The Fascinator. The obligatory sweepstakes punt. Suddenly becoming an expert on all things horse racing. When Melbourne Cup Day rolls around there are some tried and true traditions that come with the event. Not to mention the office Melbourne Cup lunch. But what if this year, you forget the norm and forge a new tradition? What if this year you check out some of the best experiences to be had on Melbourne Cup Day in Brisbane?
Here are five of the best Melbourne Cup Day experiences in Brisbane.
Located: 181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Essa Restaurant)
Recently crowned ‘Restaurant of the Year – QLD’ by Gourmet Traveller, Essa is the dining destination. So it’s no surprise that this restaurant is one of the best places to experience Melbourne Cup Day in Brisbane! They’ll be putting on a refined dining package, complete with their signature Essa dishes. Think canapes, caviar and vintage champagne and you’ll only be scratching the surface. With a live DJ and big-screen TVs, you’ll be sure to have a great day out!
Price: $390 per person
Located: Riparian Plaza Level, 71 Eagle St, Brisbane City
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Tillerman)
If it’s dishes like Balmain bug, kingfish, and dutch potato scallops that tempt your tastebuds, look no further than this modern Australian restaurant on the banks of the Brisbane River. Tillerman is providing a sumptuous six-course set menu, tailored wines, and craft beer for the big day. Add to that a riverside setting with stunning city views, and this is sure to be one of the best experiences on offer in Brisbane!
Price: $220 per person.
Located: Shop 10 344 Sandgate Road, Albion
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Vaquero)
What Melbourne Cup dining experience would be complete without champagne specials, sweeps, prizes for the best dressed, not to mention big screen TVs to catch all of the racing action? Spanish restaurant Vaquero has you covered on all fronts! Tuck into pork rillette for entree, wood-fired lamb cutlets for main, and for dessert? A lemon curd meringue, of course! Plus, with the option of adding on a 2.5 hour drinks package, this experience is one not to be missed.
Price: $79 per person.
Located: 63 Skyring Ter, Newstead
Reviews rating: 5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about E’cco Bistro)
The always great foodie favourite, E’cco Bistro, is going all out this Melbourne Cup and putting on an experience that is not to be missed. Expect an amuse bouche and glass of Champagne on arrival, before sitting down to a delectable four-course chef’s menu that features champagne lobster raviolo and confit lamb. There’ll also be fashion in the field prizes, big screen TVs to watch the race that stops the nation, and don’t forget the sweeps so you can get in on the action!
Price: $195 per person.
Located: 28 Market Street, Brisbane City
Reviews rating: 4,5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Malt Dining)
If you can’t make it down to Flemington for the big day, then you might have to opt for a refined dining experience in a luxurious restaurant as the next best thing! Located in the heart of Brisbane’s bustling CBD, Malt Dining will be putting on a special Melbourne Cup Luncheon, with all of your favourite trimmings. Think amuse and cocktail on arrival, a three-course meal, and of course, bubbles flowing all day long.
Price: $99 per person.
If you happen to be in Brisbane and not Melbourne this Cup Day, don’t worry, because there are still plenty of great experiences to be had! From luxurious luncheons to Spanish feasts, there’s something to suit every taste. So get your friends together and start planning your day out!
