The world’s top tennis stars will share the spotlight at Australian Open 2023 with a stellar line-up of some of the country’s most in-demand restaurants and bars, with culinary household names and trailblazers coming together to showcase the diversity and creativity of the country’s world-class dining scene.
Andrew McConnell (Supernormal), Jacqui Challinor (NOMAD), Jason Staudt (Stokehouse) and Josh Niland (Charcoal Fish) are just some of the new names bringing their mouth-watering menus to the Australian Open (AO) this summer. While fan favourites including Shane Delia’s Maha, Rockpool Bar & Grill and Penfolds’ Restaurant are set to return.
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“The Australian Open is back bigger and better this year. We’re excited to welcome more fans back to Melbourne Park than ever before and in anticipation for their arrival, the team has been busy curating an incredible lineup of restaurants, bars and takeaway offerings. From five-star dining and celebrity chefs to delicious street food and family favourites, we have something for everyone,” Tennis Australia Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis said.
“The Australian Open offers more than world-class tennis, there is so much on offer in the way of food and entertainment. We love being able to showcase and celebrate the significant talent of Melbourne and Australia’s culinary scenes, from household names to newcomers.”
Andrew McConnell is a true icon of the Melbourne dining scene and this summer he’s bringing his Asian-influenced restaurant Supernormal to Garden Square. Surrounded by a modern, playful fit-out, fans will have the chance to dine on some of Supernormal’s most popular dishes, as well as new dishes designed with an AO twist.
Sydney-based Josh Niland, who has become globally known through his innovative fish butchery, is excited to bring his sustainable restaurant Charcoal Fish from Sydney to Melbourne and the Australian Open for the first time.
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Charcoal Fish will be located in the vibrant Beach Bar precinct, accompanied by the first ever AO Spritz Bar. Relaxing under palm trees, fans will be able to sip AO signature spritzes including a French 75, the Service Break or a non-alcoholic Guava Margarita, curated in association with Melbourne cocktail bar The Everleigh.
The dining precinct overlooking Garden Square will be home to three sleek and stylish restaurants at AO23:
- Supernormal is taking over the ground floor of Centrepiece, giving fans the chance to sample its signature flavours that highlight Melbourne’s iconic chef Andrew McConnell’s devotion to Japanese and Cantonese cuisine
- Rockpool Bar & Grill – a firm fan favourite at the AO – is transporting its world-renowned dining experience to the second level of Centrepiece this summer. Diners will be able to select three courses from a signature menu delivered with distinction by Rockpool’s award-winning team
- Penfolds’ Restaurant is returning for its third year after a highly successful AO22 in the new Centrepiece. It will be offering a refined menu with paired wines in a setting that is set to wow diners.
The Atrium is returning to the River Terrace deck in 2023, along with its popular all-day bar and restaurant.
The greenhouse-like structure offers stunning views of the Yarra River and a tranquil oasis for fans to relax and recharge. This summer, the Atrium will be taken over by NOMAD, one of Sydney’s top restaurants which opened its second outlet in Melbourne at the end of 2021. Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor’s signature dishes draw inspiration from the Mediterranean and the Middle East and will focus on Victorian produce, offering a relaxed dining experience.
The Rod Laver Superboxes are back after their huge success launching in 2022. The Superboxes give fans the opportunity to enjoy a premium micro restaurant experience without missing a minute of the tennis action. Shane Delia is returning with his incredibly popular Superbox featuring a grazing menu of the celebrated Middle Eastern fare from his restaurant Maha.
During the second week of the tournament, on offer in the Glasshouse will be a three-course menu featuring signature dishes from one of Australia’s most celebrated seaside restaurants, St Kilda culinary icon Stokehouse.
More exciting restaurants, bars and family favourites will be revealed in the coming weeks.