Merkato 55
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 255-8555
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Washington Street and Greenwich Street
- Directions:
- A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Tue 5:30pm-12am, Wed-Fri 5:30pm-2am, Sat 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-2am, Sun 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-12am
Editorial Review for Merkato 55 – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
Yes, it's another large, slick restaurant in the Meatpacking District, but this time it's vaguely African rather than vaguely Asian in design. The lofty space utilizes wood, clay and beads to create a hyper-stylized homage to the continent's aesthetic, including a hanging glass sculpture that spans both floors (which tipsy patrons are prone to bump into). Prints of everyday Africans lend a more personal touch, as does the friendly, helpful staff.
The Food
Marcus Samuelsson applies the same clean-flavored approach to pan-African cuisine that he did to Swedish fare at Aquavit. From the kidogo (small plates) selection, moist seed-flecked corn bread makes an irresistible canvas upon which to smear fiery shrimp paste, after which mild and creamy lobster salad refreshes the palate. Meals peak with entrees like hearty venison skewers and doro wat, braised chicken so tender, it practically falls of the bone if you look at it. Desserts fizzle, sadly, especially the mushy, bland "banana fries."
Hits: Samuelsson's fine-tuned flavors inject some much-needed culinary pow into the stale Meatpacking District dining scene.
Misses: The room borders on theme-restaurant overkill.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkHouse-infused rums are the bar's specialty, and cocktails like the fiery Agbekor (Citron, Drambuie, saffron, grapefruit and Thai chili; $14), offer unusual alternatives to the usual quaff options.
Where to SitWith its large bar area, the downstairs feels more sceney, while the upstairs offers a more formal and intimate space.
Fun FactSamuelsson was inspired to open Merkato 55 after a trip to Ethiopia, his birth country, and has written a cookbook of African recipes entitled, "The Soul of a New Cuisine."
User Reviews for Merkato 55
05/10/2008 Posted by acsunnyside
We had 8:30 reservations for 4. . When we checked in, we were told it would be a 20 minute wait. Even though, it wasn't ideal, we understood it was a new restaurant. We weren't seated till 9:20. We had to wait over 30 minutes for our appetizers. We even forgot we had ordered them! When I went to the bathroom, it was disgusting. The garbage bin was overflowing. You felt like it was the bathroom at a club and not at a high quality restaurant. We did not receive our entrees till 10:30-Two hours after entering the restaurant.It's unexcusable. We spoke to the manager on duty, but frankly was unimpressed. His excuse was they had a party of 40. For the prices we were paying, they should be able to handle the flow of the room. They did take off the appetizers. But the poor service and trashy bathroom ruined the night. We will never go back.
Pros: Food
Cons: Service, dirty bathrooms
04/03/2008 Posted by tnt2005
Disappointing start for Marcus! Come for the atmosphere -- NOT the food. Appetizers were HORRIBLE! Oysters app had no flavor. Store-bought dips taste better than their hummus. Didn't detect the citrus in the lobster salad -- tasted more like a bad lobster salad with too much mayo and no taste. And what is up with the sausage app -- did they buy them in the freezer aisle (and let them get freezer burn)? The cut of my steak entree was tough and chewy. Only upside were the drinks. They have some funky ones on the menu. I would wait until they work out the kinks in the menu.
Pros: Drinks, cool atmosphere
Cons: Food lacks taste
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