The best restaurants open on Christmas Day in Melbourne

Chapel Street's stylish four-storey restaurant and bar Stella is offering a four-course share-style set menu lunch this Christmas Day. Think a Skull Island prawn cocktail, roast Otway pork loin with sage and bread sauce, and a raspberry and limoncello tiramisu for dessert. Plus, there's also a special menu for the little ones. 

Book online.

This Christmas Day, Morris House is keeping its doors open to offer its guests two premium packages to choose from. Either head up to the lively rooftop for a premium carvery and deluxe food stations with plenty of sides and dessert, or enjoy a four-course bespoke menu in the dining room downstairs. Level one will stay open before and after the lunch sittings for relaxed drinks.

Book online.

Chinese cuisine, a bonza location and fluffy pork buns fashioned to look like little pigs are the cornerstones of Secret Kitchen’s appeal. This venue is one of our fave spots in Melbourne for yum cha, and it'll be open on Christmas Day so you can get your fill of dumplings, prawn cakes and siu mai.

Book online.

If it's a casual pub you're after, the Duke of Wellington's three-course feast will allow you to sit back, relax and spend quality time with loved ones without worrying about any kitchen disasters. The menu features everything from oysters and prawns to a bourbon and apricot-glazed turkey with cranberry sauce, pan juices and currant, fig, whiskey and chestnut stuffing.

Book online.

Join legendary smokehouse Le Bon Ton for a Christmas lunch overflowing with succulent smoked meats, savoury sides and festive sweet treats. The Collingwood venue's twinkling lights and slow-cooked aromas create the perfect festive ambience to enjoy a Southern-style banquet – yum!

Book online.

Enjoy a Christmas like no other with Melbourne's beautiful Yarra River as the backdrop. Arbory Bar and Eatery will be open as usual from 11am until late on December 25, with reservations available for one to 20 guests and banquet bookings available for ten to 40 guests. There'll be Christmas crackers and tunes from some of Melbourne’s best DJs, plus festive specials galore. 

Book online.

The StandardX established itself as one of Melbourne's coolest hotels when it opened in 2024, so we're pleased to hear the beloved Fitzroy spot will be keeping its delightful rooftop bar open this Christmas Day from 5-9pm – perfect for post-Chrissy lunch tipples with a view. Downstairs, in-house restaurant Bistro X will be open to the public from 7-11am for brekky.

Book online.

Whether you're craving the nostalgic comforts of a festive bierhall, seeking a cosier-style lunch or just want a schnitzel and beer for lunch, ​Hofbräuhaus is the place to be. The traditional Bavarian restaurant is throwing a Christmas Day party to remember this year from noon until 5pm, with live music, a three-course set menu and plenty of beer on tap.

Book online.

This much-loved rooftop bar and pub in Melbourne's CBD is dishing up an extravagant three-course set lunch menu on Christmas Day. Think glazed ham or turkey with all the trimmings. You can also feast on king prawn cocktails and a traditional Chrissy pudding with brandy sauce. The event is kid-friendly and bookings are essential.

Book online.

Go on a culinary journey to Thailand this Christmas and book a table at Bangpop in South Wharf. You can either choose from the à la carte options or go for the special Wow Kapow menu – which includes some exclusive dishes. Cocktail masters will also be shaking up a selection of delicious drinks to keep the fun times flowing until 9pm.

Book online.