5 of the Most Exclusive Dining Experiences Coming to The Australian Open

Renowned Australian and international culinary talents are being flown into Melbourne this summer to create a series of decadent dining experiences exclusive to the Australian Open’s AO Reserve. Delicate sushi omakase courses, vibrant Italian fare and the best in modern-Australian cuisine will be paired with incredible seating that gets you closer to the tennis. Here are five gourmet AO Reserve tickets that will take your Australian Open adventure to the next level. 

Indulge in a world-class omakase experience

Between sitting courtside to watch Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sweat it out in the arena and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour through the legendary Champions Walk, you’ll step into a private dining room that’s been designed for Shimpei Raikuni. The acclaimed executive chef, who helms Brisbane’s Sushi Room at The Calile Hotel, will serve up world-class omakase as part of the AO Reserve’s On-Court by Piper-Heidsieck experience. Each one of his elegant plates exemplifies the best Australian seafood, with the dinner further elevated by champagne from Piper-Heidsieck.

Dine with a dynamic Australian duo

Ever since the closing of Sepia in Sydney, hospitality heavyweights Martin Benn and Vicki Wild’s next venture has been eagerly anticipated by food lovers across the country. This summer, the duo will bring their creativity and culinary precision to the Australian Open as Club 1905, an exclusive AO Reserve experience named after the inaugural year of the Australian Open. In the prestigious restaurant and lounge overlooking Garden Square, they’ll serve a three-course Modern-Australian menu complemented by a five-hour premium drinks package. The meal is followed by access to the Rod Laver Arena’s Lower Bowl, where some of the best tennis viewing awaits.

Savour the country’s favourite steak

A beloved fixture of the Australian Open, The Bistro by Rockpool will return to Melbourne Park. Cherished by fans for nearly a decade, the team from Rockpool Bar & Grill serves favourites from the Sydney and Melbourne restaurants in a three-course a la carte menu as part of an AO Reserve experience. Expect exceptional seafood or some of the country’s finest steaks from the likes of Blackmore Wagyu and Cape Grim, served with a perfectly paired wine, prior to an exhilarating match. Guests can enjoy a beverage on the private terrace overlooking Garden Square before taking their seats and letting executive chef Santiago Aristizabal, take care of them. 

Graze on farm-to-table menus in the private spaces

Three of AO Reserve’s premium private spaces will feature menus designed by executive chef Alejandro Saravia. Drawing provenance-focused inspiration from his restaurants – Victoria and Farmer’s Daughters, Melbourne and Sydney-based Morena – Saravia will create grazing fare for The Lounge, Terrace and private suites taking guests on a journey through the produce of regional Victoria combined with flavours from Latin America. Indulge in grilled meats sourced from East Gippsland or Murray River fish before you take your court-facing seats in Rod Laver Arena.

Experience an elevated take on Italian bar snacks

Australian chef Blake Shailes is flying into The Australian Open to bring a taste of Los Angeles to AO Reserve’s Riverside Social. Shailes, who helms renowned rooftop bar Grandmaster Recorders will bring a relaxed take on Italian classics inspired by his laid-back Byron Bay roots and Californian home. Guests of Riverside Social will enjoy roving canapés and welcome cocktails while listening to live music whilst cheering on their favourite players on the big screens. Prefer to be closer to the action? The package comes with Lower Bowl seats to ensure you never miss a point of the tennis.

SEE ALSO: 5 Ultimate Experiences to Book Ahead of the Australian Open