Dario Mercato Now Open On Lockport Street

PLAINFIELD, IL — The restaurant space at 24036 W. Lockport St. is once again alive, with aromas of Italian cooking and fresh pizza wafting into the downtown Plainfield area.

The space last occupied by Big Sammy's opened in late September as Dario Mercato, the latest venture from 2022-closed Giambotta Pizza Co. owner Dario Rovito.

Put simply, Dario Mercato is "not Giambotta, kind of a restaurant, kind of a to-go place, kind of a store," proclaims its website.

With its name an ode to the deli space within Rovito's father's former restaurant in Naperville, Dario Mercato has elements of Giambotta (pizza and Italian cooking) and others similar to his father's restaurant, including a marketplace. The restaurant specializes in Roman-style pan pizza, made with fresh, local ingredients, and focaccia sandwiches, which will be made daily in a finite amount. Salads, fried foods, such as polpette and arancini, and sweets are also available.

The menu, updated weekly, is kept up to date on the restaurant's website.

"I think the new style of pizza has resonated well with our customers, new & old," Rovito wrote to Patch in an email. "Roman style is great for a quick grab & equally great to sit & share with family and friends."

RELATED: New Version Of Giambotta Taking Over Former Big Sammy's Space

When customers walk into the new space, they can place their orders at the counter, seat themselves at bistro tables flanked by vintage posters, or take their food to go.

In the few weeks since the soft open, Rovito said business has been "nice and steady," with many customers from Giambotta and the beloved Capri Sogno, located down the street, coming in and "[sticking] with us after all this time."

"We have been seeing more and more people coming in, grabbing a beer or a bottle of wine and enjoying a full dinner in our space, which is beautiful to see," Rovito said.

Dario Mercato is currently open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Until online ordering is set up, patrons can call 815-556-8784 to place a to-go order.

"I feel a massive sense of gratitude to be back doing this again & we're so happy in our new spot," Rovito said.