A Decade at the Table: Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails Marks 10 Years in Massapequa Park

Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails just turned ten—no small feat on Long Island’s ever-tough dining scene. The family-run spot in Massapequa Park spent September celebrating with throwback dishes, special dinners, and a monthlong thank-you to regulars who’ve effectively become part of the Mercato family.

Executive chef and co-owner Matt Bivona, who helms the restaurant with his brother Brian and sister-in-law Keleigh, says the team powered through the industry’s hardest years—pandemic shocks, inflation, and staffing headwinds—by staying obsessive about welcoming service and deeply craveable food. That balance of consistency and creativity shows up in signatures like Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, plus seasonal menus that sync with the bar program, crafted in tandem with head bartender Michele.

Mercato’s neighborhood feel extends beyond the dining room: weekly happenings—Martini Mondays, Trivia Wednesdays, Date Night Tuesdays—and a refreshed private space called “Next Door” keep the calendar lively for everything from family gatherings to themed bingo.

To toast the milestone, the team hosted a “10 Year Evolution Dinner,” revisiting greatest-hits dishes and stories from staff and longtime guests. Looking ahead, the Bivonas plan to deepen local sourcing—perhaps even a chef’s garden—while staying true to the core recipe: great food, genuine hospitality, and community at the center.