Mercato & Café

- 234 Bloomfield Ave #5101, Caldwell, NJ 07006

As a cherished destination within the vibrant landscape of New Jersey's local businesses, Mercato & Café in Caldwell stands out as a focal point for quality Italian-inspired fare and a truly welcoming atmosphere. This establishment is part of the larger Calandra's Italian Village, a cornerstone of the community known for its commitment to authentic Italian tradition, superior ingredients, and family values. Mercato & Café, often linked to the dining experience of Il Vecchio Cafe and the wider village amenities, offers locals and visitors a unique, multifaceted dining and culinary retail experience. It combines the casual charm of a cafe with the dedicated culinary excellence of a full-service Italian restaurant. It’s more than just a place to eat; it is a community hub where residents can enjoy everything from a quick, freshly brewed coffee to a leisurely, multi-course Italian meal. For those in the North Jersey region looking for a taste of Italy right in their backyard, Mercato & Café represents a perfect blend of convenience, quality, and heritage.

The concept embodies the Italian philosophy of a "mercato," or market, offering a variety of high-quality goods and prepared foods, seamlessly integrated with a cafe setting. While the market and deli counter feature imported and domestic cold cuts, cheeses, and specialty items, the restaurant aspect, prominently featuring Italian classics, ensures a delightful dine-in experience. The focus is on preparing dishes from scratch, often utilizing natural, whole-grain ingredients, and maintaining a dedication to time-honored recipes. Whether you're stopping by for a morning espresso or planning a full dinner with family, this Caldwell spot provides a reliably excellent experience rooted in the local Italian American community.

The ambiance is generally described as casual, making it an ideal spot for any occasion—from a relaxed weekend brunch to a mid-week dinner. The atmosphere fosters a comfortable, family-friendly setting where people can truly enjoy the company and the food. This commitment to a friendly and non-pretentious environment ensures that everyone who walks through the door feels right at home, a true reflection of the welcoming spirit characteristic of New Jersey’s local Italian businesses.

The location of Mercato & Café is one of its major advantages for New Jersey residents. Situated at the comprehensive Calandra's Italian Village complex, it serves as an accessible anchor within the local Caldwell area.

Location and AccessibilityThe address is: 234 Bloomfield Ave #5101, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA.

This prime spot on Bloomfield Avenue makes it easily reachable for anyone driving through the West Essex area. Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed for all patrons, as the location includes a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that guests with mobility considerations can visit without hassle. Furthermore, the availability of ample on-site parking at the Italian Village is a significant convenience in a busy area like Caldwell, alleviating the stress of finding street parking and allowing for a smooth transition from car to table. The central location within Calandra's Italian Village means that a visit to Mercato & Café can easily be combined with a stop at the famed Calandra's Bakery or the full-service Italian Market and Deli, making it a comprehensive and efficient stop for all your culinary needs. For those utilizing local roads, the Bloomfield Avenue address is a well-known landmark, simplifying navigation.

Services OfferedThe establishment provides a variety of services designed for maximum customer convenience:

• Dine-in service for enjoying meals in the casual, comfortable cafe and restaurant setting.
• Takeout options, allowing customers to bring the quality Italian cuisine and cafe selections home.
• Quick bite offerings, perfect for fast-paced schedules, including prepared foods, sandwiches, and soup selections often found at the adjacent deli/market.
• Coffee service, providing freshly brewed beverages and espresso drinks for morning commuters, lunch crowds, or after-dinner enjoyment.
• Access to the wider Calandra's Italian Village Market & Deli, which features full-service counters for imported meats, cheeses, homemade pasta, sauces, and other gourmet Italian specialty items available for purchase to prepare at home.
• Private events and large group accommodations in various dining spaces often available within the Italian Village.
• Outdoor dining options, frequently voted among the best in the area, offering a seasonal Tuscan patio experience.

Features / HighlightsMercato & Café and its surrounding components at Calandra's Italian Village boast several key highlights that distinguish them as a premier dining and market destination in New Jersey:

• Authentic and high-quality Italian food, featuring homemade pasta and sauces.
• An integrated “Market & Deli” offering fresh, gourmet, handcrafted Italian foods, imported cold cuts, and specialty cheeses.
• A family-friendly and casual atmosphere suitable for both quick visits and leisurely meals.
• Dedicated on-site parking and wheelchair accessible parking for easy access.
• Restroom facilities available for all patrons.
• A diverse menu that caters to different times of day, from a morning coffee and pastry to a full dinner service with traditional Italian entrees, pizza, and flatbreads.
• Part of the Calandra’s Italian Village, a long-standing, family-owned business with a legacy of quality in New Jersey.
• The proximity to Calandra's Bakery, providing award-winning bread, pastries, and desserts, makes it a unique and convenient one-stop culinary destination.

Contact InformationFor up-to-date hours, takeout orders, or specific inquiries, New Jersey residents can reach out using the contact details provided:

Address: 234 Bloomfield Ave #5101, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USAPhone: (973) 226-8889

What is Worth ChoosingChoosing Mercato & Café, or visiting the broader Calandra's Italian Village complex, is an excellent decision for anyone in the New Jersey area seeking authenticity, quality, and convenience. What makes this spot truly worth choosing is the combination of its historical family heritage and its multifaceted offerings. You are not just visiting a simple restaurant; you are stepping into a long-standing New Jersey tradition that emphasizes fresh, homemade, and natural ingredients. The full experience is a major draw—you can dine on classic Italian cuisine at Il Vecchio Cafe, which shares the location, grab an artisanal sandwich from the deli, pick up freshly baked bread from the bakery, and cap it all off with an excellent coffee from the café area. The availability of takeout and quick bite services caters perfectly to the busy lifestyles of New Jersey families and professionals, while the casual and comfortable ambiance ensures that every moment spent on the premises is relaxed and enjoyable. The focus on accessibility, from the on-site parking to the wheelchair-accessible lot, demonstrates a commitment to serving the entire community. Ultimately, Mercato & Café offers a genuine slice of Italian culinary culture right in Caldwell, NJ, delivering both a memorable meal and high-quality products to take home.

Mercato & Café

234 Bloomfield Ave #5101, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA