Family-run Calgary restaurant marks 20 years of celebrity visits and loyal patrons
The restaurant industry can be an extremely fickle one. However, one Calgary institution has defied the odds to reach an incredible milestone in 2025.
Mercato opened in Calgary’s Mission neighbourhood in 2005, with the restaurant gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in February.
Since opening, the spot, which is known for its classic Italian dishes, has become a staple in Calgary’s food scene, even hosting dozens of celebrities over the years.
However, Dominic Caracciolo, owner of Mercato, told Dished that its Mission restaurant was actually “a bit of a fluke.”
A Family Business
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Caracciolo’s parents, Cathy and Victor, had been in the grocery business, running the Italian Center in Bridgeland since 1974. In the early 2000s, they decided to retire.
“I bought the business and moved it over here to 4th Street. This was an old Tony Roma’s location. I originally wanted to be in the grocery business and have more of a Whole Foods-type feel,” Caracciolo explained.
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However, after opening a cafe in the space, the restaurant “took a life of its own.” Mercato is still home to its Italian market, but the restaurant side represents far more of the business.
As Mercato grew, Caracciolo said having his parents around was amazing as they were “always there for advice.” While Victor sadly passed away around seven years ago, Mama Cathy, as she’s affectionately known, is still involved.
“Having my mom here just brings back memories of my childhood,” Caracciolo said.
Not only has the family been the driving force of Mercato throughout its 20-year run, but three staff members came to the Mission location from the Bridgeland store, and several more have been at Mercato since day one.
How Mercato Has Changed
Mercato
Two decades in, Mercato still very much feels like a family restaurant, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t adapted to the times.
“Mercato was a pioneer in so many things like the open kitchen, bringing family style dining or the Bistecca on a board,” Caracciolo said.
Despite taking the lead on many fronts, he added that around 50% of the restaurant’s menu doesn’t change because of customer backlash. These dishes include the Caprese, the Tagliatelli in a simple Pomodoro sauce, the Polpo and the cheesecake.
“We allow our chef to be creative on other dishes,” he added.
Celebrity Visitors
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While Mercato is certainly a favourite of many Calgarians, the Mission restaurant has seen dozens of famous faces coming in over the years to taste its Italian fare.
Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Melissa McCarthy, Clive Owen, Leo DiCaprio, Emma Watson, Josh Hartnett, Reba McEntire and Michael Buble are just some of the visitors Mercato has seen. It’s also been popular with hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky.
“If they’re coming to Mercato, they like pasta, they like steak, and they’ve been very enjoyable,” Caracciolo said.
While Caracciolo can celebrate Mercato’s success over the years, he also greatly appreciates how Calgary’s food scene has changed, with so many different cultures and cuisines represented.
“Calgary is really underrated as far as getting the recognition it deserves, as far as having some of the best restaurants in Canada,” he added.
Cheers to seeing even more Calgary success stories!
Mercato Mission
Address: 2224 4th Street SW, Calgary
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