il Mercato Centrale Melbourne VIP Launch Event
Looking to experience the best of Italy in Melbourne? The long-anticipated launch of il Mercato Centrale Melbourne has brought a slice of Italy right into the heart of the city.
Housed in the historic McPherson’s art-deco building at 546 Collins Street, this culinary wonderland is a testament to Italian tradition, masterfully adapted for Melbourne’s food scene. And a commitment to immerse itself into the fabric of community in Melbourne.
Kudos to il Mercato founder Umberto Montani, with the expertise of restaurateur Eddie Muto and General Manager Gary Patikkis, the market features an impressive 23 “artisans of taste,” each dedicated to creating and serving food on-site, from scratch.
This is more than just a marketplace—it's a living, breathing hub of Italian culture and local Victorian produce.
The ground floor presents a feast for the senses with freshly made pastries, pasta, pizza, and even a seafood bar. Expect bean-to-bar chocolates, fresh mozzarella from That’s Amore, and the joy of grabbing perfectly fried Sicilian-style calamari or cured meats hot off the Josper grill.
Head up to level 1, and the casual dining experience shifts into overdrive. Handmade pasta, Neapolitan pizza, and even a nod to Melbourne's burger obsession with smash burgers and fried chicken, grace the menus. Fine dining, too, makes an impression with il ristorante, helmed by Jerry Kim, while an enoteca offers organic wines, and the distilleria provides crafted spirits for your cocktail desires.
And in a move set to revolutionize food markets in Melbourne, you can order from multiple artisans in a single QR code order.
It’s a dynamic, sprawling tribute to Italian food culture, holding up to 3,200 patrons and offering space for 1,500 to sit, eat, and immerse themselves. Mercato Centrale brings Florence, Rome, and Milan right to Melbourne, all under one vibrant roof.