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 Wednesday 25 December 2024.
And it doesn't have to involve a Christmas ham if you don't want it to. From fancy lunches to rockin’ dinners, we’ve rounded up a list of Melbourne’s restaurants and pubs open for Christmas Day in 2024 so you don’t have to.
Audrey’s At The Continental
Sorrento
Image credit: Audrey’s | Gareth Sobey
Awarded Melbourne’s best restaurant pub earlier this year, Audrey’s at The Conti is putting on an opulent Christmas feast for those holidaying down the ‘ninch. The set menu hasn’t been confirmed yet, but you can count on it being a lavish spread of fresh local seafood and produce. Best to book in early if you’re certain this is your jam, because this Christmas lunch typically sells out every year.
THE DETAILS
How much: $295pp
When: from 11:30am
Bookings here.
More on The Continental here.
Christmas Day Lunch At Stella
427 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Chapel Street's gorgeous four-storey playground is turning it on for Christmas, Italian-style. Their three-course shared feast brings together traditional Italian flair with festive charm, all served up in their elegantly designed space. Whether you're seated near the cosy fireplace under the mesmerizing glass bottle installation or enjoying the atmosphere of the ground floor with its warm Mariana Forni pizza oven, you're in for a treat.
THE DETAILS
How much: $195pp (adult), $50pp (child)
When: 11:30am-2:30pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day Lunch At Malin
169 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Nestled in the charming Rathdowne Village, this intimate neighbourhood restaurant is serving up a refined Christmas feast. Set in a beautifully restored 1880s building, Malin's European-inspired menu features ingredients like Kobe beef with caviar, King George whiting, and roast duck with truffle puree. It's five courses of pure luxury in one of Carlton North's prettiest corners—perfect for those who take their Christmas with a side of sophistication.
THE DETAILS
How much: $195pp
When: From 12pm
Bookings here.
Coburg’s Gemini Open For Coffee & Gifts
158 Sydney Road, Coburg
Image: Gemini | Saskia McCormack
Your Coburg local fave is saving the day this Christmas with coffee, pastries, last minute wine and gift shopping (you know that pantry of theirs has good stuff in it) and best of all they’re donating $1 from every coffee to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
When: 8am-1pm.
Long Christmas Lunch At Bistrot Bisou
575 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Forget your standard Christmas feast—Bistrot Bisou is bringing French fancy to your festive celebrations. Their four-course lunch is a parade of luxe classics, from briny fresh oysters to snapper swimming in Champagne Beurre Blanc, and duck fat potatoes that'll make you question every roastie you've had before. Cap it off with their show-stopping Champagne jelly and strawberry Bavarois dessert, and you've got yourself a très chic Christmas in the heart of the city.
THE DETAILS
How much: $170pp
When: 11:30am-4pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day At Conservatory
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Conservatory at Crown Melbourne is going all out for Christmas this year. Start with a festive breakfast, or dive into their extravagant seafood-heavy lunch, complete with premium dishes and plenty of holiday sparkle. Evening diners can settle in for a luxe multi-course spread, all served up with Crown’s signature elegance and stellar views over the city.
THE DETAILS
How much: Packages vary based on meal time
When: Various sittings throughout the day
Bookings here.
Five-Course Nikkei Menu At Nobu
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Nobu's five-course festive menu is where Japanese precision meets Peruvian flair (nikkei cuisine, for those not in the know) in a flavor party you won't forget. Available for both lunch and dinner, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge this jolly season—whether you’re a long-time Nobu fan or keen to try something new. Expect big flavors and plenty of finesse.
THE DETAILS
How much: $260pp (adult), $130pp (child)
When: 12pm-3:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day Lunch At Hacienda Mexicana Cocina
3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006
Image: Hacienda Mexicana Cocina | Supplied
Ready to spice up your Christmas? Ditch the traditional ham for a Mexican fiesta at Hacienda. They're turning up the heat with black lime-spiked oysters, mole mignonette that'll dance on your tongue, and a turkey leg that's gone full pibil. Throw in some achiote-rubbed rib eye and smashed potatoes living their best life in smoked pork fat, then seal the deal with a flan de queso that'll make you forget all about Christmas pud. This is your ticket to a feliz navidad with serious flavor.
THE DETAILS
How much: $145pp (adult), $35pp (child)
When: From 12pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day On Deck At Arbory
1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
If riverside views and a laid-back vibe are your thing, Arbory is where you’ll want to be this Christmas. They’re serving up a choose-your-own-adventure festive feast. Roll with the a la carte flow, get cozy with their seated picnic package, or let them do the heavy lifting with their banquet menu. Walk-ins are welcome, so you can keep your Christmas plans as fluid as the Yarra views. Whether you're in for a long lunch or just popping by for evening vibes, this is summer celebrating done right.
THE DETAILS
How much: Prices vary based on package
When: From 11am
Bookings here.
Christmas Feasts At Maha
Various Locations, Melbourne
Image: Maha | Supplied
Shane Delia’s Maha venues are bringing festive vibes with Middle Eastern-inspired feasts this Christmas. Maha in the CBD is serving a $195pp set lunch, while Maha East and North are dishing up $155pp four-course menus. If you’re staying in, the Christmas Feast Hamper is ready to make you the hero of home dining, packed with goodies like lamb shoulder and those insanely good maple-roasted ham croquettes. Cocktails and festive menu specials are also running across all venues throughout December.
THE DETAILS
How much: $155-$195pp for restaurant dining, $95pp for hampers
When: Various sittings on Christmas Day, hampers available for pre-order
Bookings here.
Christmas Lunch Or Dinner At Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya
127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Give your Christmas feast a Japanese glow-up at this buzzing Brunswick Street izakaya. Skip the traditional turkey for an adventure through their sushi bar (slinging some of Melbourne's finest rolls), or dive into their modern spin on Japanese classics. Whether you're settling in for lunch or making it a dinner affair, the vibe is pure Fitzroy cool – think fusion bites, flowing sake, and festive specials like their melt-in-your-mouth snapper carpaccio. Between the robatayaki grill and their signature small plates, this is one Christmas feast that'll have you saying sayonara to traditional pudding.
THE DETAILS
How much: Prices vary based on menu selection
When: From 12pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day Buffet Feast At Pan Pacific Melbourne
2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Image: Pan Pacific's Christmas Day Lunch | Supplied
Pan Pacific Melbourne is pulling out all the stops this Christmas. We're talking fresh seafood, a carvery station that'll make meat lovers weak at the knees, and a dessert spread that deserves its own postcode. Kids can enjoy their own buffet and activities, while adults get a festive cocktail on arrival. Bonus: Santa’s making an appearance, so it’s set to be a solid day for all.
THE DETAILS
How much: $269pp (adult), $99pp (child)
When: 12pm-3pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day At Koko
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Nestled within Crown Melbourne, Koko brings a refined Japanese touch to Christmas Day. Their five-course menu showcases delicate flavors and intricate dishes, perfect for those looking to break away from traditional festive fare. Whether you’re planning a lively lunch or an intimate evening celebration, this riverside spot sets the stage for a memorable Christmas dining experience.
THE DETAILS
How much: $260pp (adult), $130pp (child)
When: 12pm-3:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Bookings here.
Christmas Day At Bistro Guillaume
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Add a touch of French flair to your Christmas celebrations at Bistro Guillaume, located within the Crown Melbourne precinct. With a five-course menu designed for the occasion, you’ll enjoy an elegant dining experience complete with a glass of Moët & Chandon Vintage Champagne if you’re heading in for dinner. Whether it’s a festive lunch or a sophisticated evening meal, this is a stylish way to mark the big day.
THE DETAILS
How much: $260pp (adult), $125pp (child)
When: 11am-3:30pm, dinner from 5pm
Bookings here.
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