L'Espresso Bar Mercurio

L’Espresso Bar Mercurio 321 Bloor St. West 416 596 2233

Guaranteed you will meet someone you know at this very popular neighborhood restaurant. It is a ‘hangout’ for the OISE crowd and the Annex folk.

The place is huge but divided up with plants and tables so you have a feeling you are in a smaller space.

You order your food from a list on a paper. You sit at your table and the food is brought to the table in quick order. The food is always fresh and beautifully plated.

This is a family run business. Bar Mecurio across the street has been in operation for years. This family really knows the business and work hard to please their clients. Most days Theresa or Brother Joe are seen running around greeting everyone and keeping the flow of food from the kitchen. The baking on the large counter always drives me crazy and on occasion I do give in .to the Biscotti and Small Pastries. They are so satisfying after a meal. At lunch time the place is packed. You definitely need a reservation for brunch on the weekend. At lunch all food orders are taken at your table.

The Paninis are the best in town. Classic Club Panino offers roasted chicken breast, avocado pancetta, aioli, lettuce and tomato on multi grain bread($10.75)

I love the Vegetarian Panini filled with bocconcini, zucchini, spinach and roasted peppers on an artisan baguette.($8.95)

Angus Burger is the in house Angus burger topped with tomato, lettuce and onions served on an artisan baguette. All paninis can be ordered with gluten free bread.

The Salads are always so tasty and well presented. I enjoyed the Nicoise Salad. Italian tuna is served with Yukon potatoes, tomatoes, dried black olives, green beans, organic eggs and drizzled with a citrus olive oil dressing. ($12.95)

New L’ Espresso Salad is composed of white Tuscan beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, ciabatta croutons and feta cheese in that tasty citrus olive oil dressing.($11.95)

I like the fact that special prices are offered to students. Students can order a Tuna Wrap with fries for $8.95. There are many choices for students at a special price.

The coffee list is extensive. Try and find room for one of the special pastries.

This restaurant is consistently delicious. It is certainly the meeting place in town. I have never found the noise level too high even though the place is always at capacity.

I really like the private room at the back. I plan some day to invite 10 friends for a lunch so I can enjoy their company, the good food and the privacy offered in that attractive room. In the summer the enormous patio is always filled. It is at the side of the restaurant so you don’t get the noisy Bloor St traffic.

The family also runs the popular Bar Mercurio across the road. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is an upscale restaurant featuring the finest of authentic Italian food. This family knows how to make you feel welcome and they certainly know how to run an efficient business. That is why it is such a success.