Meet Mercat

Good things come to those who wait.

And so, after a teaser opening in March, Mercat, Manhattan’s next hottest tapas restaurant is set to open on Tuesday.

Mercat, Catalan for market, draws inspiration from the Barcelona markets famous for their fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses and cured hams. Owner Jaime Reixach, a native of Barcelona and son of a famous Catalan theater actor, sought to replicate the same comfort cuisine he grew up gorging.

Naturally, he teamed up with the best culinary talent for his venture: Executive Chefs David Siegal (Jean Georges, Café Gray, Bouley) and Ryan Lowder (Jean Georges, El Racó D’En Freixa in Barcelona, Casa Mono). The dynamic duo bring new interpretations and techniques to traditional tapas, which can be enjoyed in the 90-seater restaurant or the hidden tapas lounge below.

In addition to the menu’s signature dishes, Fideua Negra (Catalan noodles with Sepia, green peppers, and alioli) and Suquet (Catalan fisherman’s stew with scallops, mussels, and red shrimp), there’s also an excellent dessert menu (leave room for arroz cremosa con azafrán) and seasonal Sangrias to go with the 75 bottle wine list.

Now, if only you could wait for Tuesday.


Mercat
45 Bond Street (Lafayette Street)
Tel: (212) 529-8600
mercatnyc.com