Get ready, Sydney – the most exciting day on Australia’s sporting and social calendar is fast approaching! While the Melbourne Cup may be run at Flemington, the celebrations are just as glamourous and lively right here in Sydney. From waterfront lunches to rooftop soirees, Sydney’s dining scene comes alive with champagne toasts, fashion flair, and screens tuned to every gallop.
Whether you’re planning a lunch with colleagues, a festive catch – up with friends, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere in style, we’ve rounded up the best places in Sydney to wine, dine, and celebrate the Melbourne Cup in unforgettable fashion.
Shell House
Tuesday 4 November 2025
From 11:30am onwards
Celebrate the Race That Stops The nation at Shell House with four distinct experiences:
Menzies bar & Bistro | $175 per person
Dine on a delicious, shared banquet menu in the bistro starting from 12:00pm.
Complimentary spritz on arrival.
Dining Room & Terrace | $275 per person
5-course shared menu curated by Culinary Director Joel Bickford & Head Chef Brad Guest.
Includes champagne on arrival with reservations starting from 11:30am.
Sky Bar | $170 per person
Sip and snack the afternoon away with a stunning collection of canapes and cocktails and enjoy the skyline views as the sun sets.
Canape party from 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Clocktower Bar | Private Dining | Enquire for details
Enjoy an intimate long lunch or cocktail party exclusive to you and your group. Includes private bar, sommelier, a large screen to watch the race and dedicated waitstaff looking after you on the day.
The After Party | Complimentary access for all ticketholders
Continue the celebrations late into the night with the Official After Party in Sky Bar, kicking off straight after the race and continuing late into the evening. Features a stellar line up of Sydney’s best DJs to soundtrack the evening. Starting at 3:30pm until late.
Chiswick Woollahra
Tuesday 4 November 2025
From 12pm onwards
$175 per person
Chiswick’s dining room will showcase a stunning Melbourne Cup four-course menu; inspired, as ever, by seasonality and their garden’s abundance. Come for a warm welcome with a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, perfect to raise a glass to the race with, and immerse yourself in the action on the big screens whilst overlooking the kitchen garden and lawns.
*Bookings include a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, as well as the exclusive Melbourne Cup share menu*
Café Sydney
Tuesday 4 November 2025
Reservations from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
$295 per person
Celebrate Melbourne Cup 2025 in style with a sparkling three-course lunch at Cafe Sydney. Enjoy Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut on arrival, fashion highlights led by media icon Melissa Hoyer and Todd Cummins, and a chance to win exclusive “money can’t buy” prizes – all set against stunning harbour views.
Woodcut, Crown Sydney
Tuesday 4 November 2025
From 12:30pm – 4:30pm
$240 per person | 4-course food menu
$110 per person | Beverage package available
Dine at Sydney’s most electric waterside venue for the race that stops the nation
Dress in your finest for an indulgent long lunch on Sydnye Harbour as Chef and owner, Ross Lusted hosts show – stopping Melbourne Cup festivities.
A true showcase event, Woodcut’s annual Melbourne Cup lunch ticket includes a glass of champagne on arrival, four-course lunch menu curated by Chef Ross Lusted, a live DJ, breath-taking floral entrance, races streamed live on big screens, sweepstakes and exclusive prizes for best dressed.
Icebergs
Tuesday 4 November 2025
From 12:00pm
$250 per person
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in style at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar with a premium lunch experience presented by Veuve Clicquot. The experience features a bespoke set menu created by Head Chef Alex Prichard and a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival. Set above the iconic Bondi Beach, Icebergs offers beautiful ocean views that provide the perfect backdrop for the race day celebrations.
Cup Day with Merivale
Tuesday 4 November 2025
Starting from 12pm onwards
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day at your favourite Merivale venues.
The Paddington | $150 per person
Experience a relaxed Cup Day in the heart of Paddington and enjoy a delicious banquet menu, plus a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Kirin Ichiban on arrival. Optional bottomless beverage package available for $65 per person.
Felix | $250 per person
Wander down Ash Street and you’ll enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or a Kirin Ichiban on arrival, followed by a classic three-course French feast with canapés. Optional bottomless beverage package available for $100 per person.
Hotel Centennial | $195 per person
Enjoy the refined comfort of Hotel Centennial for Melbourne Cup. Indulge in a three-course Mediterranean-inspired share-style lunch, expertly crafted by Ben Greeno, with a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Kirin Ichiban on arrival.
Optional bottomless beverage package available for $100 per person.
Mr. Wong | à la carte
This Cup Day, indulge in our full à la carte menu by Dan Hong, featuring signature dishes like crisp Peking duck, delicate handmade dim sum, and wok-tossed seafood classics. Pair your feast with a cocktail or a bottle from our extensive wine list, and let the buzz of the day carry on long after the race is run.
Totti’s Rozelle | $200 per person
Celebrate Cup Day Italian style in Rozelle and enjoy a delicious shared menu, featuring Totti’s signature dishes as well as a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV or Kirin Ichiban on arrival. Catch all the action on the big screen in our stunning sunlit space. Optional bottomless beverage package available for $70 per person.
Mimi’s | $425 per person
Framed by stunning arched windows, mimi’s offers a unique oceanside dining experience that simply can’t be beaten. You’ll start with a glass of Dom Pérignon or Kirin Ichiban, as well as a premium banquet menu, designed by executive chef Jordan Toft. Relax as the breeze rolls in and the day unfolds.