Free Margs, Empanadas and More: 10 Restaurants Serving Up Race Weekend Specials

The energy in Melbourne is once again revving up, as state-of-the-art racecars and world-famous drivers descend on the city. And while everyone’s attention is (rightfully) on what’s happening on the track, what’s on the plate at some of the city’s leading restaurants is worthy of just as much buzz.

Mastercard and Broadsheet have partnered to serve up a bunch of specials across town for the race weekend. All you need to do to unlock them is pay with your Mastercard – simple as that. Here are 10 spots to race into for the dining deals.

Bar Lourinha

Tucked away at the top end of Little Collins Street, chef Matt McConnell’s Bar Lourinha is where you want to be when tapas time strikes – pre- or post-race. Influenced by Spain and Portugal, the laneway hideaway is known as much for its on-theme food as its drinks. And you can get the best of both worlds, with the bar pouring free glasses of cava, the Spanish sparkling, with any main purchased.

Mamasita

What’s better than a Margarita? A complimentary Margarita. Head to Hot Listed Mexican restaurant and bar Mamasita – now in its 15th year in Melbourne – for your (free) fix this tennis season. At the longstanding diner perched above Collins Street, any main course purchased with your Mastercard gets you a house Margarita, on the house. You might feast on brisket barbacoa or 12-hour lamb shoulder with smoky mezcal salsa.

Asado, Pastuso, Palermo and San Telmo 

The San Telmo Group’s stable of city restaurants – including the Argentinian Asado, the Peruvian Pastuso, the Italian-Argentinian Palermo and the namesake San Telmo – are getting into the spirit with an exclusive Mastercard dining offer running across all four venues. Simply order a Quilmes beer, the well-known lager from Argentina, and be rewarded with a free empanada of the day, limited to one per customer.

Robata

Japanese restaurant Robata might be part of the aforementioned San Telmo Group, but it’s serving up a very different special to its sibling venues. When Mastercard cardholders dine on the Exhibition Street eatery’s Finish Line Set Menu – which comprises a selection of sushi, robatayaki (charcoal-grilled meats) with sides, and dessert for just $65 per person – they’re also treated to a complimentary cocktail.

Fancy Hank’s and Springrock

At the top end of town are sibling venues Fancy Hank’s, an American barbeque joint, and Springrock, the late-night New York-inspired tavern right next door. At either venue, pay with your Mastercard and get 10 per cent off the total bill. That means you can start with a meaty feast (featuring house-made hot sauces) then move next door for a beer or cocktails.

Daughter in Law

With locations in the CBD and South Yarra, self-described “inauthentic Australian Indian” diner Daughter in Law serves playful items like “IFC” (Indian fried chicken) and “Indian sangria”. Mastercard cardholders can experience more for less, with both venues offering 20 per cent off the total bill when it’s paid with a Mastercard.

More winning offers

Alongside the Broadsheet-curated offers, Mastercard has also transformed all of Australia into an circuit of rewards. There are priceless specials across hand-picked merchants across the country, offering everything from free medium popcorn at the cinemas and 10 per cent off car rentals, to the chance to win free coffee all summer. Plus, you can score complimentary McLaren Mastercard F1 Team merch with eligible purchases – simply spend $500 or more in 10 transactions or fewer at any merchant that accepts Mastercard and upload your receipts online to get your prize. Redemption booths are in Melbourne and Sydney. Promo runs from February 2 to March 8, 2026.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Mastercard.