The day that stops the nation… There isn’t a more controversial date in our calendars. Whether you’re into punting or not, we could all do with a boozy Tuesday afternoon, but most importantly support the hospitality industry and our favourite restaurants.

Melbourne Cup will be a chance for us to put on our race day best and dust off those heels we haven’t seen in months. Celebrating well on November 2nd is all about the people you celebrate with and the venue you choose. Whilst we can’t help you with your guest list, we do, however, have your location covered.

If you’re looking for a long lunch at one of Sydney’s finest, a shared banquet feast for you and your workmates or a casual all-you-can-eat taco with bottomless Margaritas, you bet you’ll find something that suits to celebrate from our top picks below. Be sure to book soon, as seats will fill up fast.

Anason

What: Shared styled lunch menu
When: 12pm-4pm
Where: Barangaroo
Price: $165pp
Extras: A glass of NV Brut, Laurent-Perrier “La Cuvée” Champagne on arrival
Details and bookings here

Aria

What: 4-course lunch menu
When: 12pm-4pm
Where: CBD
Price: $250pp
Extras: A glass of Ruinart champagne on arrival
Details and bookings here

Bentley Restaurant + Bar

What: 4-course lunch menu
When: Open from 12pm
Where: CBD
Price: $140pp (optional wine pairing $80pp)
Extras: A glass of NV Louis Roederer Champagne on arrival.
Details and bookings here

BóRN by Tapavino

What: Tapas style lunch
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Barangaroo
Price: $135pp (1.5 hf drinks $39pp, 2 hr $49pp, 3hr $69pp).
Details and bookings here

Bopp & Tone

What: Shared banquet feast
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: CBD
Price: $199pp (2 hr drinks package $264 or 3 hr drinks package $271).
Details and bookings here

Carbon

What: 2 hours of all-you-can-eat tacos with bottomless Margaritas, Rose and Beer
When: From 11 am
Where: Bondi
Price: $100pp
Details and bookings here

El Camino Cantina

What: Tex-Mex Feast
When: From 1 pm – 3 pm
Where: Surry Hills
Price: $89pp includes 2-hour drinks package
Details and bookings here

Cirrus Dining

What: Seafood-predominant shared style menu
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Barangaroo
Price: $140pp
Extras: A glass of NV Louis Roederer Champagne will be poured on arrival.
Details and bookings here

Franca Brasserie

What: French-inspired snacks and a variety of shared style dishes
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Potts Point
Price: $145pp
Details and bookings here

Fratelli Fresh

What: Italian shared style lunch feast
When: From 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Darling Harbour
Price: $125pp includes three-hour drinks package
Details and bookings here

Forrester’s Surry Hills

What: Shared banquet
Where: Surry Hills
Price: $55pp (2hr beverage package $107pp or 3hr drinks package $127pp)
Details and bookings here

Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant

What: Four-course set menu
When: From 11 am
Where: The Rocks
Price: $135pp (bottomless drinks package $175pp)
Details and bookings here

Monopole

What: Shared dishes from Spring menu
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: CBD
Price: $120pp
Details and bookings here

Nomad

What: Mediterranea sharing-style menu
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Surry Hills
Price: $160pp (2 hour drinks package $65pp or 3 hour drinks package $90pp)
Extras: Add on Sydney rock oysters.
Details and bookings here

North Bondi Fish

What: Four-course lunch
When: Open from 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: Bondi
Price: $140pp
Details and bookings here

SETA SYDNEY

What: Five-course lunch menu
When: From 12 pm
Where: CBD
Price: From $195
Extras: Glass of Moet & Chandon or Birra Moretti on arrival
Details and bookings here

The Argyle

What: Four-course shared-style lunch
When: Open from 12 pm – 3 pm
Where: The Rocks
Price: $125pp includes 3-hour drinks package
Details and bookings here

The Butler

What: Ibero-American banquet feast
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Potts Point
Price: $165pp ($259 2.5 hour premium beverage package)
Extra: A glass of G.H Mumm on arrival
Details and bookings here

The Botanist Kirribilli

What: Shared banquet feast
Price: $149pp (2-hr beverage package available)
Where: Kirribilli
Extra: A glass of G.H Mumm on arrival
Details and bookings here

The Meat & Wine Co.

What: A wide range of set menus and beverage packages available
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Barangaroo
Price: From $95
Details and bookings here

The Squire’s Landing

What: CBD’s biggest outdoor brewhouse gardens
When: Open from 11:30 am
Where: The Rocks
Price: $120pp 2.5hour drinks package and canapes
Details and bookings here

SoCal Neutral Bay

What: Cali inspired shared banquet dishes
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Neutral Bay
Price: $105pp (2 hour drinks package $160pp)
Details and bookings here

Zushi

What: Nine-course shared Japanese set menu
When: Open from 12 pm
Where: Barangaroo
Price: $99pp
Details and bookings here