The odds of picking a winning Melbourne Cup event are definitely in your favour. Start picking your floral ‘fit – the best spots are racing out the door!
DON YOUR FINEST FASHION AT BACCHUS RESTAURANT
You already know Bacchus Restaurant does a stunning high tea, but for Melbourne Cup? Expect the finest bespoke menu of sweet and savoury treats with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. While you graze and catch live racing from the fields of Flemington, you’ll have a blast with sweeps and lucky door prizes in partnership with JDRF, the leading supporter of type 1 diabetes research globally (punting for a good cause? Absolutely). On your marks, high tea lovers – this event sells out every year, so get ahead of the pack and lock in your spot.
SIP WATERSIDE AT RIVERBAR & KITCHEN
Where better to watch the race that stops the nation from your waterfront spot at Riverbar & Kitchen? This Melbourne Cup, choose from a three-hour drinks package with delectable canapés or the luxe seated lunch with three courses. The seated lunch is available for $79 per person, featuring entrées and sides perfect to share, and your choice of main with options like Infinity Blue Barramundi, gran-fed strip loin, or fluffy potato gnocchi. No matter your position, you’ll be able to catch the race live and loud on the big screens while enjoying Riverbar’s fare. Don your fascinators and make your booking, stat! Book your spot here.
GET YOUR LUNCH ON AT MODA RESTAURANT
Spanish fare to go with Melbourne Cup flair? Sign us up. Moda Restaurant, located at The Barracks, is hosting a three-course lunch from 12pm this race day, available for $95pp with an optional four-hour beverage package for an additional $95pp. With drinks like traditional Spanish sangria, Aperol spritzes, espresso martinis, sparkling wine and more, it would be hard to pass up! There’ll be prizes for best dressed and multiple screens showcasing the big race – we’re chomping at the bit, for sure. Bookings can be made here.
Party the afternoon away at the Regatta Hotel
It’s time to don your finest fascinators and best suits because the Regatta Hotel is pulling out all the stops for Melbourne Cup this year! For $160 a pop, you’ll be treated to a 3-hour feast of roaming canapés, an oyster station, grazing boxes and, of course, bottomless bevvies – sip, savour and celebrate. With live music from a DJ to keep things pumping, a fashion on the field competition, and best-dressed bragging rights up for grabs, it’s the place to be when the race that stops the nation kicks off. The event’s happening on Tuesday 5 November from 12-3pm in their stunning Winterford Room—so get in quick before you’re left watching the race from your couch. For those looking for a pre or post event sip or snack, the main bar and courtyard is also open.
ESCAPE TO THE URBAN JUNGLE OF SOUTHSIDE
Located in the lush jungle of Fish Lane Town Square, Southside Restaurant is hosting a four-course Cup Day Banquet for $229pp, with the option to add on bottomless Perrier-Jouët Champagne for $60pp. The lunch will be full of action with sweeps, surprise prizes, fashions in the jungle, and a post-race afterparty at Kiki. You can’t say neigh to this race day feast.
HAVE A SPRING FLING AT THE PRINCE CONSORT
The Prince Consort will get your senses racing in the enchanting Parlour Bar and Garden Bar. Don your finest fashions for scrumptious canapés and grazing stations, four hours of flowing sips, and live entertainment during and after the big race. Your $170 ticket includes trackside tipples like G.H Mumm Champagne, frozen margaritas, Aperol spritzes and plenty more. Trot over to The Prince Consort’s website to check out the full offering!
CATCH THE RACE FROM CLAW BBQ
Lovers of everything Flemington will have a field day at Claw BBQ on King St. Watch the race that stops the nation from one of their mega screens and several TV’s around the crab shack, with premium views from anywhere in the venue. Your ticket price of $99pp not only earns you entry to the electric atmosphere, but you’ll also have a two-hour beverage package plus American canapés.
LOCK IN YOUR SPOT AT ESTABLISHMENT 203
Drinks, dining, and the thrill of the race – very fitting for the restaurant which operates under the motto ‘it’s that simple’. Enjoy a three-course lunch, toast to the race with flowing Laurent-Perrier Champagne, and soak in the excitement. While the menu is being kept under wraps, rest assured that your ticket price of $350pp will put you in a winning position.
YOUR GLAM DAY AWAITS AT FATCOW
Dress to impress, folks – you’ve got an indulgent Melbourne Cup package ahead of you. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, setting the tone for an afternoon of glamour. To match your floral frock, the venue will be adorned in vibrant decor with live race screenings and a DJ to get you strutting your stuff. If you haven’t checked out Fatcow since its reopening on James St, this is the perfect chance to get acquainted.
GET FANCY AT TILLERMAN RESTAURANT
At Tillerman, you’ll have a seven-course seafood feast that’s as stylish as your race day outfit, paired with a 3-hour premium beverage package featuring French Champagne – because nothing says ‘race day’ like bubbles. With live race coverage, fashion comps (hello, Best Fascinator!), and a photo booth to capture the glam, it’s the ultimate place to celebrate in grand style. Tickets are $295, but the memories? Priceless.
SIP SKY HIGH AT FIUME ROOFTOP BAR
Located atop Crystalbrook Vincent at Howard Smith Wharves, Fiume is your destination for stunning views while you take in all the race day action. Tickets are $139pp with VIP packages going for $239, which includes exclusive access to the Taittinger VIP Lounge, premium champagne and spirits for three hours, and a “ring for champagne” wall that’ll look excellent on your Insta feed. And don’t worry, the canapés will be roaming in packs throughout the day, with live cooking stations to keep you fuelled.
GALLOP TO DONNA CHANG
Donna says, spend Cup Day in the most luxurious way! Watch the big race from the height of luxury while you indulge in a handcrafted exclusive banquet and 3.5-hour beverage package for $240pp. The banquet menu is just as high-class as you would expect from Donna Chang, with highlights including prawn and chive spring rolls, roast duck and mushroom san choy bao, steamed barramundi with ginger and shallots, plus mango pancake for dessert.
From soaking up sunshine to adorning your brightest floral prints, we think it goes without saying that it’s time to embrace the season with a day of frills and fascinators.
