By Game, set, match! The Australian Open kicked off and while tennis is the main event, the best of Australian hospitality comes together in Melbourne Park to create a unique Grand Slam experience.
AO22 has progressed this year with menus curated by world-renowned foodies and pop-ups washed down by iconic liquor brands. Melbourne’s cuisine is in an arena of its own and the Australian Open is proud to show that with its range of events and offerings.
Dylan Alcott mural
Archibald Prize-nominated artist Felix Von Dallwitz builds an 8-meter-long mural of more than 4,000 tennis balls in honor of Dylan Alcott’s last Australian Open. The mural is to pay homage to Alcott’s 15 Grand Slam singles and the coveted Grand Slam title. You can watch the artist at work while enjoying a complimentary Piccolina choc-top. Made from freshly churned vanilla ice cream and covered in Belgian couverture milk chocolate, they’re the perfect treat for your sunny tennis stroll.
THE DETAILS:
When: Friday, January 21 to Wednesday, January 26
Where: River Terrace at Federation Square
For more information, click here.
Canadian Racquet Club
the Canadian club The Racquet Club is back for its eighth consecutive year and is ready to return to action for the Australian Open 2022. This is a ticketless event where you can soak up the sun, relax with a CC & Dry and feel like you’re courtside with the tennis playing on the big screen.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Grand Slam Oval
For more information, Click here.
Canadian Club Soda & Lime Garden
the Canadian club Soda & Lime Garden is located right in the center of the action at the Grand Slam Oval. Ticket holders can drop by to test out the new CC Soda & Lime in the garden while relaxing with friends.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Birrarung Marr
For more information, Click here.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
For a spectacular dining experience at the Australian Open, look no further than the Rockpool Bar & Grill. The award-winning team at Rockpool have teamed up with one of the world’s top chefs, David Pynt of Burnt Ends, to create an experience exclusive to AO22. To choose three courses from a signature menu, dine indoors or sit in the al fresco space for à la carte dining.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Centerpiece, Level 1
For more information, Click here.
Maha Restaurant Superboxes
Sit back and enjoy a premium dining experience without missing a minute of the action thanks to Maha. Reserve a private Rod Laver Arena Superbox and enjoy exquisite Middle Eastern dishes from Shane Delia’s famed Maha Restaurant.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Rod Laver Arena, Level 4
For more information, Click here.
Penfolds Bistro & Restaurant
For a refined dining experience, head to Penfolds Restaurant to indulge in an epic four-course menu curated to pair with Penfolds wines, including a glass of Grange. Or for a more relaxed dining experience, head to Penfolds Bistro for a two-course meal on the terrace which has been decorated to be a pink vision.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Centerpiece, Level 2
For more information, Click here.
Restaurant and bar Atrium
by Ben Shewry Restaurant and bar Atrium prepare a menu of sustainable dishes with stunning views of the city on the River Terrace. But if that’s not enough to warrant a visit, they also serve signature cocktails shaken and stirred by infamous mixologist Michael Madrusan. Drinks will feature native plants to complement the lush plant terrace scene and a water wall facade.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: AO River Terrace
For more information, Click here.
Glasshouse Dining by Guy Grossi
Melbourne’s Italian cuisine godfather, Guy Grossi, brings his signature cuisine and The Glasshouse menu to the Australian Open. The celebrity chef, who is also playing at the top of his game, has crafted a memorable three-course meal that you can devour while watching tennis history unfold.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Greenhouse
For more information, Click here.
City Italy
The Australian Open has rounded up some of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne and lined them up for your convenience. queue at Marameo Where Pepe’s Italian for creamy pasta you won’t forget. Or for a cheesy pizza that’s sure to send you into a food coma, head to 400 degrees.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Grand Slam Oval
For more information, Click here.
European route
Europa Lane brought a taste of Europe to the Australian Open. Taste an appetizing souvlaki of Stalactites or a truffled mushroom fondant Nico’s.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Grand Slam Oval
For more information, Click here.
Dumpling corner
Choose from Oriental tea roomginger shrimp or vegetarian dumplings, or by David roast duck meatballs. Or better yet, don’t pick and get all three and share a feast with friends.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Grand Slam Oval
For more information, Click here.
hawker stall
The Hawker Stall delivers the goods with dishes from some of Melbourne’s favorite restaurants. Order a food feast with Pork Hot Dog from gingerboysalt and pepper squid longrainkorean fried chicken boa lucy liu and yakitori chicken Robata.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Grand Slam Oval
For more information, Click here.
Big Esso by Mabu Mabu
First Nations favorites now have their place at the Australian Open. Mabu Mabu’s Big Esso prepare contemporary-style meals designed to be shared with friends and made from indigenous ingredients. Try the Kingfish Namas, Kangaroo Tain Snack Pack and Charred Cavassa for a delicious culinary adventure.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Western Courts
For more information, Click here.
Mr Miyagi
the Mr Miyagi pop-ups at the Australian might be the easiest way to feast on the iconic duck hoisin and vegan eggplant buns if you’re struggling to find a reservation at the restaurant. But be sure to save room for the gravy fries, they’re worth every bite.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Western Courts
For more information, Click here.
fish bowl
Fishbowl offers tennis fans customizable Japanese salads if they’re looking for a healthy bite or something fresh to beat the heat. They sell their three most popular bowls; Mr X with chicken, The OG with sashimi and Tofu Boys with kale.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Beach house
For more information, Click here.
Australian Grainshaker Vodka Bar
grain shaker Australian Vodka comes alive at this year’s Australian Open as the Official Vodka Sponsor. You’ll find their copper pot distilled vodka mixed into cocktails at venues all over Melbourne Park, but you should catch up with your friends and cool off between games at the Vodka Bar.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Beach House & Court One
For more information, Click here.
Bar Peroni
Take a break from your busy day and retire to the Peroni Bar located at Beach House. Here, they pay homage to their rich Italian heritage with a Mediterranean-inspired Aperitivo Bar. Here you can be served in style by the official beer sponsor of the Australian Open.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Beach house
For more information, Click here.
Pipi’s kiosk
Pipi’s kiosk brings its contemporary menu from Albert Park to the Australian Open. Here you can snack on fish and chips, fish burgers and potato cakes to make sure you don’t go hungry during the game.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Beach house
For more information, Click here.
Piper-Heidsieck Cabanes and champagne bar
Long live the triumphant return of the Australian Opens over a glass of Piper Heidsieck. They’ve set up an oasis complete with cabanas and a champagne bar, so if you weren’t having a good time before, you will be after a visit to the bubble oasis.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Beach house
For more information, Click here.
Oakberry
For those looking for fast food without compromising on nutrition, Oakberry makes smoothies and acai bowls. Drink the Fuel Up smoothie, a blend of coconut milk, banana, whey protein, honey oats, peanut butter and acai. It’s sure to help you stay focused on the big game.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Beach house
For more information, Click here.
Bar of the 4 Pins
Wash your food truck finds with a cold 4 pins Beer. Australia’s craft brewery from Sydney’s northern beaches has set up shop at the Australian Open to provide tennis watchers with a refreshing Aussie beer.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Court 3
For more information, Click here.
Gordon’s Gin Bar
Soak up the atmosphere of the Australian Open and relax with your friends at by Gordon Gin bar. Sip cheeky G&T while enjoying the good tunes and even better vibes with their outdoor seating right next to the music stage.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Court One, Practice Village and Garden Square
For more information, Click here.
Little Luna
Head to Little Luna for a mid game pick me up. Their baristas are ready to give you a caffeine fix, along with warm toast and fresh muffins to help replenish you after watching a stressful set.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: AO Ballpark
For more information, Click here.
Daniel’s Donuts
Get your round holy dough fix with any of the Daniel’s Donuts. You’ll be hard pressed to find a flavor you don’t like. See if you can get your hands on some jam or a Nutella jam, you won’t be disappointed.
THE DETAILS:
When: Monday January 17 to Sunday January 30
Where: Court One
For more information, Click here.
There’s plenty more happening around the culinary lands of Melbourne. Check it here.
Image credits: provided