5 /5 Dave Chase: A Neighborhood Gem with Heart and Soul
Trattoria at Mercato has become our go-to spot, and its not just about the food (though well get to that!). What makes this place truly special is the palpable sense of joy and camaraderie among the staff. You can feel it the moment you walk in—everyone, from the servers to the owners, genuinely enjoys working together. Weve been there on packed evenings when theyre absolutely slammed, and its beautiful to watch everyone pitch in for each others tables without missing a beat. Its the kind of workplace culture you hope exists but rarely see in action.
The space itself is wonderful—housed in an actual historic granary on a working waterfront, theyve leaned into the nautical and industrial themes in a way that feels authentic rather than contrived. Its cozy but not cramped, with character in every corner.
Now, about that food: Were vegetarians, but our family members arent, and everyone always leaves happy. The focaccia appetizer with three spreads is always our starter—its simple but perfectly executed. The Greek salad is fresh and generous, and their gnocchi are absolutely phenomenal (honestly, some of the best weve had). The stromboli is a family favorite, and when we splurge on dessert, the tiramisu never disappoints.
This is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like a regular even if youre not, because the staff so clearly loves what they do and the people they work with. That energy is infectious and makes every visit feel special.