What’s On In Sydney This Melbourne Cup

Sydney / 16 October 2024
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What’s On In Sydney This Melbourne Cup

Sydney / 16 October 2024

Gather your team for a Melbourne Cup get-together with fantastic food and drink packages across Sydney.

No matter your take on the Melbourne Cup, it’s undeniably the perfect excuse to gather your work crew and explore a great Sydney venue. Whether you’re after the laid-back vibe of a lively pub or a more refined dining experience at a top restaurant, we’ve got a list you can hand straight to your boss or events planner.

Shell House (CBD)

This multi-level venue known for its glamorous setting and exceptional cuisine is the perfect spot to celebrate the Melbourne Cup in style. With stunning backdrops across each level, you’ll have multiple ways to enjoy the day.

Take your pick from four exciting options, with plenty of big screens to catch all the race action. Dress to impress for your chance to win prizes. Down at Menzies Bar, enjoy a shared banquet for $125 per person, featuring dishes like fresh focaccia and tuna crudo, veal tortellini, and dry-aged hanger steak. For a more indulgent experience, the Dining Room is offering a 5-course shared menu curated by Culinary Director Joel Bickford, priced at $275 per person. If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, Sky Bar is serving up canapés for $170 per person.

No matter where you choose to celebrate, every level includes a complimentary drink on arrival and exclusive access to the Official Afterparty at Sky Bar. Find out more here,

Callao (Barangaroo)

A new dining experience has arrived at Barangaroo, offering an exciting fusion of Nikkei cuisine—blending Japanese and Peruvian flavours and techniques. This spot is perfect if you’re looking to impress a team of foodies, with the bonus of stunning harbour views.

For the Melbourne Cup, the restaurant is offering a four-course feast for just $129 per person, complete with live race screenings, internal sweeps, and prizes for the best dressed. To take your experience to the next level, you can add a premium beverage package for $80 per person. The menu features mouth-watering dishes like tempura with saltbush, sashimi, wagyu tartare, and chuck tail flap with yuzu kosho butter, plus much more. Find out more here.

Casa Esquina (Balmain)

Casa Esquina, the latest venture from the team behind Tequila Mockingbird and Esteban, has quickly become a favourite in Balmain since opening earlier this year. Known for its vibrant Argentinian cuisine and famous Sunday Asado Sessions, it’s the perfect place to celebrate this Melbourne Cup.

Casa Esquina offers two exciting ways to enjoy the day, with big screens showing all the race action and best-dressed prizes up for grabs. In the Courtyard, you can soak up a lively atmosphere with a DJ and a delicious grazing-style snack menu for $70 per person, featuring Sydney rock oysters, salmon ceviche, pulled lamb croquetas, porchetta sliders, and more. For a more refined experience, head upstairs for a multi-course set menu at $90 per person, where you’ll indulge in plates like dry-aged mulloway and Kiwami full-blood wagyu skirt 9+ with chimichurri. Grey Goose cocktails will keep the party going, with beverage packages starting at $65 per person. Find out more here.

Hickson House (The Rocks)

If you’re looking for a unique Melbourne Cup experience, why not head to one of Sydney’s top distilleries? This stylish venue is sure to impress, with its stunning chandeliers, two-level space, and a striking wall showcasing their premium, house-made gin.

From 12-3pm, enjoy the race on the big screen while indulging in a Race Day Lunch that kicks off with a welcome Pearl Martini. The menu features shared entrees like tiger prawns and Sydney rock oysters, followed by modern Australian mains such as slow-roasted lamb shoulder and barramundi. The package includes three hours of drinks, including wines, their signature Hickson House Gin, and a selection of beers, all for just $155 per person. Find out more here.

Above Eight (Hurstville)

Escape the city madness this Melbourne Cup and head to Above 8 Rooftop in Hurstville! Enjoy live entertainment, a delicious selection of canapés, a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival, plus a chance to win $1,000 in prizes.

Exclusive for Eat Drink Play: Bookings of 4+ people will score a complimentary bottle of Champagne (valued at $120) to take home. Simply select “Eat Drink Play” during checkout to claim your bottle.
Terms apply: Offer valid for takeaway only. One bottle per booking. Book here.

If you’re in the Georges River or Menai area, don’t miss the exciting Melbourne Cup events at their partner venues, waterfront Georges River 16ft Sailing Club and Club Central Menai!

Both feature an incredible lineup of activities, scrumptious food and drinks, live entertainment, and fabulous prizes to make your day unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the excitement! 🎉

Bar Patrón (Circular Quay)

Situated harbourside with a front-row view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bar Patrón offers a quintessential Sydney dining experience. This chic restaurant is renowned for its modern Mexican cuisine and an impressive selection of tequila-fueled cocktails. If you’re looking for an upscale Mexican feast with a stunning backdrop for photos, this is the place to be!

For Melbourne Cup, they’re offering a special package with multiple paired courses, a two-hour beverage package, and a margarita on arrival to kick off the celebrations. The menu features delicious items like Sydney rock oysters, classic guacamole, prawn tacos, and a 600g Portoro ribeye with chimichurri, among many other mouthwatering options. Drink options include unlimited white wine, red wine, rosé, sparkling wine, beers, and soft drinks. Find out more here.

El Camino Cantina (The Rocks)

If you’re looking for a fiesta this Melbourne Cup, head to El Camino Cantina on Argyle Street. Nestled in the heart of The Rocks, you’ll be welcomed by good vibes, bright colours, and a lively atmosphere. With great music, a frozen margarita in hand, and a sombrero atop your head, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time.

Join them on Melbourne Cup day starting at noon for the Saddle Up Package. This includes a set menu of signature dishes like guacamole, pulled pork tacos, churros, and two hours of drinks, featuring margaritas, beers, wines, and tap beer. Enjoy best-dressed prizes, live DJs, and big screens to catch all the action! Find out more here.

Winghaus (Circular Quay, Entertainment Quarter & Barangaroo)

As the name suggests, Winghaus is all about wings, making it the ideal spot for comfort food and a lively sports bar atmosphere this Melbourne Cup. With 40 beers on tap and 20 screens throughout the venue, you won’t miss a moment of the action!

Reserve a table from 12-3pm to enjoy the Makybe Diva Package. For 3-hours, indulge in endless wings with various sauces, juicy chicken and beef sliders, and signature sides. The package also includes Chandon Brut, Chandon Garden Spritz, and a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win one of two $100 Best Dressed Vouchers at each venue. Find out more here.

Harper Rooftop (CBD)

Sydney’s hottest new rooftop on Pitt Street is the place to be this Melbourne Cup. If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, this rooftop offers the perfect mix of sunshine, DJ tunes, and race day action.

Choose from two seating options, both paired with a three-hour beverage package. For $135 per person, go for standing with roaming canapés like sliders, prawn toast, and arancini, or opt for seated dining and enjoy a shared menu. The beverage package includes classic selections like Veuve Argent Sparkling, La Vieille Ferme Rosé, Lark Hill Riesling, Rising Pinot Noir, and Peroni beers. Find out more here.

We’ll be added to our guide as we see more offers pop up across Sydney that we love! Got something to promote? Email newsletter@eatdrinkplay.com.

Sponsored Love. This post is proudly brought to you in partnership with venues across Sydney. Thank you for supporting the partners that make Eat Drink Play possible.