Don’t settle for a tired lunch option or a drab post-work session. Instead, head to Il Mercato Centrale for an elevated feast. Spanning a massive, three-storey, Italian food precinct, this place was huge news when it was announced to open in late 2022, as it was set to become the first Il Mercato Centrale to launch outside Italy.
While the initial plan hit a few snags, the doors finally swung open in September 2024, meaning hungry office workers and budding epicureans had a brand-new culinary destination to explore, brimming with gourmet goods from top to bottom. Now, several of the joint’s 23 artisanal food stores are serving up some of the best-value eats and drinks in the CBD, with a host of daily specials to explore.
Creating a whole new dynamic for mid-week meals, Il Texas Barbecue is bringing the fiery flavours of Central Texas to Melbourne with $3 Taco Tuesdays. Founded by Pitmaster Nathan Zammit, expect spit-roasted al pastor pork, sliced fresh off the trompo and loaded onto toasted tortillas.
On Wednesdays, it’s all about post-work fun, as Wine Down Wednesdays at l’Enoteca invites guests to sip on four stellar wines and a curated pizza board for $49. Running from 5.30pm–8.30pm, this mid-week slowdown is primed for low-key gatherings. Then, knock off early on Fridays, with freshly shucked oysters served all day for $1.50.
As the weekend arrives, the specials don’t stop. Saturdays now welcome visitors to score a stacked smash burger with fries for $13. For those craving a sweet treat, there’s also house-made crepes and golden waffles drizzled in goodness for just $15.
“Melbourne knows good food, and we believe good food doesn’t need to break the bank, especially when it’s part of your everyday,” says Gino Liparota, General Manager of Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne. “These offers are our way of opening the doors to more people, more often, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or winding down with a group of friends after work.”
Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne is open Sunday–Thursday from 7am–9pm and Friday–Saturday from 7am–10pm at 546 Collins Street, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.