The scent of fresh paint was still in the air as 25,000 fans streamed through the gates of the new Allianz Stadium for the precinct’s community open day on Sunday.
But it was the smell of chips and slabs of pizza glowing under the freshly fired-up bain maries that really caught the attention of punters.
Merivale curated 64 food-and-beverage outlets at the newly-opened Allianz Stadium.Credit:James Alcock
Merivale curated the stadium’s 64 food-and-beverage outlets. The members’ concourse features spinoffs of Queen Chow Dumplings and Bondi Merivale staple Totti’s, slinging fettuccine with stracciatella and bolognese pappardelle. Bert’s Bistro is serving wagyu sirloin bearnaise and grilled lobster with garlic butter.
But the broadest range of outlets are available under general admission. Here’s what’s on offer.
Under $10
Most of the food outlets operate under a self-serve, grab-and-go setup, so there weren’t many queues during the day of the stadium’s first stress test. But if the crowds were anything to go by, the most popular outlets were the “kiosk” bars spruiking standard stadium fare.
Here you’ll find a beef burger ($14.50), a veggie burger ($17.50) and fried chicken tenders and chips ($18), but also your two best options for a bite under $10.
Simplicity is key. Sonoma’s braised beef pies are part of the offering at Allianz Stadium.Credit:James Alcock
A standard stadium dog goes for $5.50 (you can upgrade to a $12 El Loco Hot Dog with a scoop of pico de gallo, jalapeños and queso fresco).
But your best bet is the Beef Pie by Sonoma ($8.50) with a lick of “gourmet” tomato sauce. The pastry is thick and flaky, the braised beef is rich and flavourful, and it was easily the hottest meal on offer. (And if the price tag’s too steep you can shave a bit off your spend and opt for a cheaper Four’n Twenty.)
About $15
The cheapest item on the menu of Ms G’s Noodles & Dumplings is Dan Hong’s daring cheeseburger spring rolls. Diners can decide for themselves whether $13 is worth fulfilling the morbid curiosity, but the $17 prawn har gow dumplings or chicken dim sim are definitely a safer option.
Ms. G’s infamous cheeseburger spring rolls look innocuous but pack a confusing culinary punch.Credit:James Alcock
Vinnie’s $15.50 slabs of pizza mightn’t look dazzling. But the thick, focaccia-style crust is a winner. There’s margherita, pepperoni and “hawaina” on offer.
The potato and rosemary pizza is the star of the show. It’s packed with warm garlic, fragrant rosemary, pillowy chunks of potato and flakes of salt that crack between your teeth. A hunger killer.
Vinnie’s Pizza is slinging margarita, pepperoni, “hawaina” and potato and rosemary slices of pizza. Credit:James Alcock
At the $17 mark is another excellent option; the Late Night Edition wrap from Jimmy’s Falafel. Crispy pita bread encases lamb kafta, parsley, sumac onions, tomato, Aleppo pepper and intense, zesty lemon.
A handheld feed grabbed between halves doesn’t get much better.
Crispy, zesty perfection: a lamb kafta “late night edition” wrap from Jimmy’s Falafels.Credit:James Alcock
Approaching $20
El Loco’s brisket, fish and pork belly soft tacos go for $15 each, but you’ll probably need more than one to fill up. The fish taco is crunchy and served with a delicious coating of green goddess sauce, but it desperately needs some zing. Grab a squeezy chilli sauce sachet on your way through.
Salads are hardly traditional footy fare, but if you’re keen to skip the grease, the “Healthy Bowl” outlet serves up a miso lime and chicken bowl ($18.50), a grilled chicken bowl ($18) and a vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free kale bowl ($17.50).
Not your traditional footy fare but a tasty, satisfying option for those not keen on what’s warming in the bain maries.Credit:James Alcock
The kale bowl has generous heaps of soft sweet potato, roasted capsicum, fresh cucumber and a healthy scoop of tangy feta. It’s a great option for those looking for a lighter yet satisfying feed.
Several bars serve Furphy, Stone & Wood and VB on tap along with zero-alcohol bottles of Heineken, a range of wines and cocktails including a Bert’s Bistro’s Spritz and Totti’s signature negroni.
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