Mercato Centrale: The Peaks and Pits

Mercato Centrale is my default lunch on Sundays. Inspired by the Boroughs Market in London, Mercato is host to a range of mouth-watering recipes.

Welcome to Mercato!

This is what the tent looks like from outside.

Inside the tent is a range of concessionaires.

A few of my constant cravings include the roast beef combo with mashed potato from Chef Resty’s, cheesy potatoes from Mad About Spudz, pan de bagnet from Bale Dutung, and of course the sinful desserts sold at three (variations) for P100.

Pan de bagnet from Bale Dutung

Cheesy potatoes from Mad About Spudz (P50)

Juicy liempo and rice combo

Sizzling steak

Tender juicy kebab

The diverse and equally delicious array of foods is a given. But what makes this weekend food market a hit?

Variety of cheeses

Grilled (and safe-to-eat) street foods

Soy milk for the health-conscious

Tsokolate tablea made from cacao

The Peaks

Reasonably priced. Before Mercato, I was a frequent visitor of Salcedo Market but I find their food a little too expensive. At Mercato, you can spend a hundred bucks on a steak combo with rice and 50 bucks on a slice of cake. Your P200 is sure to get you back home with a full tummy – guaranteed.

Well-ventilated space. The first tent is air-conditioned so you don’t have to worry even if you come at noon time. The second tent is an open space. Even if it’s hot, exhaust fans are found in every corner making sure that you get to eat your food at your well-deserved convenience.

Pet-friendly. Just as High Street and Serendra are pet-friendly, expect a good reception for your pets at Mercato. After walking your dog around Global City, treat yourselves to some tasty delights.

Friendly concessionaires. I am not a fan of the ate’s and their “Ma’am-bili-na-po-kayo” line but the concessionaires at Mercato know exactly how to do it – politely, friendly, and informatively. Expect lots of free food tastes on your trip!

Sinful desserts

The Pits

Availability of tables and chairs. If you go there during lunch time or 10PM at night, you'll have a difficult time finding seats. You have to be patient enough while waiting for available tables.

The plastic spoon and fork. Most concessionaires offer plastic spoon and fork, which is definitely not a good thing when eating meat. Breaking your spoon in the middle of a meal can ruin your dining experience so you might want to consider bringing your own.

Visit Mercato Centrale!

Friday and Saturday from 10:00pm to 3:00am

Also open in the morning from 7am to 2pm

Location: 34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot)