Tennis fans rejoice: the illustrious Australian Open has returned. While for sports lovers it’s certainly one of the country’s most revered sporting occasions, the food offering here is also strong. In fact, it could be rather a foodie foray for those who find the on-court action not so stimulating, according to Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.

“Our team has put together an incredible variety of food and hospitality experiences and we can’t wait to showcase the incredible chefs, restaurants and dining options at Australian Open 2019,” he says. “There truly is something for everyone.” But where exactly do you begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:

Barilla, Australia
Looking for your carb fix before the big game? As the official pasta partner of the Australian Open, the pop-up restaurant has already sold in excess of 100kg of the stuff to fans each day. In a menu created by executive chef Andrea Tranchero, dishes include several Italian favourites, from penne rigate to linguine alla Genovese. “We’re excited to be returning to the Australian Open in 2019 to celebrate our continuing partnership with tennis champion Roger Federer,” says the managing director of Barilla Australia, Terry Ryan. “We look forward to bringing our authentic Italian restaurant experience to Grand Slam Oval, where executive chef Andrea Tranchero has prepared an outstanding menu of delicious pasta dishes for tennis fans to enjoy.”

Club Aperol
A major partner of the Australian Open, Club Aperol is a fixture on the grounds. A staggering 60,000 Aperol Spritz are sold every year at the event – perhaps no real surprise considering the drink is ideally suited to the typically sweltering temperatures of the event. This year will mark Aperol’s 100th birthday, which the Italian aperitif will celebrate with the return of outdoor-style oasis Club Aperol. Think VIP European-style cabanas, an Aperol Combi-van, live DJs, a curated food offering of charcuterie and cheese boards, and woodfired pizzas from Melbourne’s acclaimed 400 Gradi.

The Food Truck Park
Sitting within the AO Live Stage is an impressive collection of food trucks guaranteed to fulfil your takeaway needs. Big on casual fare, you’ll find a smorgasbord of Melbourne’s favourite vendors, from Miso Fresh, Wingsters and O.G. Burgers to Mary and a Little Lamb, Hunky Dory seafood and Huxtaburger. Like a drink to accompany your food? Visit both the Rock Bar and Canadian Club Bar for a drop of your choice.

Grand Slam Oval
A second outpost for casual fare, this collection of vendors  offers punters a taste of the best of Victoria. Shane Delia’s modern kebab shop, Biggie Smalls, will be there, joined by Mexican from Mamasita, and San Atone’s American barbecue. There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings to quench any thirst – including a Lavazza cafe for coffee cravings and Piper-Heidsieck’s first Champagne bar at the event.

AO Chef Series
We’ve said this before, but the AO Chef Series is a must-visit for the food-inclined. The sporting event works closely with a hand-picked selection of heavyweight chefs, who each host a special culinary showcase. This year, dinners will be presented by the multi-award-winning chef Jacques Reymond, Duncan Welgemoed, the SouthAfrican-born chef of South Australian favourite Africola, Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia, and Simone Zanoni of the Michelin-starred Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. Packages can be purchased online.

Rockpool and friends
The fine-dining foray continues with the courtside appearance of a handful of some of Australia’s most well-regarded restaurants. Rockpool Bar & Grill, Beijing Betty, 88 Melbourne, Laneway Club, The Glasshouse and Nobu all have temporary eateries where guests can indulge in more formal food offering pre- or post-match.

You can find more information about the food and drinks at the 2019 Australian Open online.