It’s maybe the race that stops a nation but it isn’t all about horses and jockey’s racing down the final straight at Flemington Race course. 

When it comes to the Melbourne Cup, where you celebrate is as equally as important as who you drew in your sweepstakes. A venue with a vibe and one that offers champagne on arrival with a long lunch and a  heavenly selection of food is a must.

Then there’s the fashion. You need a restaurant that is guaranteed to pull a good crowd dressed to the nines in the best spring racing attire. 

If you’re looking for some race day inspiration, here are our top thirteen picks on where to celebrate the Melbourne Cup this year. 

Read on. 

The dolphin 

Celebrate Melbourne Cup at The Dolphin with a menu that highlights the very best of the Dining Room, Wine Room and Public Bar kitchens.

Enjoy a four-hour drinks package alongside a canape menu created by Monty Koludrovic. You can expect an afternoon of food, music and drinks 

Cost: $150
What: all-inclusive from 12pm till the end of the race. 
From: 12pm

Book here 

Cirrus

Celebrate Melbourne Cup at Cirrus at Barangaroo.

It’s set to be a classy affair on the waterside, the shared style menu showcasing what they do best, seafood. 

Guests will be treated to a glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by a selection of dishes from Cirrus’s new menu including Crumbed Tiger Prawns with Shellfish Aioli and Cobia Rillettes with Carrot and Tarragon.

Cost: $120
What: Shared styled menu with a glass of champagne on arrival. 

Book here

Freds 

Enjoy a farm-to-table feast at Freds this Melbourne Cup. 

Freds is a two-hatted restaurant in Paddington which ticks all the right boxes for a race day affair. It’s fancy, yet warm and welcoming.

You’ll receive a glass of 2010 Dom Pérignon or Kirin on arrival, followed by a seasonal Melbourne Cup lunch designed by head chef, Danielle Alvarez. 

Cost: $250
What: A seasonal banquet lunch and a glass of Dom Pérignon or Kirin on arrival.
From: 12pm 

Book here 

The Butler 

The Butler in Potts Point is heating up for an Ibero-American feast alongside city views!

There will be prizes for best-dressed male and female as well as best-dressed table so dress to impress!

Cost: $249
What: Eight-course banquet menu and a two and a half hour beverage package
Screens: Yes

Book here

Bopp and tone 

Frock up and celebrate Melbourne Cup in the heart of Wynyard at Bopp & Tone. There will be prizes for best-dressed, so dress to impress!

Embodying every day opulence and grandeur, the lived-in luxury of Bopp & Tone is the perfect destination to gather with friends or colleagues and enjoy the race.

Cost: $190
What: Banquet menu and glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne on arrival.

Book here

Hotel Ravesis

Join Hotel Ravesis for all your race-day excitement.

Enjoy a two-course lunch with bottomless Veuve Clicquot, selected wines, and beers. 

Get in on $5, $10 and $20 sweeps and take in the races on multiple screens throughout the day.

Cost: $170 
What: Two-course lunch with bottomless Veuve Clicquot, selected wines and beers.
Time: 12—3:30pm

Or, if you’re looking for a more casual experience, book a table in the downstairs bar.

Book here: [email protected]  

Bert’s Bar & Brasserie 

Celebrate Melbourne Cup on the Northern Beaches at Bert’s Bar & Brasserie. 

For $250pp you’ll be greeted with a glass of 2010 Dom Pérignon or Kirin on arrival, followed by an exclusive Cup Day menu curated by executive chef, Jordan Toft.

Arrive hungry, settle in, and take in the view.

Cost: $250
From: 12pm 

Book here

Coogee Pavilion 

Spend Cup Day overlooking Coogee Beach at Coogee Pavilion ground floor. 

Enjoy an elegant costal three-course share-style lunch curated by executive chef, Jordan Toft. 

Cost: $170
From: 12pm 

Book here 

SoCal 

Celebrate Melbourne Cup at the Neutral Bay Californian inspired restaurant SoCal. SoCal will be dishing up a tasty SoCali banquet with flowing bubbles to celebrate the big day on their sunny terrace.

With multiple TV’s, sweepstakes and those Californian vibes, find yourself under the palms this Melbourne Cup at SoCal!

Cost: $95
What: Banquet lunch, with a glass of champagne on arrival
Add on’s: add on 2.5-hour beverage package for $55 pp

Book here

Queen Chow Manly 

Make your way to Manly Wharf for a Cantonese feast with a side of sea breeze at Queen Chow Manly.

Tuck into delicious dim sum, sit back, relax, and raise a glass with friends as you take in the water views.

The lavish affair at Queen Chow Manly for the big race will see you enjoying a cocktail on arrival followed by a tasty banquet featuring all your favourites and a matching drinks package.

Cost: $170
From: 12pm 

Book here

THE BOTANIST

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in the leafy suburb of Kirribilli at The Botanist. 

Enjoy a long  and delicious banquet lunch in a venue which acknowledges the history of Kirribilli with a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival and a two and a half hour beverage package.

Cost: $149
What: Banquet lunch, a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival and a two and a half hour beverage package.

Book here

The Amalfi Way

Celebrate Melbourne Cup at Woolloomooloo Wharf’s newest restaurant, The Amalfi Way. 

Spend the afternoon on the wharf with friends overlooking the iconic Sydney views, enjoying Neapolitan five course banquet whilst watching the race that stops the nation. 

Cost: $250
What: Five course banquet lunch, with a glass of champagne on arrival.

Book Here