What to eat, drink and do at the 2026 Australian Open
Besides watching the tennis, of course
By Cayle Reid
LIKE A FEDERER FOREHAND, Melbourne during the Australian Open is a thing of beauty. It’s the first grand slam of the year, with five-set epics played in 40 degree heat. Up-and-coming youngsters either flash potential or give us reason to temper expectations, while ageing stars are either exposed as being past their prime or make a statement that they’ve got plenty left in the tank. But the Australian Open has also evolved into something that’s more than sport.
For two weeks every January, Melbourne Park becomes a micro-city, with its own venues that everyone’s talking about, activations you just have to visit and lowkey spots the crowds haven’t found. The 2026 Australian Open lands at an interesting intersection. Tennis is more global than ever, dining expectations higher than ever, and Melbourne – long comfortable calling itself Australia’s capital of sport, food and everything fun – has decided that finding something to do at the tennis apart from watching it should no longer be a pleasant surprise, but a given.
There’s plenty on, but you need to know where to look. Consider this your guide on what to eat, drink and do at the 2026 Australian Open.
Where to eat at the Australian Open 2026
The days of settling for a sad pie and warm beer are well behind us. AO26’s dining lineup features pop-ups run by Melbourne culinary institutions, international favourites and avant-garde fusions. These are our best picks.
Vic’s Meat, The Chef’s Butcher
Where: Garden Square
Esquire’s favourite butcher, Anthony Puharich, is co-curating what the AO hopes will become its next big draw: a sausage in bread. The Butcher’s Banga is a premium quality beef sausage in a hoagie roll with onions, mustard and tomato sauce. A snag on a roll is undeniably a cornerstone of Australian cuisine, but it may have never been done quite this well. Cheeseburger spring rolls are also guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Shake Shack
Where: Topcourt
It’s taken its time, but Shake Shack finally is finally making its Australian Open debut. Born from a New York park cart and now a global empire, it’s American fast food done the right way. Menu items include ShackBurgers, Shroom Burgers, crinkle-cut fries and cheese fries. There’s also AO-exclusive shakes – Honey Macadamia and Choc Fudge Cookies & Cream – that will justify the queues.
Hector’s Deli
Where: Garden Square
A Melbourne institution, Hector’s does Australian, neighbourhood-style sandwiches. The Beef & Pickle Deluxe Toastie is essential, while Hector’s Doughnut (released daily in limited quantities) is the kind of thing people plan their sessions around.
Ho Jiak
Where: Grand Slam Oval
Chef Junda Khoo distils his Malaysian dining empire into a playful AO menu. Prawn toast with molten salted duck egg, satay chicken, lohbak and Tom Yum Bombs are the standouts.
Entrecôte
Where: Garden Square
Contrary to popular belief, indulgent French classics are actually best consumed while watching the tennis, not on the streets of Paris. The Steak Mitraillette returns after proving its worth in 2025, joined by a cheeseburger and desserts like the Grande Macaron with vanilla buttercream and strawberries.
Season
Where: Grand Slam Oval
Vietnamese fried chicken always draws crowds. Go for some crispy tenders, fried chicken sandwiches with kimchi mayo and pair it with green papaya salad.
Layla
Where: Garden Square
Shane Delia bringing Layla to the AO is finally happening. The Habibi Butter Chicken is comfort food elevated just enough to justify pairing it with a glass of wine. This is where you come when you want to sit down, relax, and forget the scoreboard for a moment.
JollyGood
Where: Grand Slam Oval
Drawing inspiration from North American diners, you’ll find cheeseburgers, fried fish sandwiches and meat-free options at JollyGood.
Club 1905
Where: AO Reserve
Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan anchors the AO’s flagship dining experience. Expect world-class produce, great wines and an experience that will make you forget why you’re at the tennis in the first place.
Stalactites x Taverna
Where: Grand Slam Oval
Stalactites is a returning favourite at the AO, but they’re refreshing their offering by collaborating with Taverna. Souvlaki and spanakopita are the mainstays.
D.O.C
Where: Grand Slam Oval
Signature pizza slices (Margherita, Salama, San Daniele) and a rotating Porchetta Roll during opening week make Italian street food hub D.O.C. a consistent crowd magnet. It’s the perfect place to visit once the Aperol intake gets ambitious.
What to drink at the Australian Open 2026
Match Point Paloma
Where: Casa Altos
Altos Tequila, the official tequila partner for the 2026 AO, opens Casa Altos, a long-bar setup serving signature margaritas, palomas and exclusive AO-only tequila cocktails. The signature drink is a paloma, made with pink grapefruit soda, fresh lime, agave syrup, a touch of salt and garnished with grapefruit and rosemary on ice.
Grey Goose Lemon Ace
Where: All competition bars
If the AO has a signature drink, it’s the Lemon Ace. The beverage blends Grey Goose vodka with passionfruit syrup and sparkling lemonade. It’s poured over ice and garnished with a lemon ball and fresh mint.
Jacob’s Creek Wine
Where: Dedicated Jacob’s Creek Wine bar
Jacob’s Creek is back as the Official Wine Partner of the AO for the first time since 2018. Expect a curated wine bar showcasing classic reds, whites and rosés designed to pair with everything from pizzas to oysters.
Aperol Spritz
Where: Terrazza Aperol
An Aperol spritz is a mainstay of the Australian Open, and it will once again headline at the Terrazza Aperol activation at Grand Slam Oval. The 15-metre bar offers an Italian-inspired experience, centred around the iconic cocktail.
What to do at the Australian Open 2026
Visit the New Balance takeover at Federation Square
New Balance is running a tennis-inspired takeover in Federation Square for two weeks from January 15. The New Balance Brand House will welcome thousands of visitors for activities and special guest appearances from New Balance athletes. Activities include a chance to replicate Coco Gauff’s cat-eye nails with Buff Nails Studio, a meet and greet with Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins and a haircut session where you can copy like Jordan Thompson’s mullet. In addition, fans will have the chance to play lawn bowls and arcade games, get sandwiches served by Nico’s deli and coffee from Coffee Supreme.
Pop into AO Ballpark
If you’re looking for something that will keep the kids busy, head to AO Ballpark. That’s where you’ll find play zones, stage shows, tennis mini games and hands‑on activities so the little ones can burn off all their extra energy and the adults can enjoy themselves. Perhaps with an Aperol Spritz.
Head to a free concert hosted by Canadian Club
Canadian Club is hosting a free riverside concert on Sunday 18 January headlined by DJ and producer Young Franco. The show is taking place at the AO Hilltop, home of the Canadian Club Racquet Club, which is free to visit and non-ticketed. The concert is also free to attend for those with or without an AO ticket.
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