What to eat at the Australian Open

If a fun fusion buffet filled with Asian-inspired flavours is right up your alley, check out the Eastern Lounge at the John Cain Arena this year. Some of Melbourne's top chefs, including Ross Magnaye from Serai, Jessi Singh from Daughter in Law, Kantaro Okada from Hareruya Pantry, Scott Lord from Moonhouse and Diana Chan will all be bringing a dash of their signature spice to get the party started throughout the games. You'll be tempted to feast on Jessi Singh’s tandoori chicken with buttered corn masala and confit shallot, peas and paneer; Diana Chan’s crispy Malaysian pork belly with nam jim; Moonhouse’s Cantonese mushroom dan dan noodles with spring onion and toasted sesame; Serai’s Filipino grilled barramundi with smoked buro butter and calamansi citrus; and Hareruya Pantry’s Japanese gelato with cream cheese, yuzu and blueberry. For more details and a booking link, check out the website. 

Where to find it: John Cain Arena

Love Italian food? Then there's only one place to bring your appetite to the AO in 2024 and that's Garden Square. The newly created space will be transforming into its very own Little Italy, aptly named 'Lygon Street Italian', offering an array of the strip's very best eats from renowned eateries like King and Godfree, DOC and Brunetti Classico. Our pick? Try the warm polpette (Italian meatballs) on panini with rich Napoli tomato sauce and scamorza cheese. 

Where to find it: Garden Square

Arguably the most popular thing to eat at the AO in 2023, the tennis tournament's signature Peach Melbourne soft serve will be returning again in 2024 – back by popular demand. Real peaches, raspberries and melt-in-your-mouth vanilla soft serve ice cream combine to make this exclusive dessert the ultimate summer treat at $7 a pop. Fun fact: the Peach Melbourne was inspired by the Peach Melba dessert created in the 1890s by French chef Auguste Escoffier to honour iconic Aussie opera singer Nellie Melba. What a lovely way to cool down.

Where to find it: Rod Laver Arena

If you're looking for the perfect Cubano sandwich in Melbourne, it doesn't get much better than this. Award-winning chef Charlie Carrington (Atlas Dining) has opened a brand new sandwich bar inspired by the famous Cuban neighbourhood in Miami, Little Havana. Throughout the AO, he'll be bringing his delish creations to the Western Courts, along with Frankie Cox and her buzzy salad bar Green-On.

Where to find them: Western Courts

Chow down on juicy fried chicken with Japanese mayo and secret seasoning, pork belly bao, wasabi fries, green tea soba noodle salads and hand-crafted pork dumplings with miso glaze, thanks to Windsor favourite Mr Miyagi making an appearance at the AO in 2024. If you've ever struggled to snag a table at the Chapel Street location, here's your chance to taste some of the restaurant's tastiest snackable delights at the tennis this year. 

Where to find it: North side of the Rod Laver Arena outside of door 17

At a prestigious event like the AO, it's only suiting that restaurant royalty Rockpool swoops in to make an appearance. It's the seventh year that the AO has booked in the Crown fine diner for a residency, with visitors once more being treated to a luxe signature menu and premium paired wines. For more details and a booking link, check out the website.

Where to find it: Centrepiece – Level One

Want to eat but don't want to miss out on all the action? AO Courtside Bar is a brand new offering where fans can enjoy the tennis from open-air front-row seats, all while digging into some irresistible bar bites by Sydney chef Joel Bennetts from Bondi Beach’s much loved Fish Shop, paired with AO’s signature cocktails and DJ tunes all day long. Find out more about this hot new dining and drinking destination at the website.

Where to find it: Overlooking Court 6

Wanna take your Slam to the next level? Shane Delia's middle Eastern mothership Maha is offering an exlusive Superbox experience with a grazing menu, six-hour drinks package and bonus access to the Atrium Bar. Complemented by a fantastic vantage point of the most anticipated matches in Rod Laver Arena, this is a day out at the tennis that takes it to the next level. The Superbox is available for group bookings only; to make an enquiry, fill out your details here.

Where to find it: Rod Laver Arena

After a healthy option at the tennis? Fan-favourite Fishbowl offers meals on gluten-free carbs such as glass noodles or brown rice and tops them with the Japanese-inspired flavours of salmon sashimi, tamari almonds, nori flakes and wasabi mayo. Luckily for tennis lovers, Fishbowl is coming to the AO in 2024 with an exciting menu featuring eats from their newly unveiled street food concept. Yummo!

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Sometimes, you're in the mood for something on the heartier side. If that's the case, check out Stalactites, which have also set up shop at the Grand Slam Oval this year. The legendary Greek restaurant and late-night kebab purveyor will be serving up its iconic souvas and fries throughout the entire tournament. Sink your teeth into the ‘Stef’s Lamb Slam’, a souvlaki with roasted lamb shoulder giros, lettuce, tomato, onions, crumbled feta, parsley, hot chips and Stalactites’ signature tzatziki wrapped in warm pita bread. There's also a spicy ‘Chicken Kicker’ option, or a ‘Mixed Doubles’ souvlaki for those who can't choose between chicken and lamb. Seafood lovers can also get their hands on ‘The Net Game’ – a lip-smacking duo of fried calamari and fries seasoned with Greek lemon oregano. 

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Also serving up delicious eats at Grand Slam Oval, Hamed Allayari from social enterprise eatery Salamatea is bringing his mouth-watering Persian delights to the game in 2024, featuring fried chickpea falafel lavash wraps with hummus, housemade mayo and salad. Learn more about Salamatea's wonderful cause at the website – here's a hospo venue that's putting out a whole lot more into the world than just good food.

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval 

Right near the gates as you enter from the train or tram stop, you'll discover Uncle Charlie's famous popcorn. This wholly First Nations-owned business gives the popular snack a proper Aussie twist, introducing flavours from native ingredients. Try your popped kernels dusted with desert lime and wattle seed, or Davidson plum and Murray River salt.

Where to find it: Bay 15, Court 3 at Melbourne Park

Where to find it: Federation Square

Keen to try something a bit different? Head to Grand Slam Oval for chef Jessi Singh’s fun and unconventional Indian twist on nachos. Singh has often described his food as "unauthentic Australian Indian cuisine" and his vegetarian papadi chaat perfectly fits the bill. It's the Indian street food version of nachos with a tangy salsa. If you love Jessi Singh's Horn Please or Daughter in Law, then this game-friendly snack has your name written all over it. 

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

We're back in fancy-ville again, so you'd better bring your wallet. Penfolds Restaurant has arrived at the Open to showcase a contemporary Australian four-course menu from Penfolds Magill Estate's executive chef Scott Huggins – impeccably paired with a selection of Penfolds favourites, of course. For more info or to buy a ticket that includes exclusive seats to view the match, head to the website.

Where to find it: Centrepiece - Level 2

Set in one of the most picturesque spots in the precinct with views of the Yarra River and city skyline, the vibing Bar Atrium will return in 2024 with a Lebanese-inspired mezze brunch offering curated by Melbourne chef Tom Sarafian and cocktails from The Everleigh. As the sun sets, the Bar Atrium’s ‘After Eight’ experience transforms into the place to be. Fans can indulge in bar snacks and signature drinks as they take in all the tennis action on the big screens, with stunning views of Melbourne in the background. Bottoms up!

Where to find it: Click here for more details

Perhaps you're not so much hungry, but rather thirsty for a refreshing glass of vino instead. Squealing Pig are the AO's official wine partner in 2024 so be sure to drop by the two-storey Squealing Pig Wine Terrace for a break from the action. There's a selection of Squealing Pig favourites on offer, plus its brand new alcohol-free Zero range if you're keen for a healthier tipple. The oasis-themed wine terrace overlooks the Grand Slam Oval and is accessible to all ground pass ticket holders. Plus, there are cute pink day beds – perfect for that dream AO Insta opp!

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Need a daytime pick-me-up? Andrew McConnell’s beloved Morning Market will be offering high-quality coffee, chicken and salad sangas, kim chi toasties, and pepperoni foccacia pizzas by the slice throughout the tournament so you can get your caffeine fix and sink your teeth into something satisfying while you're at it.

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Nick & Nora’s returns to the Australian Open in 2024, bringing all the glitz and glam of its Melbourne cocktail institution with a dash of speakeasy flair. As you step inside your Superbox, settle in for famously sophisticated signature libations and a canapé -style dining menu – ideal accompaniments to tennis, with great views of the game to match. Oh, and a six-hour drinks package is included. Score! This offer is available for group bookings only. Click here for more info and to make an enquiry. 

Where to find it: Rod Laver Arena

As the official Champagne partner to the AO in 2024, Piper-Heidsieck is bringing all the opulence and French panache to the games this year with an enchanting (and uber luxe) Champagne Bar on Rod Laver Arena Terrace. Perfect for whiling away the arvo with a glass or two of bubbles, the space is full of red, gold and floral accents and airy nooks. Over your drinks, you can catch an exciting entertainment program that will run throughout the entire tournament, featuring music, roving performers and more. And if you need a nibble, the bar will be serving up European-inspired toasties (courtesy of the folks from Meatsmith), plus artisan cheese platters to tide you by. If you find yourself by the Eastern Courts, be sure to check out the Champagne brand's 'Le Kiosque' over at Garden Terrace to get your fizzy libation fix. No bookings required.

Where to find it: Rod Laver Arena Terrace