Mercado Ariana restaurant

- 3295 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312

Mercado Ariana restaurant, situated conveniently on Richmond Avenue in Staten Island, New York, is widely recognized by local users as a must-visit destination for genuine and high-quality Mexican cuisine. The name 'Mercado' suggests a connection to a market, and indeed, this establishment is celebrated for offering a vibrant blend of an authentic Mexican restaurant experience alongside the convenience of a market-like setting. For New Yorkers scouting for that truly homemade taste of Mexico, Mercado Ariana delivers with a menu that spans traditional dishes, popular Tex-Mex favorites, and even some unique American-style specialties.

The atmosphere inside Mercado Ariana is designed to be both casual and cozy, providing a welcoming environment for solo diners, families, and groups. Customer reviews frequently praise the cleanliness of the space and the "festive and colorful decor," which, combined with nice upbeat music, creates a very pleasant and authentic dining vibe. This attention to a positive environment, coupled with the commitment to serving generous portions, explains why many local patrons consider it their "new go-to" spot for a satisfying Mexican meal. The restaurant has successfully carved out a reputation on Staten Island for offering food that tastes "like homemade," making it a local gem worth crossing the borough for.

A significant highlight of Mercado Ariana is its culinary diversity. The menu thoughtfully separates "Authentic Mexican Dishes" from "Tex Mex" offerings, ensuring that both seekers of traditional flavors and fans of border-style cuisine are catered to. Specialties like Bistec Encebollado (Steak with Onions) and Mole Con Pollo (Chicken with Mole Sauce) anchor the authentic section, while crowd-pleasers like Nachos, Burritos, and Chimichangas populate the Tex-Mex list. The addition of an "Especial Del Chef" section showcases signature items, including the visually impressive Molcajete and the deeply traditional Chilaquiles, demonstrating a dedication to a full spectrum of Mexican cooking.

Furthermore, the restaurant has earned high praise for its operational efficiency. It's consistently noted for its "Fast service," making it an excellent option for those in need of a quick bite during lunch or a seamless takeout experience in the New York rush. The staff's friendly disposition and the establishment’s overall welcoming nature contribute significantly to the positive dining experience. Whether a patron chooses to dine-in at the comfortable seating area, enjoy the Outdoor seating, or opt for convenient Delivery or Takeout, the promise of a high-quality, flavorful, and large-portioned meal remains constant.

The popularity of Mercado Ariana for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining speaks to its versatility and consistent appeal to the local New York community. The fact that customers are willing to drive "across the Staten Island to get this food, passing many restaurants," emphasizes its standout status in a saturated dining market. For parents, the establishment is family-friendly, noted as "Good for kids" and equipped with High chairs, ensuring a welcoming experience for all ages. Accepting a variety of modern payment options, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, also adds to the overall convenience.

Location and Accessibility

Mercado Ariana restaurant is strategically located in a high-traffic area of Staten Island, ensuring it is a visible and easy-to-reach spot for local patrons and commuters alike.

The official address is: 3295 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312, USA.

Accessibility is a key feature of this location, making it welcoming for all members of the New York community:

• The venue offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Wheelchair accessible seating is provided throughout the dining area.
• For drivers, On-site parking is available, which is a highly valued amenity in the New York area.

Services Offered

Mercado Ariana provides a full suite of dining and convenience services, catering to the needs of the dynamic Staten Island lifestyle:

• Dine-in: Full seating options, including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert service in a casual and cozy atmosphere.
• Outdoor seating: An option for patrons to enjoy their meal outside.
• Delivery: Offering home delivery, ensuring easy access to their amazing food for local residents.
• Takeout: Convenient pickup service for those on the go.
• Onsite services: Beyond the restaurant, the location suggests a market component, allowing customers to "use the grocer and pick things up for the house."
• Reservations: The establishment accepts reservations for planning larger parties or ensuring a table during peak hours.

Features / Highlights

The unique selling propositions of Mercado Ariana that make it stand out in the competitive New York dining scene include:

• Authentic and High-Quality Cuisine: Recognized for serving some of the "BEST Mexican Food on Staten Island" with flavors described as "authentic food like homemade Mexican food."
• Portion Sizes and Value: Known for "massive" portions and excellent pricing, ensuring exceptional value for diners.
• Fast Service: A dedicated highlight for efficient and quick service, ideal for a "Quick bite" or busy schedule.
• Diverse Offerings: Provides a selection of Alcohol, Beer, and Coffee, complementing the meals.
• Comfort and Connectivity: The atmosphere is Casual and Cozy, and the venue offers Restrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi for guest convenience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Considered "Good for kids" and equipped with High chairs.
• Flexible Payment: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Combined Experience: The benefit of Onsite services, which often includes a small grocery/market, is a unique draw, with patrons noting they "never leave with out an ice" or other groceries.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to place an order, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3295 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312, USAPhone: (718) 227-0700

What is Worth Choosing

Mercado Ariana’s extensive menu makes selecting a dish a delightful challenge, but several categories and specific items consistently attract local New Yorkers. The true highlights are found within the "Authentic Mexican Dishes" and "Especial Del Chef" sections.

For traditional Mexican main dishes, patrons highly recommend the hearty meat preparations:

• Bistec Encebollado ($16.00): A classic dish of steak with onions, perfect for a robust meal.
• Mole Con Pollo ($16.00): Chicken smothered in the rich, complex, and traditional mole sauce—a true taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Plato De Carnitas ($16.00): Slow-cooked mixed pork, noted for its rich flavor and tenderness.
• Cecina Asada ($18.00): Thinly sliced, salted beef that offers a distinctive, savory experience.

From the "Especial Del Chef" menu, several items are must-try signature dishes:

• Molcajete ($35.00): A celebratory, mixed grill dish, traditionally served in a heated stone mortar, likely featuring a combination of grilled steak, chorizo, salted beef, and more, as indicated by common Mexican restaurant offerings. This is an excellent choice for sharing.
• Tacos Dorado (Flautas) ($13.00): Crispy, rolled, and filled corn tortillas—a highly favored form of street food and comfort snack.
• Enchiladas De Verde / Mole ($19.00): Corn tortillas filled with chicken and topped with either a vibrant green (Verde) salsa or the deep, rich mole sauce, served with rice and beans.
• Chilaquiles ($15.99): Fried corn tortilla chips simmered in a sauce (often green or red) and topped with cheese, protein, and cream—a traditional, comforting Mexican favorite.

For quick bites, the restaurant is praised for its street food items. The Vegetarian Taco ($5.00) and Vegetarian Mexican Quesadilla ($7.00) offer flavorful options, while the extensive Tortas menu—featuring large, indulgent Mexican sandwiches like the Cuban Sandwich ($14.00) and Nortena ($13.00)—is a standout for a massive, satisfying meal. The wide variety of Tacos, from Al Pastor to Cecina, are always a popular, high-quality choice for on-the-go New Yorkers seeking authentic street flavor.

Mercado Ariana restaurant

3295 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312, USA