Trattoria Mercatto held an invite-only “Taste-maker’s Party” at their new space at the Toronto Eaton Centre Monday evening.  In addition to having the chance to mingle with the restaurant’s executive chef, Rob Rossi (of Top Chef Canada), guests were treated to delicious foods from their menu (which is slightly different from the other restaurants, boasting more finger-friendly choices) such as pane e olive (bread and olives), fried calamari (served in little paper bags for this event) as well as a selection of pizzas, which were all very popular.  A personal favourite was the Patate e Gorgonzola, a pizza with potatoes, sausage, rosemary and garlic. For dessert, amaretto pudding was served in little jars. All the food was placed at various tables in the bar, with each table getting slightly different things.  This encouraged people to move around to sample the whole variety.

The decor at this location, like its menu, is different from the other restaurants in the chain. Very lofty and industrial-like, the restaurant feels less like something located in a shopping mall and more like a place one would find in say, the Distillery District or King West, making it more distinct. Like other Mercatto restaurants, the Trattoria also boasts a patio for those who want to dine outside during the warmer months.

For those who haven’t already gone, Trattoria Mercatto is definitely a place one would want to try, specially with a large group of friends.  Its modern, artsy atmosphere is a great place to go, order a few dishes and share among friends.