Bianchini Mercato in Wynwood: Fresh, Fast, and Affordable Fare

It seems every day a new eatery opens in Wynwood, each with something unique to offer. Bianchini Mercato on NW 27th Street is no exception. This small Italian deli prides itself on serving simple, fresh, and affordable food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It's been open for less than two weeks, but already people are returning for the salads, panini, and cheese and charcuterie boards. One of the most popular items is the tartufo sandwich, featuring sweet coppa, aged truffle mozzarella, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, caramelized onions, and a sweet basil pesto ($10). Most of the cheeses are made fresh by local artisans, and everything is prepared before your eyes.

The caprese stracciatella salad ($9) comprises ultra-creamy burrata, heirloom tomatoes, and arugula with a zesty tomato dressing. For dessert, there's tiramisu ($4.50) and chocolate mousse ($4.50).

There are only a handful of red tables inside the café; however, Bianchini Mercato shares a roof with 360 Spaces — a shared-office space — and there are some communal tables for diners in there. 
Pablo Duarte is co-owner of Bianchini Mercato and also runs a business incubator within 360 Spaces, called Tree of Projects. The Mexican-born entrepreneur helps various businesses make their ideas a reality, and part of his goal with the deli is to have it be a prototype for a potential franchise model. 

"Miami is a great market with the right conditions to continue growing and lots of momentum to create new ideas and launch new businesses," says Duarte, who used to work for major consulting firms Bain & Company and McKinsey & Company. 

While Bianchini Mercato awaits its beer-and-wine permit, it's BYOB. Soon, the eatery will expand to the space next door, where a bar will serve local craft beers. What's more, part of the parking lot out back is being transformed into an intimate outdoor beer garden. Duarte also plans to invite local winemakers, brewers, and cheese-makers to give lectures to the community inside 360 Spaces. 

Duarte lived in Mexico City and Europe for many years and thinks Miami lacks small, cozy spots that are accessible in terms of price and location. Bianchini is a no-frills kind of place, but the ingredients are high-quality and there's an undeniable attention to detail. As Duarte puts it: "It's not Subway." No, it most certainly is not. 

Bianchini Mercato is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It's closed Sunday (for now). 

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