The roar of engines is set to fill Albert Park once again as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix returns, signalling a final hurrah for summer’s warmth. This iconic Melbourne event isn’t just about high-octane racing; it’s a cultural melting pot offering a smorgasbord of culinary delights for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned motorsport enthusiast, a casual viewer captivated by the drama of Drive to Survive, or simply looking to catch a live set from global sensation Rita Ora, the Grand Prix promises an unforgettable experience. And for the foodies among us, this year’s lineup is particularly exciting, with a host of renowned eateries setting up shop trackside. Here’s our curated guide to the must-try dining destinations for your pit stop amidst the thrilling action.
Burger Bliss: From Viral Hits to Flame-Kissed Perfection
Get ready to sink your teeth into some serious burger action. Melbourne’s own burger sensation, Charrd, makes its highly anticipated Grand Prix debut this year. Famous for their flame-grilled patties (a departure from traditional charcoal), Charrd is bringing their signature beef burgers – available as a satisfying single (100g) or double (200g) – to the track. These aren’t just any burgers; they’re a masterpiece of flavour, featuring caramelised onions, a decadent truffle aioli, and a sweet chilli jam. Punters are in for an extra treat with an exclusive Caesar-style fried chicken burger, a special creation only available at the Grand Prix. Let’s hope the queues are more manageable than at their popular Brunswick East store!
- Charrd Burger Deal: Includes a single patty burger, fries, and a side of Charrd’s signature sauce.
- Cost: $31
- Location: Melbourne Junction (Oval 17)
- Find them on: instagram.com/charrdbk
Adding to the culinary excitement is Edita’s, another viral sensation joining the circuit. This beloved Carlton North fish and chip shop is bringing its cult-favourite fish burger to Albert Park. Imagine a fluffy potato roll generously filled with perfectly battered fish, melted cheese, and a liberal slathering of their house-made tartare sauce. The deal gets even sweeter with a side of hand-cut, triple-cooked chips included. For those craving classic fare, Edita’s also offers a standard flake and chips pack, alongside tempting potato cakes and their famous Marathon dimmies.
- Edita’s Fish Burger Combo: A delicious fish burger served with a side of chips.
- Cost: $23
- Edita’s Fish & Chips: Classic flake and chips.
- Cost: $21
- Add-ons: An extra $10 will get you a serve of three dim sims or potato cakes.
- Location: Melbourne Junction (Oval 17)
- Find them on: instagram.com/editasmelb
Don’t forget these nearby burger joints if the main queues are a bit daunting:
* 300 Grams: Flipping burgers at the Motorsport Straight precinct.
* Royal Stacks: Serving up their popular creations at Oval 20.
Middle Eastern Flavours and Chook Wraps Galore
Get ready for a taste of authentic Lebanese goodness with A1 Bakery, a true Melbourne institution that’s finally getting its moment in the Grand Prix spotlight. Following their successful stint at the Australian Open, A1 is back to delight sports fans with their legendary halloumi cheese pies and spinach and cheese triangles, both priced at $12. Their famous marinated chicken and falafel wraps are also on the menu, offering a flavour-packed, convenient option. And for a sweet finale, don’t miss their custard baklava donut – a delightful treat for $8.50.
- A1 Chicken Wrap Meal: A satisfying chicken wrap accompanied by a side of chips and their signature toum garlic sauce.
- Cost: $29.50 (wrap standalone: $19)
- Location: Melbourne Junction (Oval 17)
- Visit: a1bakery.com.au
Another Lebanese culinary powerhouse, El Jannah, is firing up its flame grills at the Grand Prix for the very first time. Prepare your taste buds for their much-loved menu items, including their succulent grilled chicken burgers and spicy chicken wraps, all featuring El Jannah’s iconic smoky chilli sauce – a flavour that loyal fans know and rave about. Complement your meal with their refreshing fattoush salad or a generous dollop of their famous toum garlic sauce.
- El Jannah Wrap Meal: A flavourful wrap served with chips and toum sauce.
- Cost: $33.50
- Location: Motorsport Straight
- Discover more: eljannah.com.au
A special mention for these returning favourites:
* Biggie Smalls: Shane Delia’s popular eatery is back at Pit Stop Park, offering their delicious fried chicken kebabs, loaded halloumi fries, and more.
Sweet Endings: Baked Goods and Gelato Dreams
This year’s Grand Prix is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, boasting a stellar lineup of dessert vendors. Butter Days, a charming Scandinavian-inspired bakery from Malvern, is gracing the event with its delectable creations. Indulge in their chewy, brown butter bikkies ($6), or treat yourself to a decadent cinnamon scroll, luxuriously soaked in butterscotch and topped with a brûléed cream cheese frosting. They’re also serving breakfast croissants and an exclusive F1 snack: chocolate-covered strawberries.
- Butter Days Sweet & Savoury Combo: A classic ham and cheese croissant paired with a delightful cinnamon scroll.
- Cost: $20.50
- Location: Motorsport Straight
- Explore their treats: butterdaysbakery.com.au
Get ready to cool down with Gelato Messina, the renowned gelateria, as they race into Albert Park with an exclusive “fast and frozen” gelato sandwich. This unique creation features a vanilla sable, a delicate French butter cookie, sandwiching layers of baked cheesecake gelato swirled with a rich burnt honey caramel, all enrobed in a chocolate coating. For those who prefer classic scoops, Messina is also offering five signature flavours, including pistachio praline, chocolate peanut fudge, and dulce de leche.
- Messina F1 Gelato Sandwich: A unique and indulgent frozen treat.
- Cost: $14
- Single Scoop:
- Cost: $8
- Double Scoop:
- Cost: $10
- Triple Scoop:
- Cost: $12
- Location: Melbourne Junction (Oval 17)
- Flavour profiles: gelatomessina.com
Don’t miss these other sweet temptations:
* Berry Donut Van: Hailing from Berry in NSW, this mobile van is serving up hot, fluffy cinnamon donuts, perfect with a coffee or milkshake, alongside hot dogs.
* Lune Croissanterie: The beloved Lune is returning to the track with their exquisite range of croissants, from the classic kouign amann to ham and gruyere, and their popular twice-baked Tim Tam pain au chocolat.
A Touch of Luxury: Premium Dining Experiences
For those seeking a more refined trackside experience, Chris Lucas’s establishments are offering prime seated dining options. Chin Chin is setting up a pop-up at the Melbourne Junction precinct, featuring two banquet-style feasts priced at $95 per person. Bookings are essential for general admission guests, with priority access for American Express cardholders.
- Chin Chin Banquet Feast: A multi-course culinary journey.
- Cost: $95 per person (bookings required)
- Location: Melbourne Junction (Oval 17)
- Reserve your spot: chinchin.melbourne
For the ultimate premium experience, head to Grill Americano within the exclusive American Express lounge. Dining here is seamlessly integrated into your lounge ticket, offering a taste of opulence with dishes like exquisite lobster tortellini and perfectly sliced tagliata di manzo steak. Complement your meal with fine beverages, including Moët & Chandon and premium Penfolds wines.
- Grill Americano Dining Experience: Indulge in gourmet dishes and premium beverages.
- Location: American Express lounge
- Explore the menu: grillamericano.com
Further luxury options include:
* Mercedes-Benz Lounge: Ticketholders can savour dishes such as prawn toast, wagyu beef burgers, and miso black cod.
* Mercedes-AMG Grandstand: This family-friendly zone offers a separate food purchase area with offerings from 400 Gradi pizza, sushi, burgers, and more.
