First look at city’s new Italian mega market Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne

The long-awaited Il Mercato Centrale is finally opening in Melbourne after two years of uncertainty. We take a peek behind the curtain to see how construction is tracking.

Italy’s favourite mega-market is finally opening in Melbourne.

The long-awaited Il Mercato Centrale will open its first overseas outpost in the city this September — after a two year wait.

The three-level “food and beverage utopia” will include an artisanal market, two restaurants, on-site gin and vodka distillery, coffee roastery, wine and cocktail bar.

While the names of the 23 occupants remain under wraps, general manager Gary Patikkis said all would be Victorian with an Italian flair.

“Everything that you see will be made before your eyes,” he said.

“We aren’t importing ingredients from Italy or off-site.”

Everything from a sourdough bakery, roman style pizzeria, espresso bar, mozzarella lab, cannoli station, fruit and vegetable grocers, gelataria and focaccia sandwich shop will live under the same roof.

Il Mercato Centrale is opening in Melbourne this September.

General manager Gary Patikkis said the long-awaited Italian mega-market will open this September. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Patikkis is welcoming 23 artisanal producers from across Victoria into the site. Picture: David Crosling

Even sushi and smash burgers with an Roman twist will be yours for the taking, with free monthly masterclasses held by each stall.

The Herald Sun first reported the news of the giant Italian market in 2022.

When asked why the project had been delayed, Mr Patikkis said it’s taken time to get every element “just right”.

“We’re dealing with 23 different kitchens. Opening one restaurant is hard enough, but 23?,” he said.

“We’re getting every element right, every piece of equipment, every floor plan... this process has changed so many times and cost us a lot more money.”

Il Mercato Centrale’s Melbourne project is estimated to have cost between $18 and 20m.

The site has been touted as the largest Italian market southern hemisphere, and will move into the old McPherson’s building on Collins Street.

The project has been in the pipeline since 2022. Picture: David Crosling

An artist impression of Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne.

More than 3200 punters will be able to eat and drink their way around the three-level space; including at the ground floor artisan market, second-floor restaurant hub and function space on the top floor.

Unlike it’s Italian counterparts, the Australian hub will leverage convenience and technology, allowing diners to order food or drink and have it delivered to their table via a QR code.

Mr Patikkis explained diners wouldn’t even need to visit a cafe if they wanted a coffee.

“If you want a coffee with your sourdough, we’ll make sure it gets to you. No need to order separately. This is unlike the South Melbourne or Prahran markets, all (stallholders) work together and share produce,” he said.

“Our city needs something like this, Melbourne needs this. I’m a firm believer in, if you build it, they will come.”

Il Mercato Centrale, 546 Collins St, Melbourne. Opening September 19 from 4pm.