The owners of Costa Taco have opened a new cafe concept in Mermaid Waters, Mercado
Four years ago, brothers Matt and Nick Stanley were slinging tacos at Currumbin Community Markets, giving Gold Coasters the first taste of what would become the key menu item at Costa Taco. With outposts now in Palm Beach, Byron Bay and the recently opened Broadbeach venue, Costa Taco is one of the city’s most-loved hospitality brands. Just last week, the brothers debuted a brand-new cafe concept called Mercado. Take a peek …
With the lunch and dinner box firmly sorted at Costa Taco, the Stanley brothers have turned their attention to mornings for their latest venture, Mercado. Transforming the former Espresso Moto in Mermaid Waters, Mercado melds Southern California’s vibrant food culture with laid-back GC vibes to deliver a Mexican-leaning cafe concept that goes well beyond breakfast burritos.
Speaking of, there are three to choose from with your choice of bacon, chorizo or halloumi, all stuffed with scrambled egg, cheese, house-made hash browns, salsa verde and pico de gallo. Those looking for a lighter start can tuck into a papaya bowl, which is filled with vanilla yoghurt, granola, seasonal fruits and a drizzle of honey, or opt for the Harvest bowl that’s loaded with seasonal veg and greens. Mercado’s signature, however, is the ‘drowned eggs’ – a Mexican-style green shakshuka.
The chilaquiles (nachos) from Costa Taco has made an appearance, but with a breakfast-friendly twist to include salsa verde, crema, queso fresco, coriander, pickled onion and two fried eggs.
“This is what we’re calling breakfast-style nachos,” Nick says. “A lot of people don’t know that Mexicans actually have nachos for breakfast with eggs on them.”
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Come lunchtime, the menu meanders into a selection of sandwiches, including the crowd favourite pollo Milanese, which delivers a new take on the humble chicken schnitzel. Fans of Costa’s famous birria tacos will be pleased to know they’ve made an appearance, but this time as a torta.
Rounding out Mercado’s offering is Allpress Espresso, which is available as single-origin filters or espresso. The crew is also featuring maté tea, which is also known as ‘South America’s green tea’, and promises a refreshing sip on a scorching summer day.
In an effort to support the evolving food scene, of an evening, Mercado will host pop-up vendors. “Having experienced the journey from market stall to multiple venues, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of hospitality innovators. This space lets us do both – run a great cafe while helping emerging hospitality brands share their creations with our community,” says Nick.
Mercado is now open! Head to The Directory for opening times.