Your Easiest Christmas Yet: Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2025

Can’t face the idea of cooking Christmas lunch this year? We don’t blame you. There’s nothing fun about slaving over a hot oven in the sweltering summer heat and then having to do the washing up. Not very festive at all. 

So why not take Christmas off and leave the hard work to someone else this year? Here’s our pick of Sydney’s best restaurants open on Christmas Day. Kick up your heels and let the good times roll. We’ll cheers to that.  

Luke’s Kitchen

Set within the heritage-listed Art Deco surrounds of Kimpton Margot Sydney, Luke’s Kitchen captures that nostalgic Christmas in the city feeling. With its red marble columns and buzzing lobby, you half expect to turn around and see Bing Crosby playing the piano in the corner.

This year in Luke’s Kitchen, celebrity chef Luke Mangan is serving up a Christmas feast with flair. Expect five indulgent courses featuring dishes including seafood, roast porchetta and shared sides. Guests are welcomed with a festive cocktail or mocktail on arrival, set to a lively soundtrack from DJ Sheba.

Address: 339 Pitt St, Sydney NSW

Christmas hours: Thursday 25th December, 12pm-3.30pm

Bookings made here.

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park

The Pullman is hosting multiple family-friendly feasts throughout the afternoon and evening on Christmas Day, making it easy for everyone to celebrate. There will be fresh seafood, decadent desserts and a two-hour beverage package for the grown-ups. For the little ones, expect a range of kid-friendly entertainment (including a special visit from Santa himself and a gift for every child).

Timings are flexible so there are plenty of options based on your availability. Prices are $239 for adults and $140 for kids aged 6-12 years. Children under 6 are free.

Sitting times:

Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm or 2:30pm–4:30pm | Ibis Room

Dinner: 5:30pm–7:30pm | Windows on the Park Restaurant

Address: 36 College St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Bookings made here.

Pocket Pizza Manly

Fancy a little Italian flavour on Christmas Day? Luckily for you, Pocket Pizza is opening the doors to their Manly outpost on the big day, serving up a $75pp set menu. There’s three seatings available (12, 3 and 6pm) so you can grab a late lunch or an early (ish) dinner, depending on your vibe.

Address: 46 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW 2095

Bookings made here.

Quay

Nobody does it like Peter Gilmore, and his 5-course Christmas feast is no exception. Reservations at Quay can be made from 12pm onwards, with guests enjoying a glass of Champagne on arrival and the addition of optional wine pairing. The price is $550pp.

Address:  Upper Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000

Bookings made here.

The Winery

Spots are already filling quickly but The Winery in Surry Hills has a few spots left for their Christmas festivities. For $185pp enjoy a shared banquet with all the festive favourites including honey-glazed ham, oysters, prawns and pavlova (plus a glass of Champagne on arrival). Little ones eat for just $50 with a special kids menu as well. There are two sittings taking place at 11am and 2:30pm.

Address: 285A Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Bookings made here

The Squire’s Landing

With gorgeous waterfront views of the Opera House, a meal at Squire’s Landing feels quintessentially Australian. For Christmas Day, the venue is offering a 3-course share-style menu, including a glass of sparkling wine or James Squires beer on arrival. Adults are priced at $240pp and children are $89pp. There’s also an optional 2.5-hour beverage package from $80pp.

If you’re looking for something more lowkey, the Brewhouse is also open downstairs from 12-4pm with live music.

Address: Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000

Bookings made here.

O Bar & Dining

As the only revolving restaurant with 360 degree views, O Bar is a known backdrop for big celebrations. Hosting an elegant, festive occasion this Christmas, the venue has two available sittings with some standout dishes. Our top picks? The yellowfin tuna carpaccio, slow-roasted grass fed tenderloin and a white chocolate and passionfruit pavlova.

Adults are priced at $345pp for the 5-course à la carte lunch (12-2:30pm) and $245pp for the 3-course à la carte dinner (5:30-8:30pm). Children 12 and under are $130pp for the 3-course lunch or dinner.

Address: Australia Square, level 47/264 George St, Sydney NSW 2000

Bookings made here.

OTTO Ristorante

Head to Woolloomooloo Wharf for a big celebration with the whole famiglia and let OTTO take care of the rest. Guests can expect a glass of Champagne on arrival before enjoying a 4-course menu with assaggi (small share plates). Adults will pay $395pp and children are $120pp. For a semi-private dining experience, there’s also the option to book out the 100-year-old Wool Lift which is available for groups of 10-14 guests.

Address: Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

Bookings made here.

Mode Kitchen & Bar

If you’re looking for an expansive menu, Mode has you covered. With everything from woodfired pizza to roasted meats, the venue will offer a lavish seafood buffet, live carvery station and a decadent dessert smorgasbord. There will also be plenty of festive music and a visit from Santa, with abundant entertainment to be enjoyed throughout the meal. Prices start from $350pp with additional beverage packages also available.

Sitting times:

Lunch: 11:30am – 1:30pm or 1:45pm –3:30pm

Dinner: 5:30pm – 7:30pm or 7.45pm – 9.30pm

Address: Ground Floor, 199 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Bookings made here.

Nick’s Seafood Restaurant

The clue is in the name, but a meal at Nick’s is all about the seafood. On Christmas Day, the restaurant is putting on a show, with a 4-course seafood-heavy menu and the option to add a 2-hour drinks package. Prices are $220pp for the menu alone or $300 with the drinks package (not including a small booking fee).

Address: The Promenade, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000

Bookings made here.

Loving this edit of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in Sydney and looking to continue the festivities through to the new year? Be sure to check out the best new bars, restaurants and cafés around the city.