Taverna Mercatto

What is Taverna Mercatto? Set along Bremner Boulevard in the South Core corridor bordering Harbourfront and CityPlace, Taverna Mercatto balances gothic industrial grit with the welcoming nostalgia of an Italian family salon. The 200-seat space features reclaimed church pew banquettes, dramatic stained glass accents, and exposed timber framing a massive, bustling central bar alongside main dining tables and a breezy outdoor patio. It operates as a polished anchor for the neighborhood, drawing lively lunch crowds and energetic sports fans headed to nearby arenas.

Taverna Mercatto Menu & What to Order The kitchen delivers crowd-pleasing Italian classics backed by bold execution and scratch pasta. Start with the crisp, golden arancini before ordering the standout pan-seared lasagna, prized for its caramelized edges and rich layers of ragu. The peppery Chitarra alla Carbonara and blistered Diavola pizza both impress, while the spicy Pollo alla Diavola makes a stellar centerpiece alongside a stiff, balanced house Negroni.

Know Before You Go Given its proximity to Scotiabank Arena and Union Station, tables book solid on game and concert nights, making advance reservations essential if you want to avoid lengthy walk-in waits. For an unhurried dinner, book on non-event weeknights or slip in for a late lunch when the room shifts into a relaxed neighborhood groove. The kitchen serves continuously from 11:30 a.m. daily, staying open until 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday.