The wait is over. Family-owned Italian icon Mercato has officially opened its brand-new superstore at 88 O’Connell Street, bringing a slice of authentic Italian life to the heart of North Adelaide.
After closing its long-running Campbelltown home in September, the Caporaso family has spent the past few months stocking shelves, polishing glasses and testing the pastry cabinet ahead of opening week.
“We’ve been busy stocking shelves, testing the pastry cabinet and getting everything ready,” the team shared to Facebook on Friday. “Open next week — we can’t wait to show you all!”
And if the photos are any indication, visitors can expect aisles lined with Italian wine – from Piedmont to Tuscany – pantry staples, and glass cabinets brimming with cannoli, biscotti and bomboloni.
Founded in 1972 by Imma and Mario Caporaso, Mercato began as a humble continental deli supplying Adelaide’s Italian community with olive oil, espresso and imported delicacies from home. Five decades later, it’s grown into one of South Australia’s most loved food and wine destinations. Part grocer, part enoteca, part cultural experience.
“Mercato is a family business, and we’ve been operating for over fifty years,” said Managing Director John Caporaso.
“It started with my parents providing fresh food to the Italian community — everything from bread and milk to staples from back home. Today, it’s about providing Italy to everyone.”
The new North Adelaide flagship reimagines what a modern Italian marketplace can be. Inside, shoppers will find a world-class wine outlet, deli and produce sections, and a cafe serving espresso, house-made pastries and regional Italian dishes, all under one roof. The interior, with its sweeping curves, marble finishes, high ceilings and rich maroon palette, just oozes contemporary Italian glamour.
“North Adelaide is going to focus on retailtainment,” John explains. “It’s a combination of retail and entertainment — a space that captures the warmth, energy and theatre of a true Italian market.”
Set within the $300 million Eighty Eight O’Connell redevelopment, the new Mercato joins a growing list of premium tenants transforming the once-vacant Le Cornu site, including chef Adam Liston’s Yakisan and boutique wellness club Change.
But the biggest surprise sits right next door. Launching alongside the superstore is Imma, a refined new trattoria by Mercato that brings the same passion for quality produce and Italian heart from pantry to plate.
Led by chef Nick Bergin (formerly of Mercato Campbelltown), Imma will offer curated four- and seven-course menus celebrating seasonal ingredients and regional flavours.
“It’s elevated, but still feels like you’re part of the family,” John told Glam Adelaide back in August. “An extension of what we do best.”
From its beginnings as a small Campbelltown deli to a polished flagship at North Adelaide’s most anticipated new address, Mercato’s evolution confirms one thing. The Italian way of life – browsing local markets, picking up what’s arrived fresh that morning, and whatever’s being caught, picked or put to rest – resonates with Adelaide shoppers. And how could it not? We’re all seeking la dolce vita.
“Seasonality and freshness are at the heart of the Italian way of life – and that’s at the heart of everything we do.”
Doors open today. More info here.
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