Festive feasts: The best restaurants open on Christmas Day

Whether you’re away from home or simply don’t want to cook, you can still eat well this Christmas.

Christmas in Australia is synonymous with good weather, good company and great food, but sometimes preparing a big meal can cut into your well-deserved celebrations. This year, a range of restaurants across Australia are making their menus and checking them twice to feed hungry bellies so you don’t have to.

NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT

NSW

Brasserie 1930, Sydney

Cost per person: $295
Open for: Lunch

For the second year in a row, Brasserie 1930 will be hosting its Christmas luncheon, and you’re invited. Executive chef Brett Savage has curated a divine degustation for you to enjoy, with a shared menu spotlighting Flinders Island scallops and Black Tyde Rib Eye.

Lunch at Brasserie 1930 will begin at 12pm and run until 4.30pm. If, like many others, you’re cast under Capella’s spell and don’t want to leave just yet, gift yourself an overnight stay at one of Sydney’s best accommodation offerings.

Anchorage, Port Stephens

Cost per person: $229; $95 (4-12 years)
Open for: Dinner

Escaping to Port Stephens over the break? Don’t worry about lunch or dinner on Christmas Day, just head to Anchorage for a buffet feast. Plate up in The Galley Kitchen, where there’ll be a selection of fresh seafood, salads, carveries and desserts available from 6pm to 8.30pm.

The family-friendly menu features Port Stephens rock oysters, honey-glazed ham, salmon wellington and a range of Aussie Christmas classics for dessert. No matter what you choose, kids under three eat free!

Lowe Family Wine Co, Mudgee

Cost per person: $250 (all inclusive); $200 (non-alcoholic)
Open for: Lunch

In NSW’s Central West town of Mudgee, you’ll find locally loved Lowe Family Wine Co. The cellar door is one of the region’s best wineries, but come Christmas Day, it transforms to welcome guests for a festive feast.

From 1pm onwards, devour classic Christmas dishes by Zin in The Pavilion, paired with Lowe wines created from the surrounding vineyards. Christmas lunch has never looked so good set against a picturesque lake, blooming flowers and distant rolling hills.

Promenade Bondi, Sydney

Price: $299; $99 (children)
Open for: Lunch

Sydneysiders can enjoy Christmas Day by the sea at Promenade Bondi this year. The funky restaurant will be hosting lunch in its dining room from 11am, with a set menu including plum-glazed ham, Moreton Bay bug, roasted king prawns and southern lobster.

If you’d rather skip the trouble of booking, the Front Yard Bar will also be taking walk-ins from 7am. It’s the perfect spot for Chrissie lunch after a refreshing dip, with one of Sydney’s best beaches just across the road.

The Oriana, Orange

Cost per person: $240; $180 (13-17 years); $75 (3-12 years)
Open for: Lunch

Christmas lunch is on The Oriana this year. This Orange institute is hosting a long lunch with all the trimmings, and you’re invited. With an all-day buffet, all-day drinks buffet, festive decor and even a pool club for that summer heat – this is one for the whole family.

From Batemans Bay oysters and peel-your-own prawns to glazed ham and a classic Christmas turkey, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Adults-only and family seating is available both indoors and outside, starting at 12pm until 4pm.

Infinity, Sydney

Cost per person: $270-$300; $95 (children)
Open for: Lunch and dinner

Eat, drink and be merry at Infinity at Sydney Tower this Christmas Day. Gather your loved ones and head 81 levels up to enjoy sweeping views across Sydney and the harbour.

Sip on a glass of Champagne on arrival before diving into a five-course menu featuring Abrolhos scallops, Berowra stuffed quail and White Pyrenees Lamb rump. There is also a set vegan menu and children’s menu available.

Ms Mary, Newcastle

Cost per person: $110
Open for: Lunch

Celebrate Christmas the Ms Mary way this year at the Crystalbrook Kingsley in Newcastle. The lively restaurant goes all out for the festive season, with First Creek Cuvee on arrival and seafood towers stacked with fresh oysters, Moreton bay bugs, tiger prawns, scallop ceviche and salmon caviar.

Pair your meal with free-flowing bubbles for just $30 extra per person. Finish off with a steamed Christmas pudding before retreating to your room for a post-feed nap at this Newie stalwart, arguably one of the city’s best hotels.

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, Sydney

Cost per person: $420; $186 (4-12 years)
Open for: Lunch

Overlooking Sydney’s most iconic park, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is the perfect place to settle in for a festive bottomless buffet this Christmas Day. The experience is only amplified by its setting in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, a space reserved for only the most special guests.

The menu is sure to delight, with all the Christmas favourites promised, including multiple food stations and a dessert bar. There will also be live music and even a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Vic

Lollo, Melbourne

Cost per person: $295; from $60 (children)
Open for: Lunch

Lollo has got your back this Christmas – as one of Melbourne’s coolest restaurants, you don’t have to worry about being fed well. Enjoy a Malfy Gin cocktail on arrival before diving into a divine festive buffet with all the desired trimmings.

Upgrade lunch with a three-hour bottomless beverage package, just $99 extra per person, including beer and wine. So forget washing dishes and packing up leftovers, enjoy the festive atmosphere at Lollo instead, with live music and an appearance from Santa.

Cliffy’s Emporium, Daylesford

Cost per person: Varied
Open for: Breakfast

This cosy cafe in Daylesford exudes country charm year-round. However, come Christmas morning, this charm extends to charity. Each year, Cliffy’s Emporium invites the community down for the annual Christmas Raffle, which raises funds for the local Country Fire Authority.

Christmas is all about giving, so give up your morning to help the local community and they’ll give back, too. From a delicious breakfast barbecue to hot coffee and mimosas, it’s the perfect way to truly get into the Christmas spirit. Running from 8am to 11am.

Arbory Bar & Eatery, Melbourne

Cost per person: Starting at $60
Open for: Lunch and dinner

Arbory Bar & Eatery is the place to be for Christmas lunch on the Yarra. A minimum of $60 a head will secure a table under the shade of an umbrella on the deck with a shared, three-course banquet.

For a little extra, you’ll enjoy a steady flow of food and drinks from the à la carte menu. Want to see what the weather is doing before you commit? No sweat, nab a seafood-centric panic package to enjoy at home or by the river.

The Esplanade, St Kilda

Cost per person: $178; $68 (under 12)
Open for: Lunch

The Esplanade, known lovingly among locals as ‘The Espy’, is inviting you to join its Christmas celebrations this December. Come Christmas Day, the hotel’s well-known restaurant, Louey’s Bar & Kitchen, will host a festive feast to suit all tastebuds.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, pop into the main bar for stone-baked pizzas and seaside-inspired snacks, paired with punchy cocktails and ice-cold beer on tap. Keep it cool like a St. Kilda local this Christmas at The Espy!

Langlands, Melbourne

Cost per person: $130
Open for: Lunch and dinner

Located within one of Melbourne’s most iconic hotels, Langlands restaurant at Hyatt Centric is putting on a Christmas feast with a refreshing twist. Forget the gravy and turkey; think freshly shucked oysters from Tassie, chilled tiger prawns, premium cold cuts and zesty summer salads.

Enhance the celebrations with free-flowing bubbles, cocktails, wine and beer, as well as mocktails and soft drinks for non-drinkers and little ones. If you’re too full to take yourself home, book a room and wake up in the heart of the city on Boxing Day!

Qld

The Lex, Brisbane

Cost per person: $299; $200 (13-17 years); $95 (4-12 years)
Open for: Lunch

The luxurious W Brisbane in the Queensland capital is hosting Chrissie lunch at its place this year! Head over to The Lex and you’ll be treated to an indulgent three-course menu featuring everything from house-made focaccia to locally sourced reef fish. 

Dessert comes in the form of a rich date pudding with caramel and vanilla ice cream, so be sure to save room! If you please, you’re invited to stay the night at W Brisbane so you can check out everything Brissy has to offer come Boxing Day. 

Boardwalk Social, Cairns

Cost per person: $99; $69 (12-17 years); $39 (4-11 years)
Open for: Lunch

Celebrate Christmas in Cairns with Crystalbrook Flynn at Boardwalk Social, one of the city’s nicest restaurants. It’ll be undeniably hot in Tropical North Queensland this Christmas, so take pleasure in a delicious array of local seafood on ice and fresh salads.

If you’re craving those Christmas classics, don’t fret. There will also be a selection of hot food with all the trimmings, just make sure you leave room for dessert! After having your fill, sit back with family and friends and enjoy local live music.

Vintaged Bar & Grill, Brisbane

Cost per person: $325; $105 (5-12 years)
Open for: Lunch

Let Vintaged Bar & Grill at Hilton Brisbane take care of you this Christmas – trust us, they know what they’re doing. Especially executive chef Dario Fiorino, who has curated a divine menu that will fill you (and your stomach) with Christmas cheer.

From seasonal produce from around the region to locally sourced seafood and premium Australian beef, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you have room left, be sure to hit up the dessert buffet – yes, you read that right – to top off Christmas day with a sweet treat.

Uncle Su, Gold Coast

Cost per person: $168; $80 (5-14 years)
Open for: Lunch

If you’re over roast potatoes and turkey, mix it up this Christmas at Uncle Su, located inside The Star on the Gold Coast. You’ll be treated to an insane spread of traditional Chinese meals, headlined by executive chef Song Yao Su.

A combination of Mandarin and Cantonese flavours will have you going back for seconds, from dim sim platters to dumplings. Lunch will run from 12pm to 2.30pm, leaving plenty of time to head to one of the city’s beautiful beaches for sunset.

Bisou Bisou, Brisbane

Cost per person: $169; $89 (children under 12)
Open for: Lunch

In the heart of Brisbane’s hip-and-happening Fortitude Valley is Bisou Bisou, which will host a four-course banquet for lunch this Christmas day. The eatery is putting its own twist on traditional Christmas dishes to bring you a festive feast like no other.

You’ll be transported to Paris thanks to mouth-watering French flavour combinations paired with classic Christmas ingredients. Bisou Bisou’s extensive bar list will also be on offer, so you can enjoy all your favourite tipples, too – we’ll cheers to that!

Tas

Grain of the Silos, Launceston

Cost per person: $194
Open for: Lunch

Grain of the Silos in the cultural hub of Launceston prides itself on a farm-to-plate ethos. This Chrissie, head down to experience the restaurant in all its glory, with executive chef Thomas Pirker heroing local Tasmanian produce.

Pirker and his team work their magic to create delectable dishes for groups large and small. The traditional three-course menu features shared-style dishes like baked scallops, lamb rump and beef kofta. Don’t worry, dessert hasn’t been forgotten about either.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hobart

Cost per person: $229; $140 (6-14 years); $42 (five and under)
Open for: Lunch and dinner

Down in the state capital, The Crowne Plaza Hobart invites you to spend Christmas indulging in a buffet set for royalty. from the traditional carvery to desserts and a complimentary glass of sparkling, you’ll truly be spoilt for choice.

You’re more than welcome to stay the night too, considering it’s one of the best places to stay in Hobart. Santa will also be making a special appearance and kindly give out pressies to those who’ve been nice. Make sure to prime those biceps before arrival, bonbons will be aplenty.

Altitude Restaurant, Cradle Mountain

Cost per person: $130; $65 (children under 12)
Open for: Lunch and dinner

Nestled in an enclave of Cradle Mountain Hotel in the Central Highlands region of Tasmania, Altitude Restaurant is setting the bar high this Christmas. Dive into a brimming buffet of to-die-for Tassie produce sourced from local producers.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the mountain itself. Go for a hike and keep your eye out for local wildlife, including quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats and the highly illusive Tasmanian Devil, if you’re lucky!

Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart

Cost per person: $290 (all inclusive); $120 (5-12 years)
Open for: Lunch

Pop into the heritage-listed Hadley’s Orient Hotel in Hobart this Christmas Day and you’ll be treated to an all-inclusive lunch that’ll leave you feeling satisfied. The buffet-style spread will have everything from ocean trout and Crystal Bay oysters to turkey roulade and duck-fat-roasted potatoes.

Save room for dessert, where you can pick from fresh summer fruit, petit fours, pavlova or classic Christmas pudding. Seatings are from 12.30pm, giving you plenty of time to open your Christmas presents before heading out to eat.

WA

Mangrove Hotel, Broome

Cost per person: $249; $99 (children under 13)
Open for: Lunch

If you’re up north in Broome, there will still be plenty of restaurants open on Christmas Day. But don’t look past the Mangrove Hotel, which will be serving up an epic three-hour Christmas feast. Pick between a chilled seafood bar, traditional carvery and dessert display.

The accompanying drinks package will have you sipping sparkling while looking out over stunning Roebuck Bay, which is also a great spot for a swim in Broome. Lunch will run from 12pm to 3pm.

Hearth, Perth

Cost per person: $294
Open for: Dinner

If you’re from the City of Light, you’ve heard of Hearth – everyone knows it’s one of the best places to eat in Perth. What makes it even better? It’s open on Christmas Day. Settle into its sleek and stylish dining room and indulge in a five-course set menu curated to hero festive flavours and fresh produce.

The distinct menu is hallmarked by Australian ingredients like Fremantle octopus, Southwest marron, finger lime, lemon myrtle and Davidson plum. Add the $161 wine pairing to elevate your Christmas dining experience at Hearth.

Tradewinds Hotel, Fremantle

Cost per person: $230; $85 (children under 12)
Open for: Lunch

Head down to easy-breezy Fremantle for a Christmas lunch extravaganza at Tradewinds Hotel this year. Eat your way through a delightful buffet lunch, featuring fresh seafood, traditional roast meats, salads and decadent desserts.

Little ones can even look forward to a visit from Santa, too! Weather permitting, sit outside to enjoy your meal alongside live music and stunning views across the Swan River.

SA

PARC Brasserie & Bar, Adelaide

Cost per person: $165
Open for: Lunch

Nestled on Hindmarsh square in Adelaide, you’ll find PARC Brasserie & Bar. Head here on Christmas day, and you’ll find yourself being treated to a delicious three-course Chrissie lunch. Sound good? We thought so.

Running from 12pm to 3pm, guests can revel in the festive spirit while feasting upon PARC’s Christmas classics. With a curated selection of local, boutique and international wines, you’ll also be well and truly covered when it comes to wine. Cheers to that!

Serafino Wines, McLaren Vale

Cost per person: $269; $79 (3-17 years)
Open for: Lunch

For some, there’s no better way to spend Christmas Day than surrounded by vineyards and gum trees, sipping on some of South Australia’s best wine. If so, Serafino Wines in McLaren Vale is calling your name this Christmas for a decadent five-course degustation.

Celebrate with the all-inclusive premium beverage package, which includes Serafino’s own award-winning wines. Alongside delicious food, guests can enjoy live entertainment, while kids while away time enjoying festive activity packs.

Sôl, Adelaide

Cost per person: $249; $100 (children 12 and under)
Open for: Lunch

Enjoy lunch with a side of the gorgeous Adelaide skyline at SkyCity’s Sôl this Christmas Day. Choose between plush indoor lounges and outdoor stool seating; both boasting stunning views across the City of Churches.

Enjoy a glass of Champagne upon arrival, followed by a luxurious Christmas menu full of indulgent holiday dishes. While you eat, seasonal tunes will keep the festive spirit high, making your day with friends and family just that much more special.

NT

Wharf One Food & Wine, Darwin

Cost per person: $195
Open for: Lunch

Dine on the Darwin waterfront this Christmas Day at Wharf One Food & Wine. A hot and cold selection will leave you overwhelmed for choice, with everything from charcuterie boards to slow-cooked beef brisket that simply falls off the bone.

With drinks covered and all the trimmings to match, this Darwin favourite will have you celebrating for more reasons than one this Christmas Day. Lunch will run from 12pm to 3pm, leaving ample room for a waterfront stroll at sunset.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Alice Springs

Cost per person: $220; $99 (teens); $69 (6-12 years)
Open for: Lunch

If you’re in the heart of Australia this festive season, you can still eat out on Christmas Day in Alice Springs/Mparntwe. Namely, the gorgeous DoubleTree by Hilton will host its festive lunch extravaganza for all to enjoy, from 12pm to 3pm.

With a delicatessen, seafood bar, bakery corner, salad section, carvery and mouth-watering dessert selection, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Surrounded by blue gums, sunset-reflecting escarpments and the red dirt synonymous with the Red Centre, it’ll be an Aussie Christmas like no other.

PepperBerry, Darwin

Cost per person: $229; $119 (12+ years)
Open for: Lunch

Celebrate Christmas at PepperBerry at Hilton Darwin this year with its exquisite five-course gourmet lunch. The chefs behind Pepperberry have curated a divine degustation just for you, combining traditional Christmas flavours with fresh, Australian ingredients.

Think Moreton Bay bugs, grilled scallops, lobster tail and crispy pork loin, all paired with free-flowing wine. And that’s just a tasty teaser – you’ll have to come along for the rest. Lunch at PepperBerry will run from 12pm to 3pm.

ACT

Restaurant Two14, Canberra

Cost per person: $180
Open for: Lunch

Located within Canberra‘s luxurious Deco Hotel, Restaurant Two14 will happily serve you this Christmas Day. The talented team will be cooking up a lovely three-course lunch of Christmas delights with an Italian influence.

Take a seat in one of Canberra’s best restaurants to sip on your free glass of Prosecco before diving into dishes like Sydney Rock oysters Murray cod and squid ink risottino. Save room for a mouth-watering Christmas pudding for dessert!

Marble & Grain, Canberra

Cost per person: $209
Open for: Lunch

Available for both 12pm and 1pm sittings, Marble & Grain is inviting you to celebrate Christmas with a flavour-packed five-course menu, with a glass of bubbles upon arrival, of course.

The usually dark and polished interior will be decked out in true Christmas fashion, so bring the festivities and they’ll be brought to you. Located in the happening suburb of Braddon, you’d be remiss to not head out afterwards to check out what else the suburb has to offer.

Louis, Canberra

Cost per person: $275
Open for: Lunch

Known for its spectacular cuisine, Louis is offering a four-course Christmas menu for those seeking a hearty Chrissie Day lunch in the capital. Let accomplished chef Ben Willis and his team lead you down a tantalising path of flavour with their truly memorable cooking.

Relish in classic prawns cocktails, confit ocean trout, roast beef, and of course, dessert to top it all off. If you’re too full to drive home, Louis is located within the comfy and cosy Hotel Realm, so treat yourself to a room and wake up close to the action on Boxing Day.