Mercato Turns Two!

Two years ago, the doors opened and the first espresso was pulled.

Since then, a lot has happened. We’ve served up more pasta than we could count, poured plenty of wine, welcomed new artisans into the Mercato family and watched out little corner of Collins Street become a destination for long lunches, quick bites, big nights and everything in between.

And somewhere along the way, we turned two.

So naturally, we’re celebrating – Saturday September 19th is our official Birthday Party, and in true Mercato style, we’re doing things a little differently. It may be our birthday, but the gifts are for you.

Expect big birthday specials, lucky door surprises, a birthday bottomless lunch (with bottomless cake, of course!), live entertainment throughout the day, and a few extra treats we’re keeping up our sleeve.

Two years calls for more than cake. Here’s what we’ve got planned for you.

For one day only, your Bottomless Lunch comes with unlimited birthday cake, alongside two hours of free flowing drinks, a seven course feast and a live DJ. And to make the celebrations even sweeter, we’re doing the gifting — every Bottomless table will be treated to a surprise gift on the day — a little something from us to celebrate.

We’re taking the birthday celebrations right across the market, with a line-up of Birthday Bites and specials running all day. Start the morning with coffee and pastries at il Caffè, then eat your way through $2 arancinis, 2 for 1 pastas and plenty more one-day-only specials from our artisans.

And when the afternoon starts turning into evening, consider the $2 birthday shots your cue to stick around — Eat the Beat will be taking over from 10pm, with a line up of DJ’s, bar specials and plenty more reasons to keep the celebrations going.

Forget the birthday cake — Lola Migliore, from Cooking with Lola is bringing the paella. She’ll be joining us for a free live cooking show from 5pm, sharing the tips, tricks and traditions behind one of Spain’s most-loved dishes.

The class is completely free to join, and even better — we’ll be dishing up free paella for the first 200 people that come along.

Consider it your invitation to eat, drink and celebrate your way around Mercato.

Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne

546 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD