A Day at the Races

You want to be at your best when you’re preparing for a day trackside at Australia’s premier racecourses. With quality cafes, restaurants and pubs all within walking distance, you won’t have to stray too far to pick a winner.

Flemington Racecourse

Breakfast

Mama Bear, 526 Racecourse Road, Flemington

Mama Bear, a food and coffee haven, is just around the corner from Flemington Racecourse. Take in the spectacular, modern vibe of the building and enjoy the service of the food-loving, trendy staff. Catering for all dietary preferences, this contemporary eatery has something for everyone.

Lunch

Crumbs Organic Bakehouse, 170 Union Road, Ascot Vale

Take a few minutes to stop by Crumbs Organic Bakehouse to stock up on healthy snack and lunch options. No matter your dietary requirements, options such as vegan pizza slices, gluten-free sandwiches and sweet, delicious jam or lemon curd-filled doughnuts are perfect to take into the races with you.

Dinner

Laksa King, 6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington

Local favourite Laksa King is widely-recognised as one of the best places in Melbourne to get a bowl of laksa, and has been for over 15 years. Of course, it’s not all about the laksa. Other Malaysian dishes like sticky pork belly and various Asian street foods can be found in abundance, and with most meals under $15, even if you haven’t had much luck on the ponies you’ll still be able to get your fill.

Late Night

Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Road, Flemington

The Quiet Man Irish Pub, 271 Racecourse Road, Flemington

To keep that winning feeling going after your big day, it’s hard to go past the Doutta Galla Hotel or The Quiet Man Irish Pub for fun and frivolity. Both pubs, within a couple of blocks from each other on the bustling Racecourse Road, cater for the after-race crowd, and are sure to have live music and DJ’s playing until well into the night.

Moonee Valley

Breakfast

42 Cafe & Bar, 42 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds

Before a long day at the races, why not tuck into a hearty brekkie by visiting 42 Cafe. Located at the heart of popular Puckle Street and conveniently located between Moonee Ponds Train Station and Moonee Valley Racecourse, this quintessential Melbourne café offers an extensive breakfast menu available all day. Choose from your classic big breakfast, eggs benedict and brioche French toast, or scan the smoothie and juice options for a lighter alternative.

Lunch

Mothers’ Pantry, 20 Homer Street, Moonee Ponds

Keep your energy levels up during a big day at the races and pick up a personalised gourmet hamper from Mothers’ Pantry. Design your own hamper with gourmet delicacies such as cheeses, olives, dips, pates and more, and be the envy of other racegoers as you enjoy your spread trackside.

Dinner

Philhellene Provincial Greek Cuisine, 551 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Carino Tapas Bar, 492-494 Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale

Feeling peckish after all that action? Mount Alexander Road, just a short stroll away, is home to multicultural options like the always-popular, home-style Greek restaurant Philhellene, and Cariño Tapas Bar, open ‘til 11 six nights a week.

Late Night

The Sporting Globe, 690-694 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Strangeloves Wine Bar, 577 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

If you’ve had a good win, there are plenty of places around Moonee Ponds to celebrate. The Sporting Globe is one option; a sports-mad pub with plenty of live action everywhere you look. Another option is Strangeloves Wine Bar, where a higher level of sophistication – and an extensive wine list – can be expected.