Situated on 53 acres in North Naples less than two miles from Vanderbilt Beach, Mercato is the kind of shopping center where you can spend the day shopping – and the night partying. Retail stores close at the standard 9 p.m., but the Blue Martini nightclub turns out the lights at 2 a.m., and you can get a late bite ‘til midnight at The 239 Naples.
With immaculate concrete paver streets lined by sidewalks full of palm trees, Mercato exudes an ambience that is both relaxing and exciting, upscale and mainstream. And the place looks beautiful at night.
LUXURY SHOPS & NAME-BRAND BARGAINS
Mercato includes dozens of retail outlets and 20 restaurants and bars, many of which are locally owned and independent. Deal-hunters can go on safari at bargain meccas like Nordstrom Rack and J. Crew Factory. Those seeking something more exclusive and upscale can stop in Palm & Paddle for resort and swimwear, Rebecca’s Ladies Fashions for top elite brands, Sur la Table for fine kitchenware, Dunkin’s Diamonds for lavish jewelry, and more.
FOOD & DRINKS: FINE DINING TO CASUAL FARE
Mercato’s dining and drinking options run a wide gamut. You can eat hearty steaks and luxuriate in the traditional comfort of Capital Grille, or feel the vibrant energy of the bright Hampton Social, which evokes the posh vibe of its Long Island namesake. Bar Tulia established itself as a go-to place in downtown Naples, and built upon that success by opening a location in Mercato. Enjoy a good cigar? Burn by Rocky Patel is a sanctuary of fine smoke and premium spirits.
Mercato also offers several different types of casual dining experiences, including Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, Burntwood Tavern, The Pub (with a British theme) and AZN Asian Cuisine. If it’s a snack you’re after, stop in Yogurbella for frozen yogurt, Kilwins for ice cream, Juicelation for organic juices, and others. There’s even a Whole Foods for anyone who’d prefer to cook for themselves.
A SELFIE MUSEUM & MARKET VIBES
To experience something strikingly original, Mercato features the Original # Selfie Museum, where you can snap pics in front of an array of colorful backdrops. It’s an Instagrammers dream, but a fun diversion for families, too.
Another unique vendor at Mercato is Hand & Harvest, an indoor market that showcases the handmade creations of more than 35 local artisans — from baked goods and empanadas to candles and ceramics. H&H takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, from noon to 4 p.m.
A FULL LINEUP OF ENTERTAINMENT
Mercato’s entertainment anchor is the 12-screen Silverspot Cinema, where servers bring food and drink right to your wide leather seats (now with contactless ordering). The complex also throws block parties with live bands, and hosts the monthly Cars & Coffee 239, where you can see dream mobiles up close, plus art events, a slate of holiday-themed happenings, and a regular schedule of live music at several of the restaurant/bars.
“Something for everyone” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. But in the case of Mercato, it fits.