Best last-minute venues to eat and drink your way through Melbourne Cup Day in Sydney

Too much time spent checking the form rather than booking a venue? Here’s some options for those looking for a last-minute affair or just a beer and a flutter.

Whether you’re in for a long lunch, a boozy celebration or just having a punt, these places are a sure bet for all your Melbourne Cup festivities.

Take a tour of Sydney’s best eateries with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter. #SydneyEatStreet

COOGEE BAY HOTEL

If you’re going to take the day off or even venture out for a few hours, you might as well head to the beach and soak in the rays at Coogee Bay Hotel. It’ll be an elegant afternoon on the open-air terrace and Marra Bar & Grill, where guests will be treated to a three-course share-meal and three-hour drinks package ($195pp).

Head to Coogee Bay Hotel for your Melbourne Cup festivities. Picture: Supplied

The race will be broadcast live, with sweeps, entertainment, and best-dressed prizes. For those looking for last-minute options, they’ll be accepting walk-ins who’ll be welcome to order from the a la carte menu and grab drinks from the bar.

253 COOGEE BAY RD, COOGEE; COOGEEBAYHOTEL.COM.AU

WATSON’S

The saying goes, “It’s horses for courses,” but for Watson’s in the Entertainment Quarter, it’s two courses…and the horses on Tuesday for the Melbourne Cup.

For those yet to make Cup Day plans, Watson’s offers a Melbourne Cup two-course share-meal with a glass of Champagne on arrival ($79pp), but walk-ins are welcome with a la carte options all day.

Two-course share meal with a glass of Champagne at Watson’s. Picture: Supplied

The bar has Cup Day drink specials on cocktails, buckets of beer and a magnum menu (for those lucky enough to back a winner).

THE ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER, 1 BENT ST, MOORE PARK; WATSONSEQ.COM.AU

BREWDOG

Beers and a bet go together like a horse and jockey. BrewDog at South Eveleigh, a former locomotive workshop, has both on Cup Day with a Melbourne Cup special: a three-course sharing menu plus a two-hour standard beverage pack including BrewDog beer and house wine for $99pp. (12pm-4pm).

A perfect meal to enjoy with the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

For those just looking for lunch, there are plenty of other options on the menu, including towering burgers, hearty schnitzels, chicken wings and even tacos. Amazingly, 50% of the food is plant-based and includes gluten-free options. Naturally, you’ll need a beer with that, and BrewDog has 40 of them on tap – some of their own, but also plenty more are from local breweries.

LOCOMOTIVE WORKSHOP BAYS 1 & 2, 2 LOCOMOTIVE ST, BREWDOG.COM

WINGHAUS

Melbourne Cup trivia buffs take note as Winghaus’ Cup Day dining packages, each named after a former Cup winner, have some tidbits you’ll want to remember.

The Prince of Penzance package - two hours of bottomless wings and classic sides with house beer, wine, and select cocktails - is $99pp; about the price the gelding paid in 2015 when Michelle Payne became the first woman in history to win the famous race.

Winghaus Cup Day dining package has something for everyone.

Alas, the premium dining option, The Makybe Diva Package($149pp), doesn’t have a similar story, but it makes up the difference with three hours of bottomless wings and classic sides and an exceptional drinks package that includes Chandon Brut, Chandon Garden Spritz, select cocktails, wines, and beers.

THE ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER, 21 BENT ST, MOORE PARK; WINGHAUS.COM.AU

GLEBE HOTEL

When it comes to action-packed options, the smart money goes to The Glebe Hotel.

In the dining room and loft, the four-course menu ($92pp) is complemented by a trivia competition.

The Glebe Hotel is always an option. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

The tree-covered beer garden and public bar are hosts to a seated three-course share-lunch with bar service ($72pp). Upstairs in the function space, there are canapes for $62pp.

63 BAY ST, GLEBE; THEGLEBEHOTEL.COM.AU

AND FOR SOMETHING A BIT FANCIER....

MANTA

Famed Sydney milliner Nerida Winter has tipped her hat – just one of many – at Manta, a chic seafood restaurant along Woolloomooloo Wharf. “It’s one of my all-time favourite venues, and it’s the place to be celebrating on Melbourne Cup Day,” says Nerida.

Celebrity milliner is ready to party at Manta. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Manta’s Cup menu is a curation of seafood excellence paired with market-fresh produce.

Over four courses, guests can expect such winners as Abrolhos Island scallop ceviche, miso-glazed Glacier 51 toothfish, grilled Tasmanian scampi, and Great Southern Pinnacle eye fillet. 6 COWPER WHARF RD, WOOLLOOMOOLOO; MANTARESTAURANT.COM.AU

THE TOXTETH

Whether it’s a full day of punting or just food and a flutter, The Toxteth has your Cup festivities sorted.

For those keen to catch all the race day action, there’s no better spot than the open-air courtyard – live sports and a “Race Pack” of shareable nibbles ($50pp).

If you fancy something a bit more refined, The Tocky Terrace boasts a sweeping view of the city.

Toxteth Hotel has a number of winning dishes. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Here, Executive Chef Scott Greve has created an exclusive three-course share banquet. Included in the lunch is his house-made focaccia (something Scott perfected while working with Jamie Oliver) with whipped smoked butter, scallop ceviche, and rump tartare followed by roasted spatchcock, whole John Dory and sides.

However, it’s the strawberry and crème Pavlova for the win.

345 GLEBE POINT RD, GLEBE; TOXTETHHOTEL.COM.AU

BARANGAROO

From the mighty heights of Crown Sydney to the spiralled structure of Barangaroo House, this waterfront precinct’s restaurants range from the seafood-centric menus of Cirrus and love.fish to the carnivorous delights at NOLA Smokehouse, Meat & Wine Co, Butcher’s Block and Winghaus.

There is no shortage of choice at Barangaroo.

Narrowing down the field, a’Mare is a fan favourite for Italian fare with a four-course menu by award-winning chef Alessandro Pavoni.

Plus, there’ll be live music, sweepstakes, exciting prizes, and packages for best dressed, big screens to watch the main race, and an invite to Crown’s afterparty at its rooftop bar CIRQ.

ANASON

Sophisticated Turkish restaurant featuring seafood-centric mezes and chargrilled meats with imported Turkish wine, beer, and spirits.

Details: Four-course Turkish feast with oysters and a glass of Champagne on arrival. Lucky door and best-dressed prizes; big screens streaming all the race day action.

Cost: $125pp; optional drinks package $55pp.

Contact: 5/23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; anason.com.au

BARANGAROO HOUSE

Three separate entities spread across three levels, each with a unique personality, offering and view over Barangaroo waterfront.

House Bar: Roving canapes with a spritz or beer on arrival; DJs from 11am till late ($105pp).

Rekōdo: Omakase menu with spritz or beer on arrival ($125); big screens, sweepstakes, and DJ from 12pm ($125pp; free-flowing two-hour drinks package from $75).

Smoke: Parade of premium canapes, with three hours of free-flowing drinks from 12pm-3pm; big screens throughout the venue, best-dressed prizes, and DJ from 11am ($240pp).

Contact: 35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; barangaroohouse.com.au

NOMAD

2013! What a year! Horse-trainer extraordinaire Gai Waterhouse’s Fiorente won the Melbourne Cup, and NOMAD first opened its doors in Sydney.

The significance of November isn’t lost on director Rebecca Yazbek.

“November is an exciting time for Nomad Sydney with the Melbourne Cup festivities kicking off,” she said.

Nomad dials up the festivities for Melbourne Cup. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

“This year, we’re offering shared banquet set menus and big screens at both NOMAD and Beau. November also sees our 10th birthday celebrations for Nomad Sydney continue, and the extension of our ‘Toast to Ten’ happy hour – made to be enjoyed in our recently refurbished outdoor terrace; the perfect place to enjoy the long summer afternoons.”

On the menu will be a roster of NOMAD’s signature Middle-eastern-inspired dishes, including the kingfish rillette, NOMAD’s charcuterie selection, spatchcock with harissa, and their famous olive oil ice cream sandwich. Lunch runs from noon with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

16 FOSTER STREET, SURRY HILLS; NOMADSYDNEY.COM.AU

18 FOOTERS

f you’re after a Harbour View on Cup Day but not keen on the fuss, head to 18-Footers Bar & Restaurant at the Australian 18-Footers League Club in Double Bay for a stellar waterfront view and impressive three-course Melbourne Cup lunch with a sparkling wine cocktail on arrival.

There are not too many spots, photo – Michael Kennedy

There’ll also be sweeps, best dressed prizes and entertainment throughout the day.
77 BAY ST, DOUBLE BAY; 18FOOTERS.COM

BORN BY TAPAVINO

Spanish tapas restaurant inspired by the food and eateries around Barcelona.

Details: Shared tapas menu with a glass of Canva on arrival; race streamed live on big screen TVs.

Cost: $135pp; optional 1.5, two, and three-hour drinks packages ranging from $45pp.

Contact: 9A/23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; borntapavino.com.au

BOTTEGA COCO

Stylish Italian restaurant and patisserie featuring traditional dishes made with fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Details: Three-course Italian banquet including fresh oysters on arrival, followed by dishes such as beef carpaccio, eggplant Siciliana, beef tenderloin tagliata and more; races streamed live on big screens, live entertainment, and competitions and prizes.

Cost: $110pp with optional standard drinks package ($90pp) or premium drinks package ($250pp).

Contact: T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; bottegacoco.com.au

CIRRUS

Go full-on fancy at this chic waterfront restaurant known for its seafood-centric menu and impeccable wine list.

Details: Three-course share-style menu featuring premium seafood, Jacks Creek Striploin MB 3, and a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Cost: $180pp

Contact: 23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; cirrusdining.com.au

LOTUS

Sophisticated modern Chinese restaurant with waterfront indoor/outdoor seating.

Details: Share-style banquet with dishes such as scallop and prawn dumplings, grilled flat-iron steak, and steamed barramundi; includes a glass of NV Taittinger Premiere Cuvee on arrival; sweeps, best-dressed prizes; race streamed live on big screen TV; and red-carpet photo wall.

Cost: $219pp

Contact: 8/9 Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo; lotusdininggroup.com.au

LOVE.FISH

A sophisticated yet welcoming waterfront restaurant featuring fresh, sustainable seafood.

Details: Five-course seafood sharing menu with a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival; door prizes, best-dressed competitions and sweeps; race streamed live on in-house screens.

Cost: $179pp

Contact: 7/23 Barangaroo Ave; Barangaroo; lovefish.com.au

CROWN SYDNEY

The towering gem of Barangaroo has multiple venues to catch all the Melbourne Cup action.

a’Mare at Crown Sydney: Refined yet relaxed Italian restaurant from award-winning chef Alessandro Pavoni featuring classic ingredients, premium Australian produce, and Harbour view with indoor/outdoor seating.

Details: Italian feast with dishes such as Cannolo filled with kingfish tartare, coral trout, spaghettini with scarlet prawn, Tajima beef tenderloin MBS 5+, and triple chocolate cake; live music, sweepstakes, best-dressed prize package; race streamed live on big screens.

Cost: $225pp

Time: 12pm-4pm

Contact: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownysydney.com.au

Woodcut at Crown Sydney: At this stunning restaurant rich in design and culinary theatrics, Chef Ross Lusted showcases the best Australian produce, preparing it in wood-burning ovens and over open fires.

Details: Hosted by media personality Natalie Barr, guests will enjoy a four-course menu starting with cold seafood on ice followed by dishes such as crab cakes with oyster mayonnaise, Rangers Valley Black Market 5+ sirloin, and crisp meringue with vanilla ice cream; includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival; Sweepstakes; prizes for best-dressed, and races live-streamed on big screen TVs.

Cost $295pp

Time: 12pm-4pm

Contact: Contact: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownysydney.com.au

GOWINGS AT QT SYDNEY

Signature restaurant at QT Sydney, a heritage-listed, art deco boutique hotel.

Details: Chef Sean Connolly has curated a three-course set menu featuring ocean trout crudo with mascarpone, preserved lemon and capers, Gowings’ signature linguini with spanner crab and lemon, and Raspberry zuppa inglese and lemon cannoli with a glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Champagne NV on arrival.

Live DJ from 12pm until late; Fashions on the QT Field hosted by Dyson Brand Ambassador and celebrity stylist Peter Thomsen. (QT Sydney hotel guests receive a complimentary 30-minute dry styling session with Peter Thomsen). Dyson dry-styling touch-up station in the QT Lobby throughout the day.

Cost: $130pp

Contact: QT Sydney, 49 Market St, Sydney; gowingsbarandgrill.com.au·

INFINITY

Level up to the 81st floor at Sydney Tower. The elegant revolving restaurant with its million-dollar view is a sure thing on Cup Day.

Details: Three-course lunch by Executive Chef Guillaume Gritteret, including a glass of Mumm on arrival; sweepstakes; prizes for best dressed; race streamed live on big screen TVs.

Cost: $250pp

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

MARTINEZ

One of the CBD’s newest restaurants, Martinez features a southern French-inspired menu and an impressive wine list with magnums and over 35 wines by the glass.

Details: 11 shared dishes, including Sydney rock oysters, spanner crab with Marie Rose sauce on a crumpet, Magra lamb, and crème caramel.

Price: $149pp

Contact: Quay Quarter Tower Ground Lobby, 50 Bridge St, Sydney; martinez.sydney

PLOOS

With an unobstructed view of the Sydney Opera House, this Grecian restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Peter Conistis, ticks all the boxes for Melbourne Cup.

Details: Set share menu inspired by the Greek Islands complemented by a guest MC, live music, sweepstakes, and prizes.

Time: 12pm-4pm

Cost: $200pp (excludes drinks)

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

SOLANDER BAR & DINING

A botanical-inspired restaurant, bar and lush atrium with a farm-to-table approach focusing on seasonal and sustainable meals.

Details: Three-course menu with a glass of sparkling wine or beer and an Australian cheeseboard on arrival; sweepstakes; prizes for best-dressed; and main race live-streamed on big TVs.

Cost: $130pp

Contact: West Hotel Sydney, 65 Susses St, Sydney; solanderdiningandbar.com.au

THE SQUIRE’S LANDING

This Harbourside venue taphouse and bar boasts views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, plus one of the CBD’s biggest outdoor brewhouse gardens.

Details: Three-hour canape and drinks package; live entertainment; and prizes for best dressed.

Price: $169pp

Time: Doors open from 11am, the package runs from 12 – 3pm

Contact: Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks; jamessquire.com.au

NORTH BONDI FISH

Sun drenched restaurant perched above the iconic Bondi Beach. True to the name, the menu showcases fresh local fish alongside clever cocktails.

Details: Four-course lunch with choice of starter, shared entrée, main, and dessert, plus an ice-cold NBF “margy” on arrival; lucky door prizes; race live-streamed on big screen TVs; DJ from 12pm-3pm; After-party from 3.30pm-7pm with DJ and singing performers.

Cost: $175pp

120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi; northbondifish.com.au