Native flowers at Lode
Photograph: Katje Ford
Photograph: Katje Ford

Cafés and restaurants open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2025

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

Advertising

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 and dinners in Sydney, put together by our Sydney Editor and former Food and Drink ed 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!

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  

RECOMMENDED:

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

  • Haymarket
  • Recommended
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.

Advertising
  • 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.

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
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. With shorter trading hours on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, go earlier than later for your morning bureka.

Note though: The the Bus Stop Hyde park spot is closed from December 22 to January 3, the Abercrombie Lane location closed on Christmas Day until January 3, and Marrickville is closed from December 22, with opening date TBC.

Advertising

Portugese tart queens and perfect pastry purveyors, Tuga will be open at their Alexandria and Clovelly Road locations on Christmas Day. On Clovelly Road, resident cafe Tuga Village and its sister pastry shop in Alexandria and on Clovelly Road will both be open, respectively slinging fresh coffees, a full takeaway menu and fresh pastries. You will be able to come through only between 8 and 11am. So, don't sleep in too long. 

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
Advertising
  • 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. Costing $120 per person, you get an epic many course feast. 

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
  • Indian
  • Harris Park
  • Recommended

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.

Advertising

The best Christmas day lunches in 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: $300 per adult standard seat; $330 for a window seat; $95 per child

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
Advertising

Ripples Chowder Bay

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

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney

Etheus

It's Christmas, with a Grecian twist. Lounge by Bondi Beach for a long festive lunch at elevated Greek eatery Etheus. 

What’s on offer: A delicious set menu featuring Greek classics, including multiple dips, share plates, fresh salads and sizzling seafood, all served with a side of salty ocean views. 

How much: $299 per adult; $99 per child aged 12 and younger.

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
Advertising
  • 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 in the main restaurant, or head upstairs for a semi-private dining experience for groups of 10 to 14. Feeling thirsty? An optional drinks package is also available.

How much: $395 per adult for four-course meal with assaggi in main restaurant, $120 per child. A children’s menu available on request.

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney

Twist away from Western roasts and classic Christmas puds. This fresh Chinese-inspired Christmas lunch menu is designed by esteemed Chef Victor Long at the beautiful and new Lee Ho Fook diner inside a heritage building in the CBD. 

What’s on offer: A shareable feast-style menu that features big bold flavours, local Aussie produce and Chinese inspiration. Expect XO sauces, char siu glazed ham and peking duck pancakes, plus a whole lot more. 

How much: $190 per adult; $50 per child aged 4 to 12. 

Maya Skidmore
Maya Skidmore
Contributor
Advertising
  • Sydney
  • price 2 of 4

Top chef James Kidman (ex-Cafe Sydney, Otto) 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

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
  • 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

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
Advertising
  • 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

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
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: $275 per adult; $100 per child under age of 12

Avril Treasure
Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
Recommended
    More on Christmas
      You may also like
      You may also like
      Advertising