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.
Bar Lettera, North Sydney
Not into Melbourne Cup but still keen for an afternoon of great food and drinks? Skip the Cup, not the cocktails, at Bar Lettera. This year, the team is ditching the race-day screens and extending Negroni Hour instead. On Tuesday, 4 November, from 2–6pm, enjoy $15 signature Negronis and creative twists, $8 beers, $12 wines, and $2 oysters all afternoon long.
No set menus, no bookings, just good drinks, great food, and that effortlessly chic Bar Lettera atmosphere.
Book here.
The Squires Landing (Circular Quay)
For unbeatable views and first-class fare this Melbourne Cup, The Squires Landing delivers a harbourside experience like no other. Perched on the edge of Circular Quay, with sweeping views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, this two-level venue offers two distinct ways to celebrate the big day.
Opt for the Brewhouse Cocktail Party ($149pp) and soak up the harbour breeze with a glass in hand as you enjoy a three-hour beverage package featuring James Squire’s signature brews and house wines. Roaming canapés like Iberico jamon serrano crostini, potato-spun prawns with saffron aioli, and bay bug brioche rolls set the tone for a relaxed yet refined afternoon. For those after a more indulgent experience, the Seated Waterfront Lunch ($115pp) in the dining room offers a glass of bubbles on arrival and a three-course shared menu celebrating the best of Australian produce — think wood-roasted peaches with burrata, char-grilled Angus sirloin, and crispy skin barramundi, finishing with the Summer Bowl dessert of peach, mango, and white chocolate.
Book here.
Darling Pavilion
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in true harbourside style at Darling Pavilion, where city skyline views, lush greenery, and open-air energy set the scene for a lively afternoon. Kick things off with fresh oysters and a seasonal spritz on arrival, followed by a bottomless drinks package and a steady flow of roaming canapés — think popcorn bug sliders, lamb souvlaki skewers, and three cheese tartufo cavatelli.
As the races wrap up, the live DJ from 3pm keeps the party going into the evening. Choose from Standard tickets ($119pp) or upgrade to a Cabana ($129pp) for reserved seating with your crew. For a day of glamour, good vibes, and unbeatable harbourside views, Darling Pavilion is where you’ll want to be.
Book here.
Infinity Residence, Manly Pacific
For those seeking a Melbourne Cup celebration that redefines luxury, The Infinity Residence at Manly Pacific offers a private, oceanfront escape like no other. Perched high above Manly Beach, this 177sqm residence with a 100sqm terrace boasts sweeping ocean views, Coco Republic interiors, and an atmosphere of pure seaside sophistication — the perfect setting for an exclusive gathering of up to 30 guests.
Your experience begins with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, caviar bumps, freshly shucked oysters, and premium canapés, all soundtracked by an acoustic live musician. Enjoy private race viewing in a serene, sunlit space designed entirely around your vision — whether it’s an elegant lunch or a lively cocktail affair. Packages start from $300 per guest (minimum spend $10,000), with optional styling, catering, and live broadcast enhancements to make it truly your own.
Enquire here
Alegre, CBD
Celebrate Melbourne Cup 2025 with Alegre Bar & Dining, where bold Mexican flavours and tequila-fuelled fun take centre stage. Partnering with El Tequileno Tequila, this harbourside hotspot promises a lively afternoon of margaritas, shared banquet dining, and sweeping race-day views.
Tickets are $149 per person, including a 5-course shared banquet featuring alternating mains, with optional beverage packages from $59–$99 offering wine, beer, soft drinks, and margaritas in flavours like Classic, Tommy’s, Passionfruit, and Strawberry. Enjoy sweepstakes, best-dressed prizes, and live entertainment, with multiple screens so you won’t miss a second of the action.
Book here.
The Apollo, Potts Point
This Melbourne Cup, step off the track and into the vibrant world of modern Greek hospitality at The Apollo, Potts Point. Whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a lively long lunch, the neighbourhood favourite offers Champagne, shared feasts, and a joyful, unhurried pace that perfectly captures Cup Day spirit.
The $160pp experience includes a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, a shared Melbourne Cup banquet, live race screening, sweeps, best-dressed prizes, and DJ entertainment. Expect a procession of Greek favourites, from Taramasalata with Village Bread to Saganaki with Honey, Grilled Lamb Cutlets, and Metaxa Ice Cream Sandwiches, all served with flair and warmth. Celebrate Cup Day the Greek way and soak up the lively atmosphere of this Potts Point gem.
Book 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.
