Wow! If I lived in the area this would be my 'Go to' place for a 'meat' dinner!…read moreVery tasty! Atmosphere is inviting! Staff is very accommodating! This was a great place for our cousins get together. I definately will be back!

I'm going to emphasize that this is an Argentinian spot! Just a fun fact if you're thinking about…read moregoing. Before you go, I recommend browsing through the menu in advance. Figure out what you want to try before going because the menu is intimidating. There's a lot to try out depending on the time of day AND they have daily specials. I have 6 photos full of items that they offer and that is not enough to capture everything they offer. This place has definitely been around a while. Everything is a bit run down due to wear and tear. It kind of gives the place a rustic charm that also works as a small local market. Now I've read some reviews about service here, but I had a very bad experience. It was slow and we often felt ignored. Had to hail down some waiters to get served. Maybe it's because we came for lunch so there weren't as many employees on the floor? Not sure, but that's the only reason for flagging this rating as a 4 star. Food was great and unique. I tried their daily special and realized that I would love to imitate some of their cooking methods. Soup was not what I had expected, but the idea behind the food was there.

It was my first time at this place and the owner gave me a sample and explained everything to me…read more It was an amazing experience. The only downside was the lack of air conditioning. There is free wifi, great place to study and relax with friends. The food was amazing!!

Everything positive they say about this place is true. The iced mate + guava puree is my new…read morefavorite drink on a hot day. I don't like mate on its own but with fruit it's a smoky complex iced tea that's a delight with the caffeine I need to get my day going. The caffeine from mate feels better than coffee for me--I recommend trying this out if you're used to getting Starbucks or other coffee regularly! They will customize your drink to your liking. Also I love learning and getting a piece of Argentina here in the Valley. You can get that here with empanadas and other snacks. Service is so great that I'm reminded why we support local businesses and reminded what community means. I tip what I can and plan to support by coming back here. A comfy couch area plus tables for studying and working, catching up with friends, eating. And outdoor seating too. Lots of parking bc the Valley. And they have a punch card for frequent visits!

Didn't know what to eat but I wasn't disappointed when I order from them excellent potato salads…read moregreat service. Great attitude From the staff and good environment. definitely recommend you trying their dishes are Delicious Especially the filet mignon sandwich. 10 out of 10

Service was a 10/10 very nice waitress , food was excellent came out in minutes! The inside of the…read moreplace was very clean and nice would highly recommend .

I've eaten at Mercado's sister restaurant in Northridge quite a few times, and I was stoked to…read morefinally get to the mother ship. While the West Valley location is small and hushed, with dark woods and muted lighting, the OG Mercado is the exact opposite: big and bright, with a bustling edge in the air as the staff navigates between eat-in diners, people ordering take-out, and still others buying items from their meat, pastry, and cheese displays. Yes, it's a real market and restaurant in one, and the energy is palpable as you browse the large menu, knowing everything is going to be very fresh and cooked to order. It's always difficult to decide between a Choripan or Steak Milanesa sandwich, but today I opted for the Choripan -- and while I deleted the lettuce & tomato that's usually on top, I added grilled onions. As I waited, I was brought fresh-baked Argentine baguette, which was crusty on the outside and pillowy on the inside, with just a touch of chew. The bread is served, of course, with Chimichurri, but also a tomato & olive oil salsa of sorts that had a light and veggie-forward flavor that offered a nice contrast to the earthy, herbaceousness of the chimi. I've learned the hard way to no overindulge on the bread and sauces, so I pulled back after one piece -- and luckily, my sandwich arrived soon after. This is a hefty Choripan, demonstrably larger than what I've had at the sister location. A very plump, butterflied and charred Argentine sausage resting on more of that bangin' baguette (the chewy center offering solid support for the fillings), and a generous helping of grilled onions. There was a patina of "grease" on the sandwich, but that's not a bad thing -- this slight oiliness was packed with flavor, adding tremendous Argentine Umami to the meal. The sausage was meaty and dense, with just a bit of fat and a very nice punch of herbs and spices, leading to an enjoyably potent flavor very specifically South American. The onions were excellently prepared: grilled to a medium firmness, the chef bringing out the natural sweetness while retaining just enough of the original, onion bite to add extra layers of taste. As if that wasn't enough, the onions were clearly cooked in a bit of spice, which gave them an extra kick of heat that blended very nicely with the spiciness of the chimichurri. This is just an excellent sandwich. Service is friendly, the entire restaurant is spic & span clean (including the restrooms), and the crowd seems genuinely happy to be where they are, eating what they're eating. The meats, cheeses, pastries, breads and empanadas on display in the market areas all look top notch and very appealing. I'll be shopping here for things to make at home, and I'll be coming back for another dine-in meal very soon. If you haven't been, you should stop by to try it for yourself. It's just so, so good!

If you are a Messi fan then his pictures are everywhere here. Argentinan restaurants are hard to…read morefind so thank you for serving the community. Story began with Paul Rodriguez serving meat at the small market. Business kept growing so they expanded to meat market/ bakery/sit down restaurant. Now there are 2 locations in the local area which is Van Nuys and Granda Hills. All I know is everything is good here and taste great. All made in house with so much love and made from scratch daily. They take the time to marinate and triple whip pasties. You can taste the difference. They must buy ingredients/ food from a high end distributor. You can do all your market shopping here, meats, spices, etc too. Market/restaurant (mercado) is your one stop shop for Argentina goods. Btw- there is vegan dishes/burger here too. Breakfast opens at 7:30am. They are a large kitchen inside. Pastries facturas are cute and deliciously fresh. I recommend 3 and coffee if you are on the run. If you have time choose some omelettes which are all under $15. I will need to try breakfast sandwiches one day. Lunch: Handmade empanadas if you are on the run. They are only $2.80 for baked or fried with meat inside. Chimichurri sauce with (crispy baked) bread is a must if you are dining in. Spices in the sauce is sooo amazing. Again I must try the lunch sandwiches one day. Dinner: I have tried spaghetti and steak which has all the right spices that does not resemble Italian. Sauce has a meaty beef stew thickness. I also like the steaks that are certified angus choice skirt steak, bone-in short rib flanks with homemade Argentine sausages. Buenos Aires burger is quite delish too unlike your normal American burger. It has chimichurri sauce inside. I must try the seafood soon because I see everyone else ordering it. Sugar time: Flan that is has vanilla custard with dulce de leche from Argentina. All desserts are good and I yes I have tried them all. Cakes super moist to flaky cakes and specials not on the menu. Improvements: alcoholic drinks would be so much more popular if they are perfect this department. It is def not my fav. I like a good mix from a bartender. The basic wine/beer is fine. Hidden gem with the friendliest staff. Muchas gracias Mercado Buenos Aires!

This was my first time trying Peruvian food, and I was blown away! Everything we ordered was…read moreincredibly flavorful, fresh, and clearly made to order. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients in every dish. The service is fast and friendly. The standout for me was the Lomo Montado--absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. The meat was tender, perfectly cooked, and paired beautifully with the other components on the plate. Beyond the food, the restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy great food, and have a good time with family and friends. I'm so glad I found this gem and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to try authentic and delicious Peruvian cuisine!

food was very flavorful! the staff was kind too! i tried their flan too & it was really good! the…read moreplace is a casual mom and pop shop & has seating inside to dine in!

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this place yet, I've eaten here for years…read more I have frequently ordered out but ordered at the restaurant once. My go to empanada is the chicken Al pastor oh my god it's a flavor bomb empanada, so delicious. I also get every so often the Nutella and bananas which I mean you can never go wrong with those flavors. The fries idk what they put in them but they are so addicting, before I know it I finish the whole thing. The service is great, the people are friendly. Parking is a big things for me and this area has plenty of it in the shopping center where it's located. Overall amazing empanadas.

First time I was at the restaurant with a group of friends trying the empanadas for the first time…read moreto see if I wanted to order for a party on the weekend. We enjoyed the empanadas, I think for our group of 5 we ordered at least 20 empanadas and 3 plates to try. I asked a man behind the counter I need a order for 2/3 dozen on Sunday around 12pm. He said not a problem, I should call Sunday at 10 to place the order. I asked "are you sure" he responded it would only take 20 minutes. Problem number 1: No one was answering the phone Sunday morning, I called multiple times. Problem number 2: It take forever to place the order via the website AND there is a superfluous "support local fee" that cannot be opted out. I want this refunded. As someone who invited the group to dinner there Wed where we spent at least $150ish to my order for Sunday around $170, how dare a "support local fee" be added that could have been avoided if someone answered the phone. Problem number 3: The order was 30 mins late. Lack of personal awareness regarding your capability to answer phones and prepare orders on time is a problem. My first and second experience was so vastly different, beyond disappointing, on a day where I am putting things together to host a party it caused unnecessary stress I sent an email and didn't hear back and wanted to post my experience.

I've been here a few times, and there is always a table available, the ambiance is lovely, and the…read morefood is great! They have some tables when you walk in, a bar to sit at, and outdoor seating too. They also have live music sometimes, which is always wonderful, and the lighting is well done too. Even the bathroom is cute. There was a time that my partner ordered the dish that is stated on the menu to take extra time to prepare, but it ended up coming out incorrectly and they had to redo it, so by the time it came out, my food was long gone. That's the only reason for 4-stars instead of 5. I highly recommend the Costillas Asadas (braised short ribs), the meat is juicy and delicious and it's served with mashed potatoes and veggies. Will definitely be back, and I do recommend this place to people I know!

Our Friend Vahe took us this week for a Tapas Treat to this gem on Ventura Blvd. They have been…read moreserving the valley with excellent Tapas for 20+ years. We went all the way - tried and shared most of the small tapas - croquetas, mushroom, shrimp, patatas and all the little baguette delicacies - and had a really good time. They have live music - a wonderful guitar player - on some days. If you like Spanish guitar worth checking out his dates in the place. If you care for Tapas - this is the right place. Food, service and ambiance: highly recommended.

Amazing service given by Chris and vania, the food is great, nice ambiance…read more will come back for sure

Wonderful experience, great food. Server Matt was exceptional and provided consistent service.read more