01 December 2023
21 mins Read
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.
Check out our comprehensive list of restaurants open on Christmas Day serving up festive feasts.
NSW | VIC | QLD | TAS | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Cost per person: $250
Open for: lunch
Located in the recently opened Capella Sydney, Brasserie 1930 will be hosting its first-ever Christmas luncheon this year, and you’re invited. Executive chef Brett Savage has curated a divine three-course menu for you to enjoy, featuring fresh seafood, slow-cooked meats and delicious desserts.
Lunch at Brasserie 1930 will begin at 12 pm and run until 3pm. If, like many others, you’re cast under Capella’s spell and don’t want to leave just yet, gift yourself an overnight stay and wake up in the heart of Sydney.
Dive into deliciously fresh seafood. (Image: Kristoffer Paulsen)
Cost per person: $499
Open for: lunch
With one of the most iconic views in Sydney, The Gantry is one of the perfect restaurants open on Christmas Day to settle in for lunch city-side. Enjoy champagne on arrival and snacks galore before diving into a four-course lunch menu with selected wines to match. Christmas Day lunch will run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
The Gantry will also be hosting a NYE Dinner from 5.30pm, one of the best ways to welcome in the New Year. With three sessions available ranging from $250 to $599, eat your way through a festive menu before watching the fireworks harbour-side.
The Gantry will be open for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Day.
Cost per person: $299; $199 (children 13-17); $89 (children 4-12)
Open for: lunch
There will be restaurants open on Christmas Day among the peaks of the Blue Mountains, should you choose to take a break from the city. Escape to The Wintergarden at the Hydro Majestic for a three-tier Christmas Lunch with views across the Megalong Valley.
Think fresh seafood, Charcuterie boards, plated carvery and traditional Chrissie desserts, plus a three-hour beverage package to keep the festive spirit high. Christmas lunch will run from 11 am to 4 pm.
Enjoy Christmas lunch with a spectacular view over the Megalong Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)
Cost per person: $250 (all inclusive)
Open for: lunch
Mudgee, further from the coast in NSW’s Central West is home to Lowe Family Wine Co, one of the region’s few restaurants open on Christmas Day. Devour food from Zin paired with Lowe wines made from the surrounding vineyards. Christmas has never looked so good set against a picturesque lake, blooming flowers and distant rolling hills. Lunch will run from 1pm to 5pm.
Lowe Family Wine Co is decorated dreamily with fairy lights and potted plants. (Image: Tim White)
Price: $220; $100 (children)
Open for: lunch
Sydney-siders can enjoy Christmas Day by the sea at Promenade Bondi Beach this year. The funky restaurant will be hosting lunch from 11.30am to 4.30pm, with a shared set menu including 10 dishes.
Feast on cherry-glazed ham, Moreton Bay bugs and Wagyu roast beef, with a decadent peach meringue trifle with amaretto custard for dessert. If you’d rather skip the trouble of booking, the Front Yard Bar will also be taking walk-ins only from 11.30am to 5pm with a limited menu.
Enjoy Christmas lunch by the sea this year. (Image: Jiwon Kim)
Cost per person: $245; $95 (children 4—12)
Open for: lunch
The stunning Forest restaurant at Crystalbrook Byron in Byron Bay will be hosting a festive feast come Christmas Day. Go ham at an indulgent buffet, offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional Chrissie cuisine.
Starting at 12.30pm, let Crystalbrook Byron take care of you and your loved ones this Christmas Day. Plus, who can say no to a buffet?
Delight in delicious dishes this Christmas Day. (Image: Destination NSW)
Cost per person: $220; $185 (teens 13—17); $85 (children 3—12)
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, live music and even a pool club for that summer heat – this is one the whole family can enjoy.
From Batemans Bay oysters, glazed ham, Christmas turkey and wood-fire beef to fresh fruit, burrata cheese, Christmas pudding and summer pavlova, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, starting at 12pm until 4pm.
The all-day drinks buffet will have you feeling festive. (Image: Destination NSW)
Cost per person: $269; $229 (children 13—17); $89 (children 4—12)
Open for: lunch
What better way to spend Christmas Day than in one of NSW’s most celebrated regions? Head to Circa 1876 in the Hunter Valley and you’ll understand why this place is so loved.
Serving up a five-course degustation to satiate your Christmas cravings, the menu will feature dry-aged duck, Moreton Bay bug tagliolini and native berry-cured ocean trout. There will also be a dedicated vegetarian menu and options for the kids. Lunch will run from 11:30 am to 5 pm.
Circa 1876 is a Hunter Valley hot spot. (Image: Destination NSW)
Cost per person: $270—$300; $95 (children)
Open for: lunch and dinner
Eat, drink and be merry at Infinity, located in Sydney Tower, this Christmas Day. Gather your loved ones and head 81 levels up to enjoy sweeping views of Sydney and the harbour.
Sip on a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival before diving into a five-course menu featuring East 33 oysters, miso glazed salmon, stuffed turkey and black forest ice-cream for dessert. There is also a set vegan menu and children’s menu available.
Chow down on delicious fare this Chrissie at Infinity. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
Cost per person: $245; $65 (children 12 and under)
Open for: lunch
Lollo has got your back as one of the coolest restaurants open on Christmas Day in Melbourne. Enjoy a glass of NV Andre Clouet ‘Grande Reserve’ Brut on arrival and a four-course festive degustation. Little Lollo diners (12 and under) also have their own menu.
There will also be a beverage package available from $78 pp. So forget washing dishes and packing up leftovers, enjoy the festive atmosphere at Lollo instead, surrounded by loved ones this Christmas. Lunch will run from 12pm – 2.30pm.
You’ll be spoilt for choice at Lollo this Christmas Day.
Cost per person: $200; $90 (children 12 — 16); $70 (children under 12)
Open for: lunch
Head to the Boathouse Restaurant on the shores of Lake Wendouree in Ballarat for Chrissie lunch this year. Open from 12 pm to 3 pm, the vintage-inspired eatery will be serving up a delightful three-course menu for adults and two courses for kids.
The menu also includes sparkling, red and white wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Enjoy views across the lake surrounded by family and friends while the friendly staff at the Boatshed take care of everything else.
Cost per person: starting at $85; $45 (children 17 and under)
Open for: lunch and dinner
Arbory Bar & Eatery is the place to be for Christmas lunch on the Yarra River. A minimum of $85 a head will secure a table under the shade of an umbrella on the deck, with a steady flow of food and drinks – this can be altered based on your price point.
You’ll enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Christmas meats, a selection of cheeses and fresh fruit by the river. Want to see what the weather is doing before you commit? No sweat, walk-ins will also be accepted on the day.
Laze by the river at the Arbory Bar & Eatery this Christmas.
Cost per person: $175; $65 (children)
Open for: lunch
Locally known as ‘The Espy’, Hotel Esplanade in the beach-side suburb of St Kilda is usually popular and packed. As one of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day this year, nothing will change during the festive season.
This iconic pub will be serving up delicious meals from the Main Bar. Think stone-baked pizzas, fresh seafood, seaside-inspired snacks and punchy cocktails. Hotel Esplanade will be open from midday to 5pm for walk-ins only.
Hotel Esplanade is a favourite among locals.
Cost per person: upon booking
Open for: lunch
The lovely All Seasons Bendigo will host a delicious Christmas buffet lunch to save you the stress of cooking up a feast for your loved ones. With an array of entrees, hot and cold meats, seafood and desserts to devour, you’ll be festive and full this Christmas Day.
The Bendigo institution will be open from 11.30am to 1pm for Christmas lunch, with dinner bookings available for normal dining options too.
Cost per person: $200
Open for: lunch and dinner
Although lunch is sold out, Christmas dinner at La Cachette Bistrot in Geelong is set to be exquisite. The five-course dinner experience will feature a smorgasbord of fresh and seasonal produce, with last year’s menu showcasing amuse-bouche, caviar, venison and aged duck.
The intimate space will host people for just one sitting from 7 pm to 9 pm. So dodge the glazed ham and seafood platter at lunch so you can fill up on La Cachette Bistrot’s divine Christmas feast come the evening.
Dine in for dinner at La Cachette Bistrot this Christmas. (Image: @onehouroutmelb)
Cost per person: varied
Open for: breakfast
The cosy Cliffy’s Emporium in Daylesford exudes country charm year-round. However, come Christmas morning, this charm extends to charity. Each year, Cliffy’s invites the community down for the 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, this is the perfect way to truly get into the Christmas spirit. Running from 8 am to 11 am.
Cliffy’s Emporium in Daylesford exudes country charm.
Cost per person: $225
Open for: lunch
Celebrate Christmas with Crystalbrook Bailey at CC’s Bar & Grill, one of a few Crystalbrook restaurants open on Christmas Day. It’ll be undeniably hot in Cairns this Christmas, so take pleasure in your glass of champagne upon arrival.
Settle in for a three-course traditional Chrissie menu with a Crystalbrook flair, plus a three-hour beverage package (included in the price). Lunch commences at 12pm.
Crystalbrook Bailey in Cairns is known for its delicious food. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cost per person: $85 (breakfast); $45 (children 5—12); $325 (lunch); $105 (children); $295 (dinner); $95 (children 5—12)
Open for: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Early risers fear not; Vintaged Bar & Grill is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in Brisbane doing the ultimate foodie trio – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy crisp seasonal fruit, freshly baked pastries and traditional glazed Chrissie ham from the hot buffet from 7am — 10am.
For those who prefer a sleep-in, Vintaged will also be open for lunch and dinner, running from 12pm — 3pm and 6pm — 9pm respectively. Executive Chef Dario Fiorino will serve up sustainably sourced seafood, grass-fed Aussie beef and locally grown vegetables, accompanied by a curated wine list. Beverage packages are also available.
Vintaged is a popular spot for locals in Brisbane.
Cost per person: $165; $70 (children: 5—14)
Open for: lunch
If you’re over the roast potatoes and turkey, head to Uncle Su at The Star on the Gold Coast for 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, you’ll leave Uncle Su with a reservation for next week to try something new. Lunch will run from 12pm – 2.30pm, leaving plenty of time to head down to the beach for sunset.
Slip from the path of tradition and treat yourself at Uncle Su. (Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cost per person: $329; $199 (children 2—17)
Open for: lunch
Floating atop the azure-blue waters of the Noosa River, you’ll find The Boathouse. With gorgeous views of Noosa, a cool sea breeze and the ultimate four-course festive feast, it’s the perfect place to head this Christmas Day.
Browse the a la carte menu and choose between an antipasto board, seafood feast, quality steak cuts and an amazing dessert station offering cheese, macarons, trifle and pudding. Trust us, after this one, you won’t need to worry about dinner. Three-hour booking slots are open for 11.30am and 12.30pm sittings. Pricing includes the four-course lunch plus a three-hour premium beverage package.
Enjoy Christmas lunch overlooking the Noosa River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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, who will be hosting a divine banquet for lunch this Chrissie day. The eatery will be putting its own French twist on traditional Christmas dishes to bring you a Chrissie lunch like no other.
You’ll be transported to Paris with dishes such as salmon gravlax, organic pork, jellied ham hock terrine and cherry trifle with chocolate croquant. Bisou Bisou’s extensive bar list will also be on offer, so you can enjoy all your favourite tipples. Bookings are available from 12pm.
Bisou Bisou is French flair with an Aussie twist. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cost per person: $189
Open for: lunch
Grain of the Silos in the cultural hub of Launceston prides itself on farm-to-plate. This Chrissie, head down to experience the restaurant in festive-feast mode, starting with a glass of sparkling when you walk in the door.
Executive chef Thomas Pirker will work his magic to create delectable dishes for groups large and small. The traditional three-course menu features a handful of entree choices and pasta, pork roast or summer salad for the main. Don’t worry, dessert hasn’t been forgotten about either. Lunch begins at 12.30pm.
Grain of the Silos is located within Peppers Silo Hotel. (Image: Rob Burnett)
Cost per person: $219; $130 (children: 6—14); $32 (five and under)
Open for: lunch and dinner
It’s not just restaurants open on Christmas Day. The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hobart invites you to spend Christmas indulging in a buffet offering everything from turkey and potatoes to fresh Tassie seafood and classic mince pies.
Perfect for families and groups of friends, the Crowne Plaza Hotel has even invited Santa himself to make a special appearance, who will kindly give out pressies to those who’ve been nice. Make sure to prime those biceps before arrival, bonbons will be aplenty.
Santa will be making a special appearance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hobart.
Cost per person: upon booking
Open for: lunch
The Swiss-inspired village of Grindelwald on the outskirts of Launceston is one of those cool Aussie towns that don’t feel Aussie at all (think Hahndorf in South Australia and Paronella Park in Queensland). So if you’re dreaming of Europe this Chrissie, stop in for lunch at the Tamar Valley Resort.
Divulge in a three-course buffet with all the trimmings: seafood cocktails, minestrone soup, honey-leg ham, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon and Christmas pudding. Lunch will begin at 12.30pm in the resort’s Alpenrose Bistro.
Cost per person: $127; $65 (children 6—14)
Open for: lunch and dinner
Nestled in an enclave of Cradle Mountain Hotel in the Central Highlands region of Tasmania, Altitude Restaurant invites you to celebrate with them this year. Dive into a Christmas buffet featuring to-die-for Tassie produce packed with festive flavour. Seating times are 11am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to Cradle Mountain itself. Home to quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats and the highly illusive Tasmanian Devil, gift yourself an incredible Tassie experience this Christmas.
Dine at Cradle Mountain Hotel’s Altitude Restaurant this Christmas. (Image: Supplied Courtesy of RACT Destinations)
Cost per person: $14o; $45 (children under 12)
Open for: lunch
If you’re all about laid-back vibes and good food with great company, Chrissie lunch at the Telegraph Hotel is for you. The three-course lunch will feature sharing-style Christmas classics, with a separate vegan menu.
Seating times are spaced apart, between 11am – 1.30pm (perfect for families with little ones) and 2.30pm – 5pm. If you’re keen to stay into the evening, book a table on the rooftop for a post-feed drink with a view.
Cost per person: $229; $89 (children 4—12)
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 amazing all-inclusive Christmas feast. Pick between a chilled seafood bar, carvery, cold selection, hot selection and dessert display.
The accompanying three-hour drinks package will have you sipping sparkling overlooking the stunning Roebuck Bay. Lunch will run from 11.30am to 2.30pm. If you’re looking for something a little more family-friendly, try the Christmas buffet downstairs, running from 12 pm to 3 pm.
Cost per person: $285
Open for: lunch
Wildflower is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in Perth this year, with a sublime, sleek and stylish interior. High above the rest of the city, indulge in a five-course set menu curated by executive chef Kim Brennan.
The distinct menu is hallmarked by native Australian ingredients. Think Manjimup marron, finger lime, warrigal greens and anise myrtle. Lunch will run from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Wildflower utilises native Aussie ingredients to elevate its dishes.
Cost per person: $120; $20—$35 (children 4—12)
Open for: lunch
Busselton in the South West region of WA is home to the azure-blue waters of Geographe Bay, the epic Underwater Observatory and the iconic 1.8-kilometre Busselton Jetty. But a different kind of local favourite will be the place to be this Christmas Day.
The Ship Inn will be hosting a festive lunch for all, meaning no cooking and no cleaning, just pure Christmas fun. The menu will feature chilled prawns, crispy skin barramundi, gnocchi alla norma and a range of delicious desserts. Lunch kicks off at 11.30am.
Go for a post-lunch wander along Busselton Jetty. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Cost per person: $169; $85 (children 3—12)
Open for: lunch
Head down to easy-breezy Fremantle for a Christmas lunch extravaganza at the Tradewinds Hotel this year. Depending on the weather, sit in the Garden Terrace or restaurant for your Chrissie feast, either soaking up the sun or enjoying the air-conditioning.
On the day, guests can look forward to family fun, live music and even a visit from Santa himself! Think fresh focaccia, seafood platters, scotch fillet and trifle, all with a glass of Champagne to wash it down.
Enjoy Christmas lunch outside at the Tradewinds Hotel. (Image: Jillian McHugh Photography)
Cost per person: $149; $50 (children under 12)
Open for: lunch
Enjoy a four-course set menu selection at Largs Pier Hotel this Chrissie, located right on the beachfront and offering sea views and sunshine. Dive into a four-course set menu with all the Christmas classics, without having to worry about the cleanup.
Walk off the food baby along Largs Bay Jetty, now a third of its original length, and watch the sun come down over the sea with friends and family after your delicious meal.
The Largs Pier Hotel is a stones-throw away from Largs Bay Jetty. (Image: Ben Goode)
Cost per person: $445 (semi private); $545 (verandah)
Open for: lunch
Mount Lofty House in the cascading Adelaide Hills is a dreamy and historical locale open on Christmas Day. Mount Lofty House itself will be hosting a decadent lunch which is currently sold out. However, join the waitlist for a potential spot at the table.
However, the gorgeous Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant will also be open and serving up a lavish lunch. Overlooking the gorgeous Piccadilly Valley, feast upon a six-course degustation with paired wines. Enjoy your meal in a semi-private dining room indoors or outside on the verandah.
Dine with views of the Piccadilly Valley this Christmas. (Image: Taylah Darnell)
Cost per person: $249
Open for: lunch
Enjoy lunch with a side of the gorgeous Adelaide skyline at SkyCity’s Sôl this Christmas Day. Choose between indoor plush lounges and outdoor stool seating; both boasting stunning views across Australia’s City of Churches.
Enjoy a festive cocktail 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.
Take in views of Adelaide’s skyline from Sôl. (Image: Jonathan van der Knaap)
Cost per person: $249; $169 (teens 13—17); $75 (children 3—12)
Open for: lunch
For some, there’s no better way to spend Christmas Day than surrounded by vineyards and gum trees, sipping on South Australian wine. If so, Serafino Wines in McLaren Vale is calling your name for Christmas lunch, a decadent five-course degustation.
Alongside delicious food, guests can enjoy live entertainment and a three-and-a-half-hour Serafino premium beverage package. There will also be activity packs and separate set menus for kids, so the whole family will be happy.
Spend Christmas with Serafino this year. (Image: Meaghan Coles)
Cost per person: $190; $90 (children 5—12)
Open for: lunch
Dine on the Darwin waterfront this Christmas Day with Wharf One Food & Wine. A hot and cold selection will leave you overwhelmed with choice, with everything from charcuterie boards to smoked 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 11.30am to 3pm, leaving ample time for waterfront strolls at sunset.
Soak up the summer sun at Wharf One. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)
Cost per person: $195; $95 (children 13—17); $65 (children 6—12)
Open for: lunch
If you’re in the heart of Australia during this festive season, you can still eat out on Christmas Day in Alice Springs. Namely, the gorgeous Doubletree by Hilton will host an epic gala lunch for all to enjoy, from 12pm – 3pm.
With a seafood bar, pastry corner, delicatessen station, salad bar, carvery and mouth-watering dessert selection, everyone will be happy. Surrounded by palm trees, blue gums, sunset-reflecting escarpments and the red dirt synonymous with the outback, you’ll experience a true Aussie Christmas like no other.
Feast festively with family and friends. (Image: Tourism NT)
Cost per person: $269
Open for: lunch
Celebrate Christmas at PepperBerry, Hilton Darwin, this year with its exquisite five-course lunch. The chefs behind Pepperberry have curated a divine degustation (plus a separate vegan menu), combining traditional Christmas flavours with native Australian ingredients.
Think wattleseed loaf, saltbush lobster, herb-rubbed beef tenderloin and lemon myrtle meringue – 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.
Let PepperBerry at the Hilton Darwin take care of you this Christmas. (Image: Tourism NT)
Cost per person: $200
Open for: lunch
Located within Canberra‘s luxurious Deco Hotel, Restaurant Two14 will happily serve you this Christmas Day. Head chef Federico Pitasi will be cooking up a four-course lunch of Christmas delights with an Italian influence.
Seated in the stylish bar, you’ll be spoilt with prosecco and oysters on arrival, followed by spiedini di agnello, octopus bruschetta, filetto di anatra and an amazing Chrissie pudding. Lunch will run from 12.30pm to 3pm.
Restaurant Two14 is within the stylish Deco Hotel. (Image: Capital Hotel Group)
Cost per person: $195
Open for: lunch
Available for 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.
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.
Marble & Grain is well-known for its perfectly cooked steak. (Image: Stuart Miller)
Cost per person: $220
Open for: lunch
Known for its spectacular cuisine, Louis Dining will be offering a four-course Christmas menu for those seeking Christmas Day lunch in the capital. Starting at 11.30am, Culinary Direct Ben Willis will tantalise your tastebuds with his truly memorable cooking.
Relish in confit rainbow trout, chicken ballotine and of course, dessert to top it all off. If you’re too full to drive home, Louis is located within Hotel Realm, so treat yourself to a luxurious room and wake up close to the action on Boxing Day.
Louis Dining is located within Hotel Realm. (Image: Romello Pereira)
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