Melbourne Cup Dining 2025

It may be conventionally billed as the race that stops the nation, but the appetites show no sign of slowing down when it comes Melbourne Cup. Read on to find the James St venues ‘across the board’ guaranteeing a win, a place and a show via good food, free flowing drinks and a buzzy atmosphere on Tuesday 4 November.

Biànca
Fan favourites are on offer at this Italo-inspired cup-day lunch. We’re talking a Biànca shared style set menu, champagne, signature cocktails, big screens, sweepstakes, and fashions on the field.

Price: $285
Book here

ēmmē
Fresh oysters, mezze of pickles, pita and dip, swordfish tartare, woodfired king prawns, slow roasted lamb shoulder with zucchini tzatziki and a champagne on arrival? Yes please! All this and more at ēmmē’s Middle Eastern Melbourne Cup.

Price: $139
Book here

Gerard’s
Head Chef Jimmy Richardson is pulling out all the stops to bring you an all-inclusive, lavish Levantine banquet of Gerard's favourites and free-flowing Louis Roederer Champagne, signature cocktails, beer, wine and spirits.

Price: $270
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Mosconi
Start with rosemary focaccia, yellowfin tuna with smoked eggplant, and Mooloolaba king prawns, then make the tough choice between Moreton Bay bug linguini, goats curd gnocchi with local fish and salsa verde, or eye fillet and potato frittata, before a sprint finish to the tiramisu and you’ve got yourself a Melbourne Cup filled with Mosconi magic.

Price: $150
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Penelope
Fresh faces Penelope are throwing their name in the cup day ring with an easy going, à la carte option. The whole menu is up for grabs so you can curate your meal to your exact liking whilst enjoying full race coverage and live DJs from midday.

Price: $200 minimum spend
Book here 

sAme sAme
If the November warmth isn’t enough for you, resident Thai experts sAme sAme are turning up the heat for Melbourne Cup with a banging banquet featuring signature spices and fragrant favourites, a bevy of bevies and plenty of race day coverage.

Price: $285
Book here

The Green
Yallah habibi, it’s Melbourne Cup at The Green! Experience Middle Eastern hospitality at its finest with a feast of charcoal roasted chicken, house made flatbread, hummus, Fattoush salad, batata harra, and a complimentary drink on arrival.

Price: $65
Book here

Still got plenty left in the tank? Local watering holes Cru Bar, Gerries, and Sixes and Sevens are open for your post-Cup after party needs. No bookings necessary.