Restaurant Review: Bar Mercurio

321 Bloor St. West 416. 596.2233

Mercurio on the north side of Bloor (at St. George) is an institution in town. It is well known for the warm atmosphere and delicious food. In the evening the place is transformed. Tablecloths are used and table service is available. The same family has been in operation here for years. They are always at the restaurant and add a personal touch to the experience. A year ago Bar Mercurio opened on the south side of the street. It also quickly became a favorite. The restaurant runs lengthwise on Bloor St. so most tables face the street. It is light and airy. As you enter the restaurant you face a very charming long bar. A vase with large long stemmed flowers always graces the counter. The tables are well spaced and the place is not noisy. On a lovely day you can enjoy the large patio. Pannini, salads and light Italian fare are the staples of this lovely restaurant. Saturday and Sunday offers an Italian flavor to the brunch.
My sister, a friend and I had just finished an ethereal yoga class early on Sunday morning. It was raining and we needed to have a warm pleasant experience. What better than brunch and good company?
Omelets are a favorite her. They are served with house frites or an arugola salad. I opted for the Funghi Omelet. It was a work of art. The omelet was topped with large tasty pieces of Portobello mushrooms. The omelet was plump and filled with a tasty variety of mushrooms, red pepper and mascarpone cheese. The peppery freshness of the salad and the little bowl of fresh fruit perfectly compliments the omelet. The Formaggi offers the same perfectly cooked omelet with a blend of three cheeses. Afumicato is filled with smoked salmon, chevre and capers.
Other Uova dishes are offered. My sister decided to be decadent. It was her birthday so we assured her she should indulge and enjoy. She ordered the Benedit Eggs. The fresh brioche bread was served with Black Forest ham, poached eggs and piquant hollandaise Sauce. She went for the house frites and declared it all worth the zillions of calories. She declared, “It is the taste that counts,”
The Panino are especially popular at lunch time. The Panino Prosciutto offers Prosciutto Di Parma with roasted peppers, basil and Bocconccini cheese. Panino Veal is served on chiabetta brad with a veal cutlet, roasted peppers and Swiss cheese. How about a Panino Salmon with house applewood smoked salmon, capers and mascarpone cheese? All panino’s are $12.00 Uovo and Omelets are also $12.00
If you prefer a lighter fare the Granola is served with fresh fruit and vanilla yogurt. ($9:00) Several salads are served daily. The Cheese Plate offers an assortment of three cheeses and fresh fruit.($14.00)
Other than being in a real café in Italy, this is second best. No travel worries. You are served traditional Italian dishes in a warm pleasant atmosphere. The menu ends with the words,” Buon Appetito.” That is exactly what you will do. More birthday celebrations were coming for my sister. It was a wonderful way to start the festivities.