Unbearable heat we can’t escape, unpredictable sunshine and hail and the faint smell of double glazed ham in the air. That’s right people, it’s two weeks until our steaming hot Aussie Christmas. We’re all ready for this month of joy, especially this year, but if you really can’t bear the thought of cooking up a feast (and doing the washing up), or even just having to resort to instant coffee for the day, we’ve rounded up a list of Brisbane’s restaurants and pubs open for Christmas Day in 2024 so you don’t have to.
- Brisbane Restaurants Open For Christmas Day Lunch
- Brisbane Restaurants Open For Christmas Day Dinner
- Brisbane Pubs Open For Christmas Day Lunch
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Brisbane Restaurants Open For Christmas Day Lunch
Walters Brisbane
Brisbane CBD
If you’re looking to treat yourself to some old fashioned hospitality and a little New York style charm, Walter's Steakhouse has the Christmas feast for you. Share a platter of seafood to start (featuring natural oysters, lobster, prawns and more) before moving on to main courses of Walter’s signature porterhouse or turkey ballotine with stuffing and cranberry jus. Finish it off with a tropical Queensland pavlova or chocolate covere panforte, and you’ll roll on out of there.
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Naldham House
Brisbane CBD
Brisbane’s heritage-listed Naldham House, now home to a Euro-inspired brasserie and terrace, is inviting you to their inaugural Christmas Day lunch. There’ll be starters of burrata, confit duck croquettes and Southern Rock lobster cocktail (fancy), while for mains you can expect to feast on crispy roasted porchetta and Murray cod. Your afternoon will be delightfully finished off with salted caramel profiteroles and apple pie for dessert. We can guarantee your Christmas will be especially indulgent at Naldham House.
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C’est Bon Restaurant
Woolloongabba
Want to give your annual Christmas Day lunch a French makeover? Ditch the beret and say ‘ooh la la’ to C’est Bon’s glorious shared menu, dished up in their stunning heritage surrounds. You’ll feast on Moreton Bay bug eclairs with yellow squash, BBQ murray cod, globe artichokes, potato pave and so much more, with a glass of French bubbles thrown in for good measure.
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Popolo Dining
South Bank
How do Christmas drinks with a view sound to you? Absolutely brilliant should be the only answer here. At Popolo, you’ll be diving headfirst into a plethora of entrees, decadent mains and sumptuous desserts paired with stellar views of the city skyline and Brisbane River. Grab yourself a seat at this Christmas lunch and you’ll also get to indulge in the included three-hour drinks package, consisting of wines, beers and bubbles.
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Donna Chang
Brisbane CBD
Once again, Donna Chang is opening their doors for Christmas Day lunch in Brisbane’s CBD, under the glow of their sparkling chandeliers. Of course, you won’t be dining on turkey and pavlova here, instead you’ll get to tuck into a four-course modern Chinese banquet featuring yum cha dishes and tea smoked duck paired with 2.5 hours of bevvys. Frankly, we can’t imagine anywhere better to be on Christmas Day than one of their plush pink booths, so book your spot here.
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Tillerman
Brisbane CBD
With two seatings to choose from, Tillerman is serving up two different Christmas Day lunch options, depending on how boujee you want to go. At 11am you can tuck into a seven-course banquet, while the 2pm seating features an impressive nine courses, and both options include a side of some stellar river views. If you want to class up your Christmas Day feast, this is where you should head.
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Libertine
Petrie Terrace
Who wants to spend Christmas Day lunch in Brisbane at home when you could spend it at beautiful French-Vietnamese restaurant? Libertine is serving up a stunning long lunch featuring seven courses of delicious fusion fare, including oven-baked Hokkaido scallops, slow roasted pork shoulder and chocolate and coffee brownie pie for dessert. You know where to find us Christmas Day.
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One Fish Two Fish
Kangaroo Point
If it's a seafood lunch you want, it's a seafood lunch, nay, feast, you'll get at One Fish Two Fish, who are open for Christmas Day lunch this year. For $185 per person, you can sit down to a seven-course meal featuring the likes of prawn sangas, salt and pepper calamari, and grilled lobster. There's even a meat and a vegetarian option for the non-seafood loving family members, plus a kids option—so just bring everyone.
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Settimo
Brisbane CBD
The tastes of an Italian summer could be yours this Christmas Day at Settimo, where the team will be dishing up an Amalfi-inspired lunch that will make you drool. Indulge in a traditional antipasto to gear up your festive senses followed by a main pasta dish served at the table where the feast continues with primi and secondi served shared style. And at Christmas, there’s always room for dessert after any meal and Settimo understands that, so you’ll complete your Italian dining experience with a selection of traditional Dolci, guaranteed to send you into a Christmas lunch coma.
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Hibiscus Bar & Restaurant
Brisbane CBD
Take your Christmas Day lunch in Brisbane up a level, literally, at Hibiscus Bar & Restaurant where they're putting on a lavish Christmas Buffet lunch on the rooftop. Featuring fresh seafood, salads, a hot station, BBQ and of course plenty of dessert, you can enjoy a premium or regular buffet package while you feast.
The Details
Blackbird Bar & Grill
Brisbane CBD
If you feel that river views are just as important as the food on Christmas Day, then look no further than Blackbird Bar & Grill's decadent Christmas lunch. With tables available from midday, you'll dine on a carefully crafted menu that includes slow roasted Black Angus sirloin, baked turkey Wellington and more while you sip on a 3.5 hour deluxe beverage package of cocktails, beer, wine and seltzers, which is short to have everyone feeling jolly.
The Details
Price: $269pp (SOLD OUT FOR 2024)
Time: From 12pm
Find out more here.
Persone
Brisbane CBD
A river breeze, no washing up to preemptively avoid, and a glass of sparkling in your hand. That’s how your Christmas Day lunch will start at Persone, soon to be followed by four courses of Italian fare, including lobster and roast porchetta, not to mention a three-hour beverage package. Tuck into a delicious feast as you welcome a guest appearance from Santa and Christmas carolers.
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Moda
Brisbane CBD
Steak might not be your typical Christmas Day lunch in Brisbane, but when they do it as well as Moda, why wouldn't you? With bookings available from 11.30am, $220pp will score you a luxe three-course menu of a cold seafood to start, sides, your choice of mains and a dessert to share, plus a glass of NV Cava Mas Pere Brut on arrival. Bonus, you get to enjoy it all in their stunning heritage-listed surrounds—which certainly beats cleaning up.
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The Inchcolm
73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill
The Inchcolm are putting on the festive feast of your dreams on Christmas day. Undoubtedly the most glamorous of all the restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch in Brisbane, paying homage to a traditional Christmas feast from the golden era of dining, this four-course classic buffet will be sure to keep you feeling jolly. And, fear not, the lunch comes with a three hour drinks package and a glass of sparkling on arrival.
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Bisou Bisou
Fortitude Valley
Christmas is for indulging, and what's more indulgent than French fare? At Bisou Bisou, you can treat yourself to a four-course banquet of it with their French take on Christmas lunch, which includes jellied ham hock terrine, rolled and roasted pork from the rotisserie and bread stuffing with bacon. You can order drinks from the bar, or just save yourself for white chocolate and cherry trifle for dessert.
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Cucina Regina
Queen's Wharf
If you’re keen to celebrate Christmas with some Italian flair, book in to the new Cucina Regina at Queen’s Wharf, where they’ll be dishing up a four-course Italian feast paired with a three-hour beverage package. The perfect venue to host the whole family or your closest friends on the special day. With room for the whole fam you can tuck into oysters, hiramasa kingfish, prawn ravioli, and a 12-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder, plust more, all followed up by a sweet panettone cake with pistachio cream, raspberries and pistachio crumb for dessert. Not to mention there’ll be plenty of live entertainment and a visit from the big man himself.
The Details
Gusto Da Gianni
Hamilton
An Italian feast worth loosening your belt for is waiting at Gusto Da Gianni, Brisbane’s traditional Italian bistro known for its annual Christmas Day lunch—and it's just had a stunning renovation so this year's will look even better than usual. Their menu packs all the beloved Italian classics with punchy flavours and their Christmas menu is no different. Sink your teeth into a four-course feast that starts with torched langoustine and ends with Christmas pudding, and book right here.
The Details
FIRMA Italian
South Bank
You’re sure to be looked after this Christmas at the Emporium Hotel with their luxurious Italian-style shared banquet at FIRMA. Pairing the wholesomeness of family tradition with elevated modern touches, this long lunch has it all. Take a deep dive into everyone's favourite cuisine with tasty bites like fried zucchini flowers, scallop and mussel gratin, fresh seared tuna and local spanner crab tagliolini, to name a few. Pair this with their premium three-hour champagne package and you’re set for a Christmas to remember.
The Details
Rydges South Bank
South Bank
After you pay a visit to the 3.5m high gingerbread Christmas tree in the Rydges South Bank foyer, you can head up to the grand Podium Ballroom and Bacchus Restaurant for a lunch buffet that’s brimming with festive cheer. The list of buffet dishes is a full A4 page long so we’ll just hit the highlights—a blini station (that’s us sold), baked brie “raclette”, endless seafood, apricot and maple glazed ham, more sides than you could ever prep at home and no less than 12 different dessert. Best of all, it all comes with a three-hour bevvy package, a dedicated kids buffet and family entertainment.
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El Camino Cantina
South Bank (Only)
Controversial, but we'd actually rather eat tacos than turkey, so a turbocharged Tex-Mex feast at El Camino Cantina actually sounds ideal to us. Trade Santa hats for sombreros at their South Bank location this Christmas Day and sip on frozen margaritas as you eat your way through the likes of chicken wings, nachos loaded with toppings, chargrilled fajitas served on a sizzling hotplate and 10 choices of tacos from their regular menu—we just recommend booking in advance.
The Details
Medley
Kangaroo Point
Nothing sounds better than a Christmas Day spent with the breeze of the Brisbane River blowing in. Medley provides that idyllic setting for your day full of laughter and joy, whilst also keeping your tummy happy. They're yet to confirm the menu, but you can bet it will be a beaut feast. Find out how to book here.
The Details
Stamford Plaza
39 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Stamford Plaza is hosting a Christmas-themed buffet extravaganza on Christmas Day, and we’re here for it. Imagine all the honey-glazed leg ham and turkey you could dream of. Yes please. The buffet will also feature plenty of fresh seafood, charcuterie, hot and cold festive dishes, and an entire dessert station loaded with pavlova, Christmas pudding and more (and yes, a beverage package is included). While we’re on a roll, we might just add there will also be live entertainment and a visit from Santa, but if you've already got lunch plans, they're also doing a Christmas Day buffet dinner in La Boca and Grill.
The Details
Voco
Brisbane CBD
Nothing screams an Aussie summer Christmas like seafood and Voco will be dishing up plenty of it this Christmas Day at their seafood buffet. Feast on an array of hot and cold dishes sure to distract you from the heat outside with the likes of fresh rock oysters, crabs and prawns as well as salads, charcuterie, hot carvery meats and of course, plenty of desserts (hello lolly buffet). Take advantage of the three-hour beverage package and bring the kids to get a free gift, keeping the magic going all day. For just $299pp and the promise of no post-lunch dishes, there isn’t a better day to eat out.
The Details
The Lex
Brisbane CBD
The Lex is jumping straight into festivities this year with a Christmas Day lunch overlooking the river. Take a seat in the luxe venue and enjoy snacks on arrival, a three-course menu and a three-hour beverage package, complete with live music. Imagine, you could be dining on burrata, confit duck leg and eggnog panna cotta for dessert, with not a speck of cleaning up to do.
The Details
Bacchus
South Bank
Ok, it's not a lunch, but if it’s a Christmas dinner you’re after, Bacchus is dishing up one of the swankiest going around. Served up buffet style, you’ll feast on a selection of breads, seafood, cold antipasti, hot meats and sides, plus a truly staggering array of Christmas desserts, which you can pair with a tipple from Bacchus’s incredible wine list or a luscious cocktail served right at your table. Oh holy night indeed.
The Details
Mary Mae’s
New Farm
With priceless views and a menu to drool over, Mary Mae’s is doing a Christmas feast that rivals your Mum’s. With a glass of sparkling on arrival, the day kicks off with a slab of focaccia, followed by entrees, mains a smattering of sides, and delectable dessert. Some notable features include porchetta with crackling, roasted salmon with summer herbs and caramelised pumpkin with balsamic glaze. Umm, yes.
The Details
Lennons Restaurant And Bar
Brisbane CBD
Craving the most delicious Christmas feast this year? Look no further than Lennons Restaurant and Bar. They will be dishing out all the festive goods thanks to a buffet of seafood, roast ham and turkey, chargrilled chicken, rosemary roast potato, gourmet salads and an endless selection of mouth-watering desserts (including mince pies, trifle and pavlova of course). But we all know a Christmas lunch isn’t complete without a drinks package, so don’t worry Lennons has quite the drinks package for you. Oh, and did we mention Santa is coming along for the fun too? A 10/10 way to spend Christmas if you ask us. To find out more, head here.
The Details
Goldfinch
Brisbane CBD
Goldfinch has Christmas Day in Brisbane covered with their lunch and dinner set menus. We bet you’ll be tempted by the fully-loaded seafood platter, alternate drop mains and traditional Christmas pudding or chocolate fondant with meringues and tiramisu ice cream for dessert. Plus, you’ll get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival and unlimited tea and coffee with your dessert. All this in the bright and airy dining room at Goldfinch is definitely better than having to deal with dishes.
The Details
Oxford 152
Bulimba
Oxford 152 promises nothing but deliciousness to kick your Christmas into gear. This year they're doing a buffet seafood lunch, complete with a carving station and a dessert buffet to finish things off. Drinks are included with your ticket to ensure you've got plenty of Christmas cheer, and bring the whole family on, with seniors tickets just $120 and kids $70-$110.
The Details
Pullman Brisbane
Brisbane CBD
Pullman Brisbane King George Square is pulling out all the stops for a decadent seafood buffet feast in their Pesidential Ballroom. Dive into five seperate food stations, including an ice bar with fresh seafood, a cold selection of cured meat platters, salads, dips and more, plus roast tukey, glazed ham and rib eye with warm Yorkshire pudding from the live carving station, not to mention six different types of desserts. Your ticket includes a three-hour beverage package and there'll also be live music, face painting and a visit from Santa for the kids.
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The Croft House
Brisbane CBD
Dreaming of escaping the chaos of a family Christmas? Well perhaps The Croft House is perfect for you as they’re offering to elevate your celebrations with an exclusive adults-only dining experience. Designed for small groups of up to six guests, this intimate affair will have you savouring a menu of exquisite seafood, roasts, and decadent desserts, while also enjoying a three-hour premium beverage package. This event is available for both lunch and dinner, so snag your booking now.
The Detail
The Sebel
Brisbane CBD
Christmas lunch is great, but you know what isn’t? Cooking and eating Christmas lunch in the summer heat. Luckily, you don’t have to do any of it this year as The Sebel is hosting a buffet lunch in a relaxed air-conditioned space. Dine on a bountiful seafood and carvery buffet, as you savour a three-hour beverage package and a special Christmas cocktail. Plus, there’ll be tons of activities to keep the kiddos entertained, including a visit from the Man in Red himself.
The Detail
Emporium Hotel's Frangipani Ballroom
South Bank
If you really want to go all out and treat the family to a Christmas gift they won’t forget, book in for An Emporium Christmas. This festive season, Emporium Hotel are taking it family-style in their Frangipani ballroom with the buffet of your dreams. We’re talking fresh seafoods, carved meats, cheese and charcuterie stations and an array of desserts to top it off. You can also enjoy a three-hour beverage package inclusive of champagnes, wines and even Christmas-themed cocktails or mocktails.
The Details
The Star Brisbane Event Centre
Queen's Wharf
The new kids on the block are coming in hot this Christmas with an epic buffet that is sure to wow. Bring the family along and be the very first to experience Christmas at The Star this year in their Brisbane ballroom. With a massive array of cheeses and charcuterie, breads and dips, fresh seafoods, cold salads, carving stations, hot dishes, sides and desserts, this all you can eat buffet will not disappoint. They even have a chocolate fountain, gelato cart and gingerbread decorating station with the chefs. And if that isn’t enough, they got you covered on the drinks front with a selection of wines, beers and non alcoholics to choose from.
The Details
Fratelli
Paddington
Take your tastebuds to Italy for Christmas this year and indulge in Fratelli’s five-course Christmas Day meal. The unique menu, composed by their in-house Italian chef, starts off with three appetisers: a selection of antipasto delights, house-made focaccia, as well as burrata and the chef’s stracciatella. Choose between a variety of mains including trout, slow-cooked beef cheek, and a scallop gnocchi (which is also available as a vegetarian option). If you still have room, finish it all off with a traditional Italian panetonne. Bookings are essential, so make sure fill in their online booking form here.
The Details
Brisbane Restaurants Open For Christmas Day Dinner
Suzette
Brisbane CBD
Sofitel's famous buffet restaurant is transforming into an all-day Christmas soiree this year, dishing up an endless array of festive eats. There'll be plenty of fresh seafood on ice to enjoy before hitting the main course of turkey, glazed ham, Yorkshire pudding and roasted potatoes, along with plenty more. The real MVP of the day though, will be the raclette station, where you can pour melted Swiss cheese over fresh baguettes and pickles. The lunch buffet has sold out, but there are still tickets for the dinner seating so get in quick!
The Details
Aloria
Brisbane CBD
Celebrate Christmas under the stars this year at Aloria, perched high on the Sky Deck of Queen’s Wharf. Settle in for a four-course feast paired with wine, live entertainment and all the festive trimmings. The menu here will be far fancier than anything your mum could whip up (sorry mum)—think fresh seafood platters, fried barra collars, beef tartare and Urban Valley mushrooms to start, then whole baked fish with beach herbs and café de Paris butter, and ribeye with bone marrow sauce for mains. Finish your feast with a smoked passionfruit pavlova—because Christmas isn’t Christmas without this sweet staple.
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Christmas Day Hampers To Take Home
The Star Brisbane
Pick Up From Treasury Hotel, Brisbane CBD
We get it—Christmas day is the day you want to relax and spend time with those who matter. The Star gets it too, so they’ve got a hamper that will please the family without the hassle of shopping lists or food prep. With four different hampers to choose from, you can have catering for yourself and someone special, or for the whole family. They’ve included all the faves like carved meats, fresh salad, roast potatoes and other classic sides and desserts, so we know this hamper will really have you rethinking last year’s hard work, sweat, and excessive elbow grease. You can even upgrade to include seafood and fulfil those Aussie Christmas dreams. Pre-ordering is available until Monday 16 December for pick up on 24 December so get in quick.
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e'cco bistro
Newstead
If you’re looking to get fancy without any effort this festive season, e’cco bistro has you covered with a Christmas hamper packed with gourmet goodies. Sit back and enjoy a selection of fresh bread, gnocchi and mushroom ragu, ocean trout and prawn cocktail sliders for starters and then move on to tender lamb shoulder, salmon wellington with potato gratin and honey roasted carrots for the main event. To finish with a bang, indulge in your own slice of heaven with a classic tiramisu that everyone will love. Sounds good right? That’s what we thought. Be sure to get your orders in before Thursday 12 December for pick up on 21 December so you don’t miss out.
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Brisbane Pubs Open For Christmas Day Lunch
The following Brisbane pubs are also throwing their doors open on Christmas Day, head to their individual booking pages to get all the details:
- Riverland, Brisbane CBD
- Bonny View Hotel, Bald Hills
- The Kenmore, Kenmore
- Cleveland Sands, Cleveland
- The Crown Hotel, Lutwyche
- Royal Hotel, Nundah
- Waterloo Hotel, Fortitude Valley
- Port Office Hotel, Brisbane CBD
- Salisbury Hotel, Salisbury
- Koala Tavern, Capalaba
- The Boundary, West End
- Browns Plains Hotel, Browns Plains
- Brighton Hotel, Brighton
- Redcliffe Tavern, Redcliffe
If you're looking for some festive cheer, check out Brisbane's best Christmas lights.