Bar Mercado: Where food and connection meet

For chef and restaurateur Anuj Sanghi, food has always been more than a profession. It is a lifelong fascination that began in his family kitchen in India, where he would watch his mother prepare meals that brought people together. 

The sights, smells and curiosity for ingredients shaped a deep interest in how food connects cultures and tells stories. By the age of sixteen, he had already decided that cooking would be his life’s work.

After completing his early culinary education in India, Anuj moved to Australia to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management (Patisserie) at Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne.

The training gave him not only the discipline and technical precision of French patisserie but also an appreciation for the diversity of Australian produce.

It was during this time that he met Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne chef and mentor Sebastian Simon, founder of Lavasalt Consulting, whose guidance later influenced the creative vision for Bar Mercado.

Over the years, Anuj honed his craft in some of Melbourne’s most respected kitchens, including Grand Hyatt, Maha, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Society and Antara.

These experiences taught him the value of consistency, teamwork and respect for ingredients.

Before launching Bar Mercado, he served as Head Pastry Chef at Entrecôte, where his balance of refinement and approachability became a hallmark of his style.

With Bar Mercado, Anuj steps into a new chapter. Located beside Queen Victoria Market, the venue reflects his belief that great food begins at the source.

Each morning, produce is handpicked from the market across the street, forming the foundation of a menu that merges South American and Spanish flavours with the freshness and seasonality of Melbourne. The result is a bar and kitchen that feels alive, expressive and inclusive.

Anuj describes Bar Mercado as a place of exchange where ideas, flavours and friendships are shared over the table.

The menu moves easily between small plates for grazing and larger dishes for sharing.

“Bar Mercado is about connection,” he says. It’s about freshness without compromise, food designed for sharing, and cocktails with personality. It’s a place where you can walk in straight from the market and feel at home.”

While his background lies in patisserie, Anuj’s passion now extends to the full dining experience. He views Bar Mercado not only as a restaurant, but as a community space that celebrates hospitality with heart.

His leadership focuses on sustainability, staff wellbeing and genuine connection with guests. For him, good food and good company are inseparable.

Bar Mercado is located at 85 Peel St, West Melbourne, Australia. For more information, click here