.