Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Some of Melbourne’s favorite foodie destinations – Mamasita, Gazi, Uncle, Gelato Messina, Cobb Lane, Combi, Huxtaburger and Huxtable featuring Mr Claws – will set up shop at the free Australian Open Festival at Birrarung Marr from 18 to 31 January.

The gastronomic line-up, as well as fun family activities, cafes and bars including the Canadian Club Racquet Club, will reinforce Melbourne’s reputation as a culinary capital as the Festival brings the tournament closer to the heart of the city than ever before.

“The cumulative credentials of the Australian Open Festival chefs are truly impressive,” Tennis Australia Commercial Director Richard Heaselgrave said today.

“By adding to the Australian Open’s food offering in this way and working with some of the biggest names in the Melbourne dining scene, we’re giving tennis fans and foodies even more of what they want from a major global sporting event.

“Diners on site at the Australian Open in January will also be spoilt for choice, with seven restaurants and 12 private dining spaces serving up everything from relaxed a la carte dining to the unique experience of dining on Margaret Court Arena during the final three days of the tournament.”

On the Festival menu will be Mamasita’s chargrilled corn, baja fish tacos and award-winning seafood tostadas. Huxtaburger will serve up its famous cheeseburgers and crinkle cut chips and Huxtable featuring Mr Claws will offer lobster rolls, panko crumbed prawns and fresh seafood.

George Calombaris’ Gazi will dish out Greek street food including souvas and chips with feta and oregano, and Uncle will feature traditional Vietnamese fare including spicy prawn banh mi and chicken tenderloin bao.

In addition to his ever-popular restaurant at Melbourne Park, renowned Melbourne chef Scott Pickett will join the Festival line-up to launch Estelle Mistress by Scott Pickett featuring healthy street eats.

For sweet tooths, Gelato Messina’s custom-made Australian Open gelato and Matt Forbes’ famous doughnuts from Cobb Lane will prove popular options.

Coffee lovers will be able to fuel up at the Lavazza Café and Combi will cater to health conscious fans with organic superfoods and a selection of pressed juices.

The Canadian Club Racquet Club and Heineken and Jacob’s Creek Bar will help festival-goers wash down the fine food.

Combi and the Lavazza Café will be open from 7am to 7pm, with all other food outlets and bars open from midday to late.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.