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| - We walked about 30 minutes to find this restaurant even though we were 15 minutes away from the restaurant. It is tucked away on a small side street. Walking up to the outside of Mercatto, you would think this is a super expensive restaurant because it has the look of an upscale restaurant. Walk in, and it still has this look, but the ambiance is warm and welcoming. Immediately, you are greeted by the hostess who offers to hang your coat. (even though my husband was wearing a hoodie). This place is popular and they asked if we had a reservation. Being from out of town, we did not have one so instead of waiting an hour and half, the four of us sat at the bar.
All I could do was stare at the wonderful decorations, black framed chalk boards with writing all over, the outline of italy, a bar that has small wine fridges that you push the button and wine automatically comes out!! Also, a stainless steel coffee machine that is spotless, the chefs in the back making the food; tables with menus and candles...
Onto the food, we all ordered something different. What caught my husband's eye was gnocchi with RABBIT! I was a little creeped out about trying this, but it was the best dish that we ordered! The gnocchi melted in your mouth and the rabbit was a creamy compliment to the pasta. I got prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula pizza, the best bang for your buck...It tasted so fresh and delicious! Other dishes ordered were pesto pasta and sausage, pepperoni pasta. The bread was fresh and soft!
The staff was extremely friendly. The bartender chatted with us and it was revealed that we were from San Francisco. The manager came up to us and introduced himeself, shook each of our hands and invited us back to the restaurant. My husband joked, "Next time, the meal is free, right?" John (the manager) joked, "We will see what we can do."
In sum, this is a must-eat!
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