Boxes and menu on the wall at Lode
Photograph: Katje Ford
Photograph: Katje Ford

Restaurants and cafés open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2024

Where to get a bite to eat, coffee and something stronger on December 25

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For those who don't have plans, it can be tricky to find a feed and some caffeine on Christmas Day in Sydney. Don't worry – we've rounded up a select few places that'll be open.

(If you're looking for a more formal set feast, check out the best Christmas Day lunches in Sydney, put together by our Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, who knows a special, good-value dining deal when she sees one.)

If you do decide to hit up one of the below venues for your Christmas Day brunch or lunch, it might be smart to give them a call first to check opening hours or check if you need to book. Happy holiday feasting!

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If these book out, there's always yum cha! Here's a list of Sydney yum cha restaurants open on Christmas Day.

Places open Christmas Day

  • Bondi North

Shakshuka and all manner of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern morning and afternoon delights will be available at all three outposts (Bondi, Chatswood and Elizabeth Bay) of this much-loved Israeli café. For groups of more than four people, be sure to make a booking online.

  • Haymarket
Boon Cafe at Jarern Chai
Boon Cafe at Jarern Chai

Start your Christmas morning with a matcha latté and a croissant slathered in pandan custard at this Asian grocer-cum-café. Its doors will be open from 8am, so feel free to swing by for the cold-pressed juices, fusion sangas and Isan specialities. 

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  • Patisseries
  • Surry Hills

Cult bakery Lode Pies is open on Christmas Day and yes, we will be there to get some pastries. If you're keen on a buttery croissant, picture-perfect blueberry tart or golden and flaky pie, Lode is your spot.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Cafés
  • Castle Cove
  • price 1 of 4

The ovens will be switched on at all seven – count 'em – Grumpy Bakers on the big day. So if you're in or around Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, Coogee, Maroubra, Neutral Bay, Waverton or Castle Cove, know that Single O beans and freshly baked goods are within reach any time of the day from 7am-5pm.

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  • Cafés
  • Potts Point

If you need your caffeine fix on Christmas Day (hi, we do!), then you'll be stoked to know Barrel One Coffee Roasters will be open for takeaway coffee and croissants only, from 7-10am. Brookvale and Manly cafés only.

  • Italian
  • Surry Hills

Casual Surry Hills Italian eatery Giuls will be opening its doors from noon on December 25. If you're keen on a delicious Med feast, we recommend booking so you don't miss out.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Haymarket
  • price 1 of 4

If you've got a craving for nasi goreng on December 25 you're in luck: Mamak in Haymarket, Chatswood and Parramatta will all be opening and be serving delicious Malaysian fare. Come hungry. Santa hat optional.

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Chinese
  • Haymarket
  • price 2 of 4

Breathe a sigh of relief: you can get your hands (and mouth) on the pippies in XO sauce at XOPP on Christmas Day. The Haymarket eatery will be trading as normal on December 25. We recommend booking ahead to make sure you'll have a seat.

  • German
  • Manly
The Bavarian Manly
The Bavarian Manly

If you fancy a giant stein and an equally giant schnitzel with water views to boot, the Bavarian at Manly Wharf can grant your wishes. Down on Manly Wharf the vibe is sure to be on-point on Dec 25, making your lunch at the Bavarian a memorable Christmas Day feast. Last booking is at 2.30pm  before they close close at 4pm. 

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  • Malaysian
  • Haymarket

This popular Malaysian Nyonya grillhouse is dedicated to serving amazing homestyle and street food dishes. The grills don’t stop for Christmas Day at the Haymarket and Town Hall restaurants. And it's sure to be pumping, so make a booking early.

  • Indian
  • Harris Park

This colourful South Indian street food-inspired restaurant is bustling every night with local families sharing huge plates of dosas, dhal and other vegetarian delicacies. We're guessing the Harris Park restaurant and the Bellavista outpost will both be no less busy on Chrissy.

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The best Christmas day lunches in Sydney

  • Sydney
  • price 2 of 4

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Mediterranean
  • Mosman

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

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Alice Ellis
Editor in Chief, Australia
  • French
  • Sydney
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Restaurants

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Pubs
  • Freshwater
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Bondi Beach
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • Greek
  • Brighton-Le-Sands
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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  • Italian
  • Woolloomooloo
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney

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

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Avril Treasure
Food & Drink Editor, Time Out Sydney
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