Merkato 55 (CLOSED)

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Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson may have parted ways with the owners, but his signature use of African spices are still the main influence on the ecclectic fare at this elegantly appointed Meatpacking District eatery. The restaurant’s name alludes to the open-air market in Ethiopia’s capital, and it's here that the pan-African menu draws on tradition, with dishes like Berbere-crusted rack of lamb and chicken doro wat with injera bread. But the menu doesn't stop there, with the chefs pulling from Indian, American Portuguese and Middle Eastern flavors to round out the exotic menu. Woodsy textures, handcrafted accents and colorful prints—think “Out of Africa” as hallucinated by the Meatpacking District—complete the earthy vibe.

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Meatpacking District restaurants, New York restaurants, African restaurants