Grand Slam: What To Eat and Drink at the Australian Open 2024

The Australian Open is about so much more than sport these days. For three weeks, the southern hemisphere’s biggest sporting event brings a fully fledged sporting festival atmosphere to Melbourne, and it has something for everyone – whether you’re interested in what’s being served on or off court. Here are five ace options to eat, drink and experience when the AO kicks off in January.

Bar Atrium

Bar Atrium is the AO’s answer to the rooftop bars that Melburnians can’t get enough of – a spot for al fresco brunches, cocktails, live entertainment and tennis-watching from day to night. It’s the brunch sessions that have caught our eye, though, with everywhere-man Tom Sarafian bringing a morning mezze menu headlined by dishes like rainbow trout fatteh, fried eggs with awarma (Lebanese lamb confit) and namoura (a syrupy orange blossom, almond and semolina cake) – served alongside Aperol Spritzes. You need to book ahead for brunch, with tables from two to six people.

Once the sun sets, Bar Atrium will swing into its Aperol After Eight mode, opening up to general public access with Aperol Spritzes, live entertainment by iHeart Sessions and a separate bar menu by Sarafian, including a signature shish tawouk (grilled chicken) kebab. Plus, of course, tennis on the big screen.

Fusion Feast

When we talk about big names heading to John Cain Arena, you might think about Rafael Nadal or Naomi Osaka. Fusion Feast brings stars of a different kind to the court, uniting big-name chefs – including Jessi Singh (Daughter in Law), Diana Chan, Kantaro Okada (Hareruya Pantry), Scott Lord (Moonhouse), Ross Magnaye (Serai) and more – for a pan-Asian feast that’s high on our priority list. There’ll be different food stations, each showcasing modern, innovative takes on Indian, Malaysian, Japanese, Cantonese and Filipino cuisine to show the wide breadth of Asia’s culinary diversity. Tickets include the dining experience and tennis tickets, starting at $479 per person.

Premium options

For all the quality of its casual dining, the Australian Open has plenty for those looking for something a little extra special. Australian wine icons Penfolds and Magill Estate executive chef Scott Huggins have curated a wine-matched menu, while a couple of Melbourne classics – Rockpool Bar & Grill and Stokehouse – are each bringing a selection of signature dishes to the courtside action. And, for those who really want to live in tennis star-style luxury, Rod Laver’s private Superboxes have grazing menu options from Shane Delia’s Maha and the cocktail-and-champagne sophisticates at Nick and Nora’s.

Garden Square

Melbourne owes much to its rich Italian heritage and the presence of culinary traditions from across Europe, and Garden Square is where it’ll all come to live for the duration of the AO. The European-inspired precinct is serving up prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella panini, porchetta rolls, pizza by the slice, arancini and Italian pastries. Expect a pop-up by top London tapas bar Cambio de Tercio; food from Lygon Street icons Brunetti, DOC and King & Godfree; plus coffee and small bites to keep you running between matches.

AO Experiences

The Australian Open isn’t really complete without a chance to join in the action in some way, and 2024 will be packed with off-court experiences that extend beyond the food and drink selection. The headliner is the AO Finals Festival, which transforms John Cain Arena into a three-day music festival with a line-up featuring international acts Groove Armada and Rudimental, alongside local favourites Tash Sultana and Peach PRC. Elsewhere, AO Ballpark returns to give the kids some off-court fun, including tennis activities at Hot Shots HQ, a waterslide at Splash Zone and daily performances on the AO Ballpark Stage.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with the Australian Open. Tickets and ground passes are on sale now.