The Mercato – Italian
The Mercato serves as a vibrant culinary crossroads, where the air is thick with the enticing aromas of smoky chipotle, fragrant turmeric, and slow-simmered pomodoro. Guests are whisked from the rustic comfort of bubbling lasagna and savory meatballs to the bold, zesty heat of pork chili verde and spicy jambalaya, all within a warm and bustling atmosphere. This eclectic destination celebrates the art of global comfort food, offering a soulful dining experience where every plate brings together bold spices and timeless traditions.
8601 South 30th Street, Lincoln NE 68516 https://themercatobutcher.com/Rating: 5/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at The Mercato
Dairy-Free at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 24 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tomahawk, Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel and Cowboy Ribeye. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 25 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tomahawk, Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel and Cowboy Ribeye. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 3 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel, Sweet Potato & Pecan Crisp and Truffled Parmesan Potato Casserole. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 8 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Ground Beef Lasagna, Beef Vindaloo w/ Turmeric Rice and Sirloin. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 9 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel, Cowboy Ribeye and Brisket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 9 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel, Cowboy Ribeye and Brisket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 6 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cowboy Ribeye, Sirloin and Filet Mignon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The Mercato
The Mercato in Lincoln has 2 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel and Sweet Potato & Pecan Crisp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The Mercato
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Jambalaya w/ Chicken & Sausage | 74.5 g | 58.2 g |
| Ground Beef Lasagna | 4.2 g | 41 g |
| Pork Chili Verde | 4.8 g | 33.9 g |
| Grilled Chicken Alfredo w/ Mafalda Pasta | 83.1 g | 32.6 g |
| Sirloin | 0 g | 23.6 g |
| Tri-Tip Roast | 0 g | 23.3 g |
| Ribeye | 0.4 g | 21.3 g |
| Cowboy Ribeye | 0.5 g | 20.3 g |
| Beef Vindaloo w/ Turmeric Rice | 1.4 g | 18.9 g |
| Filet Mignon | 0 g | 17.3 g |
| Denver Steak | 0 g | 15.9 g |
| Truffled Parmesan Potato Casserole | 54.5 g | 15.9 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
What diners are saying
Guests rave about the perfectly crispy appetizers and the satisfying flavors that define a memorable group dining experience. Celebrated for its nice ambiance and inviting atmosphere, the space is frequently praised for its friendly and attentive service staff who check in regularly to ensure a seamless meal. Reviewers highlight the overall quality of the food and the warm hospitality, noting that they leave feeling thoroughly satisfied with both the vibrant environment and the care shown by the team.
Menu
Ready to Eat Meals
Meticulously crafted meals prepared with the finest quality proteins and seasonal produce.
- Grilled Sirloin w/ Chipotle Mac & Cheese - $11.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef sirloin, chipotle macaroni and cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti & Meatballs w/ Pomodoro - $10.99: Spaghetti, meatballs, pomodoro sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Chicken Alfredo w/ Mafalda Pasta - $11.99: Grilled chicken, alfredo sauce, mafalda pasta Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Chili Verde - $10.99: Pork, green chili sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Renal, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jambalaya w/ Chicken & Sausage - $11.99: Chicken, sausage, rice, cajun spices Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Barbacoa Bowl w/ Brown Rice - $11.99: Beef barbacoa, brown rice Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Vindaloo w/ Turmeric Rice - $10.99: Beef vindaloo, turmeric rice Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ground Beef Lasagna - $10.99: Ground beef, pasta layers, cheese, sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Burrito - $7.99: Bacon, egg, cheese, tortilla Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
Certified Piedmontese Beef
All-Natural, Italian Heritage Breed beef. Prices are per pound unless otherwise noted.
- Sirloin - $15.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bone-In Short Ribs - $10.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chuck Roast - $9.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ground Sirloin - $10.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tomahawk - $25.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner
- Boneless Prime Rib - $29.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Brisket - $7.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steakhouse Patties (4-pack) - $14.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef, 6 oz each Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Filet Mignon - $59.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chuck Eye - $16.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bone-In Standing Rib Roast - $26.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Denver Steak - $18.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Picahna Roast - $13.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir Fry Beef - $13.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ribeye - $29.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner
- Boneless New York Strip - $24.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Inside Skirt - $15.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tri-Tip Roast - $15.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ground Chuck - $9.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cowboy Ribeye - $26.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tenderloin Roast - $59.99: Certified Piedmontese Beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides & Accompaniments
House-made sides available for pre-order and pickup. Prices vary by size.
- Sweet Potato & Pecan Crisp: Sweet potatoes, pecans Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bone Marrow Bread Pudding: Bread, bone marrow Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel: Brussels sprouts, fennel, blood orange vinaigrette Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Creamed Spinach with Beef Bacon: Spinach, cream, beef bacon Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Truffled Parmesan Potato Casserole: Potatoes, parmesan, truffle oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Au Jus: Beef drippings Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Frequently Asked Questions about The Mercato
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews for The Mercato do not mention any concerns, instead highlighting the crispy appetizers, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include Grilled Sirloin with Chipotle Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Pork Chili Verde, and Ground Beef Lasagna.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- The Mercato distinguishes itself from typical Italian restaurants by blending traditional pasta with global flavors like chipotle, jambalaya, and vindaloo.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy a group dining experience featuring crispy appetizers, attentive service, and global comfort foods like lasagna or pork chili verde.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- The restaurant supports numerous diets including keto, paleo, whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, and low-carb across its diverse menu.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Guests praise the 5.0/5 rated restaurant for its crispy appetizers, inviting atmosphere, and friendly staff who provide attentive service.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Boneless New York Strip, Boneless Prime Rib, Sirloin, Tomahawk, and Ground Sirloin all satisfy keto, gluten-free, and paleo diets simultaneously.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere with friendly service, crispy appetizers, and diverse global comfort foods like lasagna and jambalaya.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided restaurant data does not contain information regarding the hours of operation for The Mercato.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- The Mercato is an Italian restaurant located at the website address https://themercatobutcher.com/, though a physical street address is not provided.
- Is The Mercato dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The Mercato has 24 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tomahawk, Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel and Cowboy Ribeye.
- What can I eat at The Mercato on a dairy-free diet?
- Tomahawk, Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel and Cowboy Ribeye carry the dairy-free tag, out of 24 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The Mercato have vegan options?
- Yes. 2 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Fennel and Sweet Potato & Pecan Crisp.
- Is The Mercato gluten-free?
- 25 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The Mercato?
- Jambalaya w/ Chicken & Sausage, at roughly 58.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near The Mercato
- The Mercato Butcher Shop — Italian
- Rosari's Kitchen — Italian
- daVinci's — Italian
- Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi — Japanese
- Amigos Kings Classic — Mexican
- Charred Burger + Bar — American
- Amigo's — Mexican
- Mi Tierra — Mexican
- The Press Box — American
- The Mill on Prescott — American
- Goldenrod Pastries — American
- L's Kitchen — American
