What To Eat and Drink at Caulfield Cup Carnival This Spring

Spring has returned in full bloom, and along with it comes the yearly racing season at Caulfield Racecourse, which kicks off on October 14. While the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup and the high fashion often grabs the headlines, there’s plenty more to keep you busy at the Food Lane precinct amid the excitement of racing. Whether you’re heading in to spend the day trackside, or you’ve heard whisperings of the food on offer, there’s something for all tastes this year. From more casual and quick options to fancier sit-down spots, here are our picks for what to eat and drink at Caulfield Racecourse this spring.

Royal Stacks

Burger chain Royal Stacks has been flipping patties since 2016, with a style that’s reminiscent of US institution Shake Shack (that is, a focus on made-to-order quality and top-notch ingredients). Even if you’re a regular, it’s worth heading to the Caulfield version for a few racecourse exclusives. Expect loaded cheeseburgers like the Fancy Karen (with truffled mayo) and the One Handed Fillie (topped with French fries), while the Caulfield Shimmy pays respect to its Jewish neighbourhood, replacing the standard potato bun with a bagel.

Moonfishh

Moonfishh is the work of master sushi chef Haru Sonobe who, across venues in Albert Park, Queen Vic Market and Melbourne Uni, has built a reputation for huge platters of very Instagrammable sashimi. At Caulfield Racecourse, Sonobe is serving up a slimmed down menu with a focus on more hearty, race-friendly bites. Expect to find a selection of fresh, seasonal delicacies, with sushi handrolls (of course), as well as chicken karaage and both calamari and chicken takes on the classic street food fried noodle, yakisoba on offer.

DOC

Continuing the theme of its bustling Lygon Street bricks-and-mortar restaurant, DOC's pop-up at Caulfield Racecourse is all about authenticity. Pizzas are classic combinations of stone-ground flour dough, Rosso Gargano tomatoes and fior di latte, and any additional toppings are simple, like San Daniele prosciutto or rucola (rocket). Beyond a refined selection of slow-crafted pizza, DOC is also bringing some new additions to Caulfield, like pallotte (an Abruzzese cheese and bread ball), pizza al taglio and panini topped with porchetta.

Daniel’s Donuts

Daniel Bartalotta started out making doughnuts at his parents’ bakery in Hogans Corner, but he’s certainly paved his own way since then. Daniel’s signature doughnuts are the filled kind and make a perfect follow-up for all the savoury options on offer at the racecourse. We’re talking doughnuts stuffed with apple custard, caramel cheesecake, choc mint mousse, and jam and cream. Daniel’s also has a reputation for some of the best vegan doughnut options around, too, so no one misses out.

Members and pre-purchased packages

Beyond the quick bites of the Food Lane precinct, Caulfield Racecourse has a few appropriately glitzy options available to racecourse members or as a booked package. Restaurant Black Caviar (named for the champion horse) is the spot for table service dining, including a six-course lunch, while racegoers looking for a touch of luxury (alongside cocktails and free-flowing champagne) will want to head to Champagne House by Moet & Chandon or Bar Aperitivo presented by Tanqueray, which will be serving cocktails across the carnival.

Single day passes or season tickets are on offer. See more information and purchase tickets.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Melbourne Racing Club.