Mercatto is one of my favourite Italian restaurants in Toronto because it satisfies very specific cravings. I have always found this location a little better in with regards to the service and the food itself. My favourite dish is the Orecciette (5 stars) and I get it approximately 90% of the time I go there (some call it an addiction, I call it satisfaction). I am not a fan of creamy/saucey pastas because when it comes to pasta, I value simplicity. The Orecciette pasta is cooked to perfection and seasoned to a simple peppery taste that offers that little kick of spice which takes the dish to the next level. The addition of the fennel sausage and chopped greens adds a nice balance to the texture/taste of the dish. The dish comes in a pretty decent size and is a pretty good value at modest cost of $15.
Mercatto also offers a nice selection of cured meats which can be coupled with fresh bread to start off your meal. I highly recommend the the spicy salami and the proschiutto which just melts in your mouth. The risotto balls (3.5 stars) are also quite tasty but is a little hearty for one person to have, especially if you're going to get the Orecciette which comes in a pretty decent portion. It's a great dish to share. The pizzas are also a great addition to the menu. The Maialina pizza (3.5 stars) is good if you like a little meat on your pizza but the Margherita pizza (4 stars) offers a simple, yet elegant alternative that has a crunch to every bite.
The atmosphere makes for a pretty decent place to go on a date during dinner time or for business meetings during lunch hours. However, the service can be pretty hit-or-miss and the other entrees are relatively mediocre for such a steep price. But if you are looking for a nice place to go for some delicious pasta or traditional Italian Pizza, definitely check it out.