Name: Merkato 55
Location: 55 Gansevoort St
Btwn Greenwich & Washington St
New York, NY
About Merkato 55
Based on Samuelsson’s revelatory food trip to Africa, Merkato 55 is the latest multi-story continent-defining food temple run amok. Walk into the lively first floor and you’ll immediately notice the Mali-inspired clay bar with shelves for the house-infused spiced rums. Start with a drink and a plate of hummus and dips at one of the communal tables before heading up the wrought iron stairs to the more formal dining room. Upstairs, the décor is a tribute to the faces and colors of Africa: Portraits printed on large silk screens, hanging basket lamps and brown and yellow leather banquettes all color the bright space.
Adding to the celebratory international feel is a soundtrack mixing African beats and world music (your opportunity to move past Ladysmith Black Mambazo) and a downstairs lounge with a stone well in the center of the room.
Which is sure to be the best African lounge with a stone well in the MPD.
55 Gansevoort St
New York 10014
Btwn Greenwich & Washington St
212-255-8555
