Melbourne Cup Lunch in Sydney [2023]
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 for 2023 so you can find the best one for you and your friends.
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Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday 7 November 2023
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 in 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:
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. Make a booking
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 Make a booking
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 2023, 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 Make a booking
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.
Make a booking for lunch or walk-ins accepted 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 Make a booking | 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.) Make a booking
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. Make a booking
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: El Loco’s Sand & Garden Bar
Cost: $120pp. Make a booking
Jimmy’s Falafel
Gather for a delightful rendezvous over cocktails and savour delectable mezze plates and pitas, along with more falafel goodness. Don’t rush off after the race; stick around for a night filled with food, fun, and exciting festivities.
Where: 330D George St, Sydney
View menu | Make booking
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
View menu | View venue | Full guide here
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: 2/75 York Street, Sydney
Regular à la carte menu. Book a table | View 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 | Make a booking
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.
When: Thursday, 2 November 2023
Where: 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney
Cost: $275 / person
Book a table
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: 330A-330B George Street
Cost: $275/ person
Make a booking
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: Sydney CBD
Cost: $150 / person
Make a booking
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: 330C George Street Sydney
Make a booking | View menu
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: 111 Sussex Street, Sydney
Available for walk-.in only
Full guide here
Hotel CBD Ground Floor
Walk on in for a day of relaxed celebrations, classic pub lunches and a few drinks before the big race.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023 from 10am
Where: 52 King Street, Sydney
Walk-in only | View menu | More details here
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: Tuesday, 7 November 2023 ( walk-ins from 2:00 pm)
Where: Abercrombie Lane, Sydney
Walk-in only | View menu | More details here
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.
When: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Where: 330 George St, Sydney
Cost: $215pp
Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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
View menu | Book a table
Angel Hotel
The perfect spot for a group wanting to watch the race in a cool, casual atmosphere.
Where: Ground Bar or Level 1, 125 Pitt Street, Sydney
View menu | Walk-in
Bar Topa
Bar Topa is a hole-in-the-wall tapas bar that never fails to deliver good food and quality times. Walk in, grab some delicious tapas, and treat yourself to our tempting array of mini cocktails. The perfect pick for a flavour-filled day of good vibes.
When: From 12pm
Where: 4 Palings Lane, Sydney
View menu | Walk-in
Wynyard Hotel
Explore Wynyard, a place where everyone is invited. You don’t have to worry about your Melbourne Cup plans; we’re operating normally. Join us for a drink before the race and enjoy a traditional pub lunch. With its charming old-world ambience and ample seating options, it’s the ideal spot to spend your day.
When: Open from midday
Where: 107 Clarence Street, Sydney
View menu | Walk-in
Melbourne Cup Near Darling Harbour & Barangaroo
Zephyr at the Hyatt Regency
Sip in style and revel in the glitz and glamour of race day at Zephyr. Don your race day best for a Melbourne Cup day like no other, with Champagne on arrival, three hours of premium beverages, mouth-watering food, fresh seafood and all the action live on three big screens.
Prizes for best dressed and a live DJ and host to keep the party going.
When: Noon-3pm
Where: Hyatt Regency
Cost: $199pp. (18+ only) Make a booking
Bungalow 8
Enjoy a delicious three-course banquet including a 3-hour standard beverage package indoors or groups can enjoy 7-piece canapes & sharing platters, plus a 3-hour standard beverage package for $1600 for up to 12 guests.
Lots to keep you entertained with lucky door prizes, sweeps, Fashions on the Field and DJs playing from 12pm, Dane Laboyrie & live band from 3:30 pm, kick on with an epic after party from 4pm ’til late.
Catch all the racing action live on our screens throughout the day, dress to impress and secure your spot today.
Where: King Street Wharf
When: Noon till late
Cost: $149 for lunch or groups of up to 12 guests for $1600
Make a booking | Phone: 8322-2006
Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar has plenty on offer, a sitdown lunch, a VIP party or a rooftop garden party. Enjoy all the racing on multiple screens, a vocalist and DJ to entertain and a fun MC to pull it all together.. Beverage package included for the garden party and the rooftop party. Lunch includes a glass of wine.
When: From noon
Where: Cockle Bay Wharf
Cost:VIP Party $249 pp. | The Lunch – $179 pp. | Rooftop Garden Party $199pp | Make a booking
Cargo
Cargo Bar is offering a 3 Hour Canapes and Beverage Package with Cocktail on Arrival. Entertainment and of course, it wouldn’t be a Cup Day party without LIVE racing. Bookings essential.
Dress code, dress to impress!
When: From noon
Where: Cockle Bay Wharf
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. Book now
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. Book now
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 Make a booking | 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
When: 7 November 2023
Cost: $250pp | Make a booking
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
When: 7 November 2023
Cost: $205pp | Make a booking
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
When: 7 November 2023 ( Walk-ins welcome from 3pm)
Cost: $115pp | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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| Make a booking
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| Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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 | Make a booking
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
View menu | Book a table
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 2039
Cost: $275pp. Make booking
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 2034
Cost: $195pp. Make booking
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
Allawah Hotel
ASpend Cup Day in a classic pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’re open to everyone, so walk in and nab a spot. On the corner of the lively Railway Parade, Allawah Hotel is the perfect spot to catch the race, order a pint of whatever you fancy, and relax with a laid-back Cup Day lunch or post-race dinner.
Where: 470 Railway Parade, Allawah
View menu | Book a table
Charlie Parker’s
Spend Melbourne Cup night in a Paddington speakeasy with seriously good cocktails. Soak up the fun vibes and intimate atmosphere, whilst indulging in off-beat bar snacks and a seriously innovative drinks menu.
When: Open after the race from 5pm
Where: 380 Oxford Street, Paddington
View menu | More details here
Norton’s
Walk on in, because it’s business as usual at Norton’s. Grab a pint of whatever you fancy and some quality pub grub, and settle in for a Cup Day without the fuss.
When: from 10am
Where: 1 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
View menu | Walk-in
Tennyson Hotel
Settle in, order a pint of whatever you fancy, and relax, with our classic pub menu the perfect choice for a laidback Cup Day lunch or post-race dinner.
When: Open at 8am
Where: 952 Botany Road, Mascot
View menu | Walk-in
The Alex
Walk in, sit back, and chill out, because it’s business as usual at The Alex. Chill out at one of our communal tables with a pint of your favourite and some quality food, can catch the race live on the big screen.
If you want to bring your dogs along, don’t fret, because The Alex is happy to accommodate them.
When: Open from midday
Where: 35 Henderson Rd, Alexandria
View menu | Book a table
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
Book a table | 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
Book a table | View menu | Phone : 02 7228 1400
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
Book a table | Phone: 0497 952 889
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
Need more ideas? Join our Sydney Expert Facebook Group where you can ask questions, stay updated with what’s happening and meet a bunch of friendly locals just waiting to share their advice!
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