The Gold Coast food scene has welcomed an exciting new player in Mercado Mermaid Waters, the latest brainchild from Matt and Nick Stanley—the duo behind the beloved Costa Taco. Officially open in Mermaid Waters, Mercado is set to become a hub for food lovers seeking bold flavours and laid-back beachside energy.
The café, located at 1/88 Merkeri Street, brings a touch of Southern California’s vibrant food culture to the Coast, blending it seamlessly with Australia’s celebrated café lifestyle. With its all-day menu and pop-up space, Mercado is more than just a dining destination—it’s an experience.
The Stanley brothers are no strangers to culinary innovation. In just four years, they’ve transformed their humble beginnings as market stall vendors at Currumbin Community Markets into Costa Taco, one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic hospitality brands.
With Mercado, the brothers are taking their journey to the next level, leveraging the lessons learned from their pop-ups and fast-casual ventures in Broadbeach, Palm Beach, and Byron Bay.
“Having experienced the journey from market stall to multiple venues, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of hospitality innovators,” says Nick Stanley. “Mercado lets us do both—run a great café while helping emerging hospitality brands share their creations with our community.”
Open daily from 6 am to 2 pm, Mercado’s menu takes the flavour-packed foundation of Costa Taco and spins it into a fresh all-day café offering. Collaborating with their talented Mexican and Latino kitchen team, the Stanleys have crafted a menu that honours authentic flavours while embracing a SoCal twist.
Start your day with signature dishes like the ‘Drowned Eggs,’ a Mexican-inspired Green Shakshuka that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. For those craving something hearty, there are breakfast-friendly adaptations of Costa’s crowd-favourite Chilaquiles or nourishing Harvest Bowls packed with seasonal ingredients.
The lunchtime menu brings its own excitement, with sandwiches that deliver bold, juicy flavours. Highlights include the Chorizo & Cheese and the Pollo Milanese—a reimagined chicken schnitzel with a unique flair. And, of course, the Birria Sandwich promises to be a standout for those seeking something truly indulgent.
“Our team has been incredible in helping us create something that feels authentic yet uniquely our own,” says Matt Stanley. “Watching our kitchen crew put their own spin on dishes like our Green Shakshuka and Breakfast Burritos—it’s really about honouring traditional flavours while giving classics that distinctive SoCal twist.”
Mercado isn’t just about food; it’s also about fostering community and creativity. The café doubles as a pop-up space for local vendors, providing a platform for emerging culinary talent. By day, it’s a casual and vibrant café; by night, it transforms into a dynamic space for experimentation and collaboration.
This dual concept reflects the Stanleys’ commitment to supporting the Gold Coast’s evolving food culture. Their journey from market stall to hospitality leaders embodies the spirit of innovation, and with Mercado, they’re opening the door for others to follow suit.
Visit Mercado Cafe, Today at 1/88 Merkeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Whether you’re a local foodie or just visiting the Gold Coast, Mercado promises a dining experience that’s as much about community as it is about flavour. Swing by for breakfast, lunch, or simply to soak up the SoCal-inspired vibes.
Mercado is open daily from 6 am to 2 pm and is located at 1/88 Merkeri Street, Mermaid Waters. With its creative menu, vibrant energy, and commitment to fostering local talent, this café is poised to become a favourite on the Gold Coast’s dining scene.
