Finding a restaurant to eat at in Auckland on Christmas Day isn't always easy (the phrase 'needle in a haystack' springs to mind). Well never fear, 'cos we've done the hard yards for you and found out who's open to play host this year so you can sit back, relax and make merry while someone else does all the work.
Here are all the best restaurants that are open on Christmas Day 2024 in Tāmaki Makaurau. Let the eating and drinking begin!
kingi
The Hotel Britomart, 29 Galway Street, Auckland CBD
Kiwi Christmasses are synonymous with fresh seafood, and you won't find a more glorious spread of it come December 25th than at kingi. Known for championing local produce and sustainable fishing practices, this top spot is putting on a long lunch loaded with only the best kai moana in town and that means sashimi platters, Te Matuku Bay oysters, paua sausage rolls, green-lipped mussels and swordfish with bisque butter; along with a selection of other, non-seafood dishes thrown in for good measure.
The fit-out here is equally epic—think exposed brick and shimmery chandeliers reminiscent of schooling fish, all inside a breezy open-air space just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the waters of the Waitematā Harbour. This is Christmas lunch, done right.
Satya
17 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Every year the team at Satya put on a free Christmas lunch for those in need, no questions asked. While the dishes will be revealed on the day, there are two things we can be certain of. Firstly, there's sure to be a South Indian curry or three with something for everyone (dietaries included). And secondly, whatever appears on your plate will be sensational because Satya is, hands down, one of the absolute best Indian restaurants in Tāmaki. And what a gift to be able to eat for free—talk about embracing the festive spirit.
Onemata
Park Hyatt Auckland, 99 Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland CBD
If fish crudo, pistachio-crusted lamb rack and steamed fish with crayfish dumplings, followed by coconut Christmas mince pies—washed down with Louis Roederer champagne sounds like your cup of Christmas tea, then best book yourself in for Christmas Day lunch or dinner at Onemata.
One of several top-notch eateries located inside the stunning Park Hyatt Auckland hotel, these guys are serving up a feast fit for a Chrissy king (or queen), in an unrivalled waterfront setting. Word on the street is that the kiddos even get a free gift.
Harbour Society
SO/ Auckland, Corner Of Customs East Street & Gore Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Harbour Society / Facebook
Gorging on a buffet is the best gift you can give your stomach for Christmas, and one that's enjoyed 15 storeys above the city with views over the sparkling Waitematā Harbour? Well, you can consider that a gift for ya peepers.
Harbour Society is dishing up all this and more come Christmas Day, with an elaborate line-up of goodies ranging from cheeses and charcuterie to fresh seafood, roast meats and pasta cooked to order; along with more desserts than is probably wise to consume in one sitting (just watch us try).
Eight
Cordis Auckland, 83 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD
For a Yuletide banquet with all the trimmings, head along to Eight. The team here believe that some traditions are worth keeping so with that in mind, they're serving up all the holiday fare you know and love—think succulent cuts of ham and turkey, delicious roasted veggies and rich Christmas pudding with brandy sauce (along with some more unconventional goodies like sushi and sashimi, and steamed buns and dumplings) from not one, but eight kitchens. Plus, there's a lavish champagne breakfast also up for grabs.
Tapestry
Pullman Auckland Hotel, 6 Princes Street, Auckland CBD
If there's one day of the year where it's totally acceptable to stuff your face, it's Christmas. And Tapestry will enable you to just that with their elevated buffet-style lunch and dinner, which is all the more tasty given this spot's ethos around supply and sustainability.
Scoff down Christmas classics like honey-glazed ham with pineapple and mustard sauce, seasonal veggies, and turkey with sage and onion stuffing; along with treats from a jaw-dropping raw bar and dessert selection (lemon meringue Yule log and banana Biscoff cream cake included).
FISH Restaurant
Hilton Auckland, Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: FISH Restaurant / Facebook
Also partaking in the festivities this year is FISH Restaurant, who invite you to join them for an unforgettable shared-style Christmas lunch or dinner. Perched at the end of Princes Wharf, this is certainly a beautiful spot to spend the big day and the menu is just as gorgeous.
Featuring your choice of three of four courses, there'll be crispy tempura oysters and beetroot Scotch eggs to start—beef Wellington and herb-crusted lamb for mains—and a chocolate Yule log and Christmas pudding to round out your meal in a suitably sugary manner.
Metita
SkyCity Auckland, Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Christmas is getting the island treatment over at Metita, the latest offering from acclaimed chef Michael Meredith. Fresh Pacific flavours, redefined and reimagined are the order of the day here, presented in the form of a scrumptious four-course shared menu for you and your whānau.
Expect corned beef steamed buns and fried pork belly—roasted chicken leg and slow braised lamb shanks—and a passionfruit, coconut yoghurt, and sasalapa (aka custard apple) dessert. Not to mention a glass of Taittinger champagne on arrival...
Saint Alice
Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Smash back a feed of herb-baked oysters, braised lamb sandos, and roast pork belly with crackling and sour cherry jus (plus Yorkshire puds and duck-fat roast potatoes to go with), followed by petit fours, a festive-themed cheeseboard AND a brandy flamed Christmas loaf with whipped cream at Viaduct hotspot, Saint Alice. A little sugar plum fairy also told us that there's a complimentary glass of bubbles involved...
Just don't get so distracted by this tremendous spread, that you forget to enjoy one of the city's most fabulous waterfront views.
Esther
QT Hotel, 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Esther / Supplied
Switch up the festivities this year with a Mediterranean-inspired spread at celeb chef Sean Connolly's beloved restaurant, Esther. Located inside the stylish QT Hotel, you'll be treated to your choice of lunch or dinner featuring fan faves like puff bread and baked saganaki, alongside seasonal specials such as Alaskan king crab risotto and Harmony Farms roast porchetta. Ooh, and a gorgeous plum pudding with custard and vanilla bean gelato for afters.
Masu
SkyCity Auckland, Federal Street, Auckland CBD
For those wanting to steer clear of tradition, there's not a single slice of ham in sight at the award-winning Masu—which is instead offering diners an exotic Kurisumasu menu for dinner.
Expect plenty of scrumptious Japanese-inspired fare, including sushi and assorted tempura —dry-aged sancho salt duck breast and soba noodles with Alaskan king crab—and green tea ice cream and chocolate mouse with sour cherries to finish. Kids, on the other hand, will get a fun bento box to munch on. Merīkurisumasu!
The Cut
Rydges Auckland, 59 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Let The Cut take care of Christmas lunch and/or dinner this year, starting with a glass of sparkling G.H. Mumm (or Heineken if you prefer), whoop whoop. Once that's down the hatch, you'll be treated to an exquisite buffet featuring traditional carvery roasts, a bounty of fresh seafood, and desserts of both the naughty and nice variety. Plus, bookings of four or more people will also receive a bottle of house wine of their choosing. How very merry!
Cooke's Restaurant
Fable Auckland, 58-60 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Cooke's Restaurant / Facebook
A chic Christmas menu awaits those who choose to spend December 25 at Cooke's Restaurant, which you'll find hidden inside the lush Fable Auckland hotel. They're running an exquisite seven-course feast for both lunch and dinner this year, guaranteed to take your Chrissy Day celebrations to tasty new heights.
Enjoy the restaurant's stylish heritage setting whilst feasting on drool-worthy dishes including lobster thermidor with sauerkraut, provola, coriander and lime foam, and bisque—wagyu scotch fillet with duchesse potatoes, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, and jus—and a trio of decadent cheesecakes, all washed down with a glass of Moët. Ooft.
Bracu
49 Main Road, Bombay, Auckland
Escape the rat race this Christmas and spend your day amongst the olive groves at famed Bombay restaurant, Bracu. Its tranquil, rural setting provides the perfect backdrop for a lush five-course lunch featuring dishes like roast chicken breast with burrata tortellini, and a chocolate, almond, and cherry dessert. Kids get their own dedicated menu (with a very merry price tag, we might add!) on the day.
Orbit 360° Dining
SkyCity Auckland, Federal Street, Auckland CBD
One thing we know about Christmas Day dining at Orbit 360° Dining—spirits will be high. How could they not be, when the food and drink are flowing, and the views are otherworldly (if you didn't already know, this spot sits high up the Sky Tower).
These guys are putting on a mouthwatering four-course dinner menu showcasing the best local and seasonal produce. Think seafood tortellini with Cloudy Bay Clams, Rangitikei chicken breast with chicken and bacon ragout and all the trimmings, and pavlova with summer garden berries and Tahitian cremeux, all enjoyed while sitting in the country's only rotating restaurant (yes people, the dining room actually moves).
Morningside Tavern X Glasshouse Morningside
18 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland
Two Morningside greats are joining forces for an extra special Chrissy Day collab. We're talking about Glasshouse Morningside, the incredible light-filled venue usually reserved for weddings and other special occasions, who will be providing the location; and Morningside Tavern, who will be supplying the food and drink.
And not just any food and drink (this is the most wonderful day of the year, after all)—a three-course shared lunch comprising festive faves like orange and star anise cured salmon, slow-poached and roasted turkey with a tonne of sides, and granny smith and rosemary crumble with vanilla cream, thank you very much.
Get in the festive spirit with a tour of Auckland's best Christmas lights.
Main image credit: Cooke's Restaurant / Facebook