After two years of Covid cancellations and disruptions, the Australian Open (AO) is coming back with a bang in 2023, with a raft of topnotch new dining and drinking options.

The headliner is Supernormal. Chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell is transplanting his convivial Asian-inspired diner to Melbourne Park, popping up in Garden Square with many of its cult dishes.

“The vibe in the city is absolutely electric over the Australian Open, and for years we’ve loved welcoming diners from near and far to Supernormal over January,” McConnell tells Broadsheet.

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“What a thrill it is to take Supernormal to Melbourne Park in 2023 – an opportunity to be in the thick of the tennis action alongside a great line-up of Melbourne restaurants is one we’re really excited about.”

Another highlight? Pioneering pescetarian chef Josh Niland (of Sydney’s Saint Peter) is bringing his fancy fish’n’chipper Charcoal Fish to Melbourne from the Harbour City – for the first time. Think of it as the charcoal-seafood equivalent of the suburban chook shop, known for its excellent tuna cheeseburger. It’ll be in the vibrant Beach Bar precinct, alongside the AO’s first-ever spritz bar.

Rounding out the stacked line-up are some other tennis newcomers: iconic St Kilda fine diner Stokehouse and Sydney transplant Nomad, which brought its clever, considered brand of dining to Flinders Lane in late 2021.

Returning to Melbourne Park next year will be Shane Delia’s Maha as well as Rockpool and the Penfolds restaurant.

More restaurants and bars will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Australian Open will run from January 16 to 29, 2023.

ausopen.com