NOW OPEN il Mercato Centrale: Melbourne’s Newest Culinary Gem
Melbourne just got a brand new taste of Italy with the opening of il Mercato Centrale, Australia’s first location of this iconic Italian market, at the historic McPherson Building on Collins Street.
We can’t get enough of the pizza, fresh pasta, oysters, and vino, not to mention the handmade chocolates and gelato for dessert! And that’s just the beginning…
The impressive venue is wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps throughout and is located a mere 50 metres from Southern Cross Station. Plus, a dedicated gluten-free artisan!
il Mercato Centrale Melbourne: A Taste of Italy
Imagine stepping into a bustling Italian market square, where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the scent of fine cheeses and cured meats. That’s the experience il Mercato Centrale promises to deliver.
This culinary hub features 23 “artisans of taste,” each meticulously chosen for their expertise and passion for their craft. From traditional cheesemakers to expert bakers, each artisan brings a unique flavour and authenticity to the market.
“The Central Market”, sounds a little uninspiring, but that is what Google Translate tells me the name of Melbourne’s latest Italian food hotspot means.
Il Mercato Centrale, three floors of exquisite Italian cuisine created lovingly under the direction of nearly two dozen artisan chefs, is as far away from uninspiring as you can get.
The address, the McPherson’s Building in Collins Street retains its hardware shop heritage in history only, metallic smells of nuts and bolts now replaced with scrumptious aromas that foretell of the delicacies to be had.
There are several options for enjoying the Il Mercato experience. You may order fresh produce from a mouth-watering selection, meat, fruit & veg, fish and seafood, bread. Or you may choose to eat in at the restaurant, or food-court style, sampling fresh hand-made fare prepared at the many food stalls.
On our visit, we wandered around enjoying the atmosphere and sampling when something took our fancy, which was often. The experience was delightful and if I had to choose a favourite it’d be between the mozzarella (so fresh!), truffle arancini (slightly decadent!), gnocchi pizza (kind of unusual!) and coffee gelato (just really good!).
When in Melbourne, this is definitely the posizione del ciba for me.
– Chris
The Artisans of il Mercato Centrale
At the heart of il Mercato Centrale are the incredible artisans who bring authentic Italian flavours to life. Visitors can savour fresh sourdough from the bakery, sample exquisite treats from the patisserie, and enjoy wood-fired pizzas and focaccias that capture the true essence of Italy.
The market also features a butcher, green grocer, and a seafood selection with calamari, oysters, and lobster rolls. For pasta lovers, there’s fresh-made pasta alongside an array of gluten-free Italian delights at il Riso, including arancini, pasta, and cannoli.
With three bars serving vino and the best quality spirits, an espresso bar, handmade chocolates, cannoli, and fresh gelato, the choices are endless for a true taste of Italy.
A Cultural Haven
More than just a place to eat, il Mercato Centrale aims to be a cultural centre where food and tradition meet. The market occupies the beautifully restored McPherson Building, an art-deco marvel built in 1937.
Renowned architect Alberto Torsello has designed the space to honour its historical roots, with exposed concrete and polished steel reflecting its origins as a hardware manufacturing factory.
With seating for 1500 people, the layout is multilevel, open plan and fully accessible.
Gluten-Free Artisan, Il Riso
Located on the first floor, Il Riso serves gluten-free Italian meals, snacks and sweet treats with safe kitchen preparation for celiacs.
Related reading: 34 Best Gluten-Free Melbourne CBD Lunch Spots 2024
Wow! How exciting to be one of the first people to experience the new Il Mercato Centrale. Another building in the City of Melbourne with such a rich history, the MacPhersons Building in Collins Street, formerly providing building supplies for many generations, now home to the Italian cuisine of Il Mercato Centrale.
It was a joy to explore and immerse oneself in this culinary experience. The many stallholders are so friendly. I loved that a lot have that beautiful Italian accent. But mostly the food was so fresh, authentic, italian! From pizza, pasta, pork, fresh mozarella, seafood – the calamari was divine – the pastries, gelati, canaloni, to coffee and wine and lots more.
There were many tables set up in the middle of each of the 3 floors. Then it was a delight to explore each stall with its unique produce and food, and come back to sit up and soak in the very Italian vibe while enjoying eating. A truly wonderful experience.
There are a lot of steps, but also lifts for every level so accessible for wheelchairs etc. Very close to Southern Cross Station. I will definitely be going again.
– Terrie
An Immersive Experience
Spread across 3,500 square metres and three levels, il Mercato Centrale Melbourne offers a variety of experiences. The ground floor hosts an immersive market square with open kitchens, where you can watch artisans at work. Think handmade pasta bars, specialty patisseries, and butchers showcasing their skills.
The first floor provides casual and fine dining options, while the second floor is reserved for private events, masterclasses, and free community cultural events.
A New Melbourne Icon
Gary Patikkis, General Manager of il Mercato Centrale, expressed his excitement about the new venture: “We are beyond delighted by how the space is coming to life and are excited to share the authentic essence of il Mercato Centrale with Australia this September. Our venue will not only bring a cultural experience never-before-seen in Melbourne, it will celebrate the rich tradition of Italian cuisine and hospitality through our dedicated food and beverage artisans.”
Patikkis highlighted Melbourne’s passion for quality food and its willingness to embrace new culinary experiences as key reasons for choosing the city for il Mercato Centrale’s first international location. The McPherson Building’s rich history and central location also played a significant role in this decision.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re planning to drop by for a Friday afternoon aperitivo, explore the artisanal market, join a free community event, or find a unique midweek lunch option, il Mercato Centrale promises to offer something for every occasion.
Mark your calendars for September 19 and prepare to be transported to Italy right in the heart of Melbourne. With its blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, il Mercato Centrale is set to become a cherished cornerstone of Melbourne’s vibrant food and hospitality scene.
il Mercato Centrale Melbourne
546 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
https://www.mercatocentrale.com.au
Opening hours
Sunday – Thursday: 7.00 am – 10.00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 7.00 am – midnight
The team from Seniors in Melbourne was invited by il Mercato Centrale, all opinions are the writers’ own.
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