When speed-walking through the frigid air of downtown Calgary on a February evening, there is no better place to seek shelter than Mercato, a family-owned restaurant and market in the heart of Mission serving Italian classics inspired by generations of tradition.
Mercato had humble beginnings as a family-owned market in Bridgeland, co-owned by Italian emigrants Victor and Cathy Caracciolo who were eventually inspired by their son to move their business to Mission. Fueled by one of Calgary’s most community-driven neighbourhoods, Mercato eventually became both a market and restaurant.
If you have not been to Mercato, chances are that you’ve probably heard of it – features on endless publications have extolled the restaurant as one of the best places to find authentic Italian cuisine in the city. They’ve even come out on top of other relentless contenders as the winner for Avenue Magazine’s best Italian restaurant in Calgary.
When walking past the storefront on the intersection of 4th street and 23rd avenue, you may find yourself drawn towards views of Mercato’s interior through one of many spacious windows which line the street-facing exterior. A warm colour palette and communal dining room give subtle hints towards the family’s Southern Italian roots. Finally, the dining room includes an elongated bar which sits just on the edge of Mercato’s open-concept kitchen.
Meanwhile, the Market (sharing the same space) offers an abundant selection of fresh vegetables, homemade preserves, pastas, cheeses, and cured meats. Piles of vibrantly-coloured produce are stacked in abundance on the shelves, likely to evoke the thought of strolling through a quaint Italian farmer’s market.
The take-home portion of Mercato affords patrons the opportunity to create their own Italian dinner using only the best ingredients which can either be local or imported directly from Italy. The Market is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and anything found on the shelves can also be featured in Mercato’s menu, which is offered until 8pm each night.
The menu speaks to the Caracciolo’s steadfast dedication to tradition and quality, allowing the simplicity in each dish to speak for itself. Vibrant and fresh ingredients meet generous portions, while Victor and Cathy’s original recipes are passed on to each chef.
Those seeking comfort food will find themselves at the right place – Mercato offers a selection of fresh pasta dishes which include Fettuccini in a traditional Alfresco Sauce, a hearty Lasagna, or Rigatoni with Veal Bolognese.
Speaking of rich and delicious, the dinner menu also includes a wide selection of traditional and signature pizzas. The Margherita Pizza is sure to impress those who enjoy a classic recipe. For those seeking something a bit less conventional, the Isola comes highly recommended – it’s made with Italian Ham, Pineapple, and slices of Jalapeno for a little kick.
The mains at Mercato include more hearty selections like Chicken Parmigiana or Bistecca, a thick, seasoned steak cut into slices and drizzled with olive oil. For dessert, the Tiramisu with Espresso and Mascarpone is an absolute requisite to ending a meal at Mercato.
We are lucky to have a diverse food culture in Calgary, and among our selection there are several notable businesses serving high end, notable Italian cuisine. Among them, Mercato stands out as a truly authentic and passionate business with a mission to bring the Italian countryside to our snowy backyard. Through high-end ingredients, generous portions, and the preservation of recipes passed through generations, dining at Mercato will have you feeling just like family.
