eatdrink

We stopped by the new Mercato to try them out for lunch today. Upon entering, we were met with a chorus of hellos. Six different people must have greeted us... the staff was quite friendly.

The restaurant's decor and set-up is pretty cool. As you walk through the front door, the menu is displayed on overhead flat panel TVs. Or, if you're blind and constantly squinting like us, they have paper menus.

Diners can pick from fresh sandwiches, salads, pastries or gelato from the deli case, or choose from a nice selection of pastas, pizzas and entrees. You place your order and pay at the counter, then find a seat in the hip cafeteria-like setting and they bring your order to you. The restaurant has a cute arrangement of soft chairs, if you'd prefer not to sit a table - perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee and pastry. They also have an open kitchen and row of seating nearby if you want to see the kitchen at work.

The atmosphere seems like it could be a big lunchtime draw for the local work crowd, whether you're going with a group or want a spot to grab a bite and bring your laptop (which we did, and for once MetroFI internet access actually worked).

There was no wait time to order, the food came out fast, and it was just a very friendly environment all around. (Hopefully this friendly, quick lunch won't change once these guys get busy!)

We went with a safe pick, Margherita Pizza. It was quite good. This phone picture doesn't do it justice...

If you're looking try something new in the Pearl, Mercato is definitely worth checking out. The restaurant is located at 904 NW Couch St. in the Pearl District.