Where to have Christmas Day lunch and dinner in Sydney 2024

Live la dolce vita this Christmas with a delicious lunch at waterfront Italian diner, Ormeggio.

What’s on offer: A luxe, four-course lunch with a side of million-dollar views.

How much: $375 per adult; $150 per child

Top chef Sean Connolly has crafted a special Xmas Day feast at CBD diner Gowings Bar and Grill.

What’s on offer: Delicious things like antipasti with cured meats and cheese, roast duck with a cherry sauce and duck fat potatoes, and a pistachio and raspberry tiramisu for dessert. Want to go all out? Add on freshly shucked oysters and a lobby, ’cos why not?

How much: $289 per adult; $100 per child

Restaurant and bar St Siandra brings year-round summer vibes to Mosman, so much so that the Mediterranean-inspired venue is situated on a white-sand private beach (yes, really), overlooking the turquoise waters of the Spit.

What’s on offer: Spend Christmas Day watching yachts glide by and eating a four-course share-style lunch. It includes a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne on arrival.

How much: $260 per adult

If you can’t treat yourself on Christmas, when can you? This year, book your festive meal at the CBD’s grand diner, The Charles.

What’s on offer: A three-course Charles-style feast.

How much: $195 per adult; $75 per child

Enjoy a fresh, vibrant and flavour-packed Christmas Day feast at Delta Rue, one of four new venues now open in the recently revamped Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

What’s on offer: A top-notch buffet featuring Aussie seafood, glazed ham, turkey, fresh salads, dessert and more. Plus, groovy live music.

How much: $249 per adult; $99 per child

Are you a Northern Beaches local? Go for a dip at Freshie Beach on Christmas morning, head back for a shower and presents, and then stroll down to Harbord Hotel for a fun feast, without the washing up.

What’s on offer: Fresh oysters, prawns, scallops, pork, salads, pav and more – what else could you want?

How much: $240 per adult; $50 per child

Yes, England has the snow and Christmas jumpers, but we have the sea. Snag pole position this Christmas and make a booking at Promenade Bondi Beach, which is open for lunch (the front bar is open for walk-ins, too).

What’s on offer: A feast! Things like: plum-glazed Christmas ham; roasted king prawns with heirloom tomatoes, shellfish butter and basil; Cherry, rosemary and clove-glazed lamb shoulder from the charcoal oven and more. 

How much: $299 per adult; $99 per child

Ammos, a dreamy new waterfront Greek diner in Brighton-Le-Sands, is open and ready to go this Christmas.

What’s on offer: A seriously good spread. Think: a seafood platter with all the hits, golden spanakopitakia, twice-cooked duck, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, their take on Xmas pudding and more. Yamas!

How much: $160 per adult; $80 per child

Spend Christmas Day wining and dining by the water at sunny and delicious Italian restaurant, Otto, located along Woolloomooloo Wharf.

What’s on offer: Two Christmas Day options. Enjoy a four-course lunch by the water with a glass of Champagne on arrival, or head upstairs for a three-course sharing menu designed for groups of six or more. Feeling thirsty? An optional drinks package is also available.

How much: Downstairs $545 per adult; $120 per child. Upstairs $350 per adult; a children’s menu available on request

Have Christmas in the clouds – 81 levels above the city – at one of Sydney Tower’s revolving restaurants. 

What’s on offer: Champagne on arrival (cheers!) followed by a five-course yum lunch filled with fresh seafood, succulent meat and seasonal vegetables. And dessert, of course.

How much: $270 per adult standard seat; $300 for a window seat; $95 per child

You'll have a joyeux Noël at Loulou Bistro in Milsons Point. 

What’s on offer: A three-course French-leaning joyful Christmas lunch. That looks like: fresh bread with butter and charcuterie, grilled fish and caramelised lamb with golden potatoes and beans, and peaches and cream for dessert. Yum.

How much: $195 per adult; $50 per child

If you want spectacle with your delicious Christmas Day lunch, then waterfront restaurant Woodcut is the place to be.

What’s on offer: A four-course Christmas-themed menu including some seriously good seafood, meat and vegetables.

How much: $390 per adult; $130 per child

This Christmas, why not throw caution to the wind and book a table at one of Sydney’s finest diners? Chef Peter Gilmore has created a special Christmas Day menu that’s sure to impress your crew.

What’s on offer: A glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by an exquisite five-course long lunch. All paired with stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

How much: $650 per adult

If you're not sure what to do on Christmas Day, why not spend it wining and dining by the beach at Ripples Chowder Bay in Mosman? Sounds good to us.

What’s on offer: A three-course set lunch with snacks, sides and beautiful views over Chowder Bay.

How much: $295 per adult; $95 per child

Looking to shake things up this year? Make a booking at Barangaroo’s waterfront modern restaurant, Anason, and feast on a spread of Turkish-inspired dishes.

What’s on offer: Their regular menu, featuring Middle Eastern favourites.

How much: Various

If a grand, Italian-inspired Christmas tickles your fancy this year, consider booking in at the Crown’s fine diner, A'Mare.

What’s on offer: Choose from the full à la carte or experience menu. We recommend the fresh tableside pesto pasta and creamy tiramisu for dessert.

How much: $295 per adult.

Head to The Winery in Surry Hills on Christmas Day and enjoy a joyful and festive Christmas lunch.

What’s on offer: A glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by a three-course shared-style Christmas set menu.

How much: $180 per adult; $50 per child

You and your family can be treated like royalty for the day with Christmas Day at the elegant QVB.

What’s on offer: A glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by a seasonal Christmas buffet.

How much: $170 per adult; $80 per child

Ho, ho ho! Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is open for lunch and dinner this Christmas.

What’s on offer: A go-all-out seafood buffet plus a two-hour drinks package.

How much: $238 per adult; $140 per child

Pasture of Kirribilli and sibling venue Pasture of Balmoral will both be open for Christmas Day lunch this year.

What’s on offer: A five-course Xmas Day feast. Enjoy fresh oysters, cured salmon carpaccio and grilled king prawns, as well as turkey, slow-roasted lamb shoulder and fresh sides. End with pavlova or honey coconut panna cotta.

How much: $180 per adult; $70 per child

Staying in or close to the CBD this holiday season? Have lunch at W Sydney’s flagship restaurant, Btwn (it’s a play on the word ‘between’).

What’s on offer: Australian seafood alongside share-style mains, a festive dessert spread and a two-and-a-half-hour drinks package.

How much: From $165 per adult