Benvenuto il Mercato Centrale!

After more than two years of anticipation, il Mercato Centrale officially opened its doors on September 19, marking its first location outside Italy in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

Building on its success in Florence, Milan, Rome, and Turin, il Mercato Centrale is now Melbourne’s latest Italian food destination, offering a delightful array of culinary experiences that transport visitors straight to Italy.

Distinguishing il Mercato Centrale from other markets or food halls is its emphasis on the 23 skilled artisans who infuse the space with their unique talents and authentic products, inviting Melburnians to indulge in a truly immersive experience.

“The goal has always been to create more than just a food hub,” il Mercato Centrale’s general manager Gary Patikkis said.

We set out to build an immersive cultural destination, where people can enrich themselves in the vibrant community and Italian essence of il Mercato Centrale, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.

Guests can explore the 23 diverse stalls across two levels, featuring freshly baked bread and pastries from il forno, cold cuts and aged meats from la carne e i salumi, handmade pasta from la pasta fatta in casa, and even smash burgers from lo smash burger.

The market is licensed until 3am, offering a selection of Australian, New Zealand, and Italian wines from l’enoteca, along with cocktails, spritzes, and aperitivo from the cocktail bar.

“Each of our artisans brings something truly special to the table, and it’s their dedication to quality and collaboration that creates an unforgettable atmosphere,” Mr Patikkis said. 

Founded in 2014 in Florence by Umberto Montano, il Mercato Centrale has transformed the way we experience food, focusing on craftsmanship and revitalising the market’s traditional role as a community gathering place.

Visitors can purchase products from the various stalls to take home or enjoy them among the 800 diverse seating options available.

The space will also host monthly artisan masterclasses and free community events in its purpose-built event area.

“The manual skills, professionalism and dedication I encountered in the artisans that have joined il Mercato Centrale Melbourne are outstanding and inspiring. This is the common thread that connects Italy to Melbourne in a project that seeks to unite citizens, visitors, critics and enthusiasts alike through the experience of good food,” Mr Montano said.

“il Mercato Centrale Melbourne will be the largest market of Italian cuisine in Australia, and Melbourne, with its cultural vibrancy and culinary scene, is undoubtedly the ideal location to launch such an ambitious project.”

il Mercato Centrale is located at 546 Collins St and is currently open Sunday to Thursday from 7am to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 7am to 12 midnight. •