Add Marvel Stadium's restaurant to your pre-game ritual

Marvel Stadium is levelling up its dining game with Friends of Fire, a brand-new restaurant that’s already slinging American-style eats. Perched on Marvel Promenade, this spot is set to be your go-to even when there’s no footy or concert on at the 53,000-capacity stadium.

Friends of Fire is spearheaded by Shannon Martinez, a legend in Melbourne’s vegan scene (even though she’s not vegan herself), and Aaron Rodrigues, who’s bringing his meaty expertise from The George on Collins. The pair are cooking up a storm with Southern, New England, and NYC-inspired dishes.

Enjoy an American menu with plenty of vegan options

Expect classics with a twist, like buttermilk fried chicken with hot-honey pickles, ribs glazed in peach tea, and crabcakes straight out of Maryland. And yes, there’s a whole menu just for potatoes—think chips, mash, hash browns, you name it.

Martinez, who’s spent years soaking up American food culture while touring with her punk band, has crafted vegan versions of nearly every dish, so everyone’s catered for. Dessert? Get ready for peach, pecan, and grasshopper pies, plus a sundae trolley straight out of a New York diner.

A fit-out that fires on all cylinders

The space is as bold as the food. Designed by Hachem—the crew behind Melbourne’s W Hotel—the interiors hit that sweet spot between slick and laid-back. The showpiece? Three separate woodfired grills: one vegan, one pescatarian, and one omnivore. It’s all about bringing the smoke, without the fuss.

Not just for game day

Already open and ready to roll, Friends of Fire is your new pre-game, post-game, or any-time-of-day hangout. Whether you’re heading to a match or just chasing the comfort of sticky ribs and a sundae, this is the kind of spot that doesn’t need a stadium crowd to bring the energy.

Swing by for lunch or dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and don’t be surprised if you stay for dessert (and a round of cocktails).