115 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Housed in a 165-year-old restored courthouse, Ciao Cielo sets the scene for an indulgent take on carb-loading. High ceilings, glowing chandeliers and a sense of occasion makes your pre-race dinner feel like an event in itself. The menu leans soulful and satisfying, from pillowy potato gnocchi with oxtail ragu to zesty, ocean-fresh hits with Spanner Crab Inked spaghetti, exactly the kind of fuel you will want before 42 kilometres.
Hours: 7 days a week, 12 PM to 10 PM
Bookings: Here
Officina Gastronomica Italiana
532/534 Malvern Rd, Prahran VIC 3181
This Hawksburn Italian gem makes carb-loading feel like you’re slipping into a little slice of Italy. Handmade pastas and laidback charm deliver comfort and authenticity in every bowl. Whether you’re with friends or enjoying a pre-race solo ritual, it’s the kind of place where good food and good energy meet. Enjoy mouthwatering Pumpkin Ravioli with goat cheese, mustard fruit and amaretto, or stick to a classic Tagliolini all’uovo, cacio e pepe.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 6:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Friday, 6:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM to 3 PM
Bookings: Here
168 Chapel St, Windsor 3181Windsor’s Italian-inspired restaurant and basement bar, Studio Amaro, is the ideal spot to fuel up before the Melbourne Marathon. With a menu built around house-made pasta, runners can load up on dishes like rigatoni arrabbiata with wood-fired chilli and stracciatella, casarecce with beef short rib ragù, or paccheri with osso bucco ragù. The focaccia, crisp on the outside and soft inside, is another easy pre-race favourite. Whether it’s a plate of pasta or bread to share, Studio Amaro makes carb-loading simple, social and satisfying ahead of the big run.
Hours: 7 days a week, 12 PM to late
Bookings: here
Ground Level, 79 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
Located on Swan Street, right in the hustle of the Melbourne Marathon route, New Quarter is the perfect dining destination for runners wanting flavour and fuel pre-race day. Its menu leans Vietnamese-inspired, with a strong noodle and curry offering that’s ideal for carb loading without feeling too heavy. You’ll find dishes like black bean rice noodle with mushrooms and crispy bean curd, duck floss egg noodle with spring onion and chives, and chilli tiger prawn noodle with tamarind and white pepper
Hours: 7 days a week, 12 to 11 PM
Bookings: here
18-28 Market Ln, Melbourne, VIC 300
For runners looking to fuel up ahead of the Melbourne Marathon, Hofbräuhaus Melbourne offers the ultimate carb-friendly pit stop. Since 1968, Hofbräuhaus has been an iconic destination for hearty German cuisine, with all schnitzels crumbed to order and served in generous portions, perfect for topping up energy before a big run. Beyond schnitzels, the menu features comforting Bavarian classics, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying meal. Friday nights are a great time to visit Hofbräuhaus, particularly during Oktoberfest, with live music performances from 6:30 PM until late.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12 to 11 PM
Bookings: Here