Festive Feasts: Melbourne Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

If the idea of racing around on Christmas day roasting, baking and frying a dozen different dishes – much less the clean up – doesn’t appeal to you, take this year’s festivities out of the home and into the capable hands of the professionals. There are plenty of restaurants still available to book for lunch on Christmas day in Melbourne, so you can forget the stress and give full attention to exchanging gifts and enjoying the company of your nearest and dearest. 

Bistrot Bisou

What better way to spend Christmas than celebrating it French style at Luke Mangan’s new French bar and restaurant, Bistrot Bisou? Feast on an incredible four-course long lunch, consisting of French classics like oysters, snapper fillet with Champagne Beurre Blanc, duck fat potatoes and Bistrot Bisou’s December special dessert of layered Champagne jelly and strawberry Bavarois.

Plus, kids under eight eat free, and for the older kids, there's a special Christmas kids menu for them to enjoy. And with a vegetarian option available, Christmas really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Sittings at 11:30am and 2:30PM

Book here

575 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park Seafood Lunch

Take the hard work and stress out of Christmas Day by booking in for Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park's seafood feast. Load up your plate with options ranging from cold meats, charcuterie and antipasto to heartier mains like a marinated turkey breast, sparkling brut poached trout and over ten festive-themed desserts. Plus, there'll be plenty of entertainment including live music, plus face painting and a visit from Santa for the kids! And with a three-hour beverage package, what's not to love?

12.00pm to 3.00pm

$260 per adult, $155 per teen (13 - 17 years old), $75 per child (6 - 12 years old)

Book here

65 Queens Road, Melbourne

Dolly

Say Joyeux Noel to the holiday season, with a spectacular day of Christmas feasting Dolly. Situated within Le Meridien Melbourne, this European diner will be hosting a piece de resistance seafood buffet with free-flowing champagne on Christmas Day. 

Take the stress out of Christmas, with Dolly's indulgent Christmas Lunch. It's set to be a magnificent seafood buffet with all-you-can-eat holiday roasts, decadent desserts, and free-flowing drinks throughout the celebration. Delicious and extravagant, it's setting the scene for Christmas at its most magical! 

$299 per person, $149 for children (4-12 years)

Book here

20 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Christmas Day Brunch at Stella Restaurant & Bar

Champagne on arrival, a grand seafood platter, and other elevated brunch fare await at this Melbourne restaurant open on Christmas Day. Stella is serving up the goods for the festive season, with the likes of Oscietra caviar and crème fraiche, shucked oysters, scallop herb Mornay, and more. The menu truly leans into Australia's natural inclination toward seafood on Christmas Day.

A choice of main follows this bounty of the ocean, between prime rib roast or confit duck legs with plum, star anise, and bourbon. It all ends with a shared cherry pavlova, that'll guarantee making spirits bright. 

Lollo

Lollo is in the Christmas spirit this year, offering not one, but two Christmas dining options for you and your family to enjoy! If you're planning on getting together for lunch, skip the tiresome cooking and head to Lollo for a buffet feast. Your eyes will be able to feast on not only the incredible array of seafood, but also the live cooking stations allowing you to watch the chefs at work. There will also be live jazz music to make the day even more festive, as well as an appearance from Santa himself!

Prefer to celebrate Christmas at dinner time? Lollo will also be running a three-course set menu inspired by the flavours of Italy. Using local ingredients, you'll be guaranteed a feast for the ages, with a cocktail on arrival and the option to upgrade your dinner with a bottomless drinks package.

Lunch: $295 per adult, $60 per child, book here

Dinner: $120 per adult, $40 per child, book here

W Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Love + Omakase Dinner at Warabi

In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as the most enchanting season of the year, and Warabi is fully embracing that spirit of love, joy, friendship and food with an indulgent and exquisite 13-course omakase menu. Think thoughtfully crafted dishes showcasing premium ingredients such as South Australia lobster and Yamagata Wagyu.

At the end of this divine Christmas dinner in Melbourne, you'll be able to continue the festivities by receiving a delightful Kurisumasu Keki cake (Japanese Christmas cake) to enjoy at home. The ticket also includes the option of a wine, sake or non-alcoholic beverage pairing 

Seatings available between 6.00pm and 7.00pm

$420 per person

Book here

W Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Morris House

Morris Houseis hosting a Christmas lunch you won't want to miss. Served in the main dining room as a four-course share-style menu it begins with the likes of king prawn cocktails, with lemon, truffle Marie Rose and paprika, oysters, pâté and even a festive little beetroot tartare, served with brandy-soaked raisins and croutons.

Expect more traditional mains, including a luscious beef wellington, grilled Southern Rock lobster, a vegetarian nut roast, and loads of delectable sides to share around the table. Finish with a Christmas pudding drizzled with brandy sauce for dessert. 

11.00am and 2.30pm sittings

$185 per person, $155 per child (12 and under), book here

120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD

Maha North 

With seasonal festivities fast approaching, Shane Delia has announced that Maha North will be hosting one seriously delicious Christmas lunch offering.

Celebrate the silly season with a combination of their delightful meze, followed by mains of fish and also from their grill. Sides include rosemary and wagyu fat roasted potatoes that will have you salivating, as well as grilled asparagus and flat beans that are refreshing and tasty. Gather your loved ones and experience a Christmas celebration like no other! 

Sitchu Tip: Spots are limited, so reserve a table quickly. 

Seatings from 11.30am

$155 per person

Book here

36 Chapel Street, Windsor

Langlands Restaurant & Bar 

There's a naughty but nice twist to the special Christmas day menu at Hyatt Centric Melbourne's Langlands Restaurant & Bar. It's perfect for those seeking a festive dining experience that breaks away from tradition...and is located 25 floors above the city.

Enjoy a nine-course sharing menu with your loved ones. Your stomach and taste buds will feast on the food, while your eyes can feast on the view. You'll enjoy an indulgent lineup of dishes like freshly shucked Appellation Oysters, King Prawns, House Focaccia & Smokey Eggplant, Slow Cooked Turkey, Hasselback Potatoes, and more! And what better way to end the lunch or dinner then with sweet treats including Eggnog, Christmas cookies and pecan pie!

Lunch bookings from 12.30pm, dinner bookings from 5.30pm

Book here

$130 per person (option to add on a bottomless drinks package from $58 per person)

Hyatt Centric Melbourne, Level 25/25 Downie Street, Melbourne 

Arbory Bar & Eatery 

Enjoy a relaxed Chrissy by the water at Melbourne’s favourite riverside bar, where they’re offering general table reservations with a minimums spend of $85 per person and $45 per children under 17. With multiple dining options available depending on your number of guests, Arbory will get your party started this Christmas. Spend will be offered as a tab that can be used at the bar on food and beverage.

Or, if you're feeling like having a party, head on over to Arbory Afloat for the Christmas Day lunch.

Min spend $85 per person, $45 per child under 17 

Book here

1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne

Bistro Guillaume 

Make it a joyeux noël this year by celebrating as the French do, with a generous feast that will have you full until the New Year. Experience Bistro Guillaume’s signature French food in a five course lunch, that includes a glass of Moet & Chandon Vintage Champagne.

Their Christmas Day menu showcases exceptional local produce, such as Oscietra Caviar with Blinis and Crème Fraiche, as well as Harvey Bay scallops and Duck Pithivier. Pass by the hours on their riverside terrace or picturesque dining room as you share wine and relish the company of your loved ones.

Lunch sittings from 11.00am to 3.30pm, dinner sittings from 5.00pm to 10.30pm

$260 per person, $125 per child

Book here

Whiteman Street, Southbank

Middle Park Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing lunch near the bay at Middle Park Hotel. Tuck into their three-course festive sharing menu, offering a mouth-watering take on the favourite Christmas classics, as well as gluten free and dairy free options, and even a separate vegan menu. Think king prawn cocktails, pork terrine and toasted brioche, oysters, honey glazed ham and turkey with a sage and onion stuffing. Sides of charred broccolini, chipolatas, roasted heirloom carrots, garlic-rosemary roast potatoes, heirloom tomato salad round out the savouries, and for dessert, enjoy a classic Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and a lovely cheese selection that will have feeling festive...and perhaps a little like a stuffed turkey.

They have Christmas Day celebrations covered, a delicious festive feast paired with all your favourite tipples; there's really nothing more you could ask for this festive season! 

11.00am & 2.30pm sittings

Book here

$156 per person, $47 per child under 12 years of age

102 Canterbury Road, Middle Park

The Windsor

Serving one of Melbourne’s grandest Christmas lunches is five star hotel The Windsor, where you can expect crisp white tablecloths, fresh flowers and the backdrop of their majestic Grand Ballroom (one of only two times a year they open it for dining). Join in the festivities with a Christmas Day lunch in their majestic Grand Ballroom or at One Eleven restaurant.

Lucky guests will be lavished ham and parsley jellied terrine, Turkey breast fillet, summer slaw and cranberry dressing, House cured king salmon salad with avocado, cultured cream, tomato vinaigrette and horseradish, and many more delights. The package includes three hours of free flowing drinks too, to get you feeling extra merry.

11.30am or 1.00pm sittings

Book here

$468 per person (with free flowing beverages), $198 per child (3-12 years)

111 Spring Street, Melbourne 

Luci

Surrounded by the old-world glamour of the historic Equity Chambers’ grand hall, Luci provides a spectacular setting for your Christmas celebrations. Book into an Italian-inspired five course feast that includes a seafood and antipasto sharing platter on arrival, choice of main served with side dishes, and to finish...a decadent dessert buffet! For children, a three-course choice menu is on offer. 

Expect exceptional food, the famously friendly Luci service and an inspiring yet comfortable ambience. It really is the perfect place for Christmas Day.

Sittings from 12.00pm

$250 per person, $65 per child

Book here

472 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

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