The Australian Open 2025 isn’t just serving up world-class tennis—it’s also delighting fans with a mouthwatering array of food options, making the event as much about food as it is about sport.

With nearly 100 acres of space at Melbourne Park, fans can mix tennis with entertainment, enjoying delicious meals and drinks while soaking up the festival vibe.

A Taste of Australia and Beyond

Tennis Australia’s head of product growth and innovation, Fern Barrett, is raising the bar with the food offerings at the Australian Open. Barrett, formerly of the Melbourne Food & Drinks Festival, notes that food is a vital part of the city’s identity, and this year, the AO is positioning itself as a food festival in its own right. With 22 food locations spread across the venue, each one serves a unique experience, offering diverse Australian cuisine alongside global flavors.

Each year, approximately 75% of the food offerings change, ensuring there are fresh, exciting options for fans returning year after year. The result? A fusion of Australian favorites and innovative new dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

Signature Delights and Exclusive Offerings

Among the fan-favorites is the Peach Melbourne, a twist on the iconic Peach Melba dessert, featuring peach and raspberry soft serve made from local Victorian produce. After a sold-out success in its first two years, this treat is set to be even more popular in 2025, with the AO expecting to sell 120,000 servings this year.

In addition to the Peach Melbourne, Tennis Australia has introduced the AO Frappe, a fun, grab-and-go iced coffee designed to keep caffeine lovers fueled throughout the day, and long lines at the concession stands a thing of the past.

Local eateries like Piccolo Panini Bar are making their debut at the event, bringing along popular dishes like the cotoletta panini and a limited-edition meatball panini, which will be available exclusively during the tournament. Other brands like Fishbowl and Ostro are also stepping up with unique, AO-only menu items, further enhancing the food experience.

Championing Local and Global Partnerships

The Australian Open prides itself on showcasing Melbourne’s hospitality on the world stage. Barrett highlights the importance of collaborating with both established brands and smaller, mission-driven enterprises. For example, the event is helping expose social enterprises like All Things Equal, which promotes workplace inclusion for people with disabilities, through its popular tennis ball tart.

The AO also focuses on premium experiences, such as the Riverside Social Club near the 1573 Arena, where Australian chefs Grant Simillie and Blake Shailes bring a taste of their Los Angeles-based restaurant, Grandmaster Recorders, to Melbourne. The premium clientele will enjoy L.A.-inspired dishes made with Australian summer ingredients, including highlights like a caviar cannoli with Yarra Valley caviar.

A Food Experience Like No Other

From traditional favorites to innovative creations, the Australian Open 2025 is a food lover’s paradise. Whether you're grabbing a bite between sets or enjoying a premium dining experience, the tournament is putting Melbourne’s food scene on a global stage. So, while the world watches the tennis, it’s safe to say that the food at the AO is equally worth the trip.