For the Zamora family, Mercatus Deli is about more than just food. “We want to sell an experience,” says Edgar Zamora, family patriarch and self-professed foodie. “We want to bring people back in time and we want to make their day a little bit better.” After migrating to Brisbane in January 2022, the family decided to give back to the country that embraced them, opening up an inner-city deli imbued with their love for European fare. The providore, which opened on Creek Street in July, sees the Zamora’s filling a gap in the inner-city market by offering a sweeping selection of grab-and-go bites, high-end pantry fillers and dinner party contributions – all of which is artisanal and excellent.

Looking like it’s been transplanted straight from Italy, Mercatus’ slender interior boasts all of the classic hallmarks of quintessential European delicatessens. At Mercatus’ heart sits the lengthy deli counter, which houses everything from tubs of fetta-stuffed Sicilian olives and slabs of jamon Serrano to thick clubs of Italian salami and rind-encased cylinders of Ossau-Iraty cheese. One cabinet over sits an assortment of baked sweets, freshly made brekkie burgers, pork cotto baguettes, caprese-filled croissants, veggie bagels and spicy prawn salad bowls – everything you might want to munch on your lunch break. Behind the counter, the Mercatus team whips up French-inspired crepes (filled with the likes of Nutella, caramel, and lemon and sugar) as well as cups of Vittoria coffee, iced matchas and chai lattes.

Peel your eyes away from the cabinet and you’ll notice Mercatus’ shelves, which heave under the weight of all manner of provisions. While you might not be able to do all of your grocery shopping here, Mercatus stocks just about all of the ingredients you would need to make a great meal. “We’ve been trying to get products that you won’t see easily in any place,” says Edgar of the range. “One of our first rules was we wouldn’t carry anything that’s in supermarkets.” This curated selection includes a mixture of imported products and locally sourced stand-outs. We’re talking red-wine vinegar from Maison Renoux, Italian cookies, Mount Zero extra-virgin olive oil, gluten- and lactose-free flour from Colombo, cultured butter from Pepe Saya, wild Italian oregano flakes, La Narval sardines, all-natural soft drinks from Bobby, and much, much more. Once its liquor licence is secured, Mercatus will also sell a range of European wines, cementing the locale’s status as a handy one-stop shop to find that missing piece for dinner or to source all you need to entertain guests.

Mercatus is open to the public from Monday to Friday. Operating hours and other important details can be found in the Stumble Guide.