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 Melbourne restaurants open on Christmas Day, so you can forget the stress and give full attention to exchanging gifts and enjoying the company of your nearest and dearest. 

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 freshly shucked oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon before indulging in heartier mains like marinated turkey breast, pan-seared barramundi and a festive dessert buffet. Plus, there’ll be plenty of entertainment, including live music, face painting and a visit from Santa for the kids!

$295 per adult, $195 per teen (13-17 years old), $75 per child (6-12 years old)

Book here

65 Queens Road, Melbourne

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 with scampi terrine, roast turkey with pistachio crust and classic pudding, amongst other delights. The package includes three hours of free flowing drinks too, to get you feeling extra merry.

Lunch: $479 per person (with free-flowing beverages), $198 per child (3-12 years)

Dinner: $349 per person (with free-flowing beverages), $168 per child (3-12 years)

Book here

111 Spring Street, Melbourne 

Dolly

Say Joyeux Noel to the holiday season, with a spectacular day of Christmas feasting at 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. 

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! 

$369 per person, $169 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. 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. It all ends with a raspberry & limoncello tiramisu, which will guarantee making spirits bright. 

$195 per person, $60 per child (pizza or pasta and dessert, 10 years and below)

Book here

427 Chapel Street, South Yarra 

Lollo

Lollo is in the Christmas spirit this year. If you’re planning on getting together for lunch, skip the tiresome cooking and head to Lollo for a buffet feast. Expect an incredible array of seafood as well as live cooking stations. There will also be live music to make the day even more festive, as well as an appearance from Santa himself!

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

Book here

W Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

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 14-course omakase menu. Think thoughtfully crafted dishes showcasing premium ingredients such as Tasmanian giant crab and green lip abalone. You’ll even leave with a little memento!

$350 per person

Book here

W Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Morris House

Morris House is hosting, not one but two Christmas lunches this year and you’re invited to take your pick. The first will be served in the main dining room as a four-course share-style menu, kicking off 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, seared cauliflower steak, and loads of delectable sides to share around the table. Finish with a Christmas pudding drizzled with brandy sauce for dessert. 

As for the rooftop menu, begin with tiger and red whole prawns, marinated mussels, smoked salmon rolls and more, before delving into a traditional carvery offering a slew of festive desserts.

4-course offering: $195 per person

Rooftop offering: $250 per person

Book here

120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD

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.

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 than with sweet treats, including meringue roulade and cardamom panna cotta!

$200 per person (option to add on a bottomless drinks package from $80 per person)

Book here

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 minimum spend of $85 per person and $45 per child under 17. Arbory also has a banquet option on offer for anyone looking to delegate decisions on the big day. Christmas crackers and live tunes will round out the festive atmosphere.

Table reservations (1-20 guests): Min spend $85 per person, $45 per child under 17 

Banquet bookings (10 to 40 guests): 2-course menu $57.50 per person, three-course menu $69 per person

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 four-course lunch, which includes a glass of Moet & Chandon NV on arrival.

Their Christmas Day menu showcases exceptional local produce, such as Oscietra Caviar, as well as pan-seared scallops and wagyu eye fillet. Pass by the hours on their riverside terrace or picturesque dining room as you share wine and relish the company of your loved ones.

$260 per person (additional $90 for wine pairing), $130 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. 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, roasted heirloom carrots, garlic-rosemary roast potatoes and 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.

$160 per person, $52 per child under 12 years of age

Book here

102 Canterbury Road, Middle Park

Loved this edit of Melbourne restaurants open on Christmas Day and looking to make the most of silly season? Add Melbourne’s new bars, restaurants and cafes to your list.