Mercado

What is Mercado? Situated at 682 Caledonia Road in the Briar Hill-Belgravia district, Mercado is a welcoming Portuguese restaurant, bar, and hot table that celebrates the rustic culinary heritage of mainland Portugal and the Azores. The inviting dining space combines contemporary wood finishes with traditional Iberian hospitality, catering equally to sit-down dinner parties and quick neighborhood takeout customers. It has quickly become an essential community gathering point along the Caledonia corridor.

Mercado Menu & What to Order The kitchen balances a classic dining room menu with a bustling takeaway hot table stocked daily with Iberian comfort dishes. The grilled octopus (Polvo à Lagareiro) arrives tender and smoky from the grill, doused in rich extra-virgin olive oil, roasted garlic cloves, and smashed potatoes. Another standout is the Bacalhau com Natas, presenting shredded salted cod baked into a velvety gratin with onions, diced potatoes, and rich cream. Midday diners frequently drop in for the Prego no Pão, a tender garlic-marinated minute steak tucked into a crusty papo seco bun, or steam pots of Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato swimming in white wine, cilantro, and lemon broth. Finish your meal with a warm, blistered pastel de nata custard tart.

Know Before You Go Mercado is open six days a week, observing weekly closures on Tuesdays and wrapping up service by 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. Table reservations are recommended for weekend dinners, while the hot table counter serves rapid takeout orders throughout the afternoon. Free street parking is accessible along surrounding residential streets, and the 47 Lansdowne bus connects directly along Caledonia Road from the Lansdowne subway station.