Skip the stress of hosting this year and let these restaurants handle your holiday meal
Can you believe Christmas is almost here? If you haven't already done so, now is the time to start planning your festive get-togethers. But this year, why not take a well-deserved break this year and leave the cooking and cleaning to someone else?
If that sounds like your idea of a Christmas miracle, we've got some fab suggestions for where you can book a holiday feast to remember – complete with fresh seafood, slabs of pav and free-flowing drinks. Whether you’re spending the day with friends or your extended family, here are some fun spots to gather this Christmas Day, no matter your taste or budget. Enjoy!
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Enjoy a relaxed Christmas Day lunch at this revamped four-level CBD boozer – then head up to the rooftop for a post-meal bev.
What’s on offer: A three-course shared festive feast featuring traditional Christmas meats (think ham and turkey) with all the trimmings, plus a few surprises.
Time: 11.30am and 2.30pm
How much: $165 per adult; $49 per child (12 and under)
Have Christmas in the clouds – on level 80 of the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne – at this spectacular sky-high restaurant.
What’s on offer: The festive spirit meets refined culinary artistry at Atria on Christmas Day. Enjoy a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne on arrival, followed by a decadent menu by executive chef Paul Lewis.
Time: Lunch from 12pm; Dinner from 5.30pm
How much: Lunch, three-course tasting menu: $280 per guest, optional wine pairing: $90; Dinner, five-course tasting menu: $510 per guest, optional wine pairing: $150
Celebrate Christmas in style at Luci, with a lavish five-course Italian-inspired feast that the whole family will love.
What’s on offer: Begin with fresh seafood (oysters, lobster cappellacci, crab tartlet, pickled octopus); porchetta with fig and fennel, pan-roasted market fish or risotto for mains; and Luci’s iconic dessert buffet to finish on a sweet note.
Time: 12-3pm
How much: $275 per adult; $75 per child
Hosted in Le Meridien Melbourne's stunning undergrou
What’s on offer: A luxurious three-hour lunch complete with a seafood buffet, all-you-can-eat roasts, a delicious dessert display and free-flowing drinks.
Time: 12.30pm
How much: $369 per adult; $169 per child
One of Melbourne's newest CBD pubs is hosting a delightful Christmas Day celebration centred around good food, flowing drinks and festive vibes.
What’s on offer: A bespoke three-course lunch featuring oysters, grilled southern rock lobster, roast potatoes, Christmas pudding (of course) and plenty more. Guests will a enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival.
Time: 2pm
How much: $195 per adult; $59 per child
Enjoy touch of gilded glamour and luxury this Christmas Day with a beautiful lunch in the Royce's sun-drenched Euro-style conservatory.
What’s on offer: Hightlights from the menu include a lobster cocktail with Kaviari Oscietra Prestige, turkey roulade with pork and sage stuffing, duck fat potato pave, truffled heirloom carrots and an eggnog mille feuille with pudding ice cream for dessert.
Time: From 12.30pm
How much: $255 per adult (inclusive of a glass of Taittinger on arrival); $125 per child
For the very first time, Transit Rooftop Bar in Fed Square will be open on Christmas Day for a festive feast complete with delicious food, cocktails and beautiful views across the CBD and Yarra River.
What’s on offer: The full public bar menu, along with a special Christmas Day roast pork with crackling and all the trimmings.
Time: From 12pm
How much: Prices as per the à la carte menu
Sausages, schnitzel and beer are excellent any time of the year, but Christmas Day is a particularly good time to embrace the Bavarian festive spirit and head to Hofbrauhaus.
What’s on offer: Think all the German Christmas classics – we're talking herring salad, pork knuckle, sauerkraut, apple strudel and plenty more. There will also be live music and entertainment.
Time: 12-4pm
How much: $85 per person
For total luxury with all the trimmings, nothing beats Christmas Day lunch at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
What’s on offer: The famous buffet is on full display this Christmas, with an all-you-can-eat spread of fresh seafood and sashimi, dishes from the grill and woodfired oven, desserts and even a dark chocolate fountain.
Time: From 12.30pm
How much: $529 per adult (includes a full beverage package); $264.50 per child (six to 12 years old)
Reine opens its doors for the very first time on Christmas, showcasing French festive traditions alongside the finest Aussie produce.
What’s on offer: The one-day-only menu features dishes like white truffle and Comté choux, gin-cured ÅŒra King salmon, wood-roasted Mayura Wagyu eye fillet, and a gorgeous chocolate bûche de noël with armagnac and cherry.
Time: 11.30am-3.15pm
How much: $395 per adult; $250 per child (12 and under); drinks upon consumption
Located a stone’s throw from Flinders Street, this beloved CBD pub is doing the hard work for you and throwing a Christmas lunch where everyone is welcome.
What’s on offer: Enjoy a three-course share-style feast with apricot-glazed leg ham, slow-cooked turkey and all the festive trimmings.
Time: 11am and 2pm
How much: $165 per adult; $49 per child (12 and under)
This iconic, Art Deco-inspired Windsor pub has been serving patrons since the 1800s – so it knows a thing or two about hosting a Chrissy lunch.
What’s on offer: Guests will be greeted with a Mimosa (cheers!) on arrival, followed by a thoughtfully prepared, three-course menu that captures the spirit of the season.
Time: 11am-1pm; 2.30-4.30pm
How much: $150 per adult; $50 per child
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