Five great venues for a Melbourne Cup lunch

For fresh seafood, fab cocktails and festive vibes this Cup Day, look no further than North Bondi Fish. Located just a stone’s throw from the northern end of the world-famous beach (yes, the views are insanely good), this casual eatery is offering a shared four-course lunch for keen punters. It’s $155 per person, and you’ll even score a signature cocktail upon arrival. The big race will be broadcast across multiple large screens, and there will be best dressed and lucky door prizes, too. It’s proven to be a hugely popular event in the past, so book now to avoid disappointment.

If you think the most glamorous place to be come November 1 is the exclusive Birdcage marquee at Flemington Racecourse, try again. Acclaimed harbourside restaurant Aria is bringing a touch of trackside luxury to Sydney with a sumptuous four-course spring menu by executive chef Tom Gorringe. The doors open at 12pm – be sure to collect your welcome glass of Ruinart Champagne on the way in – and there will be sweeps and a best dressed competition. At $350 per person it’s not the cheapest option on the list, but for those keen to splurge this sure is the winning bet.

When it comes to throwing a raucous Melbourne Cup party, no venue does it better than the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay. This year, you have a choice between two packages: a three-course, sit-down lunch with a glass of Veuve Clicquot ($110 per person), or a cocktail-style spread with grazing station, canapé service and a glass of Chandon rosé ($75 per person). Saddle up for a day of fun, excitement and colour, complete with live acoustic music, sweeps, best dressed prizes and the race shown live on big screens. Best of all, there will be DJs playing long after the Cup is won and done, so don’t expect an early night.

Name a better backdrop to watch the Melbourne Cup than Sydney Harbour – we’ll wait. Set right on the water’s edge overlooking all the city’s most famous icons, Opera Bar is hosting a race day event that is sure to dazzle and delight those in attendance. For just $75 per person you can enjoy roving canapés, live music and sweeps, plus best dressed and lucky door prizes. This special offer is only for groups of 20 people or more (office bonding sesh, anyone?), but walk-ins are welcome and the normal Opera Bar menu will also be available on the day.

Talk about being spoiled for choice. At the sleek and sophisticated Barangaroo House, there is not one but two Cup Day functions to choose from. On the ground level you’ll find the sun-drenched House Bar, which is treating guests to barbecue kushiyaki, cold seafood stations and a slushie cocktail for just $95 per person. Upstairs on the rooftop is uber-chic Smoke – a New York City-inspired bar that boasts views of the Sydney skyline. It’s $240 per person up here, and for that price you can gorge on a generous parade of canapés and free-flowing beverages.