Where to wine, dine and watch the 2022 Melbourne Cup in Sydney style

Saddle up and gallop over to The Dolphin for a fun-filled Melbourne Cup extravaganza of fine food and jubilant race day celebrations.

The odds will be in your favour with multiple TVs placed in every nook and cranny, live music throughout, and plenty of space to stretch out, mingle and enjoy the race.

Head chef Aldo Lara has prepared a two-part winning cup day exacta. A platter spread featuring the absolute best of The Dolphin’s scrumptious food and drinks.

Sample Champagne on arrival before enjoying free-flow cocktails, wine and beers.

Food-wise, you’ll be in the money with Sydney rock oysters at the starting gates. Followed by scallop tarts with whipped roe, Bolognese arancini and lamb arrosticini with caper salsa.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup lunch Menu ($150 pp)

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Mouth-watering Middle Eastern fare and sunny alfresco dining await hungry cup punters at Bar Tikram.

Soak up the spring sunshine and electric cup day atmosphere in Bar Tikram’s outdoor courtyard. DJs will be spinning the hits before a live screening of the big race itself.

Chef Dany Karam’s Lebanese heritage inspires his mezze-style share dishes boasting bold, punchy flavours. And his specially curated Melbourne Cup luncheon will knock your socks off.

On arrival, graze on treats like stuffed vine leaves, zesty tabbouleh and moreish hummus and smoky moutabal dips. All accompanied with house-made bread and pickles.

The feature race? A perfectly spiced marinated spatchcock with toum and chilli.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup lunch menu ($120 pp)

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What better way to enjoy the Melbourne Cup festivities than with an elevated Sydney harbourside wine and dine at Q Dining.

Savour a gin spritz on arrival before indulging in an exclusive four-course menu curated by head chef Steven Hartet.

Begin with seared scallops with ricotta-stuffed tempura zucchini before moving to mains like wagyu rump with hazelnut pesto and broccolini or king oyster mushroom wellington with halloumi stuffing.

For the photo finish? A decadent dark chocolate mousse with fresh raspberry sorbet.

The race that stops the nation deserves a luxurious backdrop to match. And with one of Sydney’s best harbour views, Q Dining has all the makings of an unforgettable cup day dining experience.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup lunch menu ($250 pp)

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Take a trip this Melbourne Cup Day, far beyond Flemington, to the Greek Islands at Atmos.

The Shoal Bay Country Club will transport you with its Greek-inspired feast which includes grilled pita, lamb shoulder, calamari, dips, lemon potatoes, baklava and more.

The menu includes a three hour drinks package, and plenty of big screens so that you can see the race from every angle.

Along with live music, there are also prizes for the best dressed male and female – so dress sharp!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup event ($129 pp)

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Put on your fascinator and pull up your tie to celebrate the race that stops the nation at Rooty Hill’s Lone Pine Tavern.

There’s not just going to be a three-course meal including mini chicken souvlaki, crispy skin salmon and chocolate fondant, there’s also a three hour drinks package, live music, fashions on the field, sweepstakes and the races – live and loud (of course!).

There are also prizes galore, so even if you don’t back a winner in the race, you can’t lose!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup lunch set menu and event ($95 pp)

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Get your Melbourne Cup party started at Chin Chin for a race day banquet full of spicy treats.

Witness the trackside action from a gigantic screen straight from Chin Chin’s super-sleek dining space. Live DJs will keep the good times rolling, and they’ll even be prizes to be won, so dress to impress!

No ‘also rans’ here. Tuck into a winning four-course menu packed with Chin Chin’s feisty Asian-influenced cuisine.

Gallop out of the barriers with kingfish sashimi and oysters drizzled in sesame ponzu before devouring crispy duck pancakes with jam and slaw.

Just be sure to save room for the race day favourite, rotisserie pork belly served with pineapple hot sauce.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup lunch menu ($135 pp)

You’ll feel like the pick of the paddock with a sumptuous Melbourne Cup feast at The Golden Sheaf.

Canter over to The Sheaf’s grand courtyard for a day of fantastic food, flowing drinks and race day euphoria. Decked out with communal tables, multiple big screens, best dressed prizes to win, and live DJs playing all day long. This will be as close to Flemington as you can get without leaving the state!

Sip on a glass of Veuve on arrival before getting stuck into a gorgeous three-course lunch. Start with cured kingfish with finger lime followed by sirloin with potatoes and red wine jus or baby snapper with capers and lemon.

On the home stretch? Complete the three-course trifecta with a delicious pineapple pavlova with passionfruit creme.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Melbourne Cup lunch menu ($110)