New York City, a global metropolis, is renowned for its dazzling skyline, vibrant culture, and undeniably, its exceptional food scene. For travelers and locals alike, the quest for the Best Food Nyc has to offer is a delicious adventure in itself. While the city boasts a constantly evolving restaurant landscape, with establishments changing hands or menus, the essence of truly remarkable dining experiences remains timeless.
On our recent annual pilgrimage to NYC for the Travmedia’s International Media Marketplace (IMM) conference and the New York Times Travel Show, we stumbled upon some culinary treasures that were simply too good not to share. Forget fleeting food trends; these are the places that offer memorable meals, the kind you’ll be recommending long after you’ve left the city.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and wondering where to find the best food NYC, look no further. We’ve got a recommendation that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy, right in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.
Mercato Trattoria: A Taste of Authentic Italy in NYC
352 West 39th Street, New York
Our discovery of Mercato Trattoria wasn’t planned; it was a fortunate accident back in 2017. Exhausted after a long day at the New York Times Travel Show and seeking refuge from the chilly New York weather, we were looking for a nearby dinner spot close to our Hell’s Kitchen hotel. Mercato Trattoria, conveniently located just around the corner, turned out to be an extraordinary find – a true gem amongst NYC’s diverse culinary offerings and a contender for the best food NYC in the Italian category.
Stepping into Mercato is like stepping into a cozy trattoria in Italy. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, instantly making you feel at home. Having recently returned from a trip to Italy ourselves, the menu immediately resonated with us. It was clear that the Chef possessed a deep understanding of authentic Italian cuisine. The dishes weren’t just Italian-inspired; they were Italian, prepared and presented with a genuine passion that reminded us of meals enjoyed in Naples.
As it turns out, Chef Fabio Camardi established Mercato Trattoria with the heartfelt intention of recreating the family-style dishes from his hometown of Taranto in southern Italy. Knowing this, we were eager to return this year and see if the magic was still there. We’re pleased to report, it absolutely was, and perhaps even better than we remembered.
Our culinary journey at Mercato began with a robust bottle of Chianti, the perfect accompaniment to the feast that awaited. We started with the Eggplant Caponata, a house specialty, and shared the refreshing Rocket salad (arugula) adorned with delicate shavings of fresh parmigiano reggiano and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The quality of the ingredients was immediately apparent, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors.
For our main courses, I opted for the Rigatoni with eggplant, a comforting and flavorful pasta dish, while Angelo chose the Linguine with Pesce de Mare. Angelo’s seafood linguine was a standout, brimming with fresh, succulent seafood that tasted like it had just been caught that morning. Each bite was a testament to the freshness and quality Mercato prioritizes.
Despite feeling quite satisfied after such generous portions, a glimpse of the fried pettole (dough balls) being served to a neighboring table piqued our curiosity. These golden, bite-sized treats, drizzled with a vibrant strawberry sauce, looked too tempting to resist. When we jokingly asked our neighbors if they would share, their playful refusal only solidified our resolve to try them. We ordered our own portion, and were rewarded with four perfectly fried pettole, providing a delightful sweet conclusion to an already exceptional meal. These pettole alone might qualify as some of the best food NYC has for dessert lovers!
Mercato Trattoria is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s a place where you can savor the best food NYC has in terms of authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy a relaxed and welcoming ambiance, and feel genuinely transported to Italy without leaving Manhattan. If you’re seeking a truly memorable meal in New York City, make sure Mercato Trattoria is on your list. You won’t be disappointed.
