The Best Ways To Celebrate Melbourne Cup In 2021

Bars, Drink, Eat, Guide, Play, Sydney / 20 October 2021
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The Best Ways To Celebrate Melbourne Cup In 2021

Bars, Drink, Eat, Guide, Play, Sydney / 20 October 2021

Discover where the best set menus are to help you indulge on your afternoon off.

There’s never been a better time to get your friends together and this Melbourne Cup, restaurants across Sydney are putting on their best set menu experiences. We’ve rounded up some delicious options for you to choose from below.


El Camino Cantina, The Rocks

If you’re after all things guac, cheese and margaritas, head to El Camino Cantina for a Tex-Mex feast. Their Melbourne Cup Party will run between 1pm and 3pm for just $89pp. It includes a two-hour spread with a drinks package that spans legendary Margaritas served frozen and on the rocks, as well as tap beer, and house wine. The food menu features a Trio Of Dips and Tortilla Chips, Spice Buffalo and BBQ Chicken Wings, Nacho Bowls, Assorted Tacos, Churros with Chocolate and Carmel Dipping Sauce and more. If that wasn’t enough, there will be live music, DJs and large screens to watch the race that stops a nation. Book your table here


Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour

Fratelli Fresh is hosting a Melbourne Cup Lawn Party from 12pm to 3pm. Enjoy the spacious alfresco dining area and a series of pop-up bars serving spritzes, frosé, wines, bubbles and beers. There will be live music from DJs and acoustic artists, prizes for best-dressed guests and eight large-screen TVs to watch the race. For $125pp, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour lunch featuring share dishes including Grazing Platters, Prawn Cocktails, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Roast Chicken, Lemon and Hazelnut Pie, and more. The package also includes your choice of free-flowing cocktails, wines or beers. Book your table here


Opera Bar

If you’re after iconic Sydney views this Melbourne Cup, we’d go to Opera Bar under the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Guests will enjoy a two-course lunch and glass of Moet Champagne on arrival for just $85pp. There will be live music from midday and a prize for the best dressed. Book a table here


Osteria Coogee

Flock to Coogee Beach for a decadent Italian feast by the sea. For $110pp, you’ll get a glass of prosecco on arrival and a specially designed 4-course menu. The menu features dishes including Oysters with Soy Truffle Aquapazza, Cassarece with Spanner Crab, Spatchcock with Sage Butter, Crispy Potatoes with Confit Garlic and more. They’ve also got a killer cocktails list to keep you boozed up including the Sicilian Margarita and Negroni. Find out more here


Barangaroo House

If you’re looking for a multi-level experience, we’d head to Barangaroo House. You’ll be able to party by the water in the sun-flooded House Bar, eat your way through BEA restaurant and ascend the stairs to Smoke Rooftop. House Bar has a 90pp shared menu featuring their signature bites and a Chandon Garden Spritz on arrival. BEA Restaurant has a $145pp menu with a fuss-free share feast everyone will love and a Fever-Tree & Belvedere Spritz on arrival. Smoke Rooftop has a $115pp menu including a parade of share plates and a FeverTree & Belvedere Spritz on arrival. Book your table here


Mejico, CBD

Mejico will be putting on a Mexican-inspired feast alongside a 2-hour beverage package for just $95 per person. The menu features Mejico’s signature dishes including Jalapeno Poppers, Corn Ribs and Pulled Brisket Taco and more. All the dishes are designed to be shared and bring your team closer together. The beverage package will include your choice of wine, sangria, beer or soft drink so everyone at the table is satisfied. There will also be full race coverage in the restaurant. Find out more here

Il Pontile, Woolloomooloo Wharf

If you’re after waterside dining with an Italian twist, we’d go to Il Pontile. The new venue is set to open later this month, just in time for you to get your first visit in for the Melbourne Cup. Chef Mario Percuoco has created a special set menu experience featuring Octopus, Oysters and Zucchini Flowers to share. This will be followed by Paccheri Alla Nerano and Rigatoni Alla Genovese. You’ll also get your Pistachio Crusted Tuna Medallion, Tiramisu and more. Find out more here


Bopp & Tone, CBD

If you don’t want to walk too far from the office, Bopp & Tone is putting on the ultimate banquet feast in the CBD. The special shared Melbourne Cup menu includes Bopp & Tone favourites such as their Scallop Crudo, Spatchcock, Westholme Wagyu Rump Cap MB9 and Chocolate Parfait. The package is $199pp and includes the full set menu and glass of G.H. Mumm on arrival. Find out more here


Forrester’s, Surry Hills

Looking for a more relax, pub experience? Forrester’s will be serving a tasty shared banquet for just $55. The menu features delicious dishes such as Butternut Squash Dip, Spiced Chilli Lamb Skewers, Crumbed Snapper and more. For those that want to get boozy, add a 2-hour beverage package for an extra $52 per person or a 3 hour beverage package for an extra $72 per person. Find out more here

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