Tastefully Melbourne: Crown’s five-star experience for international delegates

August 19, 2025

When planning a convention or incentive program in Melbourne, you can be assured your international delegates will be well-catered for when far from home. Melbourne is known as a multicultural city and top foodie destination that truly lends itself to excellence in catering for delegates from around the world. One standout Melbourne venue and accommodation provider offering a five-star culinary journey to match individual cultural tastes is Crown Melbourne. The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) recently sat down with Jack Illeperuma, Executive General Manager – Food & Beverage at Crown Melbourne, to learn more.

How do you ensure the culinary offerings at Crown Melbourne appeal to a diverse range of international tastes and preferences?

As one of Australia’s most visited tourism destinations, attracting over 26 million visitors annually, Crown Melbourne welcomes guests from across the globe. We house a diverse range of exceptional hospitality experiences, backed by a passionate and dedicated team. As Crown is a fixture on the Australian major events calendar, we regularly host large-scale functions for over 3,000 guests at a time, from gala dinners to product launches and exhibitions. Our experienced team is skilled at creating menus that cater to a variety of international guests.

Can you share a recent example where a custom menu or dining concept significantly enhanced a business event or incentive program?

We recently hosted Melbourne’s prestigious Children’s Cancer Foundation fundraiser, The Million Dollar Lunch. With a roaring twenties theme, the menu was specially curated to reflect the 1920s, featuring a tailored beef stroganoff dish and bespoke desserts using fresh local Victorian produce, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Our chefs often design themed dessert and menu offerings incorporating event themes, logos, and specific branding, ensuring an elevated event experience from start to finish.

How does your team collaborate with event organisers to ensure the dining experience aligns with the overall event objectives and delegate expectations?

Our team of world-renowned chefs and sommeliers from around the world bring global expertise and innovation to menu design. Whether clients request a fresh seafood feast, catering from multiple Crown venues or a bespoke dessert bar, we go the extra mile to bring their vision to life. Almost anything is possible! Crown’s tailored approach, wealth of experience and acclaimed service ensures each event successfully caters meticulously for a wide range of dietary requirements. All dietary requirements are confirmed well in advance, supported by extensive staff training to ensure every guest enjoys the experience.

How does Crown Melbourne ensure cultural inclusivity and sensitivity in its dining offerings for international delegates attending business events?

Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity are priorities for Crown Melbourne. Our teams receive detailed briefings to ensure all cultural dining requirements are respected and catered for. This can include arranging prayer rooms for events, providing separate dining areas, or offering halal and kosher menus.

What personalised touches such as themed welcome amenities or bespoke in-room dining are available to enhance the delegate experience?

Attention to detail sets Crown Melbourne apart as one of the most luxurious event locations and providers in Australia. From personalised welcome cards and tailored amenities to dedicated check-in desks for custom key distribution and room drops, Crown Melbourne is well equipped to cater for a wide range of special requests. We also offer bespoke in-room dining options from venues such as Nobu, Marmont and Bistro Guillaume.

Are there any upcoming international dining concepts or pop-ups that business event planners should be excited about?

Crown Melbourne has recently opened exciting new venues including Kolkata Cricket Club and Marmont. Kolkata, led by chef-owner Mischa Tropp and business partner Dave Mackintoshis, offers a 150–seating space. The menu features Bengali dishes, combined with pan-Indian crowd favourites such as tandoor-cooked kulcha stuffed with curried peas and saffron-braised duck. Marmont, in partnership with international hospitality figure Grant Smillie, brings a Californian-inspired day-to-night concept with small plates, a sophisticated beverage selection, and stunning views of the Yarra River. Our Food and Beverage offering will continue to evolve with more exciting concepts in the coming years.

What’s your vision for Crown Melbourne’s food and beverage offering in the context of Melbourne’s positioning as a leading destination for international business events?

Crown Melbourne will continue to be a premier destination for international business events. Fresh, local Victorian produce will continue to be key to Crown’s culinary offering and we proudly partner with local Victorian suppliers. From Nobu’s sashimi, to Bistro Guillaume’s steak frites as well as bespoke banquet menus, our focus is on showcasing the best of Australian produce whilst maintaining traditional elements of international dishes.

Crown Melbourne: Where business meets world-class hospitality

As the city’s premier hospitality and entertainment hub, Crown Melbourne is home to an exceptional array of award-winning restaurants, alongside a range of bars, cafes, clubs and venues for every occasion. Whether you're planning a high-impact corporate event or seeking a luxurious escape in the heart of Melbourne, Crown Melbourne delivers an experience that seamlessly blends sophistication, convenience, and world-class service.

Explore the luxurious rooms and suites of Crown Towers, the stunning event space of the Palladium, the amazing food at Marmont, and so much more in our Crown Melbourne feature in the new Melbourne eGuide: Jewel in the Crown: Crown Melbourne

Interested in exploring options for your next business event?

Reach out to the team at MCB for free advice and support to plan and deliver a successful and memorable convention, meeting or incentive reward program.