Melbourne Grand Prix 2024 - A Foodie’s Guide

Grand Prix weekend is one of the most exciting times to be in Melbourne. The festival descends upon Albert Park and all the F1 fans fill the city with a real sense of occasion. While there are lots of things to eat at the track, visitors to Melbourne can also enjoy a whole city of culinary delights while they’re in town.

Whether you’re interested in our amazing brunch scene, a quick drink and a snack or dinner after a day at the track, Melbourne’s hundreds of cafes, restaurants and bars covering a myriad of cuisines are ready for you to enjoy. Whether it’s your first time in Australia or a regular visitor, our amazing hospitality professionals are ready to welcome you during your time here for the F1 Grand Prix.

Best Spots for Quick Bites

Melbourne is renowned for it’s ‘laneways’ - which are small streets like alleyways - often filled with cafes and stores. They are pedestrian only, which makes them great for people watching while you grab a bite at one of the very informal and casual eateries. You could try Centre Place which is full of cafes for breakfast and lunch or if you’re after something later in the day, you’ll find ShanDong Mama mini open for Chinese dumplings for dinner.

Hardware Lane is also a good option for laneway people watching with a bunch of great food options open three meals per day. Maker coffee is great for breakfast and if you like an extra punch of flavour try Lulu’s for the best Malaysian food in town. Nearby, Rice Paper Scissors will pair your Asian fusion with a delicious cocktail.

Fine Dining Experiences

If you prefer your dining environment a little more refined, pursue the myriad of options along Flinders Lane between Swanston st and Spring st. This is one of the best dining districts in Australia and you can’t walk more than a few meters without passing somewhere wonderful to eat or drink. Not all the entrances are directly on Flinders Lane. Don’t be afraid to head upstairs… or downstairs… or down the side alleys to find the entrances to the restaurants. Some highlights include Nomad, Cumulus Inc or Lucy Liu.

Relaxation Spots

If it’s a lovely day you might like to take yourself away from the buzz of the track for a quiet morning wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Terrace cafe has recently been revamped by one of Melbourne’s best cafe owners, so you won’t go hungry either.

To relax with a quiet drink, the open air bars under Princes Bridge near Federation Square have a lovely atmosphere. Riverland and Pilgrim might still be busy, being near the river and amongst the trees of Birrarung Marr is still a nice place to relax. If you’re looking for slightly more adventurous flavors, head into the main piazza at Fed Square and try some indigenous flavors (and maybe even a cocktail!) at Big Esso.

Activities and Attractions

While you might be in town for the race, there are so many other things to do in Melbourne while you’re visiting. While art and F1 are not a classic combination, Melbourne’s hosts some of the best art galleries in the country. The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is hosting a once every three year exhibition - aptly named the Triennial - where cutting edge modern art from around the world is scattered through the permanent collection of much older and more traditional art making for a fascinating experience.

You could also try for an evening experience at one of Melbourne’s classic theaters to catch a show. Head to Halftix on Little Collins St (just behind the Town Hall) to snatch some last minute discounted tickets to any number of Melbourne’s theatre shows.

Foodie Discovery Walk

Of course, one of the ultimate Melbourne experiences is to immerse yourself a walking tour with a local to soak up the local history. Our Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk will answer all your questions and you’ll get fed with some of Melbourne's most delicious bites from places you wouldn’t find on your own. Book our Foodie Discovery Walk today!