Thinking about booking a restaurant for Christmas Day in Sydney? If the thought of preparing a Christmas feast for your extended family fills you with dread, booking a restaurant means you don’t need to worry about cooking or cleaning! Luckily, there are a number of Sydney restaurants that are open on Christmas Day 2023 for a scrumptious Christmas lunch. But make sure you reserve your table soon, as they always book out.
Restaurants open for Christmas Day Lunch in Sydney 2023
Are you looking for a great restaurant to spend Christmas day lunch in Sydney or around the North Shore? There’s nothing better than heading out for a memorable festive meal with loved ones to celebrate Christmas, without having to worry about any of the cooking or cleaning on the day. Bonus!
We are spoilt for choice with so many incredible restaurants across Sydney that are ready to wine and dine you and the extended family.
Use the quicklinks below and be sure to book a table before they book out!
- Altitude @ Shangri-La Hotel, The Rock
- Bathers’ Pavillion, Balmoral
- Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar, Manly
- Botanic House, Royal Botanic Garden
- Brasserie l’Entrecôte, Pymble
- Chiosco by Ormeggio, Mosman
- Epping Club, Epping
- Fish Face, Balgowlah
- Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
- Kirribilli Club
- O Bar & Dining, CBD
- Ormeggio at The Spit, Mosman
- Pilu, Freshwater
- Q Station, Manly
- Ripples Chowder Bay
- San Martin, Akuna Bay
- Sir Stamford Hotel, Circular Quay
- The Ranch, North Ryde
Frequently Asked Questions about eating out on Christmas Day
There’s nothing better than handing over the hard work to someone else on Christmas Day. A chance to hang up the tea towels and not have to fret about whether the turkey went into the oven on time, or if Aunt Mildred is going to remember to bring the salad. When looking for a restaurant for Christmas Day lunch, there are a few things you want to keep in mind.
Is it easy to get to?
Heading out to eat on Christmas Day is all about making your life easier, so make sure the place you’re headed is easy to get to for everyone who is coming… whether that’s the extended family, or just your own family. If driving, be sure to agree on a Designated Driver before the big day.
Check the menu
Unlike other days of the year, most restaurants open on Christmas have a set menu for you to choose from. It helps to go over the menu ahead of time (before booking!) and make sure it suits your tastes and budgets.
Can the family fit?
Finally, if you’re organising a big family get together, be sure to book a table in advance as they all book out! Being organised is key. This is
Is it within the budget of all guests?
Dining out on Christmas Day isn’t cheap. Think of all the chefs and waiters who are giving up their own celebrations to serve you! Across the restaurants, the set menus can range in price from $125 (at The Ranch) to $375 (at Ormeggio at The Spit) for an adult, and $40 (at Fish Face) to $170 for a child (at Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar).
To make it easy for you to compare the options, we’ve listed the prices of the set menus per person. Be sure to look at the finer details, as some includes drinks and some don’t.
| Restaurant | Suburb | Adult | Child |
| The Ranch | North Ryde | $125 | $65 |
| Epping Club | Epping | $130-140 | $49 |
| Fish Face | Balgowlah | $140 | $40 |
| Hornsby RSL | Hornsby | $170-185 | $70 |
| Brasserie l’Entrecôte | Pymble | $115 | n/a |
| Q Station | Manly | $275 | $170 |
| Kirribilli Club | Kirribilli | $225-$275 | $70 |
| San Martin | Akuna Bay | $290 | $50 |
| Bathers’ Pavillion | Balmoral | $245 | $130 |
| Botanic House | Sydney CBD | $240 | $75 |
| O Bar & Dining | Sydney CBD | $345 | $130 |
| Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar | Manly | $275 | $170 |
| Chiosco by Ormeggio | Mosman | $275 | $90 |
| Ripples | Chowder Bay | $275 | $95 |
| Pilu | Freshwater | $330 | $150 |
| Ormeggio at The Spit | Mosman | $375 | $150 |
Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch on Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Ormeggio at The Spit
Ormeggio overlooks Middle Harbour and Pearl Bay. It was awarded two Chef’s Hats in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide 2018, and has been a hatted restaurant since opening in 2009. Alessandro and Victor and team have completely reinvented themselves for this 11th year of operation. There has been a major interior design change to a casual yet refined, neutral and natural colour scheme, with pops of colour and texture. Expect high quality sustainable seafood, great cocktails, some very fun desserts and those same knockout water views.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Four-course sharing lunch menu. $375 per adult, kids’ meal $150 per child (under 12 years).
- Address: D’Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman
- Website: Ormeggio At The Spit
Chiosco by Ormeggio, Mosman
Chiosco By Ormeggio is a real Italian trattoria by the sea, with stunning views. No matter what the weather is doing, you’ll be comfortable inside Chiosco – with heating, misting spray, fans, shade, and waterproof blinds.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Sharing feast. $275 per adult and $90 for children under 12.
- Address: The Jetty, d’Albora Marina, The Spit, Mosman
- Website: Chiosco by Ormeggio
Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral
Enjoy Christmas lunch by stunning inner harbour Balmoral beach. Bathers’ Pavilion have several options:
- Bistro Breakfast: $110 per adult, $70 per child (8am to 10am)
- Breakfast in the Restaurant: $170 per adult, $95 per child (8.30am to 10.30am)
- Bistro Lunch: 3 courses $245 per adult, $130 per child (under 10) (11.30am to 2pm or 2.30pm to 5pm)
- Christmas Lunch in the Restaurant: 3 courses $360 per adult, $160 per child (under 10) (11.30am & 2.30pm)
- Upstairs at Bathers’ Family Sharing Menu: $225 per adult, $120 per child (under 10) (11.30am to 3pm & 2.30pm to 5pm)
- Address: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral
- Website: Bathers’ Pavilion
Ripples Chowder Bay
Surrounded by beautiful views of nearby Clifton Gardens, Ripples Chowder Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy a lunch with loved ones. This Christmas, let them do the work for you – treat the family to an unforgettable Sydney waterfront dining experience and let them take the stress out of Christmas! Celebrate the season’s finest flavours with a 3-course set menu all while you sit back and relax, taking in the views of gorgeous Chowder Bay, Mosman.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Three-course set menu for $275 per adult, $95 per child (12 years and under).
- Address: Building 7, Deck C, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman
- Website: Ripples Chowder Bay
Kirribilli Club
Kirribilli Club
Nestled in the stunning Lavender Bay opposite Clark Park & Wendy’s Secret Garden it is easy to feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem at the Kirribilli Club. Savour the most wonderful time of the year with Kirribilli Club amid the most spectacular and stunning view of the Harbour Bridge.
- Christmas Day Lunch: 3-course set menu and a premium drinks package. From $225 for adults, $70 per child (under 12) and includes main course, juice & soft drink, desert and gift from Santa.
- Address: 11 Harbour View Crescent, Lavender Bay
- Website: Kirribilli Club
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY 2022
Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch on Sydney’s Upper North Shore
Brasserie l’Entrecote, Pymble
Brasserie l’Entrecôte takes a nod from the original “Le Relais de l’Entrecôte” the famous one dish steakhouse that opened in 1959 in Porte Maillot, Paris. The concept is simple, an amazing quality Sirloin Steak, accompanied by the delicious secret sauce, crispy homemade french fries, a simple salad & a glass of wine.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Three-course meal, $115 per person.
- Address: 1047 Pacific Highway, Pymble
- Website: Brasserie l’Entrecôte
Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
Christmas Day Lunch at Hornsby RSL in the Showroom
Hornsby RSL Club invites you to celebrate Christmas with a succulent seafood buffet, traditional roasts, salads and vegetables finished off with Christmas pudding, delectable desserts and of course our famous chocolate fountain! All tickets include a welcome drink on arrival and additional beverage with lunch, bottomless jugs of soft drink for the table. Kids will receive a gift bag full of goodies!
- Christmas Day Lunch: Members $170 | Visitors $185 | Children (3-12) $70
- Address: 4 High Street, Hornsby
- Website: Hornsby RSL
The Ranch, North Ryde
The Ranch, North Ryde
Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious seafood buffet with a special visit from Santa. Christmas is stressful enough without the hassle of entertaining; so dust off your Santa hat and let The Ranch bring you the best present of all – no cooking or cleaning. Plus, there’s a playground there too! Enjoy natural oysters, Tasmanian smoke salmon, roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, pavlova and more!
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults $125, Children $65 (12 and under) and Seniors $113, Children under 3 free.
- Address: Cnr Epping & Herring Rd, North Ryde
- Website: The Ranch
Epping Club
The Epping Club
Celebrate Christmas Day at your Club in the Grand Ballroom or Rawsons Restaurant at The Epping Club, located in Epping Sydney, with an indulgent lunch and the staff’s renowned five-star service! Enjoy a deluxe buffet created by Head Chef Nicholas Blair with king prawns, scallops, pacific oysters, roast turkey, smoked beef, roast lamb PLUS your all-time Christmas favourites – the desserts! Of course, Santa will make an appearance and there will be lashings of festive spirit!
- Christmas Day Lunch: Gourmet buffet feast (including seafood and a decadent dessert). Members $130, non-members $140 and children $49 (under 2 years FREE).
- Address: 45 – 47 Rawson St, Epping
- Website: Epping Club
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY 2022
Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
San Martin, Akuna Bay
Celebrate Christmas in the intimate San Martin Dining for the perfect Christmas Day celebrations, along with a visit from Santa. Indulge in a sumptuous Christmas buffet expertly prepared by their Executive Chef and her culinary team.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Christmas Buffet is $290 per adult and $50 per child (under 12) from 12.30pm-3.30pm.
- Address: 350 General San Martin Drive, Terrey Hills
- Website: San Martin
Fish Face, Balgowlah
Positioned in the heart of Balgowlah, Fish Face provides a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the freshest of seafood offerings. Gather your loved ones for Christmas in the heart of Balgowlah.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Three-course menu with a glass of champagne on arrival. Vegetarian Menu and Children’s Menu is also available. Adults $140 per person and Children (under 12) $40 per person.
- Address: 70/215 Condamine Street, Balgowlah
- Website: Fish Face
Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar
Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar, located on the shoreline of the incredible Sydney Harbour, is a restaurant dining experience with a difference. Housed in the original boiler house building of Sydney’s oldest operational quarantine facility, the space has been refurbished into a bustling, open-kitchen restaurant, where diners can relax and enjoy the perfect combination of waterside dining and superb food and wine, set against the backdrop of nostalgic buildings.
Executive Chef, Michael Mousseau’s menu features large share platters to start, filled with fresh seafood and meats, followed by individually plated mains with seasonal ingredients and rich flavours, before finishing off with delicious desserts and the good old Christmas tart.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Join them for either lunch or dinner, with sittings starting at midday. Adults $275 per person & Teens (11-17 years) $170 per person. Kids under 11 can enjoy their standard Kids Menu.
- Address: 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
- Website: Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar
Q Station
Celebrate with your family and friends at Q Station this year with a unique Aussie Christmas! Join them in the Governor Bourke Ballroom for an exclusive buffet service prepared by Executive Chef, Michael Mousseau. Enjoy large share platters to start, filled with fresh seafood and meats, followed by individually plated mains with seasonal ingredients and rich flavours, before finishing off with delicious desserts and the good old Christmas tart.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Christmas Festive Buffet, drink on arrival & 2-hour premium beverage package. $275* for adults, $170* for children aged 11-17 years, and kids under 11 can enjoy their standard kids’ menu.
- Address: 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
- Website: Q Station
Pilu at Freshwater
Giovanni’s philosophy lies at the heart of the restaurant; “Food, and the hospitality associated with sharing it, is integral to the Sardinian way of Life.” It has also become integral to the way of life of the many Sydneysiders who visit Pilu at Freshwater, keen to enjoy Giovanni’s Sardinian, and regional Italian cooking.
- Christmas Day Lunch: 4-course lunch, $330 per adult, $150 per child (under 12 years of age).
- Address: On the beach, Moore Road, Freshwater
- Website: Pilu at Freshwater
Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch in the Sydney CBD
O Bar & Dining
Giovanni’s philosophy lies at the heart of the restaurant; “Food, and the hospitality associated with sharing it, is integral to the Sardinian way of Life.” It has also become integral to the way of life of the many Sydneysiders who visit Pilu at Freshwater, keen to enjoy Giovanni’s Sardinian, and regional Italian cooking.
Their Christmas Day menu features an exquisite array of dishes, prepared using the finest seasonal ingredients to ensure a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones.
- Christmas Day Lunch or Dinner: Adults: 5-course lunch or dinner $345 | Children: 3-course lunch or dinner $130 (12 and under).
- Address: Level 47 Australia Square, 264 George Street Sydney
- Website: O Bar & Dining
Altitude @ Shangri-La Hotel
Altitude @ Shangri-La Hotel
Enjoy Christmas lunch or dinner with a delicious festive 5-course menu, overlooking Sydney’s spectacular harbour, from one of its most spectacular view at Altitude. Enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as you enjoy an incredible Christmas Day lunch or dinner from Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi selects only the best produce from the land and sea to create a true reflection of modern Australian cuisine.
The five-course menu, features dishes including Tuna & Crab, Coral Trout, Slow Cooke Quail and Australian dry aged MB 4+ steak with a caramelised jus.
- Christmas Day Lunch (12-3pm): Adults: $279 | Children: $179. View menu.
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner (6-10pm): Adults: $269 | Children: $179. View menu.
- Address: Altitude, Level 36 Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks
- Website: Shangri-la.com
Sir Stamford, Circular Quay
The Christmas Day lunch 2023 at Sir Stamford has already sold out… however there are still a few tables left at their Spectacular White Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner. Indulge in Sumptuous cuisine amidst the iconic harbour backdrop. Choose whatever you like from the incredible festive buffet, and enjoy 1.5 hours of free flow beverages.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Sold Out!
- Christmas Eve Dinner: Adults: $169 | Children (6-12 years): $199. View menu.
- Address: Sir Stamford Hotel, 93 Macquarie Street, Sydney
- Website: stamford.com.au
Botanic House, Royal Botanic Gardens
Botanic House offers a deluxe dining experience by Luke Nguyen right in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Celebrate Christmas Day in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney over lunch or dinner with friends & family.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Nine-course menu designed for sharing: Adults $240 | Kids $75 (children 12 and under).
- Address: The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mrs Macquarie Road, Sydney
- Website: Botanic House
