The Australian Open (AO) lures the tennis world’s biggest names Down Under. It also attracts some of the country’s finest chefs to offer spectators mouthwatering dishes that they don’t have to leave Melbourne Park for. Here’s where (and what) to eat at the AO this year. 

Tanqueray Bar at Green Square

No, you’re not at Wimbledon. You’re someplace better! This year, Tanqueray has partnered with the Australian Open so you can sip on gin and tonics while players battle it out. Tiny cucumber sandwiches not included.

What to order: Gin and tonics, gin and sodas, gin any way you like so long as it’s Tanqueray.

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Bar Atrium

We weren’t kidding when we said the AO was bringing some of the country’s best chefs to Melbourne Park. Chef Tom Sarafian will bring his multi-course Lebanese flavours to the AO at brunch with a curated drinks menu by The Everleigh.

What to order: Trout fatteh with crisp fried flatbread.

AO Stokehouse at Glasshouse

Popular Melbourne restaurant, Stokehouse, will open up at Glasshouse in Melbourne Park just in time for the finals. The space will be transformed into a warm and intimate restaurant by bringing the coastal essence of seaside Melbourne to the inner city sport metropolis of Richmond.

What to order: Yellowfin tuna belly and melon bite. Of course, the famous tennis ball dessert.

Penfolds’ Restaurant at Centrepiece

Coming back for its third consecutive year, Penfolds’ Restaurant will return to the Centrepiece building and be offering a refined menu that is perfectly paired with wines in a lush setting that will over deliver on the wow factor.

What to order: House-made crumpet with Kangaroo Island honey, chives, smoked trout butter and Yarra Valley trout roe.

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Bar Superbox by Nick & Nora’s

This is one for the tennis fanatics. The Superbox on Level 4 at Rod Laver Arena is an exclusive private box that is yours for a day or night session that has an unbeatable vantage point. It includes a six-hour beverage package and canape-style dining. Mixing drinks and heading the kitchen will be Melbourne cocktail institution Nick & Nora’s. The Superbox has been designed and styled to replicate a speakeasy, so expect glamour. 

What to order: Nick & Nora’s X AO Spritz

Piper Heidsieck Champagne Bar

A glass of bubbles is always within reach at the AO. Piper Heidsieck will have bars set up at the Rod Laver Arena Terrace, Dressing Room (for guests with court seats) and on both levels of the Atrium by Nomad. We’ll cheers to that!

What to order: Piper Heidsieck bubbles, of course. 

Salamatea at Grand Slam Oval

Owned and operated by Hamed Allahyari, social enterprise restaurant Salamatea will serve fresh Persian favourites including falafel wraps, smoky grilled meats, and smooth soulful dips.

What to order: Kashk bademjan, a smoked eggplant with liquid whey.

Lygon Street Italian

What to order: The King & Godfree polpette (Italian meatballs) on panini with Napoli tomato sauce and scamorza cheese. 

Fusion Feast at John Cain Arena

Fusion Feast will bring the heat to John Cain Arena with a talented line-up of chefs dishing up a buffet-style Asian feast. Food stations featuring dishes from some of Melbourne’s top chefs and restaurants including Ross Magnaye from Serai, Jessi Singh from Daughter In Law, Diana Chan, Kantaro Okada from Hareruya Pantry, and Scott Lord from Moonhouse.

What to order: Jessi Singh’s Daughter In Law tandoori chicken with buttered corn masala and confit shallot, peas and paneer.

Lightyears at the Grand Slam Oval

It looks like the Lightyears group is moving at lightening speed – with locations in Byron Bay, Newcastle, Noosa, and now Melbourne’s Grand Slam Oval. The laid back diner is serving up some seriously good eats at this year’s Australian Open that are worthy of a pitstop before the next set.

What to order: The Korean fried chicken or fish bao. Fluffy, crunchy, sweet and addictive.

Peach Gelato at Kia Arena

We know that it gets hot in Melbourne (and rainy, and windy, and sunny) so when you’re after a touch of sweet or something to cool down with, head to Peach Gelato at the Kia Arena.

What to order: The peach gelato, of course. Made with vanilla, raspberry and peach, it’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a summer’s day.

AO Courtside Bar

The AO Courtside Bar AKA the Party Court may be causing a few headaches for players – who have said it’s like playing tennis in a nightclub – but some of the offerings are worth raving about.

What to order: Joel Bennett’s prawn roll with cocktail sauce on a brioche bun.

The Peroni Capri Beach Club

Yes we’re here for the tennis but at a certain point, the gin and tonics have got to go and a dash to the beach is called for. And when we say beach, we obviously mean the Peroni Capri Beach Club, a Mediterranean-inspired bar to wash down Mediterranean-inspired lager.

What to order: Peroni, duh!

Terrazza Aperol

It goes without saying that if there’s a sunny day, we’re ready for a spritz. Head to Terrazza Aperol at the Grand Slam Oval for a little slice of Italia and more than a couple of Aperol Spritz’s.

What to order: Come on, if we have to tell you…

The Australian Open will run from January 16-29. Book tickets via, ausopen.com

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