Saluti! The Italian-cuisine wonderland il Mercato Centrale is making its hall the perfect Australian Open viewing spot.
In a match made in hospitality heaven, il Mercato Centrale Melbourne is transforming into a tennis lover’s paradise during this year’s Australian Open, complete with giant screens and Aperol-soaked entertainment.
The CBD food hall is diving head-first into grand slam territory from January 13-25, installing two mega screens to broadcast every serve, volley and baseline rally from Melbourne Park. But the real ace up their sleeve? Daily table tennis tournaments kicking off at 4pm, where punters can battle it out for food and drink vouchers.
Aus Open at il Mercato Centrale
- January 13-35, 4pm onwards
- 546 Collins Street, 3000
- Complete with mega screens and free-flowing Italian food and drink
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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General Manager Gary Patikkis reckons it’s about creating something bigger than your standard sports bar setup. “This is more than just a place to watch the tennis,” he says, clearly chuffed about the whole shebang. “We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a tennis tragic or just here for the vibe.”
The Italian artisans running the show aren’t mucking about with the menu either. They’ve whipped up some tournament-inspired tucker that’d make your nonna proud – we’re talking Aperol Spritz-infused gelato (yes, really) and a tennis-themed pumpkin and walnut pizza that’s already causing a racquet among locals.
Speaking of Aperol Spritzes, they’re flowing freely across all bars, keeping Melbourne’s summer spirits high as the official spritz of the Aus Open. It’s a smart play from the venue, which has been making waves since opening as a cultural hotspot where pasta meets party vibes.
“Il Mercato Centrale is where community, culture and celebration come together,” Patikkis adds, clearly not afraid of a bit of alliteration. And he’s not wrong – the joint’s managed to create something that feels less like watching sport in a food court and more like stumbling into an Italian summer festival.
For those keeping score at home: that’s world-class Italian nosh, live tennis on massive screens, competitive ping pong, and enough Aperol Spritz to float a gondola. Game, set, match to Mercato Centrale.
For more info on il Mercato Centrale’s Australian Open festivities, head here.