Spring Racing Carnival, a three-month world-class festival, showcases the best in racing fashion and entertainment. There’s a lot of excitement at city and country tracks, from Ballarat to Cranbourne to Caulfield to Swan Hill and Geelong up to Moonee Valley. What if you’re unable to make it to the racetrack? What other way can you enjoy Australia’s most celebrated Carnival?
Of course, with good food.
Australia is swept by racing fever from mid-September until mid-November. Restaurants open doors to horse racing fans and fancy dresses and celebrate with elegant luncheons. Fabulous fashion shows are also held. There’s a place near you to enjoy the festivities, no matter where in Australia you are. We’re happy to report that many Good Food Gift Card Partners have joined.
Here are a few of our favorite Melbourne Cup events to get you started. Why go to the racetrack when you can dine in the best restaurants in Australia?
If you are looking for an excellent corporate gift, or to reward your staff during the racing season this year, then a Good Food Gift Card is a great way to do it.
Meat District Co. King St Wharf NSW
Meat District Co., located in Sydney’s King St Wharf, has created a blend of contemporary style and rustic open space that evokes a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
The Melbourne Cup Luncheon will feature a three-course meal with lucky door prizes for only $75 this year. You can also take part in the action with a TAB and internal sweeps nearby.
South Yarra Botanical
The Botanical, located in Melbourne’s most prestigious hotel and adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, has something for everyone. The venue has a formal dining room, an informal wine shop, a cafe, a bar, a lounge, and a charming alfresco-inspired ‘Archer Room. The cuisine celebrates French and Mediterranean, focusing on sustainable and quality produce.
The events will continue throughout Spring Racing Week. They include a la carte dinners and lunches on Derby Day (4th Nov), a 4-course set meal and champagne breakfast on Melbourne Cup Day (07th Nov), and an Oaks Day champagne breakfast (9th Nov). The events will all offer live coverage of the races via their plasma screens.
Bennelong, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Opera House is the perfect place to watch Melbourne Cup. Enjoy a delicious menu created by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore and Head Chef Rob Cockerill while overlooking the Harbour Bridge.
For just $220, guests can enjoy a glass or two of Charles Heidsieck Champagne upon arrival. This will be followed by a three-course lunch menu that uses the best local products. Sweepstakes, door prizes, and fashions from the field will heighten the excitement.
Cataract in Paterson – Launceston TAS
Cataract on Paterson offers a unique dining experience in an industrial setting on the edge of Launceston’s CBD. Contemporary food emphasizes Tasmanian products and is cooked on a 400oC volcano stone right at your table to enhance the flavors of your meal.
The Melbourne Cup event costs $80 per person. Proceeds go to the Launceston General Hospital. The day promises to be fun, with prizes for the best hat and many other chances to place your bets and win prizes.
Sotto Sopra, Newport, NSW
Are you looking for a place to watch the Melbourne Cup in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area? Sotto Sopra, down/up in Italian, is a modern venue in Newport where the kitchen and bar overlook the dining room full of beautiful feasting tables. Alessandro Pavoni, a chef and restaurateur, runs the restaurant with his partners at the Two Hats Restaurant Ormeggio on The Spit. The kitchen is devoted to woodfired Italian cuisine inspired by seasonal, quality produce.
The elegant dining room at the hotel is ideal for enjoying the race while eating a special menu prepared by chefs for $79 each. There will also be sweepstakes and prizes for the best dressed. If you book a six or more guest table, you will also receive a round of Prosecco complimentary on arrival.
Noosaville QLD, Noosa Waterfront Restaurant
Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar offers a classy and contemporary setting to enjoy the Melbourne Cup, with views of tranquil waters and parklands.
This event is an excellent opportunity to gather your favorite groups. With live music, giveaways, and three sharing courses, it’s an event that you will want to get your friends together for. And at $85 per head, there’s still money left over for extra bets if you desire. You want to make it even more special. Arrive by boat on the Noosa River.
Mercado, Sydney, NSW
Executive Chef Nathan Sasi uses traditional cooking techniques like pickling and cheese making. They also make their bread. The daily menu features Spanish-inspired dishes, with ingredients highlighted by rotisseries and wood ovens.
You can enjoy a special menu at $149 per person, which includes Coffin Bay oysters, Moroccan pie with spinach, dandelion, and ricotta, as well as spit-roasted lamb with all the trimmings. There are also sweepstakes, spot prizes, and best-dressed awards to keep you entertained if you can divert your attention from the food.
Otto Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD
OTTO Brisbane is located in the CBD, overlooking the Brisbane River. The Story Bridge and the Brisbane River. It celebrates the best of Australian cuisine with a modern Italian flair. Enjoy a three-course OTTO menu with sweeping views in a stunning outdoor setting on Melbourne Cup Day. The three-course meal is priced at $98, and beverage packages are available for $40 or $65.
You can continue your evening at Bar OTTO, which offers traditional Italian hospitality, including woodfired pizzerias, bubbly cocktails, and tap beer. Live Italian jazz is also available from 3 pm.
Firedoor Restaurant, Surry Hills, NSW
Firedoor is Australia’s very first fire-powered restaurant. The menu sacrifices convenience for the sake of woodfired cooking. The open kitchen is located in Surry Hills’ backstreets within a 1911 heritage-listed building. It features two custom-made woodfired ovens, four grills, and an Australian-made Aga.
Melbourne Cup Day is an excellent opportunity to sit by the fire and watch the field and the kitchen in action. Enjoy champagne upon arrival, a five-course meal cooked over a fire by Chef Lennox Hastie, and sweepstakes.