What’s Open For Lunch On Christmas Day In Melbourne In 2025
Whether you don't celebrate the holiday or you're looking to ditch the kitchen responsibilities, you'll find several top spots still doing their thing this year.
And it doesn't have to involve a Christmas ham if you don't want it to. From fancy lunches to rockin’ dinners, these are Urban List's picks for the best Melbourne restaurants open on Christmas Day.
The Observatory
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, 100 Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Image credit: The Observatory | Julian Lallo
Set within Melbourne's gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens, The Observatory is hosting a special Christmas Day lunch that the whole family will love. The garden-side feast has been built as a share-style affair with generous plates designed to be passed around the table.
Filled with festive faves, the menu features fresh oysters, crayfish, local snapper and crisp-skinned porchetta, before finishing with a summery tropical pavlova. Think platters scattered, glasses clinking, and no one disappearing into the kitchen to hunt down the gravy or serving spoons.
The Details
How much: $150pp (ages 12+); $65 for kids (ages 4–12)
When: Thursday, 25 December, from 11am
Ottie’s
1–5 Spencer Street, Docklands
Image credit: Ottie's | Instagram
Ottie’s is hosting a relaxed Christmas Day long lunch designed for lingering with friends and family, centred around generous seasonal cooking and classic festive flavours.
Guests can settle in for a special menu showcasing fresh seafood, traditional roasts, and celebratory desserts, with highlights including a seafood platter to start, slow-roasted beef ribeye and roast turkey with all the trimmings, and Christmas pudding and mini pavlovas to finish. An optional beverage pairing is available for those looking to elevate the experience, while younger diners can order from the children’s à la carte menu.
The Details
How much: $175pp (ages 12+); beverage pairing $55pp
When: Thursday, 25 December, from 12:30pm
The Continental
1/21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Image credit: Conti Bar | Instagram
The Conti is bringing the magic back this Christmas Day with a polished, all-inclusive celebration spread across its signature spaces. From shared festive feasts and sparkling décor to a special visit from Santa, it’s a considered way to gather with family and friends—without lifting a finger.
Guests can book into CeeCee’s, the Grand Ballroom or Halcyon Hall, each offering a curated seated dining experience with a full beverage package included. Expect premium drinks, generous shared plates and a seamless service that lets you settle in and enjoy the day. For something more casual, Conti Bar will be open throughout the day with the regular pub menu available.
The Details
How much: All-inclusive seated dining (pricing varies by space)
When: Thursday 25 December, from 11:00am
Stella
427 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Image credit: Stella Dining & Rooftop | Instagram
Stella Dining & Rooftop is hosting a relaxed yet refined Christmas Day lunch on Chapel Street, designed for long, leisurely celebrations with good food, good company and plenty of festive sparkle.
Guests can settle in for a four-course shared menu by Executive Chef Craig Penglase, celebrating peak summer produce and the joy of the table. Highlights include Skull Island prawn cocktail, roasted Otway pork loin with sage and bread sauce, and a raspberry and limoncello tiramisu to finish. A dedicated kids’ menu ensures everyone at the table is catered for, while Christmas-inspired cocktails are available to sip throughout the afternoon.
The Details
How much: $195pp (adults); $60pp (children 10 and under)
When: Thursday 25 December, 11:30am–2:30pm
Conservatory
Crown Melbourne, Crown Towers, Level 1/8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Image credit: Crown Melbourne | Instagram
Conservatory at The Crown is turning Christmas Day into an all-out celebration, with expansive lunch and dinner buffets paired with live entertainment and Champagne-fuelled festivities. Settle in for a generous spread featuring premium seafood and festive favourites, with beverage packages available to elevate the occasion.
Lunch is a luxe afternoon affair, including a full beverage package with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, while dinner offers two evening sittings—perfect for those who prefer to celebrate after dark. Guests can opt for food-only dining or add a drinks package to enjoy Champagne and live entertainment throughout the night.
The Details
How much:
Lunch: $515pp (adult); $257.50 (child), including beverage package
Dinner: $350pp (adult); $175 (child), food only
When: Various timings throughout the day
Nobu
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Image credit: Crown Melbourne | Instagram
Nobu is offering a polished Christmas Day celebration centred around a lavish six-course set menu, designed to take the stress out of festive hosting. Lunch guests can settle in for a curated dining experience paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, making it an elegant way to mark the occasion.
Those celebrating later can opt for dinner service, with Nobu’s à la carte menu available throughout the evening for a more flexible approach to Christmas dining.
The Details
How much: Lunch: $280pp (adults); $140pp (children), including a glass of Veuve Clicquot
When: Lunch 12pm–3:30pm; Dinner 5pm–10:30pm
Arbory
1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
Image credit: Arbory | Instagram
If riverside views and a laid-back vibe are your thing, Arbory is where you’ll want to be this Christmas.
Smaller groups can book tables and dine à la carte from the all-day menu, with a minimum spend that rolls into a tab for food and drinks. Larger groups can opt for a signature shared banquet, choosing between two or three courses built around Arbory favourites. Expect Christmas crackers, festive specials and a soundtrack curated by some of Melbourne’s best to keep the mood light all day long.
The Details
How much:
À la carte tables: $85pp minimum spend ($45pp for children under 17)
Banquet menus: $57.50pp (two courses) or $69pp (three courses)
Maha
Various Locations, Melbourne
Image: Maha | Supplied
Maha is hosting a luxurious Christmas Day lunch centred around a bold, modern Middle Eastern feast curated by Chef Shane Delia and his team. Designed to blend festive tradition with Maha’s signature flavours, the multi-course menu takes guests on a generous, celebratory journey.
Expect standout dishes like spanner crab tart, charred king prawns and slow-roasted lamb shoulder, finishing on a sweet note with macerated summer cherries and rosewater ashta. Set within Maha’s warm, elegant dining room, it’s a polished way to celebrate with family and friends.
The Details
How much: $225pp
When: Thursday, 25 December 2025, lunch service
Pan Pacific Melbourne
2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Image: Pan Pacific's Christmas Day Lunch | Supplied
Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen at Pan Pacific Melbourne is hosting an indulgent Christmas Day buffet lunch, designed for relaxed, all-ages celebrations in an elegant setting. Guests can settle in for a generous festive spread featuring classic Christmas favourites, a traditional carvery, fresh seafood, artisan bakery treats and a decadent chocolate fountain, all served alongside live music and seasonal entertainment.
Families are well catered for, with a dedicated children’s corner, activities and a special visit from Santa, making it an easy, celebratory way to mark the day together. A Christmas cocktail on arrival sets the tone, with additional drinks available to purchase throughout the afternoon.
The Details
How much: $295pp (adults); $175pp (ages 12–18); $110pp (ages 6–11); under 6s dine free
When: Thursday 25 December 2025, 12pm–3pm
Koko
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Image credit: Crown Melbourne | Instagram
Koko is offering an elegant Christmas Day celebration built around Japanese-inspired flavours, with both lunch and dinner options available. Lunch guests can enjoy a curated four-course set menu paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne per adult, making it a polished way to mark the occasion.
Those dining later can opt for dinner service, with Koko’s à la carte menu available across two evening sittings for a more flexible celebration.
The Details
How much: Lunch: $280pp (adults); $140pp (children), including a glass of Veuve Clicquot
When: Lunch 12pm–3:30pm; Dinner 5pm–7:30pm or 8pm–10:30pm
Bistro Guillaume
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Image credit: Bistro Guillaume | Instagram
Bistro Guillaume is celebrating Christmas Day with a polished, French-inspired dining experience, pairing a four-course set menu with a glass of Moët & Chandon Non-Vintage Champagne per adult. Live entertainment runs throughout lunch, setting a relaxed yet elegant tone for the day.
Guests can choose between a long lunch or an evening sitting, with the same four-course menu available across both services—making it an easy, indulgent way to celebrate without the stress of hosting.
The Details
How much: $260pp (adults); $130pp (children), including a glass of Moët & Chandon
When: Lunch 11am–3:30pm; Dinner 5:30pm–10pm
Main image credit: Maha | Supplied
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