Sydney Eat Street: Best Melbourne Cup Day 2022 venues revealed

From Sydney’s west to the heart of the city, here are some great bars, restaurants and clubs to celebrate the race that stops the nation. See the list.

Have you looked in your Melbourne Cup Day venue yet? Picture: Steven Woodburn

Whether you’re ducking out for a cheeky punt or getting gussied up for full-on festivities, this year, the race that stops the nation is not just about the race but a long-awaited afternoon with friends.

Q Dining

To win the Melbourne Cup, so much depends on being in the right location at the right time; the same goes for the day’s festivities, and Q Dining’s head chef Steven Hartert is adamant that if you aren’t at Flemington in Melbourne, then this Circular Quay restaurant with its direct view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the place to be.

“If you can’t be trackside for Melbourne Cup, you can be sure to impress your guests harbourside at Q Dining,” he said.

Q Dining is not a bad place to take in Melbourne Cup Day and a view. Picture: Guy Davies

“Our Cup Day menu reflects the ethos & location of our stunning restaurant ‘where land meets sea’ – hero dishes include the shared seafood platter, seared scallops & slow-cooked Wagyu beef rump, and for dessert, Dark Chocolate Mouse served with Raspberry Sorbet. There’s also an extra special take-home gift featuring products from Australian Distilling Co, Kate Spade New York, and Palm Beach Collection.”

The four-course lunch includes a three-hour beverage package with a Gin Spritz on arrival. ($250pp, commences 12pm

— 60 Macquarie St, Sydney; qdining.com.au

Zephyr

Take your celebration to lofty heights at this elegant award-winning bar. Located on Level 12 of the Hyatt Regency, not only do you get a sweeping view of Darling Harbour and beyond, but also there’ll be three big screen TVs to catch all the racing action, a live DJ, and their own Fashions on the Field with prizes for best dressed.

Running from 12pm to 3pm, guests receive a glass of Champagne on arrival, three-hour beverage package (beer, wine, and soft drinks), roaming canapes, food stations and desserts ($285pp).

— Hyatt Regency, Level 12, 161 Sussex St, Sydney; zephyrbarsydney.com

Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo

With its Woolloomooloo finger wharf location, locally-sourced seafood and meats and stellar service, Kingsley’s is a definite frontrunner on Melbourne Cup Day.

Venue manager Maks Babajev says: “Cup Day at Kingsley’s is not just for racing festivities; it is a time for people to gather at our waterfront venue to celebrate great fashion and excellent food.

“Our head chef, Leo Rachid Militão, has prepared a four-course set menu that focuses on what Kingsley’s does best, premium quality steak, fresh local seafood, and produce.”

Kick back with friends at Kingsley’s. Picture: Supplied

The four-course menu is a selection of chilled Australian king prawns and Ora king salmon Crudo, as well as Moreton Bay bugs and seared Japanese Sea Scallops (served hot), followed by a choice of mains – 300g Roasted Black Angus Rib Eye MB3+ Cafe de Paris butter; Humpy Doo Barramundi fillet; or the vegetarian option, Orecchiette baby eggplant.

Lunch includes a three-hour premium beverage package with a glass of Piper Heidsieck on arrival. Best-dressed prizes for both individuals and tables will be awarded, so dress to impress. ($220pp)

— 10/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo; kingsleyssydney.com.au/event/melbourne_cup/

Centennial Homestead

From family picnics to fitness groups, on any given day the lush parkland of Centennial Park plays host to any manner outdoor activities but come “Cup Day” the action will take place inside at the park’s popular restaurant, Centennial Homestead.

For their Melbourne Cup Day lunch, guests will be served a three-course seasonal choice menu with a glass of Champagne on arrival. There’ll be a second round of Champagne for the best dressed table as well ($95pp).

— 1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park; centennialhomestead.com.au

The Star

It’s lucky No7 for the win at The Star on Melbourne Cup Day with their seven different Cup Day dining experiences with live screenings of the race and fashions off the field.

At BLACK Bar & Grill, a classic steakhouse with understated elegance, the four-course lunch features a choice of mains that includes wood-grilled striploin wagyu MBS 7+ and charcoal grilled Murray cod with a glass of Moët & Chandon NV or Cocktail on arrival. ($250pp; optional two-hour beverage package $95pp).

Head chef Chase Kojima is the man behind Sokyo, a cool and contemporary Japanese-inspired restaurant that will offer an ala carte menu ($200) with an optional two-hour drinks package ($95pp).

Not sure what kind of dining experience you want on Melbourne Cup Day? Luckily, The Star has you covered with multiple options. Picture: Supplied

A luxurious seafood lunch awaits at Flying Fish with a four-course set menu featuring Glacier 51 toothfish ($220pp; optional two-hour beverage package $95pp).

For something more casual, go for the ala carte menu at authentic Italian eatery, Cucina Porto or an abundance of seafood at the Harvest Buffet (Adult $94.90, child $34.90pp). Dining commences at noon, with entertainment going well into the night.

— 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont; star.com.au/sydney/MelbourneCup

Watson’s

For an afternoon of fun and good food, park your crew at a table in Watson’s beer garden where you’ll be served a glass of G.H Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne on arrival followed by a share-style spread.

Sports commentator Tim Gilbert will be hosting the day’s events which include sweeps, prizes for dressed, live entertainment, and of course, the big race on their 4m mega screen. Hang around after the race as the party continues well into the evening. ($66pp).

— Entertainment Quarter, 1 Bent St, Moore Park; Watsoneq.com.au

The Streets of Barangaroo

The Streets of Barangaroo are definitely on the right track. It might not be grass like Flemington or Royal Randwick, but the waterfront precinct has more than 20 different dining options primed for Melbourne Cup Day.

Go full-on fancy at Cirrus with a three-course share-style menu featuring premium seafood, Wagyu Rump Steak, and a glass of Champagne on arrival ($180pp) or for funky tunes and architecturally awesome Barangaroo House has three levels to suit your partying preference.

Hang out at street-level House Bar ($95pp for BBQ kushiyaki and cold seafood stations); tunes and a chef’s select four-course menu restaurant await one level up Japanese restaurant Rekōdo ($195pp) or up top at Smoke, roving Japanese-inspired canapes and free-flowing beverages ($240pp).

The Streets of Barangaroo has a heap of dining options. Picture: Steven Woodburn

If a burger and beer is more your style, Ume Burger has you sorted with a burger, sides and complimentary beer or sparkling wine. Try their namesake burger made with their signature beef patty and Wagyu mince sauce or the equally popular Karaage burger with Japanese fried chicken. Zushi has a nine-course tasting menu ($125pp), and if you have a win, why not add on the Tasmanian lobster ($50pp) and a three-hour premium beverage package ($125pp). Anason, the cobalt blue and white Turkish restaurant, has a full-on feast to be shared with friends ($165pp) while at love.fish [sic], a known champion of fresh and sustainable seafood, is serving a four-course sharing menu with a celebratory glass of Champagne on arrival ($150pp). The odds of finding a place to suit your tastes are pretty good.

— Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; Thestreetsofbarangaroo.com

Ripples Chowder Bay

Get away from the crowds with Ripples. Picture: Martyna Angell

Bypass the boisterous parties and enjoy a chill afternoon at this historic waterside venue in the tranquil cove of Chowder Bay near Mosman. Take in the majestic view across Sydney Harbour towards South Head while you dine on a three-course contemporary Australian menu with choice ($155pp).

— Building 7C Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman; rippleschowderbay.com.au

The Mayflower

The race that stops the nation will truly stop visitors in their tracks as The Mayflower will be transforming its famous digital art piece into a giant 4M x 3M screen. And whether you’re watching all day or just holding out for the headliner, everyone will enjoy the decadent multi-course meal and a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival ($115pp).

— 490 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards; the-mayflower.com.au

Stuzzichino at Bankstown Sports

Whether you’re for dressing up and happy in dungarees, Bankstown Sports Club has you sorted for Cup Day. If you’ve looking for a long lunch, Stuzzichino will be serving a three-course choice set menu with a glass of prosecco canapes and natural oysters on arrival ($110pp). Rainbow Bar will feature live entertainment and sweep, while Pizzeria Bellucci in La Piazza will be serving pizza and pasta as per usual. Cup Day sorted.

— 8 Greenfield Pde, Bankstown; bankstownsports.com

Here are some more venues around Sydney putting on a great spread on Melbourne Cup Day:

CITY

BOTANIC HOUSE

Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens with an Asian-inspired shared feast by Luke Nguyen. Race viewing and champagne for best dressed table.

Details: Four-course share menu starting with platters and a glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by roaming canapes, shared mains, and shared desserts.

Cost: $200pp. Add on a four-hour beverage package for an additional $100pp.

Contact: The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mrs Macquarie Rd, Sydney; botanichouse.com.au

INFINITY

Rise to the occasion for Cup Day and head up 81 levels to the elegant revolving restaurant at the top of Sydney Tower. There’ll be sweepstakes, prizes for best dressed, and big screens to watch the race.

Details: Three-course seasonal lunch by Executive Chef Guillaume Gritteret with a glass of Mumm on arrival.

Cost: $250pp

Contact: Westfield Sydney, 108 Market St, Sydney; infinitysydneytower.com.au

THE CASTLEREAGH BY FASSNIDGE

This newly renovated CBD pub has gotten a top-to-toe overhaul, including the kitchen, where chef Colin Fassnidge’s team has revamped the menu, including two Melbourne Cup luncheon packages. Sweepstakes, prizes for best dressed, and big screen TVs to watch the race that stops the nation.

Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day at The Castlereagh by Colin Fassnidge. Picture: Supplied

Details (The Castlereagh by Fassnidge): Two-hour, two-course share meal starting with freshly-baked bread, kingfish sashimi and zucchini flowers, followed by slow-cooked lamb and baked whole fish. Includes a two-hour drinks package.

Cost: $130pp with a minimum of six people

Details (Ground Floor dining): Gourmet canapes followed by Chicken Schnitzel and chips. Includes a two-hour drinks package.

Cost: $85pp

Contact: 199 Castlereagh St, Sydney; thecastlereaghclub.com.au

AALIA

Executive chef Paul Farag’s take on Middle Eastern cuisine sidesteps familiar dishes with familiar flavours by blending ingredients from across territories and times, using traditional and modern techniques. Farag has curated a special feast for Melbourne Cup that is not to be missed. Fashionable fillies and colts, don your finest as there’ll be prizes for best dressed while the race will be shown live in Martin Place.

Enjoy Melbourne Cup Day at Aalia. Picture: Jiwon Kim

Details: Middle Eastern share banquet begins with sujuk-filled artichokes and kingfish with green tomatoes, followed by eggplant with spiced tomato, Ummak Huriyya Cuttlefish followed by short rib basturma or Murray cod masgouf. Save room for dessert as Farag’s Valrhona chocolate kataifi is the day’s winner. There’s also optional add-ons ranging from dry-aged Wagyu rib-eye ($80) to 30g of Darya Beluga caviar ($350).

Cost: $200pp

Contact: Shop 7.07-7.08/25 Martin Pl, Sydney; aaliarestaurant.com

PUMPHOUSE SYDNEY

An impressive renovation has turned the dark, dingy, nondescript pub into an expansive sunlit space punctuated with industrial chic fixtures, so there’s plenty of space to watch the race and dance to live DJ entertainment from DJ Lauren Mac somewhere in between. Pumphouse boasts over 100 craft beers, a stocked wine room and a seasonal modern Australian menu with a seasonal focus. (12.30pm-3.30pm)

Details: Three-hour premium beverage package with substantial roving canapes, including souvlaki, battered dory, mini cheeseburgers, and coconut panna cotta at Pumphouse Sydney.

Cost: $120pp

Contact: 17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour; pumphouse-sydney.com.au

Pumphouse Sydney. Picture: Hamilton Lund

PLOOS

The authentic Grecian food is worth the visit alone but add in the view of the Sydney Opera House right across the Harbour, and you’re set for a well-deserved long lunch.

Details: Set share menu with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Cost: $175pp. Add a three-hour classic beverage package for an additional $90pp.

Contact: Bay, 7/7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks; ploos.com.au

REIGN

Experience the royal treatment at this regal restaurant where the main race can be viewed on a big screen while judges hand out prizes for best dressed.

Details: Four-course shared feast with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Cost: $180pp

Contact: Queen Victoria Building, Level 1 Shop 48/455 George St, Sydney; reignatqvb.com.au

CROWN SYDNEY

Whether you’re a veteran of the Barangaroo dining scene or have yet to visit this towering gem, Melbourne Cup at Crown Sydney’s signature restaurants is not to be missed. Special screens will be set up to watch the big race. (12pm-4pm).

Woodcut

Celebrates local Australian produce with an indulgent menu specially curated by Head Chef and owner Ross Lusted. The day will be hosted by media personality Natalie Barr. Dress to impress, as there’ll be prizes for fashionistas.

Offer: Four-course lunch menu with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Cost: $295pp

Contact: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownsydney.com.au/indulge/woodcut

Woodcut at Crown Sydney.

a’Mare

Enjoy an Italian feast from award-winning chef Alessandro Pavoni.

Offer: Four-course menu with a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine and canapes on arrival.

Cost: $250

Contact: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownsydney.com.au/indulge/amare

TERRACE ON THE DOMAIN

Nestled amongst the greenery of the Botanic Gardens, this sun-drenched venue will feature an Italian-inspired menu while you watch the races on the big TV. Dress to impress as the swankiest table wins champagne.

Details: Four-course share meal, with a glass of Prosecco on arrival.

Cost: $180pp

Contact: 1 Art Gallery Rd, Sydney; terraceonthedomain.com.au

MAYDANOZ

Inspired by the produce and olive oil prevalent off the Aegean Turkish coast, Maydanoz’s dips and olives are a highlight of the meze menus, grab your friends and graze your way through a Cup Day long lunch.

Details: Grazing station includes a wide selection of Turkish dips and bread, cold-cut meats, olives, cheese, fresh seafood, wood-roasted vegetables and more. Includes a three-hour drinks package.

Cost: $195pp

Contact: 50 Carrington St, Sydney; maydanoz.com.au

SOUTH-EASTERN SUBURBS

Sir Joseph Banks Hotel

The Sir Joseph Banks Hotel has been serving pints since the mid-1800s, and while the beer may be colder and the courtyard a bit cosier, it’s still a favourite pub for Botany locals who’ll surely be showing up in full force for the live music, sweeps, raffles, and hampers at their Melbourne Cup lunch.

Details: Three-course Modern Australian menu with a glass of sparkling wine or schooner of Hahn Superdry on arrival.

Cost: $60pp

Contact: 1354 Botany Rd, Botany; sjbhotel.com.au

HILLS SHIRE

Hillside Hotel

Hillside Hotel has you covered whether you’re down for a party or happy with a punt. So grab a beer and bite at one of the ground floor dining options, or head to The Rooftop for an exclusive three-course banquet. There’ll be sweeps, TAB facilities and a post-race DJ till late.

Details: Three-course lunch to share, includes a three-hour beverage package with select tap beer, Grant Burge Prosecco, soft drinks or juice, and non-alcoholic beer and wine.

Cost: $99pp

Contact: 273 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill; hillsidehotel.com.au

Bella Vista Hotel

A fun and welcoming place for family and friends (including those of the canine variety), Bella Vista Hotel is sure to make for an entertaining afternoon. The event will be hosted by Rob Shehadie & Tahir with big screen TVs, post-race DJ and dancing, TAB facilities, sweeps, prizes, a fashion parade, and best-dressed giveaways.

Details: Three-course share menu that includes a Chef’s Carvery of pork and beef plus a three-hour beverage package with select beer, wine, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beers and mocktails. (11.30am-2.30pm)

Cost: $130pp

Contact: Bella Vista Hotel, 13-15 Lexington Dr, Bella Vista; bellavistahotel.com.au

Trevi Lakeside Restaurant

This award-winning lakeside venue, with an Italian-inspired menu and big screens to watch the main race, is a choice destination for your Melbourne Cup lunch.

Details: Two-course menu ($60pp) or three-course menu ($70pp).

Contact: Shop 5, Building 8 Century Circuit, Norwest Business Park, Baulkham Hills; trevirestaurant.com.au

WESTERN SYDNEY

Leumeah Hotel

With a contemporary bar, outdoor area, sports viewing, and great food, it’s easy to understand why Leumeah Hotel has been a popular watering hole for over 50 years, and come Cup Day, it’s sure to have a few more fans show up for the mega raffle and prizes for best-dressed.

Details: Pre-book platters to make sure you don’t miss out.

Contact: 543 Pembroke Rd, Leumeah; leumeahhotel.com.au

Doltone House at Club Marconi

A hub of sports, dining and entertainment, Club Marconi is an ideal destination for any event, and few are more fun than the Melbourne Cup lunch with sweepstakes, lucky door prizes, fashions off the field prizes, as well as gifts for best headwear, best dressed, and best tie. The main race will be shown live on large screens, plus a dedicated lounge area to view all the races. (12pm-4pm)

Details: Three-course award-winning menu with flowing premium sparkling, red & white wines, and imported beers. Giddy Up! cocktail and canapes on arrival,

Cost: $100pp

Contact: Level 1, 121-133 Prairie Vale Rd, Bossley Park; clubmarconi.com.au

Mounties

This award-winning, community-centric venue features six dining options, 13 bar outlets and multiple function spaces, so there are plenty of options to suit your Melbourne Cup celebration. In the central area, there’ll be live music by Brian Lorenz & Sara Key, with sweeps, best dressed prizes, and more. From 11am.

Details: Two-course choice menu with bubbles on arrival.

Cost: $50pp

Contact: 254 Humphries Rd, Mount Pritchard; mounties.com.au

M BRASSERIE at Mounties

This casual bistro will offer a lunch special of 15 dishes at $15. (11.30am – 2.30pm

Terrace Bar & Cafe

The American diner menu, a massive outdoor patio, and a variety of sports on the many TVs alone would make the Terrace Bar & Cafe an ideal place for Melbourne Cup but add in some live music, roving entertainment, and even a child-friendly jockey balloonist and it becomes perfect.

– 254 Humphries Rd, Mount Pritchard; mounties.com.au

Albion Hotel, Parramatta

Enjoy a day with friends in the open-air courtyard and lounge bar while watching the races live and loud on the big screens. There’ll be live entertainment throughout the day, sweeps, best dressed competition, and lucky door prizes. Kick on afterwards with a live band and DJ.

Details: Three-course menu with choice of main (pumpkin salad, scotch fillet or grilled swordfish) plus a glass of Big Ears prosecco on arrival.

Cost: $70pp

Contact: 123 George St, Parramatta; albionhotel.com.au

Willo

This chic restaurant and bar feature a Mediterranean-inspired menu prepared in the open-theatre kitchen. While the cooking and grilling usually get all the attention, on Cup Day, it’s the live entertainment, lucky door prizes and the showcase of the Melbourne Cup that takes centre stage. Book a table for you and your crew or show up for bar seating and snacks on the day. (12pm-4.30pm)

Details: Four-course meal with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Cost: $135pp

Contact: 32 Smith St, Parramatta; willoparramatta.com.au

CHU by China Doll

Inspired by both the cuisines and traditions from China, Hong Kong, Japan and South -east Asia, the menu here is a modern take on familiar dishes with generous servings made for sharing. So, head in with friends for their Melbourne Cup lunch but be sure to wear your finest as there’ll be prizes for best dressed.

Details: Enjoy a decadent 10-dish menu with a glass of bubbles on arrival.

Cost: $99pp

Contact: West HQ, 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill; westhq.com.au

NORTHERN BEACHES

Harbord Diggers

Little did the founding Harbord Diggers know that their first club, a weathered beachside hut that served as a meeting place and headquarters for their community initiatives, would one day give way to a massive $160 million dining and entertainment venue that can offer guests so many options for Melbourne Cup celebrations, as well as live entertainment, sweepstakes, and prizes for best dressed & best hat.

—88 Evans St, Freshwater; harborddiggers.com.au

DD Collective

Digger’s family-friendly cafe will have freshly-shucked oysters served natural, Kilpatrick style or Gourmet with salmon caviar and lime salsa. (1/2 dozen for $18, dozen for $34).

AquaFresca by Pilu

The little sister to Pilu, the nearby award-winning Italian restaurant, AquaFresca offers guests a more casual take on renowned chef Giovanni Pilu’s fine-dining dishes.

Details: Three-course meal includes shared Antipasti, choice of Main, and dessert.

Cost: $90pp

Contact: 74 Evans St, Freshwater; acquafresca.com.au

Teddy Larkin’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant

Whether it’s a steak or a plate of seafood, Teddy Larkin’s is well known for its use of locally sourced, premium ingredients – whether it’s salad greens or scotch fillet.

Details: Three-course menu with alternate drop main and a glass of beer or wine on arrival. (12pm-3pm)

Cost: $120pp. Add on a three-hour drinks package for an additional $60pp.

Contact: Restaurant 2, 80 Evans St, Freshwater; teddylarkins.com.au

Park House

What was once the Mona Vale Hotel has been reinvented as a multipurpose sports, dining, and entertainment venue, all perfectly suited to their Melbourne Cup festivities. There’ll be prizes for best dressed and live music well into the evening.

Details: Three-course share menu.

Cost: $75pp. Add on a three-hour drinks package for an additional $74pp.

Contact: 2 Park St, Mona Vale; parkhouse.com.au

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Ormeggio at The Spit

This casually elegant restaurant overlooking the D’Albora Marina is practically made for long lunches, but that’s just a bonus compared to Ormeggio at The Spit’s executive chef and co-owner Alessandro Pavoni’s contemporary Italian, seafood-centric menu. No wonder this waterside restaurant, with its seasonal and sustainable menu, has been hatted every year since opening in 2009 – a guaranteed win for your Cup Day luncheon.

Details: Four-course set menu starting with market-fresh oysters, crab fritters, chilled blue mussels, and scallop crudo followed by homemade casoncelli pasta with a fish ‘Bolognese’ ragout and swordfish ‘cotoletta alla Milanese’. Finish off with a refreshing macadamia biscuit filled with mango sorbet. In addition, there’ll be prizes for best dressed, sweepstakes, and race viewing.

Cost: $199pp. Add four matching wines for an additional $85pp.

Contact: D’Albora Marina The Spit, Spit Rd, Mosman; ormeggio.com.au

Chiosco by Ormeggio

Located right on the jetty, Chiosco, with its bleached wood furnishings that sit under Mediterranean blue and white umbrellas, was inspired by Alessandro and his wife Anna’s visits to Italian seaside village kiosks (Chiosco means “kiosk” in Italian). As the younger sibling of Ormeggio, you can expect the same quality seafood but, like any little brother, a bit of cheeky fun, particular for Melbourne Cup with sweepstakes games, best dressed awards, and live racing on the big screen TV.

Details: Share-feast with an asparagus and confit cuttlefish salad, Caprese, carpaccio, Sardinian gnocchi with saffron, prawns, and bottarga, spatchcock with cacciatore sauce, rocket and fennel salad, and white chocolate and coconut pannacotta with strawberries.

Cost: $120pp

Contact: D’Albora Marina The Spit, Spit Rd, Mosman; chiosco.com.au

The Glasshouse

This sun-drenched space is the epitome of farm-to-table dining, and the proof is right outside the window, where much of the produce is grown in their expansive on-site gardens. So, head in on Cup Day for a tipple and farm-fresh long lunch.

Details: Four-course share lunch starting with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, a charcuterie board, and Mediterranean Mezze platter on arrival, followed by started and an impressive selection of mains including chargrilled kingfish, roast organic free-range chicken, and slow-roasted black Angus rump cap. And, of course, dessert. Includes a four-hour beverage package.

Cost: $159pp

Contact: 1 Frederick Street, Artarmon; theglasshouseartarmon.com.au

EASTERN SUBURBS

Topikos

While plenty of punters are fine drinking pints and sharing tips, you and your crew can be tucking into featuring Greek-inspired dishes reinterpreted with fresh and seasonal Australian produce.

Details: 11-course menu with matching wines and the Topikos team’s music playlist.

Cost: $175pp

Contact: 180 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach; topikos.com.au

Nour

A fresh take on traditional Lebanese fare, Nour’s stylish food and signature cocktails have seen this chic, sun-drenched restaurant rises to the top of Sydney’s dining destinations. For Melbourne Cup, Nour will live up to that reputation with executive chef Paul Farag’s specially curated banquet. This year’s theme is Think Pink, so dress the part as there’ll be prizes for best dressed male and female.

Details: Starting with a glass of MUMM Grand Cordon Rosé, your Lebanese feast includes dishes like raw tuna and green tomato ezme, duck fatayer, whipped shanklish, chicken bits shawarma, and Barberry glazed lamb shoulder or steamed snapper with plenty of sides and pistachio mafroukeh for dessert.

Cost: $160pp. A two-hour drinks package can be added for an additional $59pp or $79pp for the premium drinks package.

Contact: 3/490 Crown St, Surry Hills; noursydney.com

Coogee Bay Hotel

Dubbed the locals’ local, this iconic beachfront hotel is set for Cup Day celebrations with various dining options, big screen TVs throughout the venue, and prizes for best dressed. Doors open at noon with live entertainment till 7pm.

Details (Ultimate Picnic Lunch): With starters, mains, and desserts, this decadent picnic lunch is essentially a portable three-course meal, except this one includes a three-hour premium drinks package (MUMM Champagne, beer, or wine).

Cost: $180pp

Contact: 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee; coogeebayhotel.com.au

ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND

Cronulla RSL

Trade your winter clothes for your finest spring attire for this garden party for Melbourne Cup. There be live entertainment, photo opportunities, sweeps, lucky door prizes, fashions on the field, live streaming of the races, and more. (12m – 4pm)

Details: Individual picnic boxes with a cocktail on arrival.

Cost: $89pp

Contact: 38R Gerrale St, Cronulla; cronullarsl.com.au

1908 Cronulla

This expansive space with vaulted ceilings and industrial chic decor keeps things close to home with locally sourced for its contemporary menu. 1908 Cronulla is a treat any time of the year, but for Cup Day, there’s the added bonus of three large screens across the venue, sweepstakes, “money-can’t-buy “prizes up for grabs, and special gifts for the most flamboyant filly, and swankiest stallion. (12pm-5 pm)

Details: A generous three-course lunch starts with a hot tasting plate and a glass of bubbles or beer.

Cost: $105pp. Add on a three-hour beer/wine package for an additional $50pp.

Contact: 15 Surf Rd, Cronulla; 1908cronulla.com.au