Image credit: The Precinct Hotel. Venues listed in no particular order.
Australian Open season is Melbourne in full show-off mode. The tennis is elite, the city is buzzing and every venue within a few kilometres of Rod Laver is feeling the heat. It’s long lunches that turn into late dinners, spontaneous post-match drinks and “just one more set” that somehow ends at dessert.
Whether you’re heading to the courts, watching from the bar or riding the Open energy around town, it’s prime time for great food and good times. To make sure you’re ready for the games, we’ve pulled together a hit list of Melbourne venues you can book now.
1. London Tavern Hotel
If the Australian Open had a favourite local pub, The London Tavern Hotel would be right up there. Just a stone’s throw from the courts, this Richmond icon is where tennis days roll straight into pub nights. Expect proper pub classics done right, cold beers flowing and a beer garden that turns into a full-blown vibe during Open season. It’s the kind of place for pre-match schnitzels, post-match pints and “we’ll just stay for one more” moments that stretch well into the evening. Lively, unpretentious and always buzzing, The Tav is pure Melbourne hospitality.
Location: 238 Lennox Street, Richmond
Hours: Daily 12pm – late
2. Nixie Nox
Nixie Nox might be tiny in square metres, but it’s massive in character, and perfect for when you want a cheeky detour from the tennis crowds. Billed as Richmond’s smallest pub, this Swan Street hideaway packs vintage charm, lively vibes and more personality per square inch than your average sports bar. Expect tight-but-terrific pub grub (we’re talking standout parmis and inventive dishes that punch above their weight) alongside a curated list of local brews, classic cocktails and good-time wines that won’t quit. With cozy indoor corners, a leafy atrium and an upstairs nook for when the group rolls deeper, Nixie Nox is where playful energy and proper hospo collide, ideal for clocking off after a day of rallies or unwinding with mates over margaritas and pints.
Location: 141 Swan Street, Richmond
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – late; Sunday 2pm – late
3. The Precinct Hotel
When the Australian Open hits Melbourne, The Precinct Hotel hits back, with the kind of energy that could rival a fiveset thriller. Just a short stroll from the courts, this Richmond favourite mixes classic Aussie pub vibes with a buzzing sports bar, award-winning courtyard (retractable roof included) and big screens to catch every ace and match point. Think $15 cocktail Saturdays, live acoustic sessions, taco nights, schnitzels, ribs and a stellar lineup of craft beers and wines to keep the cheers coming. Perfect for pre-match fuel, post-match celebrations, or rallying with mates while soaking up every set.
Location: 60 Swan St, Cremorne
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm – late
4. The Sporting Globe, Richmond
Looking for a spot to soak up all the Australian Open energy without missing a single point? The Sporting Globe Richmond has you covered. This Bridge Road hotspot is a proper party for sports fans, with big screens everywhere (so you’ll never miss an ace), booths for your crew, and a rooftop terrace that’s buzzing from sun-up to post-match celebrations. The menu is pure crowd-pleaser territory, think wings that vanish faster than a serve, loaded parmas, juicy steaks, and share plates perfect for grazing between rallies. Wash it all down with a cold beer, a punchy cocktail, or whatever your post-match ritual demands. Whether you’re here for a quick bite between sets, a long lunch with mates, or a full-on post-match debrief, Sporting Globe is your go to.
Location: 288 Bridge Road, Richmond
Hours: Daily 11am – late
5. The Grand Hotel, Richmond
When the Australian Open dust settles and your group is craving a proper Richmond feed with a bit of oomph, The Grand Hotel Richmond is the kind of spot that’ll make you glad you left the courts. This 1888 classic mixes old-school charm with modern vibes, serving up wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and share plates that are perfect for grazing with your crew while reliving all those match highlights. Grab a booth in the stylish bar, sneak out to the leafy beer garden with a cold one, or settle into the dining room if you’re feeling fancy. Either way, the wine flows, the laughs roll, and the vibe is as lively as a fifth-set tiebreak.
Location: 333 Burnley Street, Richmond
Hours: Daily 12pm – late
6. Farro, Richmond
Farro Pizzeria in Richmond is a speltdough paradise right in the middle of all the Australian Open buzz. Their slowfermented pizzas are stacked with bold, inventive toppings, while fresh pastas, arancini, and crispy polenta chips make grazing with friends an absolute joy. Grab a spritz, a cheeky cocktail, or a cold beer, find a sunny spot in the courtyard or a cozy nook inside, and soak up the lively atmosphere while refuelling between matches. With every dish packed full of flavour and personality, Farro turns a simple meal into a little celebration, it’s the kind of place where you’ll happily linger long after the last bite.
Location: 112 Swan Street, Cremorne
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 5pm – 9pm; Thursday to Sunday 12pm – 9pm
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