il Mercato Centrale Melbourne is opening September 19 — here’s everything you need to know

In just over two weeks, Melbourne will launch Italian mega-market il Mercato Centrale — the first international outpost outside of Europe. Here is everything you need to know.

It’s been two years in the making, now Italian megamarket il Mercato Centrale is slated to open its doors in just over two weeks.

Here is everything you need to know about the European export.

The Italian mega-market will open at 4pm on September 19.

What is Il Mercato Centrale?

Based off the popular Italian markets, Melbourne’s version will be a three-level “food and beverage utopia” inclusive of an artisanal market, two restaurants, on-site gin and vodka distillery, coffee roastery, wine and cocktail bar. The site has been touted as the largest Italian market in the southern hemisphere.

Where is Il Mercato Centrale located?

546 Collins St, Melbourne; in the old McPherson’s building.

When is it opening?

Opening Thursday September 19, 2024 from 4pm

il Mercato Centrale has announced three stallholders that will be part of the Melbourne location.

What are the trading hours?

il Mercato Centrale will be open 365 days a year, from 7am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday, 7am till midnight Friday and Saturday, with the option of trading to 3am on these days.

Will Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne be a carbon copy of what’s in Florence?

Not exactly. Every stallholder will be Victorian and will sell Victorian-grown or made produce.

How many stallholders are there?

23 Victorian-based food and drink businesses.

Food and drink will be available across three levels.

Who are the stallholders?

During a sneak-peek of the venue in August, general manager Gary Patikkis said all stallholders would be revealed on the launch date. However, il Mercato Centrale Melbourne unveiled the first three vendors on Tuesday.

— On-site bakery Il Forno by Damian Malone will mill local grains in-house to make a range of breads and pastries.

— Lo Smash Burger by Nathan Zammit, Tim Jordan and Cristian Calderon will give punters a taste of its American-style burgers and Nashville hot chicken.

— Il Riso by Simone Garusi will peddle gluten-free risottos.

How large is the space?

3500 sqm across three levels, packing in 3200 punters at once.

Do I have to pay to enter?

Entry is free.

There will be 23 Victorian stallholders.

What can I order at il Mercato Centrale?

Everything from a coffee, fresh-baked bread, bowls of pasta and risotto, fresh-roasted coffee beans, a nip of gin or glass of champagne, wood-fired pizzas, smash burgers and more.

How will I order at il Mercato Centrale?

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.

“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,” Mr Patikkis said.

Is there on-site carparking?

No, there won’t be. However il Mercato Centrale is within walking distance of Southern Cross Station and trams along Collins Street. On-street metered parking will be available on Francis St (behind il Mercato Centrale. Paid multi-level parking us also available at the following locations:

— Secure Parking at 522 Flinders Lane: 3 minute walk

— Care Park at 517 Flinders Lane: 5 minute walk

— Wilson Parking at Southern Cross train station: 5-minute walk

— Secure Parking at 664 Collins Street: 5-minute walk

— Wilson Parking at 530 Collins Street: 6-minute walk