What to eat at the Australian Open

Arguably the most popular thing to eat at the AO, the signature Peach Melbourne soft serve will be returning again in 2026. Orchard-fresh peaches, raspberries and melt-in-your-mouth vanilla soft serve ice cream combine to make this exclusive dessert the ultimate summer treat. Fun fact: the Peach Melbourne was inspired by the peach melba dessert created in the 1890s by French chef Auguste Escoffier to honour iconic Aussie opera singer Nellie Melba. 

Where to find it: Kia Arena, Show Court 3 or Topcourt

For the first time ever, the cult US fast food joint – reportedly a favourite of celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Chrissy Teigen – has opened as a tasty pop-up at the AO. Visitors can get their hands on the chain’s signature ShackBurger (a single cheeseburger with a smashed Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and that legendary 'Shack Sauce' on a potato bun), and to sweeten the deal, the team will also be whipping up an exclusive shake. Will you pick honey macadamia or choc fudge cookies and cream? We can't decide.

Where to find it: Topcourt and John Cain Arena

If you've heard about Melbourne's new-ish Japanese convenience store-inspired eatery Suupaa, you'll be pleased to know these legends will be dishing out all kinds of deliciousness across the tournament this year. We're talking things like onigiri (spicy tuna rocks), tip-top sandos, noodle bowls, fried chicken and more.

Where to find it: Western courts 

We're calling it: Hector's Deli makes some of the finest sandwiches in Melbourne. So thank the flour-dusted heavens that these geniuses are making a reappearance at the AO this year. Word on the street is that there'll be a beef and pickle deluxe toastie, a fried chicken sanga, chicken salads and the legendary Hector's doughnut. Get around it.

Where to find it: Garden Square

Melbourne's respected DOC Gastronomia crew are best known for their restaurants in Carlton, St Kilda and even Mornington. And this city takeover continues with another pop-up presence at the AO this year. They will be slinging pizza by the slice, plus a daily-changing porchetta roll during opening week.

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Sometimes, you're in the mood for something on the heartier side. If that's the case, check out the collab between Stalactites and Taverna (two of our fave spots for a Hellenic feast). The Greek dream duo will be serving up succulent souvas and spanakopita throughout the entire tournament. 

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Sometimes the only thing that'll hit the spot when hunger strikes is a good ol'-fashioned sausage sizzle. Imagine that, but taken to the next level. The Butcher's Banga from Vic's Meat features a premium Aussie beef sausage in a delicious hoagie roll, with juicy onions and lashings of mustard and tomato sauce. If you're still hungry after inhaling one you can also get some cheeseburger spring rolls. 

Where to find it: Garden Square

Last year the Season team's Good Days offering was a hit. But for 2026, owner Nam Nguyen is doing something a little different. He's honing in on the Aussie obsession with charcoal chicken shops – but with a modern Vietnamese twist. Tennisgoers will delight in crispy tenders (both OG and spicy), zingy green papaya salads and the kimchi fried chicken sanga of your dreams – all served fresh across the entire tournament. 

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Entrecôte, known for its classic French fare, will be making its second consecutive appearance at the AO after a successful debut last year – brilliant news for fans of the restaurant's epic cheeseburgers! Along with the aforementioned delight, the Gallic purveyor will also be offering its delicious maitrillette baguette, which is essentially steak frites in epic sanga form.

Where to find it: Garden Square

Whether you call them potato scallops, fritters or cakes, there's no disputing it: these salt-dusted, golden-cased carbs are an Aussie icon. This classic beachside bite will be all over the AO this year, thanks to a collab with Ross Howse (that charismatic Bangin' Sangas guy), and of course, they'll be generously loaded with toppings like truffle, parmesan, za'atar, labneh and more.

Where to find it: Garden Square

For those mad about Mexican, you'll want to make a beeline for the Grand Slam Oval where Fitzroy taco shop Frankie's will be slinging their famous pescadillas (aka fried fish tacos). These morsels are filled with cheese potato-ey goodness and deep-fried until golden, and we recommend topping them with salsa verde for extra flavour. 

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

After a healthy option at the tennis? Fan-favourite Fishbowl offers meals on gluten-free carbs such as glass noodles or brown rice, then loads them with Japanese-inspired toppings like salmon sashimi, tamari almonds, nori flakes and wasabi mayo. Pick a fresh bowl or street food boxes, with combos like lemon chicken, five-spice beef and classic salmon sure to be an ace.

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Any Melburnian who loves pies knows that Wonder Pies are elite. The beloved pastry brand's chef Ray Capaldi is bringing back these savoury pockets to the AO Ballpark, this time with a menu inspired by classic Aussie tuck shops. And be sure to bite into a signature AO shortbread cookie after your lunch.

Where to find it: AO Ballpark

Critically acclaimed chef Junda Khoo is hosting a stall at the Grand Slam Oval, where you can sink your teeth into some of his best-loved Malaysian faves – like prawn toast with salted duck egg and explosively delicious laksa dumplings.

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

This Middle Eastern food stall from Maha mastermind Shane Delia is bringing elevated comfort food to the courts, packed with love and flavour. Take a break from the scoreboard and indulge in Layla's hot Habibi butter chicken, paired with a drink or two.

Where to find it: Garden Square

For retro American diner-inspired eats, head to Jollygood. The stall will be serving up truckloads of their signature cheeseburgers (one of the best in Melbourne, we reckon), crispy fried fish sangas and wedges – all perfect game fare for when the scorecard is a nail-biter and you need to stress-eat.

Where to find it: Grand Slam Oval

Hungry, but don't want to miss a minute of the action? The Grey Goose Courtside Bar is where fans can enjoy the tennis from open-air front-row seats with snacks and drinks, or swill a cocktail atop the stylish rooftop. Whatever you do, don't miss the Grey Goose Lemon Ace – a vodka-infused cocktail with sparkling lemonade and passionfruit syrup, served over ice and garnished with lemon and fresh mint. This refreshing beauty debuted at the AO last year and is the perfect way to cool down and chillax after a tense game. 

Where to find it: Overlooking Court 6

Additional to the exceptional local chef-led dining adventures already mentioned in this list, the AO Premium Reserve suite of experiences is bringing interstate – and even international – talent to our fair city this January. If you want to take your dining to the next level this tennis season, learn more about these offerings and book your spot now.

Where to find it: Various