Celebrate Melbourne Cup at Il Pontile

Looking for a fun and fabulous way to celebrate Melbourne Cup day? Il Pontile is the perfect host for the famous “race that stops the country”, and all the flair and ceremony that comes with it.

A table full of spectators enjoying Melbourne Cup — Image @ilpontile.syd

Melbourne Cup at Il Pontile

It’s that time of year once again, folks. Time to don your fascinators, cocktail dresses and sports coats for this high-energy annual event full of tradition and fun.

If you’re looking for a classy spot to sit back and enjoy race day in all its flair and splendour, look no further than Il Pontile. Situated on the sun-drenched Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, this modern Italian restaurant has become a fixture in Sydney’s renowned waterside dining scene.

And with an innovative, hearty banquet menu for race day, showcasing a range of Italian spring-time delicacies, Il Pontile is the perfect place to indulge and enjoy this year’s festivities in style.

Keep reading for a closer look at the menu and race day programming at Il Pontile.

Il Pontile’s Melbourne Cup menu

Il Pontile’s Melbourne Cup offering is equal parts innovative and familiar. Served as a hearty sharing banquet, this specially-curated menu lays out an indulgent culinary journey through the regions of Italy — from the sparkling Amalfi coast with its rich, relaxed flavours and delicate seafood, to the rolling green hills of Marche with its unrivalled produce.

Guests will enjoy a glass of luscious prosecco rosé, opening the palate with hints of bright red berries and soft floral notes.

First out of the gate is a delicious suite of antipasti dishes to share, including fiery stuzzichino and pillowy gnocco fritto with prosciutto, alongside rich black Angus tenderloin tartare and a fresh, zesty octopus salad.

Guests will then select from a trio of warming pasta dishes, including saucy pappardelle wagyu ragù, spiced gnocchi with pumpkin and rich truffle pecorino or a delicate, indulgent linguine vongole.

Those looking for an extra layer of indulgence in this tantalising menu can also order a rich, saucy linguine lobster for the pasta-filled primi.

In the traditional Italian luncheon fashion, guests will then select a generous secondi plate to follow the pasta. But in keeping with the energetic, social nature of the day, these secondi will be served as hand-held skewers with the option of a trio of beef, lamb and pork, or a rich selection of seafood. Those more vegetally inclined can choose a rich serving of stuffed melenzane barchetta to close out the savoury selection.

The dessert certainly doesn’t hold out on the fanfare, either, with intricately-crafted stacks of millefoglie on every table, alongside the classic Southern Italian combo of lemon and strawberry sorbet.

What to wear on Race Day at Il Pontile

Melbourne Cup day is all about dressing to the nines and having fun with family and friends.

The traditional dress for a Melbourne Cup lunch includes sports coats, buttoned shirts, tailored pants and dress shoes, or cocktail dresses, with the option of an eye-catching fascinator.

Whatever your outfit, the point is to look fabulous, confident and fun. At Il Pontile, flair is absolutely encouraged, with a slew of amazing prizes to hand out for a best-dressed contest on the day.

Enjoy the sun and ceremony on Race Day

There’s no better place to enjoy this high-energy social luncheon event than right by the sparkling blue of Sydney Harbour. Il Pontile is situated tantalisingly close to the water and features plenty of outdoor covered seating for those looking to enjoy the springtime festivities in the open air.

Each guest will begin their day with a refreshing glass of prosecco rosé before embarking on their table’s four-course banquet. The various Melbourne Cup races will be televised for the entire day around the venue, so guests can observe at their leisure.

The main event will begin at 3:00 pm, with ample time given for everyone to stand up and find a place to view the much-anticipated Melbourne Cup race. After the race, guests can then relax and enjoy more wine, desserts and a range of warming digestivi to finish off the festivities.

So, if you’re keen to enjoy this fabulous social day in style, head to Il Pontile’s website and book your table and prepare yourself for a day of feasting and fun.

Looking for more ways to celebrate the springtime festivities? Check out these deliciously spicy cocktail recipes.