Bar Mercurio

What is Bar Mercurio? Anchoring the corner of Bloor Street West and St. George Street since 1997, Bar Mercurio is a fixture of The Annex founded by proprietor Giuseppe "Joe" Mercurio. The space pairs an old-school European trattoria mood with a sunlit dining room, warm wood accents, fresh floral arrangements, and a marble-topped bar fronting an open kitchen. Seating spans comfortable indoor tables, bar perches for solo diners, and a pleasant sidewalk patio during warmer months.

Bar Mercurio Menu & What to Order Naturally leavened sourdough pizza made with organic flour and imported DOP Italian provisions anchors the kitchen, led by the fan-favourite "The Best Pepperoni Pizza in Town" loaded with fior di latte, smoked provolone, 'nduja, and Ibérico salame. House-made pastas hit the mark, particularly the chestnut-infused pappardelle tossed with earthy mushrooms and parmigiano, as well as the classic rigatoni coated in signora Francesca's slow-simmered bolognese ragù. Round out the meal with thin-sliced beef carpaccio finished with walnuts, and pair your spread with a pour from the curated Tuscan-leaning wine list or an artisanal seasonal panettone.

Know Before You Go Given its proximity to the University of Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum, and nearby cultural institutions, tables fill quickly with professors, neighbourhood regulars, and pre-theatre crowds. Reservations are strongly advised for dinner via direct booking on their website, while solo diners can often slip into a seat at the marble bar. The restaurant sits steps from St. George subway station, with green P street parking available along nearby side streets.