Add Marvel Stadium’s new 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 footie 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.

The fit-out is top-notch too, thanks to Hachem, the folks behind Melbourne’s W Hotel. With three woodfired grills—one for vegans, one for pescatarians, and one for everyone else—Friends of Fire is all about nailing those flavours while keeping things fun and laid-back.

Already open and ready to roll, Friends of Fire is your new pre-game, post-game, or any time-of-the-day spot at Marvel Stadium. Pop in for lunch or dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, or just swing by whenever you’re craving some top-notch American grub with a Melbourne twist.