The burgeoning restaurant row on Market Street between Broad and Mulberry Streets recently welcomed newcomer Mercato Tomato Pie as its latest dining option. Mercato is an independent, family restaurant-pizzeria that offers artisanal coal-fired pizzas and a full bar.

Mercato Tomato Pie is part of the revitalization effort that looks to remake the area radiating out from Broad and Market Streets into a neighborhood replete with new residential and retail options. This newest eatery joins Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and the soon-to-open Novelty Burger & Bar – all located in the ground floor retail spaces of the RockPlaza Lofts development.

“The increase in residents, office workers and visitors to the Prudential Center, and other local attractions, has increased the demand for quality food in this neighborhood,” said co-owner Bill Fonte. “Our take on pizza-making elevates it to an artisanal and unique level, and we’re excited to bring this unique pizza and dining experience to Newark,” he added.

Mercato is a purveyor of a traditional method of pizza-making. Its specialty thin-crust pizza is cooked in its hand-crafted, six-ton, 15’ x 15’ coal oven, which they say is kept hot 24 hours per day, and can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees. The pizzaiolis (pizza makers) have completed a special training process, and use only fresh tomatoes and hand-made cheeses, as well as select pepperoni, sausage and other toppings.

The owners say the name Mercato, which means “market” in Italian, epitomizes the philosophy of the restaurant. While coal-fired pizza is a highlight, the menu features other Italian cuisine, including pastas, salads, and desserts.

“We’re proud to welcome Mercato Tomato Pie to RockPlaza Lofts as we continue to bring new and exciting cuisine and real estate development to Newark”, said Marc Berson, co-owner of Mercato Tomato Pie and chairman of Fidelco Realty Group, the owner and developer of RockPlaza Lofts. “It’s proof that this neighborhood is thriving, and these new tenants continue to elevate Market Street as a highly desirable home for residential living and commercial business.”

Mercato Tomato Pie features a full service bar and dining room along with takeout and limited delivery service. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and open later for special events. The restaurant has a private space available for events and parties and provides off-site catering.