The Melbourne Cup lunch is an important part of Australian culture. It is a tradition that has been celebrated for over 150 years and has become an integral part of the Australian way of life. It’s a time when people come together to celebrate and enjoy the excitement of the race.

These events are an opportunity to socialize, dress up, and enjoy delicious food and drinks with friends and colleagues. From the traditional fresh seafood and free flowing champagne, Melbourne Cup lunch offerings span a range of styles choose a casual pub meal or a fine dining feast. It’s up to you! We have pulled together some of Sydney’s best Melbourne Cup lunch offerings so you can find the best one for you and your friends.

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Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday 5 November 2024

The race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup is also one of the biggest lunch events in Australia. It’s an essential part of the Melbourne Cup experience, an opportunity to socialize, dress up, and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861 and has been held every year since, except during World War I and II.

It’s also an opportunity to network and build relationships. Many businesses use the Melbourne Cup lunch to entertain clients and colleagues. It is a chance to connect with people in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Book early or you may miss out!

If you’re looking for a place in Sydney to celebrate the Melbourne Cup, you’re in luck. The city is full of fantastic venues that offer delicious food, exciting entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to dress up and show off your style.

Sydney’s Melbourne Cup lunch scene is vibrant and exciting, with plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a fancy sit-down meal or a casual pub lunch, you’re sure to find something that suits your style. So get dressed up, grab a glass of bubbly, and get ready to cheer on your favourite horse! Just remember, if you are planning to go with a bunch of friends, these events book out quickly.

Melbourne Cup Lunch near Circular Quay and The Rocks

For a picturesque Melbourne Cup lunch experience, check out some of Sydney’s stunning waterfront venues. Here are a few top picks:

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Elevate your Melbourne Cup celebration this year at the exquisite Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, where you’ll be enveloped in a chic atmosphere with a touch of French elegance. Experience a 3.5-hour indulgent food and beverage package that promises pure glamour.

Sip on the finest French Pommery Champagne or the European-style Gin Tanqueray,and enjoy a curated selection of premium Australian wines and beers. Delight your taste buds with gourmet roaming canapés, a fresh oyster bar, artisanal charcuterie and an enticing cheese selection.

Catch all the live action of the Melbourne Cup on the state-of-the-art LED screen including DJ entertainment to amplify the excitement and keep the energy levels high throughout the event.

And that’s not all! Get ready to flaunt your finest attire for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including the coveted Best Hat/Fascinator award in partnership with Ford Millinery.

When: 7th November, 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Garden Court Terrace & Restaurant at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Cost: $120 per person. For group bookings of 10 or more, enjoy additional discounts reach out via email

House Canteen

The fun starts at noon with roaming canape all day and a glass of bubbly to kick things off. Starting at 12pm, they will broadcast the races live and loud on big screens so you don’t miss any of the action. Dress to impress and join in the fun of sweepstakes with a harbour back drop.

When: Noon – 4pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: $70pp – tickets sold in pairs plus booking fee.

Aria

Enjoy Champagne on arrival before digging into a four course spring menu designed by Executive Chef Tom Gorringe’s for this year’s Melbourne Cup.

Along with the fabulous harbour views there will be screens throughout the restaurant, a fun sweepstake, and a chance to win ‘best dressed’ prizes.

Where: East Circular Quay
When: 12pm – 4pm
Cost: $350pp

Melbourne Cup at the Glenmore Hotel

NYE at the Glenmore got you exclusive access to our Glenmore lounge and rooftop cocktail party, deluxe roaming canapes, live entertainment, and a 4-hour deluxe beverage package to help you ring in the New Year.

A two course meal and live music will be on offer along with TAB facilities and live music. You can also kick on in the rooftop bar with DJ and sunset views. There will be lucky door prizes and a competition for best dressed.

Where: The Rocks
When: 12-4pm for lunch with an afterparty starting right after
Cost: $175 per person. Booking essentials Phone: 9247-4794

6HEAD

For Melbourne Cup 6HEAD is offering an opulent 4 course Melbourne Cup set menu, including a 3-hour beverage package. There will also be a sweep and LIVE telecast of the race that stops the nation.

Where: Campbells Cove The Rocks
Cost: $350pp

The Morrison

A fantastic 4-course shared banquet from chef Sean Connolly with a glass of Champagne on arrival ($99 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Magnums all day)

Live Coverage of the races, sweeps and best dressed competitions will entertain and a DJ will kick in for the after party.

Where: George Street
When: 12pm – 4pm
Cost: $135pp for lunch, $6 drinks at the after party from 5-7pm

O Bar and Dining

Dine high in the sky with views of the harbour while you enjoy the race that stops the nation. O Bar and Dining will offer a three course lunch menu including a glass of NV Louis Roederer Champagne on arrival.

All day live coverage, fabulous prizes for best dressed, photo memories, sweeps, post race drink specials and DJ entertainment all make for a fun day. 

Where: George Street Sydney
Cost: Adult $198 | Phone: 9247-9777

Melbourne Cup Lunch in the City Centre

Strangers Dining Room

Enjoy a 5 course degustation with a drinks package overlooking the Domain. Live entertainment, sweepstakes, door prizes and big screens to watch the excitement from the track. 

When: 12.30-4.00pm
Where: NSW Parliament House 
Cost: $175pp. (10+ $160pp.)

Chophouse 

CBD workers might like to join the fun at Chophouse. Take half the day off and Dress to impress for a chance to win best dressed prizes. 

The team at Chophouse have put together a great shared menu for Melbourne Cup for groups of four or more however the standard a la carte menu is available for bookings of 1-7 guests. 

All groups of 8+ guests will be required to dine on the Melbourne Cup Set Menu at $150 per person. 

Where: Bligh Street Sydney
Cost: $150pp.

capella Sydney

Sydney’s newest 5 star heritage hotel Capella will be hosting two major events for the Melbourne Cup with the race being televised in Aperture and Brasserie 1930, event spaces are also available.

Seafood Lunch in Aperture

With its abundance of natural light, Aperture offers a tranquil setting at the heart of Capella Sydney, enhanced by the mesmerizing kinetic sculpture titled “Meadow,” created by the Dutch art duo DRIFT. It provides a stylish backdrop for the Melbourne Cup. Guests can savor a decadent afternoon featuring a curated menu of Australian seafood and fresh seasonal produce, all set beneath the poetic choreography of this wildflower-inspired installation.

Elevated Dining at Brasserie 1930

Celebrating the Melbourne Cup at Brasserie 1930, enjoy a bespoke three-course menu crafted by Bentley Restaurant Group’s Co-owner and Head Chef, Brent Savage. An indulgent 3 course menu designed for sharing, includes sumptuous appetizers, the main course showcasing exceptional Australian produce, and culminates with a signature dessert.

Where: 24 Loftus Street Sydney
Cost: $165 – $180pp.

El Loco at Slip Inn Sand & Garden Bar

On arrival, satisfy your taste buds with a delicious, share-style feast — complete with a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Heineken. Upstairs will be open for standard bookings and walk-ins, with both levels opening up for a Cup Day fiesta at 3 p.m., featuring resident DJs playing into the night.

Where: El Loco’s Sand & Garden Bar
Cost: $120pp.

Little Felix

Tucked away in Ash Street, Little Felix is a little slice of Paris serving up classic cocktails, alongside wine and Champagne poured from magnum bottles. Walk in, grab a table, and nibble on cheese and charcuterie from 2 pm, with bookings opening at 4 pm for post-race celebrations.

Where: 2a Ash St, Sydney NSW

York 75

Pop in, grab a spot, and catch the race on one of 20 screens. Tuck into a classic pub lunch, enjoy a few drinks, and download the TAB app to place a bet. You can rent a private booth with an individual screen accommodating 8-10 individuals at a cost of $1,100. This option is ideal for sports enthusiasts or those who relish immersing themselves in the day’s atmosphere.

Where: 2/75 York Street, Sydney
Regular à la carte menu.

Sushi e & Hemmesphere

Don your most elegant race day attire and celebrate Melbourne Cup with an extraordinary sushi menu in one of two elegant spaces on level 4 at Establishment — hemisphere or sushi e. Enjoy a glass of Dom Pérignon or Kirin Ichiban on arrival, with a masterful set menu at a hatted Japanese restaurant, sushi e. 

Where: 252 George Street, Sydney
Cost: $250pp

Mr. Wong

Serving up Melbourne Cup lunch, Cantonese style, rock your race day best and head to our hatted Cantonese restaurant for a Melbourne Cup lunch your tastebuds won’t soon forget.

Where: 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney
Cost: $275 / person

Bar Totti’s CBD

Grab your friends and book a table at Sydney’s CBD sweetheart, and settle in for a day of Italian-inspired eating and drinking. Featuring a three-hour beverage package from arrival to the big race, starring a range of Italian classics, from spritzes to Sangiovese.

Where: 330A-330B George Street
Cost: $275/ person

Ivy Pool Club

Pick away at roving canapés and refill your glass with a 3-hour beverage package from 12 pm to 3 pm, and maybe even take a dip, as DJs and entertainment keep the party pumping from 3–8 pm.

Where: George Street Sydney
Cost: $150 / person

MuMu

MuMu is set to deliver an exciting and vibrant Melbourne Cup celebration in Sydney that highlights bold flavours, fantastic music, and an all-around festive atmosphere. Everyone can enjoy a refreshing frozen yuzu slushie and indulge in delicious South-East Asian dishes.

Where: 330C George Street Sydney

El Loco at Slip Inn Upstairs

Experience a unique Melbourne Cup celebration with Mexican platters, lively music, and delicious margaritas only in the heart of the CBD. Feast on tacos, nachos, quesadillas and more, with your margarita of choice in hand. Classic? Tommy’s? Spicy? Choose your fighter and say hola to the ultimate Cup Day fiesta.

Where: 111 Sussex Street, Sydney
Available for walk-.in only

Palmer & Co.

Get ready to enjoy a day in Sydney’s favourite underground hideaway. Sip cocktails and lose track of time as day slips into night.

When: walk-ins from 2pm
Where: Abercrombie Lane, Sydney

Ash St. Cellar

Put on your finest race day attire, make a reservation at Ash St. Cellar, and toast to the festivities in style.

Enjoy a delicious three-course menu and a three hour European-style beverage package, amongst the charming surroundings of their tucked-away CBD laneway.

Where: 330 George St, Sydney
Cost: $215pp

Establishment Main and Garden Bar

Race into Establishment for a day of food, friends and good times where you can enjoy a a delicious three-course shared lunch and beverage package (complete with table service) from arrival to the race, in our beautiful, light-filled space in Sydney’s CBD.

Where: 252 George Street, Sydney
Cost: $175pp

The Royal George

Swing by this loud and lively English-style pub for a casual Cup Day lunch with your friends or workmates. Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD, The Royal George is the perfect pit stop for pre-drinks, post-dinner nightcaps, and the main event, with screens aplenty for you to catch the big race.

When: From 12pm
Where: 320 George Street, Sydney

Melbourne Cup in Sydney Suburbs

North Bondi Fish 

Take in the fun of race day from North Bondi Fish with a shared 4-course lunch and drink on arrival. Multiple screens, door prizes and DJs keep you entertained. Kick on with an after party until 7.30 pm. Tickets are required for each event. 

Where: Bondi Beach
When: 12-3pm for lunch, After party 3.30-7pm
Cost: $175 per person.

The Wharf Hotel Manly 

Enjoy a three course Melbourne Cup Lunch with a beverage package. Entertainment includes Fashion on the Fields and sweeps. Plenty of big screens, so you don’t miss any of the action.

Where: Manly Wharf 
When: 12-3pm for lunch, After party 3.30-7pm
Cost: $159 per person.

Chirosco by Ormeggio

Swap trackside for waterside and watch the race on large screens while feasting on a shared menu for $120 per person, There will also be prizes for best dressed!

Where: Mosman
When: 12-4pm
Cost: $120pp | Phone: (02) 9046 7333

Bert’s Bar & Brasserie

Celebrate the Melbourne Cup in style on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Vintage or Kirin Ichiban to welcome you. enjoy the experience by indulging in an exclusive 4-course shared meal specially crafted by Executive Chef Jordan Toft for the occasion.

Arrive with a hearty appetite, relax, and enjoy the stunning views while being serenaded by live jazz performed by Sonny Gin from 12 pm to 8 pm. It’s the perfect way to make your Melbourne Cup extra special with champagne in hand!

Where: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Cost: $250pp

Coogee Pavilion Ground Floor

Spend Cup Day overlooking Coogee Beach enjoying an elegant coastal menu with a side of sea breeze. Enjoy a three-course share-style lunch curated by executive chef, Jordan Toft, alongside a three hour beverage package.

Where: 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Cost: $205pp

Coogee Pavilion Rooftop

Enjoy a beverage package from 12–3pm and delicious roving canapes from Jimmy’s Chicken. Catch the race on the big screen, and hang around for what’s set to be an epic after-party.

Where: 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Cost: $115pp

Coogee Bay Hotel

Join us for a day of racing elegance by the beach at Coogee Bay Hotel. Hosted in their open-air garden and Marra Bar & Grill, Melbourne Cup is gearing up to be the biggest yet. This year, Coogee Bay Hotel is offering race day packages that are guaranteed to impress. 

You’ll indulge in a 3-course share-style menu and free-flowing 3-hour premium beverage package as you watch the race live on their giant screens.

Where: 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee
Cost: $195pp

El Loco Excelsior

Don’t miss to indulge in a feast on Mexican favourites for 3 hours ahead of the big race, complete with a glass of Chandon or Heineken on arrival. The margaritas will continue to pour post-race, with standard bookings open from 3pm.

Where: 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
Cost: $90pp

Fred’s

Receive a glass of Dom Pérignon or Kirin Ichiban on arrival, followed by a seasonal Melbourne Cup four-course lunch. With a warm and welcoming vibe, Fred’s is the perfect pick for a long, leisurely lunch with friends.

Where: 380 Oxford St, Paddington
Cost: $305pp

Hotel Centennial

Elevate your experience this year by enjoying a stylish ride and immersing yourself in the sophisticated ambience and beautiful surroundings of Hotel Centennial. Enjoy a seasonal four-course lunch by executive chef, Ben Greeno, alongside an incredible three hour beverage package, available from arrival until the race. 

Reserve for an evening dinner open from 6:30pm, with post-race live jazz from Luna Quarter from 3.30pm – 8pm.

Where: Corner of Victoria Ave and Oxford St, Woollahra
Cost: $330pp

Mimi’s

Enjoy the mimi’s premium banquet menu, designed by executive chef Jordan Toft, complete with live Tasmanian lobster, heritage Wagyu and the finest black caviar. Start with a glass of Dom Pérignon, a caviar bump and a shot, and relax in the sophisticated surrounds as the breeze rolls in and the day unfolds.

Where: Coogee Pavilion, Middle Level, 130A Beach St, Coogee 2034
Cost: $550pp

Ms.G’s

Melbourne Cup and Ms G’s go together like cheeseburgers and spring rolls (if you haven’t tried one of these, now’s your chance). A shared banquet menu can be enjoyed by everyone created by Dan Hong and a top-notch three hour beverage package from arrival to finish. The perfect pick for anyone looking for fun food in a vibrant atmosphere.

Where: 155 Victoria Street, Potts Point
Cost: $190pp

Queen Chow Enmore

Escape the city and head on over to Enmore for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup lunch. Indulge in a delectable Cantonese banquet provided by Queen Chow, complemented by a welcoming glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Heineken upon your arrival. You can also extend the enjoyment into the evening as dinner reservations are available starting from 6 p.m.

Where: 167 Enmore Road, Enmore
Cost: $155pp

Queen Chow Manly

Enjoy Melbourne Cup lunch Cantonese style, and join us at Queen Chow for a lavish day of feasting. Delight in a delicious banquet filled with your favourite dishes, accompanied by a three-hour drinks package that begins upon your arrival and continues throughout the race.

Where: Manly Wharf, 22-23 E Esplanade
Cost: $215pp

The Beresford | Bistro

Enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Heineken on arrival, followed by a three-course, sit-down banquet in our sunny, light-filled bistro. Keen to place a bet? Download the TAB app to stay ahead of the game.

Where: 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Cost: $145pp

The Beresford | Courtyard

For just $90 per person, you’ll get three drink tokens, which can be exchanged for Chandon, Heineken, or house red/white wine, along with a variety of delicious canapés to savour in our sunny courtyard. Watch the race on the big screen and relax with friends as the day turns into night.

Where: 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Cost: $90pp

The Collaroy | Restaurant

Reserve a table at The Collaroy’s upstairs restaurant, where you can indulge in a four-course shared feast and a three-hour beverage package that begins upon your arrival and lasts until the race ends, all while enjoying breathtaking peninsula views.

Where: 1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Cost: $210pp

The DOG

Gather your friends for a relaxed Melbourne Cup Day at The Dog. This beloved Randwick establishment offers an extensive variety of draft beers and features an on-site TAB, making it the perfect place to enjoy some pub classics, place a bet, and savour a few pints. If you’re looking to turn it into a full-day event, this is the spot for you!

When: Open from 10am
Where: 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick
View Menu

The Grand | 30 Knots

With 10 beers on-tap and no bookings required, 30 Knots is the perfect spot to place a bet and raise a pint, with our range of pub classics allowing you and your crew to tuck into whatever your heart desires.

Where: 30 Hunter Street, Sydney
View Menu

The Newport | Pergola

Soak up the sunshine this Cup Day, with great drinks, great food and breathtaking views on The Newport’s terrace. Catch the race on the big screen and don’t forget your best race-day attire! Includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Heineken on arrival. 

When: From 12pm
Where: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Cost: $160pp

The Paddington

Enjoy a delicious banquet-style menu, plus a three hour drinks package from arrival to the race.

Where: 384 Oxford St, Paddington
Cost: $210pp

The Vic on the Park

There’s nothing quite as atmospheric as catching live sports in this courtyard, so come join the crowd and make some noise.

Where: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville

Totti’s Rozelle

Savour a delightful shared menu that showcases Totti’s signature dishes, all accompanied by a three-hour beverage package, set in a beautifully sunlit space.

Where:197 Evans St, Rozelle
Cost: $275pp.

Una Más

Start your Melbourne Cup celebration with a welcoming glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Kirin Ichiban, and then indulge in an elegant shared menu while taking in the breathtaking views of Coogee Beach. If you’re in the mood to continue the festivities, head upstairs to Coogee Rooftop for the post-race party that promises to be a citywide highlight.

Where: Coogee Pavilion, Middle Level, 130A Beach St, Coogee
Cost: $195pp.

Totti’s Bondi

Enjoy Melbourne Cup, Italian-style, at our relaxed Bondi trattoria that never fails to hit the spot.

Where: 283 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW
Cost: $275pp. Make booking

Promenade Bondi Beach

3-course $129 set menu featuring the best of our all-day menu and new additions from chef Chris Benedet. Parties of 8 or more guests will experience a seasonal group menu featuring the best of our a la carte offering.

Where: Shop 4, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach
Phone: 02 7228 1408

Grana

3-course $119 group sharing menu featuring your favourite dishes from Grana. 3-course $119 group sharing menu featuring your favourite dishes from Grana.

When: Monday to Saturday, from 11:30am
Where: Ground Floor, 5-7 Young Street

The Carrington

Enjoy lunch or dinner in Surry Hills which features a menu with shared entree platters, main courses, and dessert platters.

Where: 565 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW
Cost: $79

Check out these other articles on enjoying Sydney over the upcoming holiday period

• Christmas Events and Activities
• Shop Local Sydney Christmas Guide
• Choose a NYE Harbour Cruise
• New Year’s Eve Mega list

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