Sydney Eat Street: Best food and drink deals for the Melbourne Cup
Everyone’s off and racing … to have a lunch that stops a nation. Here are some of the early favourites that are well worth taking a punt on so you can enjoy the Melbourne Cup race right here in Sydney with great food and a festive atmosphere.
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BIBO WINE BAR
Whether you’re a veteran punter or laying down your annual gold coin bet, there’s no denying the energy that sweeps through Australia on the first Tuesday in November.
But it’s not just horses that stir up excitement — throughout the country the many parties and gatherings also vie for top seeding.
For Sydneysiders, Bibo Wine Bar is a top contender thanks to the perfect partnering of chef Jose Silva’s (Guillaume at Bennelong) Mediterranean-influenced menu, restaurateur Jonathan Mallet (Parisian hospitality) and head sommelier Louella Mathews’ thoughtful wine list.
“The menu I have created for our Melbourne Cup lunch is fun and celebratory. Nice and perfect for sharing,” Silva says.
After a glass of champagne on arrival, guests are a served fresh seafood dishes to start, followed by delicious spring lamb and then pavlova to finish.
“People tend to go all out and get dressed up and I want them to enjoy the whole experience with a great lunch,” Silva adds.
While Silva has the kitchen covered, Mallet will oversee all the festivities including drawings and best dressed prizes which include bottles of champagne, cocktails, and the pièce de résistance, a bespoke hat from the rock’n’roll queen of racing millinery, Nerida Winter.
If you can’t make it for lunch though, fear not as Bibo will be open well after the track goes dark ($110pp)
— 7 Bay St, Double Bay; bibowinebar.com.au
BAR M
Come Cup Day, this may very well be the only time you’ll come out victorious after staring at a brick wall.
At Bar M, this cavernous space with vaulted ceilings and exposed timber once served as a tyre factory but now, it’s a go-to spot for that Cup Day long lunch as the race that stops a nation is projected upon that same industrial facade.
The only real competition though is between the screen and the authentic Italian food on the table.
Formerly known as Bar Machiavelli, owner Paola Toppi, daughter of restaurateur Giovanni Toppi, has created a menu more focused on antipasti and fresh pasta, both of which will be featured in their three-course Melbourne Cup Day meal.
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Starting with a glass of champagne on arrival, guests are then given a selection of dishes to choose from in each course.
Prepare for your first big call of the day when you’re forced to decide between the housemade chestnut tortelli filled with a Porcini, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with a tomato, buffalo and mozzarella sauce and the decadent Pappardelle with Blue Swimmer Crab, in a spicy lemon, butter and cream.
Add to that some best-dressed prizes, sweepstakes, a bookmaker on site and a classic Italian dessert; odds are you’ll come out a winner ($140pp)
— 10 Neild Ave, Rushcutters Bay; bar-m.com.au
FRANCA BRASSERIE
It’s been a mere three months since Franca Brasserie opened its door in the former Fratelli Fresh space to reveal a sun-drenched space that reflects a modernised take on a true French brasserie.
In that short time, owner, Andrew Becher and operating partner and general manager Alex Cameron have made Potts Point their culinary home, just in time to run head-on into the festive season starting with Melbourne Cup Day.
True to French flair, their Cup Day offering starts off with a glass of champagne along with oysters and caviar followed by three courses, each with three options, fortunately one of which is their famous entree, a Gruyere Soufflé with sauteed mushrooms.
Along with a stellar meal, and to coincide with the race being shown live on screen, Cameron notes there will also be betting facilities on site as well as best dressed prizes, sweepstakes and DJs.
Those looking to kick on can stay for dinner or go till late in their joint party with Pelicano in Double Bay ($140pp)
— 81 Macleay St, Potts Point; francabrasserie.com.au
CHULA
You could opt for dainty canapes and a balancing act with the delicate stems of a champagne glass, or you could kick it up a notch and add some spice to your day at modern Mexican restaurant and bar, Chula.
Don your brightest race wear as this place is awash in colour — from the vibrant decor, to the cobalt blue plate on through the vivid hues of ruby red tomatoes, ripe green limes and purple cabbage.
Following a margarita spritz on arrival is a five-course lunch starting with blue corn tostadas and guacamole, then many more favourites such as the Baja fish tacos, chargrilled scotch fillet with tortillas and the scrumptious warm churro con chocolate for dessert ($65pp)
— Shop 7/33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point; chula.com.au
MUST TRY
PARK HYATT SYDNEY
With an unobstructed view of the iconic Sydney Opera House, it’s a prime spot any day of the year but come Melbourne Cup, there’s the added bonus of a four-course long lunch hosted by celebrity stylist and presenter Donny Galella.
Along with a fashion show, there will also be prizes for best-dressed, a grand prize drawing and of course, the race live on TV ($230pp)
— 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks; hyatt.com
SYDNEY HARBOUR MARRIOTT
Flemington comes to town as Marriott’s Customs House Bar and Silvester’s Restaurant are taken over by the Melbourne Cup Garden & Atrium.
There’ll be drink specials including $70 bottles of champagne along with canapes and share plates. Reserve a spot for $20 that includes two drink vouchers.
— 330 Pitt St, Circular Quay; silvesters.com.au/melbournecup
THE STAR
No place encapsulates the essence of the races as much as The Star and whether you’re after a pint and punt at the sports bar or a longer lunch with bubbles in hand, there’s something to suit everyone’s fancy.
And speaking of fancy, Channel 7 star and racing ambassador Abbey Gelmi will be making the rounds to pick the ‘Best Dressed’ from each of the signature restaurants for a change to win gift cards or a special night at The Star.
These special menus offer a choice of entrees, main and desserts, plus a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival. There’ll only be one seating at each restaurant on Cup Day so get in early.
BLACK BAR & GRILL
For the finest grilled meats and seafood this elegant space with dark woods and view of the harbour, BLACK is the easy choice for your long lunch. ($175pp for three courses including glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival)
CHUUKA
Chinese flavours meet Japanese precision. Standard package (four-course menu to share with glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival; $135pp) and premium package (four-course menu to share with two hours of Moet & Chandon; $165pp)
FLYING FISH
The best of what the sea how to offer. Standard package (three-course set menu and glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival; $135pp) and premium package (three-course set menu with two hours of Moët & Chandon; $165pp)
— 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont; star.com.au/sydney/MelbourneCup
WATSONS BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The iconic beachside hotel shows Sydneysiders how to celebrate the day with fun, fashion, food and, of course, bubbles and drinks.
There will be two lunch options: At the Beach Club, there’s the famous seafood Beach Buffet ($169pp) with three hours of free flowing drinks and a glass of prosecco on arrival; or for a sit-down meal in the Sunset Room, you have the Grand Feast ($220pp) a three-course sharing-style menu including slow roasted lamb shoulder and baked Tasmanian king salmon plus three hours of free flowing drinks and a glass of Piper-Heidsieck on arrival.
There will also be plenty of drink specials and packages, $99 magnums of Piper-Heidsieck, hourly competitions and ‘Fashions by the Bay’ prizes for best dressed woman, man and group with luxury prizes including a $1000 FEMME voucher.
Oh, and The Melbourne Cup race will be shown on screens in every area of the hotel from 3pm.
— 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay; watsonsbayhotel.com.au
CHARGRILL CHARLIE’S MELBOURNE CUP HANGOVER PACK
For those who anticipate a rough start the following day, Chargrill Charlie’s has put their spin on a hangover cure with the Bloody Mary Burger — a beef pattie, cheese, tomato, grilled onions, pickles and a fried egg topped with plenty of their yummy Bloody Mary sauce.
For those that had to high tail it into the office without a food run, they’ve also developed the Melbourne Cup Hangover Pack — eight Bloody Mary burgers, a bottle of homemade Bloody Mary sauce, devil wings and wedges. All delivered straight to your office.
Pre-order exclusively through their new online catering service catering.chargrillcharlies.com
IVY COMPLEX
Ivy Pool Club
There is no place like Pool Club to get the Melbourne Cup party going. Enjoy a glass of Chandon Brut or a Furphy on arrival, three-hour beverage package and delicious canapes from 12-3pm. On-site TAB, race on the big screen and with resident DJs ($150pp).
Uccello
Be transported to the Amalfi Coast at ivy’s hatted poolside restaurant for a truly premium Cup Day experience. Enjoy a glass of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé on arrival, followed by a four-course Italian lunch. Watch the race on the big screen and place a bet or two, before joining Pool Club for the after-party ($295pp).
Ivy Den and Lounge
Enjoy a three-hour beverage package from 12pm, food stations and roving canapes with a relaxed party vibe, TAB for the punters and the races live on the big screen. Resident DJs will be playing all day and well into the night ($120pp).
Establishment
Enjoy the day at two-hatted restaurant including a glass of Dom Pérignon and three-course menu curated by head chef Jacob Davey. Then head down to Establishment Main Bar post-lunch to keep the party going — and the champagne flowing. ($250pp)
— 320 George St
MR WONG
Cantonese-style lunch with a vibrant atmosphere and an extensive cocktail list. Enjoy a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial on arrival, followed by a ten-course shared banquet created by Dan Hong ($195pp).
— 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney; merivale.com.au
SLIP INN SAND AND GARDEN BAR
Make the day a Mexican fiesta starting with a glass of Chandon Brut or Furphy on arrival, then spend the day feasting on shared Mexican platters and food stations in the spring sunshine, watch the races on the big screen, and dance to live bands and DJs playing throughout. ($99pp)
— 111 Sussex St, Sydney
ENDEAVOUR TAP ROOMS
Head to The Rocks for Cup Day at Endeavour for drinks and canapes starting with a glass of Champagne on arrival — $75pp, add on an optional 2-hour beverage package for $49pp.
— 39/43 Argyle St, The Rocks
DUCK & RICE
Enjoy a 2.5-hour canape and beverage package at one of Sydney’s newest rooftop bars. You’ll feast on some of their popular dim sum item such as spanner crab meat and pork siu mai, crispy duck spring rolls, crackling pork belly bao bun, sesame prawn toast and salt and pepper chicken ribs, as well as beers, sparkling red, white and rosé wine ($99pp).
For a win, splurge on a glass of NV Louis Roederer for $22 or a bottle of 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal for $700.
— Level 7/188 Pitt St, Sydney; taprooms.com.au
NORTHERN BEACHES
THE NEWPORT DECK
Drinks, food an stellar views await on the deck at The Newport. Don your best for the Fashion on the Field competition then catch the race live on the big screen along with on-site TAB, plus live entertainment and DJs all day ($80pp)
— 2 Kalinya St, Newport
QUEEN CHOW MANLY
Head to Manly Wharf for a sea breeze and an 11-dish Cantonese feast with a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial or a schooner of Furphy on arrival. Come 3pm, catch the race on the screen — $130pp.
— Manly Wharf, 22-23E Esplanade, Manly
THE COLLAROY
Ocean view and a glass of Chandon Brut or Furphy on arrival, followed by a three-course feast ($99pp). Guests can add a beverage package for $55pp and enjoy drinks until 3pm.
— 1064 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy
SOCAL NEUTRAL BAY
Southern California brings a Mexicali twist for Cup Day to Neutral Bar with a shared banquet of seafood, tacos, and more along with a glass of champagne on arrival
Screens will be situated on the outdoor terrace as well as in the indoor seating area plus sweepstakes throughout the day! — $85pp. Add on an optional 2-hour beverage package for $55pp.
— 1 Young St, Neutral Bay; socalsydney.com.au
THE BOTANIST KIRRIBILLI
Just over the bridge in the leafy suburb of Kirribilli awaits a seated banquet feast of Mediterranean-inspired dishes including Smoky Bay oysters with Champagne mignonette and chargrilled chicken with smoked paprika as well as a glass of G.H. Mumm champagne on arrival.
— 17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli; thebotanist.com.au
EASTERN SUBURBS
COOGEE PAVILION
Celebrate the day of casual beachside dining with a three-course set menu and a glass of Chandon Brut or a Furphy on arrival. There’ll be In-house TAB facilities, a big screen to watch the race and then dance till late with resident DJs. ($125pp) or head upstairs for roving canapes, four drinks and plenty of sunshine ($95pp).
— 169 Dolphin St, Coogee
TOTTI’S
Enjoy Melbourne Cup, Italian-style, at this relaxed Bondi trattoria with a four-course shared feast and a glass of Champagne on arrival. There’ll be a TAB on site and DJs through the night ($130pp).
— 283 Bondi Rd, Bondi
THE BERESFORD COURTYARD
Head to this lively Surry Hills beer garden for roving canapes and five drinks from 12-3pm ($85pp).
— 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills
THE BUTLER POTTS POINT
The view of the Sydney CBD alone makes this place a winner, but the glass of Champagne on arrival, bespoke Ibero-American feast, multiple TVs and fun competitions make it a must.
— 123 Victoria St, Potts Point; butlersydney.com.au
INNER WEST
ACRE EATERY
The rustic farmhouse dining room, Acre Eatery, situated within the grounds of this Camperdown pocket farm is where you’ll find a three-course sit-down that features dishes from the latest Spring menu along with a selection of drinks, beginning with a glass of Champagne on arrival ($150pp).
— 31A Mallett St, Camperdown; acreeatery.com.au
WESTERN SYDNEY
THE WILLIAM INGLIS HOTEL
Few places to celebrate the Melbourne Cup that compare to this regal five-star boutique William Inglis Hotel adjacent to the Warwick Farm racecourse.
Starting with a glass of Champagne on arrival, you will then indulge in a delicious buffet lunch with a charcuterie grazing table and dessert bar.
There will be premium prizes throughout the day, including an Overnight Stay & Breakfast at William Inglis Hotel, a Talisa Day Spa voucher, Antler Suitcases, Magnum Moet bottles and more ($79pp).
— 155 Governo Macquarie Drive, Warwick Farm; williaminglis.com.au