Taverna Mercatto: Italian Restaurant Near Scotiabank Arena in Toronto

Taverna Mercatto is one of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants.

The popular restaurant is located in downtown Toronto, a short walk from the Delta Hotel, Union Station, CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Roger’s Centre, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and Scotiabank Arena.

Mercatto Restaurants in Toronto

Fans of pizza, pasta and panna cotta have been woo’d by the Italian charms of the Mercatto restaurant brand for many years.

The rustic Italian restaurant company is a popular spot to dine in Toronto’s downtown core. Mercatto restaurant group currently manages six restaurants in Toronto.

Cantina Mercatto: reinvents the underground wine cellar at 20 Wellington Street East.
Trattoria Mercatto: located in the Toronto Eaton Centre and featurng a stellar patio.
Locale Mercatto: a relaxed Italian vibe catering to Bay Street suit set.
Taverna Mercatto: a nod to Nona’s living room located close to several of Toronto’s best attractions.
Mercatto College: an homage to Italian hospitality in Toronto’s MaRS building.
330 Takeout by Mercatto: sandwich and healthy salad bowl options if you’re on the go.

Step Inside Taverna Mercatto

Taverna Mercatto’s interior was designed by Munge Leung with inspirations drawn from old world Italy. During brunch on the weekend the midday sun splashes into the dinning room, illuminating Gothic stained glass which cling to the cusp of the ceiling and barbed wire spun chandeliers which hang overhead.

Skip through the dining room and you’ll find barbed wire chandeliers from Prince Edward County, exposed beams and stained glass windows. Our favourite touch are the restaurants reclaimed chairs and church pews, which have been transformed into upholstered banquettes.

Taverna Mercatto also has an intimate private dining area capable of seating up to 24 people. Taverna Mercatto takes the cake for largest space in the popular Italian restaurant group. The restaurants entire space can accommodate 200 people, including an eye-catching bar.

Taverna Mercatto Menu

Doug Neigel is the Executive Chef responsible for managing Mercatto restaurant dynasty. He has spent a considerable portion of his past cooking in celebrated Yorkville kitchen’s such as the Park Hyatt, L’Unita and Malena.

I recently popped by for brunch where Chef Neigel enthusiastically described Mercatto’s newest offering, “The concept at Taverna is still true to the Mercatto brand, offering high quality product in an affordable and casual environment. At Taverna we brought more family style dishes into the mix and have also crafted a small plates menu at the bar. We also have our biggest wine and beer selection to give the game-goers at the Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Centre a good reason to stop by for a drink.”

Brunch at Taverna Mercatto

If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing brunch in downtown Toronto, Taverna Mercatto has you covered.

Brunch at Taverna Italian restaurant is served Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm so even the late riser can find the time to enjoy a leisurely libation.

Beet and Burrata Salad at Taverna Mercatto.

Taverna Mercatto Brunch Beverages

Fresh Squeezed: orange or grapefruit juice.
San Pellegrino Sparkling: aranciata, limonata, pompelmo, aranciata rossa.
Blueberry Lime Smoothie: banana, milk.
Green Apple Avocado Smoothie: kale, lemon, honey.
Moonstruck: cazadores tequila, yellow chartreuse, maraschino, lemon, fresh orange juice.
Mimosa: orange juice, prosseco.
Mela e Miele: bacardi oakheart, calvados, honey, ginger beer
Gin Buffon: bulleit rye, cocchi vermouth, vecchia romagna, benedictine

Eggs, sausage and salad at Taverna Mercatto's brunch. — Eggs, sausage and salad at Taverna Mercatto’s brunch.

Taverna Mercatto Assaggi

Avocado Toast: peperoncini, pickled onion, basil, olive oil
Granola: yogurt, berries, compressed pineapple
Misticanza: mixed lettuces, celery hearts, radish, aged sherry vinaigrette
Oysters: freshly shucked, east coast
Tuna Crudo: avocado, grapefruit, peperoncini, crispy shallot
Scotch Egg: poached egg, fennel sausage, spicy tomato bomba

Brunch inspired Carbonara at Taverna Mercatto in Toronto.

Taverna Mercatto Piatti

Traditional Breakfast: two eggs any style, maple bacon, roasted tomato, homefries, sourdough
Benny: soft poached eggs, peameal, hollandaise, homefries
Ricotta Pancakes: dried apricot, maple syrup, pistachio
Brioche French Toast: warm banana, brandy maple syrup, toasted walnuts, whipped cream
Panino: fried egg, brioche, bacon, tomato pesto, arugula, patate fritte
Prosciutto and Egg Pizza: two eggs, prosciutto, provolone, fingerling potato, caramelized onion, rosemary
Sausage and Egg Pizza: two eggs, spicy sausage, pancetta, fior, san marzano tomato
Insalata di Salmone: chilled salmon, romaine, broccoli, avocado, quinoa, leek, cider vinaigrette
Bistecca and Egg: 6oz striploin, fried egg, fingerlings, tomato
Taverna Burger: house ground short rib and brisket, fontina, mushroom duxelle, truffle crema