It’s the race that stops the nation. It also happens to be the race that slows traffic in Flemington to a crawl and throws some serious long queues your way when it’s time to hit the porta-loos. But hey, that’s all part of the fun when you’re planning your Melbourne Cup day out, right? However, you might be looking for a more refined experience this Melbourne Cup. If this sounds like you check out our top picks for the best dining experiences (not at the track!) on Melbourne Cup day.
The top 5 Melbourne Cup experiences in Melbourne.
The Westin Melbourne – Lobby Lounge
Located: 205 Collins Street, Melbourne
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about The Westin Melbourne)
The only address to be spotted at this Cup Day besides Flemington Racecourse, is 205 Collins Street. Located in the heart of the CBD, The Westin Melbourne is a luxurious and modern hotel that has become the go-to place for those who want to be close to all the action on Cup Day. This year, The Westin will offer shared delicacies, chilled Chandon, and a decadent dessert buffet. Make a splash at this high-class Melbourne Cup luncheon and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the Gatsby days.
Price: $149 per person.
Located: 509 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Salted Egg)
Indulge the senses this Melbourne Cup day with a South-East Asian food experience like no other. Chef Adam Woodfield will whip up exquisite Melbourne Cup Day fare featuring Pomelo Betel Leaf and Kingfish with Green Nahm Jim. And if that isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, there will be Pacific oysters and champagne cocktails on arrival as well as free-flowing Piper Heidsieck champagne throughout the day. Truly, a classy way to spend Melbourne Cup Day.
Price: $165 per person.
Located: 77 Acland Street, Level 1, St Kilda
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Flour Child)
This Melbourne Cup Day, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend your day in beautiful St Kilda. Flour Child will be putting on an event to remember. With a dazzling range of delicious canapes served throughout the day, plus bottomless Mumm champagne, you can wine and dine to your heart’s content. Featuring a Glam Bar for those hair and makeup touch-ups throughout the day as well as roaming entertainment and a live DJ, you can be forgiven if the actual horse race slips off your radar!
Price: $155 per person.
Located: 312 Boneo Road, Boneo Park
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Arilla )
If it’s the city you wish to flee, then make your way down the Mornington Peninsula for a more relaxed take on Melbourne Cup. At Arilla, you can enjoy beautiful countryside views while sipping on French champagne and indulging in a beautiful three-course meal. There’ll be prizes for best dressed and best hat, as well as a Cup sweep, of course. But what really sets this event apart is the stunning location. Enjoy the sunshine out on the deck whilst taking in picturesque lake views and you’ll know you’ve made the right choice in attending Arilla’s Melbourne Cup event.
Price: $115 per person.
Located: 15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Elwood Bathers)
Elwood might be home to a more relaxed vibe but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to put on a good show for Melbourne Cup. Attending the Elwood Bathers Melbourne Cup do will give you the chance to tuck into an exquisitely crafted three-course set menu as well as partake in a flutter on the Bather’s sweep. Once you have sampled the freshly shucked oysters for entree and delighted in crispy-skinned John Dory for main, you’ll gaze over beautiful Elwood beach, drink in hand, and think to yourself, ‘this is the life’.
Price: $140 per person.
Enjoying the Melbourne Cup in style doesn’t have to mean heading out to Flemington Racecourse. If you’re looking for an alternative and refined Melbourne Cup Day experience, then any one of these five events is sure to fit the bill. So get dolled up, grab your friends, and enjoy a day of fun, food, and frivolity!
