We’re saddling up for one of the most iconic sports events of the Aussie calendar year – the Melbourne Cup! Whether you’re a race enthusiast or simply hunting down a party for the holiday, this season brings a vibrant blend of celebration and community spirit. Now Book It has you up to speed with our list of top spots to eat, drink and soak in the racing buzz.
Venues are listed by region in no particular order.
Brisbane, QLD
1. Massimo
Gallop into Massimo to enjoy the Cup in the cosy booth seats that stacks off with stunning decor. Expect a 2-hour bottomless banquet and beverage package, with prizes up for grabs. Nothing short of house foccacia with whipped ricotta and prosciutto e melone with a glass of bubbly!
Location: 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
2. Opa Bar & Mezze
Brissy’s household name for Greek fare is ready for the race and more. Swing by Opa this season for one of three curated banquets and enjoy a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot to cheer to the race. Come dressed up to win prizes, and stay on after 2:30pm for the post-race afterparty.
Location: 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
3. Longwang
Lap up the luxury of Cup Day with a long lunch, banquet or yum cha-style at this modern Asian favourite. Expect the likes of the Longwang chicken bao, beef tartare, kimchi oysters and more and wash it all down with the Longwang lager. That’s bottoms up for the bottomless package!
Location: 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Sydney, NSW
4. Royal Motor Yacht Club
For race day excitement with waterfront views, this is the place to be. The big race takes place in style at the Royal Motor Yacht Club’s top deck, alongside welcome drinks, a 3-course meal, plus sweeps and lucky draws. Don’t forget to show off your race day getup to snag a best dressed prize.
Location: 21 Wunulla Rd, Point Piper NSW 2027
5. Basin Dining Room
The race happens on the big screens beachside at The Basin Dining Room, where off-the-beateen track views, free champagne and a decadent four-course lunch awaits. The menu boasts sublime seasonal seafood, from their chilli kombu butter scallops to the crab pasta.
Location: 1 Surfview Rd
Mona Vale NSW 2103
6. Sugarlane Restaurant
One of Lane Cove’s shining stars, Sugarlane doesn’t stop at its bold Southeast Asian flavours. It’s also setting the tone for Cup Day with alfresco dining over their vibrant, punchy menu favourites. Consider this for an offbeat Melbourne Cup experience.
Location: The Canopy, 4/2 Rosenthal Ave,
Lane Cove, NSW 2066
Adelaide, SA
7. ORSO
For race day, ORSO’s dishing out a specially curated four-course luncheon, featuring a refreshing Lost Phoenix Spirits Limoncello Spritz to start, crudites and cannellonis for bites and their butcher’s cut Wagyu steak to celebrate right. A bottle of the same Lost Phoenix Spirits gin is up for grabs if you’re dressed to impress, in addition to the restaurant’s housemade pickles and preserves.
Location: 36 Kensington Road, Rose Park, Adelaide SA
8. East End Cellars
We’d be remiss not to mention East End Cellars’ main event when it comes to the Melbourne Cup buzz in Adelaide — the Vardon Avenue street party sells out quick for its shared menu that keeps you wining and dining, and so much more. Expect live screenings of all the race day action, dance-worthy DJ music and an on-site bookie for good measure.
Location: 36 Kensington Road, Rose Park, Adelaide SA
9. Mosaic Hotels
This West Lakes local favourite is gearing up for a day of racing fun and lunch. Think mushroom arancini, char grilled beef medallion and a berry frangipani tart on the menu, a glass of The Lane ‘Lois’ sparkling and plenty of the pub’s warm, bustling excitement that regulars come for.
Location: 37 Turner Dr, West Lakes SA 5021
Perth, WA
10. C Restaurant
Revolving skyline views of the city, refined plates and stellar service. Here’s a Perth location to get in on a winning way to celebrate the race over sweepstakes, raffles and fabulous prizes. Tuck into C’s famous homemade potato gnocchi and the rest is history.
Location: Level 33/44 St Georges Terrace, 6000 WA
11. The Elford
“Bid farewell to boardroom blues and trade office banter for bottomless at your Beaufort Street local this Melbourne Cup.” The Elford knows its customers and we’re here for it. Come enjoy the bottomless drinks tradition over a 3-course sharing menu and race festivities.
Location: 639 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley WA, 6050
Tasmania, NT
12. Shoreline Hotel
There’s plenty of activities to go around in the Shoreline Hotel come Cup Day. Specialty cocktails in the Lounge, racing on big screens, sweeps and prizes as well as classic hotel fare with a touch of Ninth Island whiskey. Make the most of the spacious but intimate venue and get family and friends together for the race.
Location: 10 Shoreline Drive, Howrah TAS 7018
13. St. Albi
The party is on at St Albi as they giddy up for Cup Day! With a menu fit for everyone —even the kids — come dressed to the nines for a feast and prizes in tow. Since they’re serving their a la carte menu (read: 12 hour slow cooked beef brisket), you’ll be able to plan your lunch plates and even decide if you want to make room for more drinks.
Location: 49 Albert Rd Moonah, 7009 TAS
Melbourne, VIC
14. The Royal Hotel
Mornington Main Street’s time-honoured The Royal is another worthy Cup Day lunch location. Expect all day drinks and roving canapes to keep you going throughout the races. Selections run the gamut from oyster shooters to prawn rice rolls and satay skewers.
Location: 770 Esplanade Mornington, VIC 3931
15. Camden Hotel
Soak in the lively atmosphere at Camden under the sun, in the cosy shade of big umbrellas and lush greenery — not unlike the ambience of the race. The pub classics like their favourite Angus beef Camden burgers will get you ahead of hunger pangs on the exciting day.
Location: 414 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield South, VIC 3162
16. HopHaus
The Cup Day party is an annual affair at HopHaus, with canapes and cocktails next to that beautiful view overlooking the city and the Yarra River. Dress up Melbourne for this one, and don’t miss the hot bites from the open rotisserie-fired kitchen.
Location: Mid Level, MR5 Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct Southbank VIC 3006
Auckland, NZ
17. First Mates Last Laugh
Not forgetting our New Zealand represents, sail into this excellent venue to celebrate Cup Day resort-style on the marina. The top-notch three-course set menu features beef basil oil-slicked tomatoes, wagyu picanha, a cheese platter to share and much more to choose from. With Laurent Perrier bubblies flowing against the waterfront views, it’s an Auckland winner.
Location: 121 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, 1011
18. The Long Room
For Cup Day in bustling Ponsonby, head into Longroom. The atrium-style courtyard is a fitting spot for race day action and the venue’s expertly done canapes are on offer — think fried chicken sliders, crispy pork belly spoon and smoked gouda croquettes. Don’t skip out on the delicious cocktails concocted at the bar.
Location: 114 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn 1011
