Place Category: Happy Hours, Mexican, and Outside DiningPlace Tags: Chef Owned and Operated and Kids Menu
Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, Mercado serves as the third installation of a classic and contemporary Mexican restaurant group that includes El Arco Iris in Highland Park and Yxta Cocina Mexicana in Downtown LA.
Mercado is an inventive mix of food, atmosphere and tradition, reflecting the heart and soul of Mexican dining. The beautiful space by New York architect Poonam Khanna, is an eclectic fusion of modern design, accented with traditional touches, that create the ultimate in intimate upscale dining, while remaining accessible and comfortable.
The menu exemplifies the cuisine and flavor of Chef Jose Acevedo’s and co-owner Jesse Gomez’s Mexican roots, featuring items such as Chef Acevedo’s signature carnitas, created from a recipe handed down through generations. With tortillas made by hand daily, the finest meats, poultry and seafood, flavorful sauces, carefully crafted ceviche, enchiladas and tacos, produce from the local farmer’s market, and everything made from the freshest ingredients, Mercado offers handcrafted Mexican cuisine, artful design, a warm atmosphere and friendly service.
Mercado’s bar offers over 70 premium Silver, Reposado and Anejo Tequilas, as well as 14 draft and bottled beers. Try a creative cocktail like the Escabeche Martini, Jamaica Margarita, or La Picosa.
From large party dinners to private dining on the mezzanine level overlooking the main room, or a cocktail at our eclectically stocked bar, Mercado welcomes you to join us for any occasion. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Mercado Menu - Santa Monica - Updated 6/3/2023
Menu and prices subject to changeVEGETABLES
CALABACITAS 9
mexican-style zucchini, onions, tomatoes, grilled sweet corn (v)COLIFLOR AL PASTOR 12
roasted cauliflower, chile morita marinade, pineapple, cilantro (V)ELOTE 12
grilled sweet corn, caramelized onions, chile piquín butter, queso cotija (VEG)MARKET VEGETABLES 12
chef's selection of seasonal vegetables (v)QUESO FRESCO MASHED POTATOES 9
potatoes, garlic, heavy cream, queso fresco (veg)
STARTERS
GUACAMOLE 16
hass avocado, serranos, cilantro, tomatoes, red onions, Yxta salsa brava, spicy pepitas, fresh chips (v)CRUDITÉS WITH GUACAMOLE 21
celery, carrots, radishes, watermelon radish, tricolor cauliflower, guacamole (v)MUSHROOM CHORIQUESO 15
melted cotija, parmesan, oaxaca cheese, white wine, mushroom-chorizo, poblanos, fresh chips (veg)DIP DUO 26
guacamole, mushroom choriqueso, Yxta salsa brava, fresh chips (veg) (serves 3-4 people)MEXICAN KALE SALAD 15
kale, arugula, queso fresco, candied pepitas, pears, dried strawberries, cotija-pesto bread crumbs, agave-lime vinaigrette (veg) (add grilled Jidori chicken breast 8 or shrimp 9)CAHUENGA CUCUMBER SALAD 16
persian cucumbers, vine-ripe tomatoes, corn, red onions, avocado, spicy queso añejo, spicy pepitas, crispy cilantro, serrano-lime dressing (veg) (add grilled Jidori chicken breast 8 or shrimp 9)DOS GRINGAS 17
slow-cooked natural pork al pastor, oaxaca cheese, red onions, cilantro, Yxta salsa brava, avocado salsa, flour tortillasTACOS DE PESCADO 18
grilled white fish, mexican slaw, pico de gallo, lime crema, chile de árbol aioli, escabeche, flour tortillasCHILE RELLENO 19
traditional batter, panela, oaxaca cheese, queso fresco, cotíja, tomato-chile broth, tortillas (veg)JÍCAMA SHRIMP TACOS 19
panko crusted shrimp, jícama tortilla, chile de árbol aioli, mexican slaw, pickled red onions, micro-cilantroTACOS DE FILETE 20
filet mignon, Yxta salsa brava, avocado, pickled red onions, micro-cilantro, escabecheCEVICHE TROPICAL* 21
citrus-marinated shrimp and white fish, cucumber, corn, tomatoes, mango, fresnos, onions, serranos, avocado, chile de árbol aioli
ENTRÉES
TACOS DE COLIFLOR AL PASTOR 20
coliflor al pastor, cilantro-lime aioli, pico de gallo, avocado salsa, mexican rice (v)ENCHILADAS DE POLLO EN MOLE OAXAQUEÑO 23
Mary's free-range chicken, oaxacan mole, queso fresco, crema fresca, red onions, sesame seeds, mexican riceCARNITAS 31
Chef Jose's slow-cooked natural pork, guacamole, Yxta salsa brava, pico de gallo, cauliflower al pastor, cilantro, tortillasPOLLO EN SALSA DE CUATRO CHILES 20
roasted free-range quarter chicken, salsa de cuatro chiles, queso fresco mashed potatoes (dark meat only, white meat add 2)CAMARONES AL AJILLO 29
mexican sweet shrimp, chile de árbol garlic butter, cilantro lime rice, ciabattaCARNE ASADA* 36
marinated skirt steak, guacamole, Yxta salsa brava, cebollita, calabacitas, queso fresco mashed potatoes, tortillas (add two ajillo shrimp 10)PESCADO DEL DÍA* MKT
today's fresh catchMERCADO SURF & TURF TABLITA 75
free-range roasted half chicken, carnitas with coliflor al pastor, shrimp skewer with cilantro pesto, mexican rice, black beans, chiles toreados, pico de gallo, Yxta salsa brava, guacamole, tortillas (serves 2-3) (carnitas and steak add 10, chicken and steak add 10)
SIDES
CHIPS AND TWO SALSAS 5
(veg)LELA’S MEXICAN RICE 6
(v)CILANTRO LIME RICE 6
(veg)ORGANIC CHILE PIQUÍN BLACK BEANS 6
(veg)ESCABECHE 4
(v)CHILES TOREADOS 5
(v)PICO DE GALLO 3
(v)HABANERO SALSA 2
(veg)
DESSERT
CHEF JOSE’S FLAN 12
with rompope (contains alcohol)CHEF JOSE’S FEATURED DESSERT 12