Melbourne icons Chin Chin and Grill Americano head trackside

Renowned Melbourne restaurants Chin Chin and Grill Americano are set to delight racegoers at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026. In a partnership between hospitality group Lucas Collective and American Express, the Official Payments Partner of Formula 1®, these dining icons will bring a taste of the city’s world-famous food scene directly to the track.

“Melbourne is world-famous for its dining scene, and both Chin Chin and Grill Americano have been at the forefront for a number of years," says Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Commercial Officer, Emma Pinwill. "We’re excited to see both restaurants brought trackside by American Express.”

Chin Chin Presented by American Express will be the only pop-up dining restaurant at the circuit, located in the Melbourne Junction general admission area. Celebrating 15 years since its 2011 debut, the restaurant is famous for its bold Southeast Asian cuisine and Thai-inspired flavours. Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper believes the high-octane environment is a natural home for the brand. “Chin Chin has always thrived on energy, flavour and a bit of beautiful chaos, so bringing it to the heart of the Grand Prix feels like a perfect fit. Celebrating 15 years at Albert Park, with the noise, the crowds and the adrenaline, is exactly the kind of moment Chin Chin was made for.”

Reservations for the general public open on 13 February via the grandprix.com.au website. However, American Express Card Members have priority access to make reservations and will receive a complimentary takeaway ice cream when they dine at the Chin Chin restaurant, provided they have booked using their American Express Card.

For those in premium hospitality, the Italian-American steakhouse Grill Americano will be situated inside the American Express Lounge. The elegant and luxurious restaurant will offer a sophisticated dining experience reflecting its glamorous paddock-side location.

Naysla Edwards, American Express Vice President of Brand, Customer Marketing and Member Experience, says the brand is thrilled to return for a second consecutive year. “As Official Payments Partner of Formula 1®, American Express is thrilled to return to the Australian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year, delivering elevated race-week experiences for fans and exclusive access for our Card Members and 2026 Australian Grand Prix ticket holders. We are incredibly proud to join forces with Chris Lucas and his celebrated team at Lucas Collective to bring Melbourne icons Chin Chin and Grill Americano trackside.”