Mercato E Cucina, Gladesville

I've read a lot of reviews about the slow customer service on urbanspoon and how busy it gets so I decided to get there before lunch started.  Mercato E Cucina is a mix of posh foreign supermarket, deli, patisserie and restaurant in one. It's an experience. You'll need a decent amount of time to explore as well enjoy the restaurant.

I'd suggest if you want some attention to put your hand up as it's very busy. Also be prepared for a long and slow lunch as it's very busy and the food does take time to come out. However I still had a very enjoyable experience and the food was amazing. Scroll down to have a look!

The desserts will make your eyes pop out as you enter the restaurant. We did devour a nice selection of these desserts following lunch. Keep scrolling!

The tempura zucchini flowers were very delicious.  Sprinkle some lemon juice over the cripsy but soft tempura and bite into the zucchini. Try this with a side of the classic salad of rocket, pear, shaved parmesan and toasted walnuts.

Rocket, pear and parmesan salad $9.5

San Daniele - Tomato, Prosciutto, rocket, shaved parmesan and mozarella (Fior Di Latte) $22.5

The boys absolutely devoured the San Daniele Pizza. Fresh ingredients on a perfectly cooked thin crust were delicious.  I ripped off the black burnt bits and they did not take away from the deliciousness of the pizza. It's a classic pizza. Devour it boys!

The girls' favourite pizza was La Campagna which had toppings of sauteed mixed mushrooms, truffle oil, prosciutto and mozzarella $24.5. A combination of unique tastes made this pizza very easy to eat.  I am a major fan of truffle flavours.  The truffle oil beautifully complemented the mushroom and prosciutto. Amazing.

La Campagna which had toppings of sauteed mixed mushrooms, truffle oil, prosciutto and mozzarella $24.5. 

We ordered some dessert from the patisserie.

The cannoli in chocolate and pistachio flavours were crunchy, sprinkled in caster sugar and was a burst of sweet creme. The chocolate cherry mousse cake is not for the faint hearted! Be ready for a blast of indulgence.

For those with a weaker sugary heart, try the little tarts - I had the chocolate, raspberry cheesecake and brulee flavours. Little morsels of sweet goodness.

Price: Mains are about $25.