Want to book 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, several Sydney restaurants are open on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December 2024) for a delicious Christmas lunch. But reserve your table early, as they always book out.
Restaurants open for Christmas Day Lunch in Sydney 2024
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 worrying about any cooking or cleaning on the day. Bonus!
We are spoilt for choice, with so many incredible restaurants across Sydney ready to wine and dine with you and your extended family.
Use the quick links below, and be sure to book a table before they book out!
| Location | Adult | Child | |
| The Rocks | $289 | $189 | |
| Amora | Sydney CBD | $250 | $145 |
| Bathers’ Pavillion | Balmoral | $230-375 | $120-160 |
| Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar | Manly | $275 | $170 |
| Belrose Hotel | Belrose | $120 | $45 |
| Botanic House | Sydney CBD | $240 | $75 |
| Brasserie l’Entrecôte | Pymble | $95 | n/a |
| Chiosco by Ormeggio | Mosman | $275 | $90 |
| Epping Club | Epping | $159 | $49 |
| Hornsby RSL | Hornsby | $170-185 | $70 |
| Me-Gal at Wildlife Retreat | Mosman | $250 | $100 |
| North Ryde RSL | North Ryde | $120-130 | $59 |
| O Bar & Dining | Sydney CBD | $345 | $130 |
| Ormeggio at The Spit | Mosman | $375 | $150 |
| Pilu | Freshwater | $345 | $155 |
| Q Station | Manly | $275 | $170 |
| Ripples | Chowder Bay | $295 | $95 |
| San Martin | Akuna Bay | $276 | $54 |
| Sir Stamford | Circular Quay | $299 | $189 |
| Taronga Zoo | Mosman | $250 | $120 |
| The Ranch | North Ryde | $125 | $65 |
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS 2024
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 and offer a set menu. It helps to review the menu ahead of time (before booking!) and make sure it suits your tastes and budget.
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.
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! The set menus can range in price from $125 (at The Ranch) to $375 (at Ormeggio at The Spit) for an adult.
We’ve listed the prices of the set menus per person to make it easy for you to compare the options. Be sure to look at the finer details, as some include drinks, and some don’t.
Top Choice for Christmas Day lunch for families!
North Ryde RSL
This Christmas Day, let North Ryde RSL be part of your most cherished festive moments. Join them for a spectacular Christmas Day Buffet Lunch. This celebration features a festive feast complete with all the trimmings—it’s sure to delight!
Tickets are $120 for members and $130 for non-members, but spaces are limited, so be sure to book early to secure your spot.
North Ryde RSL will be open from 11 am to midnight on Christmas Day, ready to welcome you with holiday cheer and warm hospitality.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults $120 (members) $130 (non-members) | Kids $59 (3 – 12 years)
- Cold Selection: Salmon gravlax with capers and curly parsley | Tropico prawns with lemon and curly parsley | Antipasto plate with marinated olives | Lobster and prawn rolls on brioche buns | Mediterranean style Fattoush salad | Australian potato salad with sour cream and chives
- Buffet: Roast Turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy | Ginger beer glazed leg of hams | Beef bourguignon with cocktail onion and mushrooms | Penne pesto with cherry tomatoes | Thyme glazed oven-roasted potatoes and pumpkin | Steamed greens
- Dessert: Plum pudding with custard sauce | Assorted petite cakes | Mini pavlovas with passionfruit and raspberry coulis
- Address: North Ryde RSL, 27 – 41 Magdala Road, North Ryde
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Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch on Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Ormeggio at The Spit
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 the team have completely reinvented themselves for this 11th year of operation. A major interior design has changed to a casual yet refined, neutral and natural colour scheme, with pops of colour and texture. Expect high-quality, sustainable seafood, great cocktails, some fun desserts and those same knockout water views.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adult @ $375, Four-course sharing lunch menu | Kids @ $150 3-course meal
- Address: D’Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman
- Website: Ormeggio At The Spit
Chiosco by Ormeggio, Mosman
Chiosco by Ormeggio, Mosman
Chiosco By Ormeggio is an authentic 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. Adult @ $275 | Kids (under 12) @ $90
- Address: The Jetty, d’Albora Marina, The Spit, Mosman
- Website: Chiosco by Ormeggio
Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral
Enjoy Christmas lunch by the stunning inner harbour Balmoral Beach. Bathers’ Pavilion has several options:
Bathers Pavilion Restaurant: Breakfast: Fruit & pastry for the table + main + coffee + juice |Adults $160 Kids under 10 $95 | Lunch: 3 course choice menu + bread + side salad | Adults: $375 Kids under 10: $160
Bathers Bistro: Breakfast: Fruit & pastry to share + main + coffee + juice | Adults: $110 Kids under 10: $70 | Lunch: 3-course choice menu + bread |Adults: $250 Kids under 10: $130
Balmoral Room Upstairs at Bathers’: Lunch: Set 3-course menu served family style | Adults: $230 Kids under 10: $120
- Address: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral
- Website: Bathers’ Pavilion
Ripples Chowder Bay
Ripples Chowder Bay
Surrounded by beautiful views of 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 while you sit back and relax, taking in the views of gorgeous Chowder Bay, Mosman.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Three-course set menu for $295 per adult, $95 per child (12 years and under).
- Address: Building 7, Deck C, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman
- Website: Ripples Chowder Bay
Christmas Day Lunch at Taronga Zoo
Celebrate Christmas with a festive buffet overlooking Sydney Harbour. Enjoy seasonal dishes like roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, fresh seafood, and a decadent dessert table. Soak in the stunning views, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa, then explore the zoo and watch the animals enjoy their holiday treats.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults $250 | Teenagers (12-17 years) – $230 | Kids (5-11 years) – $120 | 0-4 years – Complimentary
- Address: Taronga Zoo, 2A Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Website: events-taronga.com.au
Me-Gal at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Me-Gal at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Me-Gal at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga features a uniquely Australian menu with a strong focus on fresh local produce and native ingredients. Located in a harbourside enclave with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the city skyline, Me-Gal offers a dining experience, set in a natural, native bushland setting.
Celebrate the season’s joy with your loved ones at Me-Gal Restaurant, overlooking the enchanting Taronga Zoo. Delight in our exclusive 3-course shared menu with a glass of Champagne on arrival.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults $250 | Children (7-12 years) – $100 | 0-6 years – Free
- Address: Taronga Zoo, Me-Gal @ Wildlife Retreat, 2A Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Website: megal-mosman.com.au
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS 2024
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. This Christmas Day, enjoy a 3-course meal
- Christmas Day Lunch: Three-course meal, $95 per person.
- ENTREE: Seaweed Cured Ora King Salmon Crudo, Nectarine Jus
- PLAT: Applewood Smoked MB5 Wagyu Brisket, Chargrilled Witlof, Roasted Bone Marrow, Bordelaise Sauce
- DESSERT: Valrhona Moelleux au Chocolat, Hazelnut Praline Ice Cream, Raspberry Crisp, Mango Compote
- Address: 1047 Pacific Highway, Pymble
- Website: Brasserie l’Entrecôte
Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
Christmas Day Lunch at Hornsby RSL in the Showroom
You and your family are invited to join Hornsby RSL Club for a magical Christmas celebration! Enjoy a festive feast featuring a lavish, delicious buffet, Christmas pudding, desserts, and a chocolate fountain. Tickets include a complimentary drink, bottomless soft drinks and a special present for kids!
- Christmas Day Lunch: Members $170 | Visitors $185 | Children (3-12) $70
- Address: 4 High Street, Hornsby
- Website: Hornsby RSL
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 smoked 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 appear and there will be lashings of festive spirit!
- Christmas Day Lunch: Gourmet buffet feast (including seafood and a decadent dessert). Members $145, non-members $159 and children $49 (2-12 years).
- Address: 45 – 47 Rawson St, Epping
- Website: Epping Club
Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
The Belrose Hotel
The Belrose Hotel is the ultimate restaurant for families to spend Christmas Day! This venue has a huge indoor playground (including a dedicated playspace for toddlers), and they’re open for Christmas Day lunch this year with a three-course Family Feast sharing menu. Santa will also be dropping in too!
ENTRÉES
- Salmon gravadlax, pickled cucumber, crème fraiche, candied fennel seeds, crisp rye bread Cooked Queensland tiger prawns, brown butter & tamarind mayo, lettuce cups, radish, shallot, jalapeño & coriander (gf)
- Add Sydney Rock Oysters, champagne mignonette (gf) (df) $4ea
MAINS
- Maple & mustard glazed Leg of Ham, served with Cumberland sauce & champ potato (gf)
- Roast porchetta, roast plums, verjuice (gf) (df)
- Roast turkey breast & confit turkey leg, apricot, sage & chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce (df)
SIDES
- Roast potatoes (v) (gf)
- Roasted carrots & parsnips with gremolata (v) (gf) (df)
- Mixed leaf salad (v) (gf) (df)
DESSERT Sticky toffee pudding, butterscotch sauce, whipped cream + add baked Brie, poached fruit, crisp rye bread $12pp
KIDS’ MENU Cheese arancini (v) Sliced maple & glazed ham, sweet-roasted pineapple & chips (gf) All-you-can-eat ice-cream (gf*) + Activity Pack
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults @ $120 | Seniors @ $99 | Kids @ $45 (includes unlimited juice & soft drink)
- Address: The Belrose Hotel, 5 Hews Parade, Belrose
- Website: belrosehotel.com.au
San Martin, Akuna Bay
Experience a Christmas Day Lunch in the beautiful Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and make it one to remember. Enjoy a menu filled with more than just your Christmas favourites in a beautifully decorated location, while relishing the spectacular views of Akuna Bay.
Be blown away by our sumptuous Christmas buffet expertly prepared by their Executive Chef and his culinary team.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Christmas Buffet is $276 per adult and $54 per child (under 12) from 12pm-3pm.
- Address: 350 General San Martin Drive, Terrey Hills
- Website: San Martin
Q Station: 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 $279 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: Governor Bourke Ballroom
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, then individually plated mains with seasonal ingredients and rich flavours, before finishing with delicious desserts and the good old Christmas tart.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Sparkling on arrival, entree, main, and dessert buffet, two-hour deluxe beverage package (soft drinks for children), and Christmas bon bons. $219 for adults, $120 for children aged 11-17, and kids under 11 can enjoy their standard kids’ menu.
- Address: Q Station, 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, $345 per adult, $155 per child (under 12 years of age). + 15% Public Holiday surcharge.
- Address: Pilu at Freshwater, On the beach, Moore Road, Freshwater
- Website: Pilu at Freshwater
Restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch in the Sydney CBD
O Bar & Dining
Stunning views meet their match in flawless food and service at O Bar & Dining. Located 47 levels up, O Bar is at the pinnacle of Australian dining. Celebrated chef and owner Michael Moore harnesses the talents of his kitchen team to offer a menu that is as unique as it is delicious complemented by the incredible view of Sydney.
Their Christmas Day menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients with a touch of festive tradition to ensure a memorable dining experience for everyone.
- 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 Sydney
Altitude @ Shangri-La Hotel
‘Tis the season to gather family and friends for an unforgettable Christmas Day lunch overlooking Sydney’s most spectacular views at Altitude on Level 36 of Shanri-la Sydney. Take your seat high in the sky and soak in the sights of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House while delighting in the laughter of those you love.
Across a luxurious five-course set menu, savour mouth-watering dishes including Kombu cured coral trout sashimi with finger lime and Avruga Caviar, kangaroo with watercress puree and A5 Tajima MB 8+ steak with native tamarind jus. The finale of your festive feast will be a delicious Santa on the beach dessert featuring orange Schnapps mousse with hints of vanilla and cherry compote.
Christmas Day Lunch will take place at Altitude on Wednesday 25, December 2024 from 12 PM to 4 PM.
- Christmas Day Lunch (12-4pm): Adults: $289 | Children (2-12 years): $189.
- Address: Altitude, Level 36 Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney
- Website: Shangri-la.com
Sir Stamford, Circular Quay
Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive family fun day at Sir Stamford Circular Quay! Enjoy a magical lunch buffet that promises to be the best Christmas ever. Indulge in a lavish spread featuring succulent oysters, fresh blue swimmer crab, tender beef cheek, roasted turkey, and honey-glazed ham.
To make your celebration even more special, enjoy a 2-hour all-you-can-drink package included with your lunch.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults: $299 | Children (6-12 years): $189. Children (0-5 years): Free.
- Address: Sir Stamford Circular Quay, 93 Macquarie Street, Sydney
- Website: stamford.com.au
Christmas Seafood Buffet Lunch at Amora
Amora Christmas Seafood Buffet
Gather your loved ones and embrace the affection and joy of the Christmas spirit. Join Amora for exquisite seafood and delectable desserts, and meet Santa Claus, who will give the little ones thoughtful gifts.
Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable and diverse selection of offerings that will take you on a culinary journey. From King Prawns and roasted Turkey Roulade to Chocolate Croquembouche and other festive treats, their skilled chefs have thoughtfully crafted every dish to capture the very essence of Christmas with a mixture of traditional and modern favourites.
- Christmas Day Lunch: Adults: $250 (includes 3-hour beverage package) | Children (6-12 years): $145. Children (0-5 years): Free.
- Address: Amora Hotel, 11 Jamison Street, Sydney
- Website: amorahotels.com
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
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS 2024
