While Christmas Day involves presents, friends and family, and banging Mariah tunes, at Urban List we reckon the most important part of Christmas Day is the food.
These are our picks for the best restaurants where you can book Christmas Day lunch and Christmas dinner in Sydney in 2024.
Continental Deli
210 Australia Street, Newtown
Image credit: Continental Deli | Instagram
Newtown’s beloved Continental Deli is dishing up a massive shared banquet in its cozy dining room with a glass of sparkling on arrival. The star of the show is a Christmas honey-glazed ham with pickles, mustard and chutney, alongside pickled mussel gildas, culatello with shaved melon and chilli syrup and roast potatoes with mint paste and garlic crème fraîche, with continental Christmas pudding and honey-drizzled truffle brie for dessert. View the full menu and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 12pm
What you get: Christmas shared banquet with a glass of sparkling on arrival
Cost: $250 per person
The Charles
66 King Street, Sydney CBD
Elevate Christmas lunch at elegant CBD restaurant The Charles. They’re putting on a three-course Christmas spread packed with classics like oysters, prawn cocktail, roasted duck and Black Forest cake, with their award-winning range of wines and cocktails on hand for added Christmas cheer. Book here.
The details
When: From 11.30am
What you get: Three-course shared menu
Cost: $195pp ($75 childrens menu available)
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park | Instagram
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is putting on Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner at their famed seafood buffet.
Both lunch and dinner buffets will have chilled seafood, a carvery station with slow-roasted turkey and ham, a dessert station with chocolate fountain, and include a three-hour beverage package for some Christmas cheer. At lunch you can go fancy with lobster Thermidor served at your table, while dinnertime will also have a sushi bar—so you can choose your own adventure. Book here.
The details
When: Lunch 12.30pm–4pm, or dinner 6pm–9.30pm
What you get: A festive buffet and three-hour drinks package
Cost: Lunch $395 per adult or $175 per child, dinner $149 per adult or $60 per child
Gowings
QT Sydney, 1/49 Market Street, Sydney CBD
Chef Sean Connolly has crafted a festive feasting-style Christmas Day lunch for $289pp with a glass of Perrier Jouet Blason Rosé on arrival followed by oysters, prawns and tuna crudo plus golden porchetta, blue eye cod, and a pistachio and raspberry tiramisu set to grace your table.
If the Christmas spirit gets you really hungry, a 1.2-kilo rib eye on the bone can also be added on for extra indulgence. See the full menu and book your table here.
The Details
When: From 11.30am
What you get: A glass of champagne on arrival, and four-course shared Christmas Day feast
Cost: $289pp
Sails
2 Henry Lawson Avenue, McMahons Point
Image Credit: Sails | Website
Take in the stunning views of Sydney Harbour at Sails while enjoying their three-course Christmas Day menu. The menu will feature wagyu beef tartare with miso and hash brown, slow-cooked turkey breast with almond cream and vincotto jus and you can finish with a passionfruit and white chocolate cremeux. Check out the menu and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 12pm
What you get: three-course menu with snacks and sides
Cost: $345 per person, $95 per child under 12
BrewDog South Eveleigh
Bay 1 Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh
Image Credit: BrewDog South Eveleigh | Instagram
Relax on Christmas Day under the leafy shade of BrewDog’s beer garden. They’re offering a la carte specials to satisfy your Christmas cravings, including a half-kilo of QLD prawns and a burger with turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy mayo and cranberry sauce. The Christmas lunch platter for two is sure to have everything you need for a Christmas lunch—roast turkey with chestnut, sage and onion stuffing, roasted potatoes and carrots, cranberry sauce and a Yorkshire pudding. Book here.
THE DETAILS
When: 12pm–6pm
What you get: a la carte Christmas menu
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Me-Gal
Taronga Zoo, 2A Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
Image credit: Me-Gal | Instagram
Set amongst the magical backdrop of Taronga Zoo, Me-Gal offers a festive feast with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. The three-course shared menu is absolutely stacked with dishes like Sydney rock oysters, heirloom tomato with stracciatella, king prawn tataki, lemon myrtle brined turkey breast, Ora king salmon and a rich chocolate forest with lychee caviar, plus a selection of sides.
There’s also a special kids menu with bruschetta, a selection of beef tenderloin steak or fish and chips for a main and an exotic banana split for dessert, making Me-Gal the perfect family-friendly Christmas celebration spot. Book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 5pm
What you get: Three-course shared menu with a glass of champagne on arrival
Cost: $250 per person, $100 for children 7–12 years, $50 for children under 7
Woodcut
Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Image credit: Woodcut | Instagram
Celebrate Christmas Day over a flame-licked feast of Australian produce at Woodcut, where you can enjoy a four-course festive menu at lunchtime, or choose your favourites from the a la carte menu over dinner. Bookings are available across the waterfront outdoor terrace, main dining room and chefs counter for some Christmas Day entertainment. Book online.
The details
When: Lunch from 12pm, or dinner from 6pm
What you get: Lunch is a four-course set menu, dinner is a la carte
Cost: Lunch from $390 per adult, $130 per child (or children may dine a la carte at both services)
Noi
108 Audley Street, Petersham
Noi is a favourite neighbourhood Italian restaurant in the Inner West, and you can bet that they're once again hosting an unmissable Christmas lunch come Wednesday 25 December.
The Christmas lunch set menu includes pan-seared scallops; raviolo with ricotta, asparagus and guanciale; duck breast; and panettone churros for a festive dessert. See the full menu and book your table here.
The details
When: From 11.30am
What you get: A four-course menu with snack and bread
Cost: $195pp, childrens menu for $95pp
Soluna
3/168 Walker Street, North Sydney
Image credit: Soluna | Supplied
North Sydney stunner Soluna is hosting a Christmas Day lunch with fresh, Aussie-style Christmas favourites. Expect prawn cocktail cups, Christmas crudites, cherry-glazed ham and a Christmas pavlova to finish. Book online.
The details
When: Booking from 11.30am
What you get: Three-course shared menu
Cost: $145pp ($50 kids menu available)
A’mare
Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Image credit: a'Mare | Instagram
Leave the cooking to Alessandro Pavoni and his team at swanky Italian restaurant a’Mare this Christmas Day, where they’re doing Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner.
At both services you can opt for a $295pp Experience Menu serving up the festive best, or you can order a la carte favourites like tableside pesto trofie, grilled rock lobster, and that iconic tiramisu. Booking are available across the main dining room, outdoor terrace, and private dining spaces if your Christmas Day party is up to 12. Book here.
the details
When: Lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm
What you get: Set menu, or a la carte selection
Cost: Minimum spend of $295pp, or $60 per child
Chiosco By Ormeggio
D'Albora Marina, Spit Road, Mosman
Image credit: Chiosco by Ormeggio | Instagram
Alessandro Pavoni's a'Mare is also on this list—and it's because he just gets family-style dining. For the ultimate Christmas Day lunch in the north, you can't go past Chiosco.
The Christmas feast (and condensed kids menu) will be packed with festive Italian favourites designed to be shared, and two-hour seatings can be booked here.
The details
When: From 11.30am
What you get: A shared Christmas lunch feast
Cost: $275pp ($90 for three-course childrens menu)
The Fenwick
2-8 Weston Street, Balmain East
Image credit: The Fenwick | Instagram
If there’s any venue in Sydney that captures the picturesque image of a Sydney Christmas, it’s The Fenwick, with smacking views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour.
This year, The Fenwick is hosting a Christmas lunch with a three-course set menu (plus snacks), with QLD spanner crab with fennel, nashi pear, chive and yuzu on brioche; a main of Wollemi duck breast with parsnip, red cabbage, parfait, muntries and duck jus, and a tropical coconut and pineapple dessert. See the whole menu and book online.
the details
When: From 11.30am
What you get: Three-course shared menu
Cost: $295pp (childrens menu for $95pp)
Osteria Coogee
31 Alfreda Street, Coogee
Dine at breezy beachside favourite Osteria Coogee on Christmas Day on a festive Italian-inspired lunch that the whole family will adore.
Start with mixed fish crudo and San Daniele prosciutto followed by pizza focaccia, prawn pasta, crispy porchetta and a Ferrero Rocher cheesecake for dessert. See the full menu and book here.
The details
When: 11.30am or 2pm
What you get: A festive four-course menu
Cost: $180pp
Sailmaker
Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
Get friends and family together over this festive Christmas Day feast with sustainable Aussie seafood and festive favourites at the buffet, and live cooking stations. Sailmaker is doing Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner, with both seatings including a two-hour package of premium wines and beers.
Santa will even make an appearance to gift the kids an extra treat… Book here.
The details
When: Lunch 12pm–2.30pm, dinner 6pm–10.30pm
What you get: Festive buffet, chef stations and two-hour drinks package
Cost: Lunch $299 per adult or $120 per child, dinner $199 per adult or $89 per child
Flour Drum Newtown
531 King Street, Newtown
Flour Drum is opening its doors for the first time on Christmas Day in 2024. Alongside its famous fruit mince pies, matured to spiced perfection over a year, Flour Drum will offer up its usual baked goods suspects including cakes, puddings, cookies and gingerbread—available to take home for the whole family to enjoy.
A short walk from Newtown or St Peters stations, they will also have a special festive brunch menu based on the requests of locals on top of their all-day breakfast and lunch menus. Dog-friendly too, you can enjoy your Christmas morning surrounded by pups and the warmth of the Christmas spirit.
Atelier by Sofitel
Sofitel Sydney, Darling Harbour
Image Credit: Sofitel by Atelier | Website
Take in the stunning views of Darling Harbour this Christmas Day. Atelier’s festive shared menu has Christmas classics like a seafood platter, oast pork roulade and chocolate snowmen for dessert. Vegetarians and vegans fear not—you have been catered for with an entirely vegan menu featuring lentil parfait, swiss mushroom bourguignon and more, allowing you to share in the Christmas spirit. Kids also haven’t been forgotten—a $49 menu is available. Find out more and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 12.30pm
What you get: sharing menu
Cost: $300 per person, $49 per child
Luke's Kitchen
339 Pitt St, Sydney CBD
Dine in the heart of the CBD this Christmas at Luke’s Kitchen. For $195, you will be greeted by champagne on arrival and a four-course menu with twists on Christmas classics including a maple and Guinness-baked ham, king prawns with mango salsa and a Christmas-spiced creme caramel. You can also pimp your menu with an additional wine pairing or by adding oysters, caviar, cheese plates and more. Find out more and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: 12pm-3.30pm
What you get: four-course menu with champagne on arrival.
Cost: $195 per person, $70 per child
OTTO Ristorante
Ovolo Hotel, Woolloomooloo
By the water in Woolloomoolloo, Otto is offering two options for Christmas Day: a deluxe menu in their main restaurant with a glass of champagne and amuse-bouche on arrival, or a more affordable option in their upstairs dining section.
Both menus promise to feature exceptional seafood, with kingfish tartare, lobster spaghetti and pink snapper fillets offering a glimpse into what’s on offer. Be enticed by their Black Angus fillet or peach, rhubarb and pomegranate burrata, with lemonimisu or buttermilk panna cotta being excellent options to finish off a decadent Christmas lunch. Find more info and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 11.30am
What you get: Main restaurant: four-course menu with assaggi; upstairs dining: three-course sharing menu.
Cost: Main dining $545 per person, $120 per child. Upstairs Dining $350 per person (children's menu on request).
Quay
Upper Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
Try one of Sydney’s famed dining destinations and the magic of Chef Peter Gilmore’s food at Quay this Christmas. Take in the unparalleled views of Sydney’s harbour while enjoying your five-course lunch and complimentary champagne on arrival. Their menu includes a caviar and seaweed tart, raw Abrolhos Island scallops and roasted beef fillet, an unmissable selection for Christmas Day. You can also add an optional wine pairing to make your lunch extra boozy. Check out their menu and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 12pm
What you get: Five-course menu with a glass of champagne on arrival
Cost: $650 per person
BTWN
W Sydney, Sydney CBD
Image Credit: BTWN | Website
Christmas Day is the perfect opportunity to try this elegant restaurant in Darling Harbour. From $165pp, you can feast on their cold and raw seafood bar alongside share-style mains and a festive dessert spread. A 2.5-hour beverage package is available with curated wines, craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks. Check out the menu and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 12pm
What you get: seafood bar and share-style mains
Cost: $165 per person
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
36 College Street, Darlinghurst
Sydney’s Pullman at Hyde Park is bringing the festive cheer with a full Christmas spread and activities for the whole family. Feast at their seafood bar, indulge in a charcuterie spread or hit up their carving station before finishing off with a range of desserts including chocolate and raspberry lamingtons.
From $238pp you can experience the Christmas Day food coma alongside face painting, a 360 photo booth, a visit from Santa and special gifts for kids with the option to add on an additional two-hour beverage package, making it perfect for the whole family. Find out more and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 11.30am
What you get: seafood bar, charcuterie, carving station, desserts and more
Cost: $238 per person, $140 per child
Harbord Hotel
29 Moore Rd, Freshwater
Image Credit: Harbord Hotel | Website
Leave the dishes at home by heading to Harbord Hotel for Christmas lunch. From $240pp, expect a three-course menu with entrees including focaccia served with taramasalata and scallops with cafe de Paris butter served with mains like glazed leg ham and roast pork belly with the option to add a lobster package ($48). Finish this Christmas feast with pavlova and vanilla bean pudding for dessert. Check out the menu and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 11.30am
What you get: three-course menu
Cost: $240 per person, $50 per child
Benny’s
27 Tonkin Street, Cronulla
Enjoy breathtaking nature views at South Sydney restaurant Benny’s at Christmas lunch this year. For $275pp, you can feast on fluffy focaccia, rock lobster with parsley butter and Christmas pudding for dessert. Vegetarians haven’t been forgotten—with corn ribs served with curry leaf butter and a mushroom, silverbeet and chestnut roast. See the full menu and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: From 11.30am
What you get: four-course shared menu
Cost: $275 per person
Sold Out: Promenade Bondi Beach
Bondi Pavilion Shop, 4a Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach
Image credit: Promenade Bondi Beach | Leigh Griffiths
Promenade Bondi Beach has your Chrissy plans sorted. The Dining Room is putting on a full-on festive spread from 11am, so there’s no need to fuss about in the kitchen at home.
For a more casual affair, the Beach Bar will be open all-day from 7am, perfect for a post-dip drop-in or sunset spritz. Find more details and book here.
THE DETAILS
When: Dining Room bookings from 11am, Beach Bar open from 7am
What you get: Christmas lunch with ocean views
Cost: $299 per person, $99 per child
Sold Out: Ripples Chowder Bay
Building 7 C, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman
Image credit: Ripples Chowder Bay | Supplied
Celebrate Christmas Day with lunch by the sparkling waterfront at Ripples Chowder Bay.
They’re doing a Christmas set menu including confit Murray cod croquettes; burrata with char-grilled peaches, roasted pistachios and pomegranate dressing; Wagyu tenderloin with braised leeks, burnt shallots and lime butter sauce; and lemon curd pavlova with coconut gelato and ginger marinated mango. See the full menu and book online.
the details
When: Bookings from 11.30am
What you get: Shared three-course menu
Cost: $295pp, childrens menu for $95pp
Sold Out: The Winery
285A Crown Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: The Winery | Supplied
Urban wine bar and restaurant The Winery is known for hosting a good time, and Christmas Day is set to be no exception, with a three-course feasting menu and Champagne on arrival to get you feeling festive.
The share-style Christmas lunch menu features Aussie Christmas favourites like oysters, barbecued prawns and honey-glazed ham, plus crispy lobster pasta and a fruit-topped pavlova to finish. Santa might even make an appearance to spread some extra joy… Book here.
the details
When: From 11am (2.30 seating is booked out)
What you get: A shared three-course Christmas menu and Champagne on arrival
Cost: $180pp ($50pp childrens menu available)
Sold Out: Reign at QVB
Level 1 Shop 48/455 George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Reign at QVB | Instagram
Who doesn’t love a Christmas buffet? The lunch buffet spread this year at Reign at QVB is next-level and includes champagne on arrival. We’re talking oysters, prawns, sashimi, orange maple glazed ham, roasted turkey breast with cranberry sauce, roasted beef with red wine jus and Yorkshire pudding, plus a bunch of salads, charcuterie meats, cheeses and desserts like Christmas pudding and pavlova with loaded berries. View the full menu and book online.
THE DETAILS
When: From 11am
What you get: Christmas buffet lunch with champagne on arrival
Cost: $170 per person, $80 per child (3–12 years)
Sold Out: The Langham
89-113 Kent Street, Millers Point
Image credit: The Langham Sydney | Website
There’s nothing better than a share-style lunch on Christmas day where you get to have a nibble of everything. Kitchens on Kent at The Langham are upping the ante with an elegant lunch starring fresh seafood, must-try mains, delicious desserts and a charcuterie board, with tea and coffee included.
For an extra touch of decadence, add on a bottomless beverage package to enjoy free-flowing drinks all afternoon. View the full details and book online.
THE DETAILS
When: 12pm–3pm
What you get: Share-style Christmas lunch, a charcuterie board and tea/coffee
Cost: $345 per person, $75 per person for the bottomless beverage package, $170 per child including drinks
Sold Out: Kingsleys
10/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
Take in water views from the Finger Wharf over a four-course Christmas Day menu at Kingsleys. The Christmas lunch menu includes chilled and hot seafood entrees including oysters and grilled prawns, shared mains including a steak tasting plate and Moreton Bay bugs Thermidor, followed by three dessert dishes including a mango creme brulee. See the full menu and book a two-hour seating online.
the details
When: 11am or 2pm
What you get: A shared menu and Champagne on arrival
Cost: $249pp (childrens menu for $55pp)
Sold Out: Loulou Bistro
61 Lavender Street, Lavender Bay
Image credit: Loulou Bistro | Supplied
Add some French flair to Christmas Day dining in Sydney at Loulou Bistro, where festive lunch looks like a three-course lunch designed to be shared with your loved ones, and includes scallop cru with summer berries and verjus; an assiette of lamb with petite pois a la Francaise; and peaches and cream for dessert.
The lighter take on French classics is perfect for an Aussie summer day, with some bougie add-ons like oysters and Yamba prawns available to top things off. See the full menu and book here.
The details
When: From 11.30am
What you get: Three-course shared menu
Cost: $195pp ($50 for childrens menu)
Now keep the festive season fun rolling with
Main image credit: The Charles | Supplied
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