For their first artisan food market outside of Italy, the team behind Mercato Centrale has chosen Melbourne. If you’ve ever been to one of its bustling multi-level food markets in Rome, Florence, Milan or Turin before, then you’d already know that the heritage McPherson’s Building on Collins Street is about to become one of Melbourne’s most exciting new foodie destinations, with 20 artisan stalls across three floors offering places to eat, learn from and shop.
Given the popularity of places like Hawker Hall, it’s clear Marcato Centrale Melbourne will be a big hit for the city and a welcome addition as the CBD continues to introduce new food concepts post-lockdown. According to plans for the Melbourne iteration of this massive food market, the first floor will feature numerous bakeries with fresh bread, pizzas and sweets made daily. We’re hoping some Roman pastries will also be included, given there aren’t nearly enough bakeries around Australia who dabble in treats like Maritozzo con la Panna and cornetto.
Right alongside the bakeries will be various butchers, fishmongers, stalls selling fresh pasta and cheesemakers. Head upstairs and you’d find two different restaurants with stainless steel kitchens, designed to create a more homely feel where diners will eat around the kitchen table. The third level will host a 500-square-meter educational space for cooking classes and other events such as book and film clubs.
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The entire market is meant to be a hub in which to celebrate Italian cuisine and culture, echoing the same concept you’d find at the original Florence location. Italian entrepreneur Umberto Montano conceived the concept years ago, stretching beyond food to give people a highly sociable meeting spot. He’s bringing it to Melbourne in partnership with the Barman & Lader Group’s Eddie Muto, who reportedly has been trying to convince Montano that Melbourne would be the perfect city for Mercato’s first official venture outside of Italy.
Designers from Italy have flown down under to get to work on the space, which should be ready by the end of this year. We’ll update this piece when we know the exact opening date.
Mercato Centrale Melbourne
Address: 546 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening Date: December 2022
