From buzzy riverside and rooftop bars, restaurants, and don’t forget the coffee – these are the venues serving up top tennis vibes in delicious style this month.
Even if you’re back at work, or can’t stand sport, there’s no denying Melbourne’s summer holiday vibes linger thanks to the Australian Open tennis tournament, which takes over the whole town, and every television screen in it. And for that, we can all be grateful.
Whether you’re going to a game and need a bite before or after, or just want to soak up the atmosphere without all the expense, these are the spots worth hitting up.
For tennis ball tarts and coffee to go
Tarts Anon has smashed it out of the park this year with their tennis ball peach tart. This limited-edition work of art tastes as good as it looks, featuring a sweet pastry shell with raspberry jam, almond and raspberry cake, peach fluid gel and vanilla chantilly cream, finished with a peach mousse “tennis ball” coated in chocolate. If that’s not your jam, there are other sweet and savoury options to tempt you. Find them conveniently close to the tennis at both their Cremorne and Collingwood stores.
tartsanon.com.au
Also try:
Cult croissanterie Lune’s city shop, Vacation Coffee in Flinders Street, Tom Thumb Espresso in Flinders Lane and Midi Coffee and Torino Express in Richmond for close-by quality coffees and pastries on the run.
For drinks, snacks and big screens by the river
Whether it’s to meet mates for a drink and a snack before the scenic riverside stroll to a match, or to just stay put and watch it on the big screens, it’s tough to beat one of the bars dotted along the Yarra for primo AO summer vibes.
Riverland Bar is putting on the spritz with Aperol-themed action aplenty. There’s a big screen showing live matches, loaded Italian chips, DJs and an Aperidisco pop-up for you to bop the long, hot nights away.
Just a few berths away, Arbory Afloat has ramped things up even more spectacularly than usual with Le Club Lacoste, featuring big screens, DJs, a special menu and the Lacoste Court — a 20-metre pontoon extension and floating tennis court.
riverlandbar.com; afloat.melbourne
Also try:
Crown Racquet Club Served by Grey Goose featuring padel courts, DJs, vodka-based cocktails and snacks in conjunction with Marmont, Nobu and other Crown dining cohorts. Yarra Botanica for Caviar and Chandon on Friday nights and bottomless Chandon brunch on Sundays throughout January.
crownmelbourne.com.au; yarrabotanica.com.au
Rooftop bars and chill
Well, hello Cleo, HYDE Melbourne Place’s glam new Med-style rooftop bar and restaurant that oozes cool and twinkly city views. Sip on AO-special Verdita Margaritas, while DJs – including Mothafunk, Kailyn Crabbe, Reefer Angel and others – curated in partnership with Untitled Group spin their things. There’s little to no chance of being told “quiet, please” between sets. Tip: You might spot a famous tennis star or two staying at the hotel. Bookings recommended.
hydehotels.com/melbourne-place
Also try:
Across the road, four-level mega sports pub Hickens Hotel has teamed up with Canadian Club to offer drinks specials, massive screens, and a buzzing rooftop bar. Morris House has transformed into the Grey Goose Tennis Club, with three floors of vodka-themed specials including a late-night booth service with your own personal waiter. And old favourite Siglo for the classic European vibes and espresso martinis.
hickenshotel.com.au; morrishouse.com.au; siglobar.com.au
Classically cool Melbourne dining
Climb the stairs to modern Mexican restaurant Mamasita, now an impressive 15 years old. It’s had a slight glow up and feels as current and cool as the day it opened, with new dishes added to the menu this week (tip: get the prawn tacos doradas with spicy xnipec salsa). Its prime location — just a 17-minute stroll from Melbourne Park — makes it a perfect spot for groups, or solo dining at the bar, before or after the tennis. It’s open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, which gives it bonus points for flexibility. But best of all are its flavour-packed tostados and tacos – and of course the margaritas.
mamasita.com.au
Also just a hop, skip and a lob from Melbourne Park, hatted restaurant Cumulus Inc is serving up a snack selection as good as a Sinner-Alcarez five-setter. From 3pm to 6pm there are few more pleasant places to be propped than up at the bar with a crumbed fish sanga with iceberg lettuce and dill pickles. Throw in Shark Bay scallops, zucchini galette and a platter of $2 Sydney rock oysters.
cumulusinc.com.au
Also try:
HuTong Dumpling Bar in Chinatown for their famous xiao long bao and spicy wontons. Supper Inn for noisy debriefs and dumplings after late-night matches and City Wine Shop for excellent wine and chicken schnitzels, served streetside as you watch the world go by.
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