49 Places to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney

Are you trying to decide where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney for 2023? Whether you like to celebrate with Christmas Eve dinner, have a seafood lunch, dig into a Christmas buffet or prefer a more traditional Christmas menu look no further, we have done all the research to save you hours of searching.

Updated: 2/12/23

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Check out this list of events to help you celebrate Christmas in Sydney. We hope whatever you do you have a wonderful time! If you are looking for dinner options for New Year’s Eve, we have you covered here.

Find the perfect restaurant for Christmas in Sydney

Where to find the best Christmas buffet lunch or dinner in Sydney
This year Christmas buffets seem to be making a bit of a comeback. However many restaurants will offer fixed menus, unlimited servings or shared plate service. Check out

Are there any Christmas Eve or Christmas night dinners?
Sure are, you can find Christmas Eve and dinners, even Christmas day brunches are on offer. For something low key, the Sheraton is offering Christmas Day High tea!

What is different in 2023?
One thing we have noticed last year was that many restaurants only offered one sitting, who knows if this will continue but it if does the result is things book out more quickly than previous years. With international borders open things may also go more quickly.

Christmas Eve Dinner in Sydney

Looking for dining options for a Christmas Eve get together?

Sir Stamford Hotel Circular Quay

Sir Stamford will offer a Christmas Eve buffet dinner featuring a salad bar, turkey, ham, and 4 hot mains, along with a large selection of salads and desserts. Seatings from 5:30-8:30pm. The price includes a 2 hour beverage package.

Prices: Adults $159 and Kids $99 Kids under 6 years are free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

Botanic House

Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Gardens will offer an 9 course shared feast with drinks on arrival. Choose from a 5pm or 7pm seating. Adults $150, Kids under 12 years $60)

Cost: Adults $225 and Kids (under 12 years) $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

Christmas Eve Dinner at Altitude SHangri La

Enjoy a delicious five-course dinner at Altitude created by Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi. On the menu is Australian dry aged MB4+ Beef with caramelised bush tomato jus and a merry Santa Claus in the chimney dessert by Head Pastry Chef, Kumiko Endo.

Executive Sommelier Matt Herod will be making spirits bright with a thoughtful wine pairing to complete your festive experience. Dinner will be served from 6pm-10pm.

Cost: Dinner: Adults $259 and Kids $159 Kids – 12 years and under.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9250 6000

The Pantry Manly

Celebrate right on the waterfront with the best view in Manly at The Pantry. Enjoy a three-course Christmas Eve dinner. Choose from five entrees and five mains and three dessert options.

Cost: Adults $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 0566

Where to Eat Christmas Lunch in Sydney

Christmas Day Lunches book very quickly, if you have your heart set on something, book it early!

Christmas Buffet at Sylvesters Sydney Harbour Marriot
Christmas Buffet at Sylvesters Sydney Harbour Marriot Hotel

Christmas lunch in the City, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo

Christmas Seafood Buffet Lunch at Amora

In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, an easy walk from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Botanical Gardens, Barangaroo, and only a few minutes from Wynyard train and light-rail stations five-star Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney if hosting a Christmas Lunch.

Amora Seafood Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch at Amora

This extraordinary culinary journey created by Amora’s talented chefs craft a mouthwatering feast that captures the essence of Christmas with a mixture of traditional and modern favourites. From King Prawns and roasted Turkey Roulade to delectable desserts and festive treats, every dish has been meticulously curated to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Santa will bring gifts for little ones.

When: Noon-3pm
Cost: $230 per adult $129 per child (6-12years)  Children 5 years and under eat free. Add beverage package for $40 per person
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9696 2500

Sofitel Wentworth Christmas Lunch

Experience the enchantment of Christmas at the iconic Wentworth Ballroom with your loved ones! Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, you’re just moments away from famous landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s festive spirit.

Sofitel Sydney Xmas Lunch 2023
Plenty of seafood

The Wentworth Ballroom undergoes a magical transformation into an elegant ‘Art de Noel’ setting, creating the perfect backdrop for a 3-hour Christmas celebration filled with joy. Indulge in a culinary journey featuring a sumptuous seafood and carvery buffet, artisan charcuterie, a dedicated tartar station, and traditional Christmas dishes.

When: 12pm-3pm
Cost: $249 per adult $99 per child (4-17years)  Children under 4yrs eat free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 (02) 9228 9188

Pullman Hyde Park Christmas Lunch

Offering a decadent feast (without the hassle) enjoy the traditional trimmings, a roast turkey, slow-roasted lamb, lobsters, oysters and prawns, which will all be topped off with a pavlova and Christmas pudding!

CHristmas buffet in Sydney with Chef

When: Lunch 12:30pm-3:30pm Dinner from 6pm
Cost: $159 per adult $45 per child (6-12 years)  Children under 5 yrs eat free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9361 8400

Hyatt Regency Chistmas Lunch

This festive season, come together with family and friends at Sailmaker Restaurant’s coveted Christmas events. Indulge in the freshest, sumptuous seafood, generous share platters featuring Christmas classics and family favourites, and decadent desserts. All paired with premium wines and tipples from near and far, for the ultimate family Christmas affair.

Hyatt Regency Christmas Lunch in Sydney

When: From 12pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Sydney – 161 Sussex St, Sydney
Cost: $299 adults $120 kids 6-12 years 5 years and under dine free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9361 8400

Botanic House

Christmas Lunch at Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Gardens will offer a nine course shared feast plus a glass of prosecco on arrival. The menu features Asian and modern Australian flavours. Two seatings are available either from 11:30am or 4:30pm.

Christmas Lunch at Botanica House
Botanic House

Cost: Adults $225 and Kids (under 12 years) $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

Christmas Lunch & Dinner at Altitude SHangri La

Enjoy Christmas lunch ith a delicious festive celebration overlooking Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, from one of its most spectacular view at Altitude.

The five-course menu, features dishes including Coral Trout with refreshing cucumber and green tea and Australian dry aged MB 4+ steak with a caramelised jus.

Christmas Day Lunch will be offered from noon to 3pm. Dinner from 6pm-10pm

Cost: Lunch – Adults $279 and Kids $179
Cost: Dinner: Adults $259 and Kids $159 Kids – 12 years and under.
Make a booking | Phone:  (02) 9250 6000

Sydney Opera House Christmas Day Lunch

Enjoy Christmas Lunch at the Sydney Opera House. There are two options, The Joan Sutherland Theatre or the Yallamundi Room. On offer is a 4-course menu featuring scallops, salmon and turkey.

Seatings from 12 to 4.30pm for a 2-hour meal.

Joan Sutherland Cost: Adults $280, Childrens pricing available on request.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 305 529

Sir Stamford Hotel Christmas Buffet

Well located opposite the Royal Botanic Garden, just a short walk from Circular Quay, Sir Stamford will offer both Christmas Day lunch and dinner.

Christmas Lunch is a seafood buffet from 11:30am-2pm A 2-hour Standard beverage package is included. There will also be a special visit from Santa with a gift for each child.

Seafood Buffet Dinner will be held from 5:30-8:30pm and includes a plus a 2hr beverage package including house beer, wine and sparkling.

Lunch cost: Adults $269 and Kids $159 Kids under 6 years are free.
Dinner cost: Adults $199, Kids $115 (6-12years)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

QUAY Christmas Day Lunch

Join the festive gathering at Quay, the iconic Sydney Harbour restaurant, this Christmas Day. Greeted with a celebratory glass of champagne upon arrival, you will be treated to a luxurious five-course Christmas menu, meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore.

For those wishing to elevate their dining experience, a matching wine pairing is also on offer for an additional $330 per person.

Cost: Adults $595
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 61 2 9251 5600

Park Hyatt Hotel 

Both the Dining Room and the Living Room will host guests for Christmas. With one of the best Opera House views in the city, the Dining Room at the Park Hyatt is a fabulous choice for Christmas day lunch or dinner. A 4-course menu with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne is on offer at both services. Lunch from 12-3pm and dinner from 6-10pm 

Lunch cost: Adults $320 and Kids (under 12 years) $160
Dinner cost: Adults $220 and kids (under 12 years) $110
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9256 1661

Terrace On The Domain

Celebrate Christmas at Terrace On The Domain, an open-air restaurant just opposite the NSW Art Gallery, where seasonal ingredients are the stars of every dish. Delight in a shared four-course menu and toast with a complimentary glass of Mumm Marlborough upon arrival.

Cost: Adults $220 and kids (under 12 years) $75
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 300 278.

Infinity at Sydney Tower

Christmas 245 meters above Sydney is one you will remember. Titled Christmas in the Clouds Infinity will offer a 3-course menu on offer will help too with entrees featuring oysters, salmon tartare, pork belly and stuff turkey for main and finish up with stone fruit pavlova.

Cost: Adults $265, with guaranteed window seat $295, Kids $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Infinity at Sydney Tower 3 - Credit Robert Walsh Photography
Infinity at Sydney Tower – Credit Robert Walsh Photography

Skyfeast at Sydney Tower Christmas Buffet

If you have been dreaming of a decent buffet since the pandemic stole them from us, then you are in luck. Skyfeast is back with plenty of seafood, a great range of mains -with a ton of choice. Oh, and a meal that ends in 10 desserts, it must be Christmas! Seatings from 11:45am.

Cost: Adults $150, with guaranteed window seat $170, Kids 3-12 years $70
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

ESQ 

Add a dash of old-world elegance to your Christmas at ESQ, nestled in the Queen Victoria Building. Their four-course yuletide feast starts with luxurious foie gras, followed by treacle cured salmon, a succulent turkey and prosciutto Ballantine, and ends with a festive Christmas pudding bombe Alaska. A welcome cocktail or glass of champagne awaits adults upon arrival, with a delightful mocktail for the little ones. 

A vegan menu featuring Beetroot macaron, smoked almond mousse and Kohlrabi, pickled grapes, macadamia cream and toasted hazelnuts is also available. 

Cost: $160 per adult and $75 for children aged 3 to 12
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Christmas Feasting at The Sussex Store

Don’t fancy spending Christmas Day cooking? Head over to The Sussex Store with your family. Kick off with a buffet-style antipasti, followed by a two-course meal of main and dessert. Choose from dishes like Truffle Risotto and Crepes Suzette, and enjoy a prosecco when you arrive. This Christmas meal is set to make your holiday extra special.

Vibe Sydney Christmas Lunch

Make is extra special by adding a 3-hour beverage package for just $45 per person and if you really want to go all add a premium seafood tower for $56 per person.

When: Lunch 12pm-3pm Dinner 8pm-9:30pm
Where:  The Sussex Store, Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour 319/325 Sussex Street, Sydney
Cost: $89 adults, $30 kids
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9356 1000

Christmas Day Harbour Cruises

Christmas Day cruise on Sydney Harbour may be in short supply this year. We are awaiting updates from cruise operators, but with international travellers, the biggest takers for lunch on the harbour get in quickly when these become available.

Captain Cook Sydney Harbour
Captain Cook MV 2000

Christmas lunch cruises can be more affordable than many of the waterfront restaurants and most offer a mix of Christmas and Seafood options with drinks included.

Captain Cook Christmas Cruises

Sydney’s premier cruise company is offering 3 dining choices for Christmas Day on the MV Sydney 2000 on Christmas Day. The cruise departs at 12.30pm and returns at 3pm. Get in quick for early bird pricing (up to $35 saving on some tickets.)

  • Ocean Deck – Christmas platters that include Charcuterie board, Seafood platter with Queensland prawns, Sydney rock oysters and smoked Salmon. This is on the entry-level deck with no stairs. Adults $250 | Children 4-15years $175.
  • Club Deck Lunch4-course lunch with premium drinks package held on the middle deck. Adults $275 | Child 4-15 years $199.
  • Sky Deck – 6-course premium lunch with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival plus premium wines, beers and spirits served throughout. Seated on the top deck. Adults $299 | Child 4-15 years $209.

View detailed menus for all three cruise options here

Christmas lunch on Captain Cook Cruise
Join family and friends out on the harbour on Christmas Day

Other cruise options include:

  • Vagabond Cruises has a 3-hour Christmas day lunch cruise with traditional Christmas roasts, leg of ham and plenty of delicious fresh seafood. Adults $145 for adults and $125 for kids (children under five free) Drinks not included. They are also offering a Christmas dinner cruise for the same price
  • Majestic Cruises – a Christmas banquet and drinks package $145 for adults and $130 for kids.
  • Sydney Harbour Showboat – a 3-hour banquet lunch cruise with drinks package included. Jazz duo and the views provide the entertainment. Adults $159

Christmas Day lunch with Sydney Harbour views

Fancy dining with a view? These options all offer water views.

Watson's Bay Christmas lunch
Christmas lunch at Watson’s Bay Hotel

Ripples Chowder Bay

With beautiful views over Chowder Bay, Ripples is a lovely, relaxed place to celebrate Christmas lunch. On offer is a three-course menu (Salmon, Pork or risotto) with sides. If you are looking to avoid traditional Christmas fare, this is a good option. 

Cost: Adults $275 and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9960 3000

Otto Woolloomooloo

On the historic wooden wharf, Otto at Woolloomooloo is offering a four-course menu with plenty of choices. No turkey, ham or plum pudding here, just plenty of Italian-inspired eats featuring fresh local ingredients. 

Optional four-hour beverage packages available $95 or $145

Cost: Adults $495 per adult, Children $120
View the menu or Make a booking | Phone: 02 9368 7488

Ormeggio Mosman

This year Ormeggio will offer a luxury three-course sharing lunch menu. The menu will be confirmed 3 weeks prior to the day. Although the chef is happy to accommodate dietary requirements or allergies with notice.

Cost: Adults $350 per adult, Children $150
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 4088

The Deckhouse

The Deckhouse at Woolwich on Sydney’s lower north shore has a lovely view of the Harbour Bridge is a bonus on top of their consistently delicious food. A three-course menu with a beverage package of wines (Sparkling, White, Rose & Red), beers, soft drinks & juices. From11:30am – 4:30pm

Cost: $295pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8279 2706

Related: Check out our Sydney Christmas Gift Guide to support local small operators

Christmas Lunch in Manly, Northern Beaches
and North Shore

If you fancy Christmas day in Manly, then you should have several options. Last year many of the restaurants on the wharf were open for Christmas lunch and dinner. As these become available, I will update this page.

Watergrill at Kirribilli Club

DEDES Watergrill will offer a three-course Christmas lunch steak and lobster tail for the main course. A vegetarian menu is also available.

Lunch seating from noon with service from 12.15pm. Views of the Harbour Bridge and a walk in Clark Park after lunch make for a lovely afternoon. A drinks package of premium red, white and sparkling wines, tap beers, juices, soft drinks, tea & coffee is included.

Cost: Adults $275 (balcony) $225 and Kids (under 12 years) $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone:  02 8925 0223 

Loulou Bistro, Boulangerie & Traiteur

This Christmas, Lou Lou Bistro in Lavender Bay is elevating their culinary experience to make your holiday memorable from beginning to end. With a festive three-course lunch crafted by Head Chef Ned Parker, every dish is created with sharing in mind, fostering a communal and cosy dining experience.

Cost: $195 Adults $50 for kids
View the menu | Make a booking | Email

Bather’s Pavilion Christmas Lunch

With its fantastic beach and harbour views, Bather’s Pavilion is a long time favourite for celebrating special occasions. They are offering a few dining options including brunch, a restaurant or cafe lunch or a formal lunch with a drinks package.

This year brunch will be on offer from both the bistro from 8am-10am will be $110 or in the restaurant from 10.30am from $170. A 2.5hr family sharing lunch will be on offer at Upstairs at Bathers for $225 for adults and $120 for kids.

Cost: Lunch in the restaurant Adults $360 and Kids (under 12 years) $160
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 5050

Pilu at Freshwater 

Pilu at Freshwater is a fantastic choice for a relaxed waterfront meal on Christmas day. With beautiful views out of Freshwater Beach, you can finish up the day with a lovely waterfront walk.
Their 2023 Christmas lunch will be a four-course menu with seatings at 11:30am, 12pm, 2:45pm and 3:15pm.

Cost: Adults $330 and Kids $150
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9938 3331

Christmas at Q Station

Celebrate with your family and friends at the harbourside Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar with either Christmas lunch or dinner. Situated on North Head enjoy stunning views of the city on a pre or post-Christmas lunch walk or swim at Quarantine Beach.

Christmas lunch at Boilerhouse Q Station
Oysters feature on the Xmas menu at Boilerhouse

On offer is 4-course menu with entrees to share, a selection of mains and desserts to share. You will receive a glass on wine on arrival and a 2 hour premium beverage package. Two hour Seatings are 12 or 12:30pm or a second sitting for 2:30pm or 3pm ​

Cost: Adults $275 Kids over 11-17 years $170, younger kids can order from the regular menu
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1500

Governor Bourke Ballroom Q Station Christmas Buffet

Enjoy an Aussie Christmas Buffet at the Governor Bourke Ballroom also at Q Station. Dine on all your seasonal Australian favourites, including Sydney rock oysters and prawn cocktails, as well as roast turkey, Portoro beef, scrumptious sides and an assortment of desserts. Also included is a drink on arrival & 2-hour premium beverage package.

Cost: Adults $215, Kids under 5 years free, 5-10 years $45 11-17 years $120 (+ booking fee)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1511

ST SIANDRA 

Enjoy a spectacular festive feast by the water at St Siandra, the new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at Mosman’s The Spit, serving up Amalfi Coast-inspired interiors, endless summer soirée-style cocktails and private beach access and views.

St Siandra Sydney Christmas Lunch pork
Porchetta, perfect for Christmas lunch

Your Christmas lunch banquet by Head Chef Sam McCallum (formerly of two-hatted Nomad) features succulent roasted porchetta with smoked honey, whole BBQ snapper, and burnt apricot gingerbread trifle, plus Christmas crackers, overlooking the sparkling waters of Middle Harbour.

Add more sparkle to proceedings with a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne at the special festive price of $99. Vegetarian and kids menu options available.

Cost: Adults $250
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 61 2 8251 2444

RIPPLES CHOWDER BAY

Spend Christmas Day wining and dining by the beach with one of Sydney’s best harbour views, at the newly relaunched Ripples Chowder Bay in Mosman.

Ripples Sydney Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch with a view at Ripples

Kick back and relax on the deck overlooking the water and surrounding national park while enjoying a three-course Christmas lunch with delights like housemade focaccia, salmon crudo with beetroot, seaweed and wasabi mayonnaise, duck liver parfait with peach chutney, pistachio and crostini, and lamb rump with potato puree and salsa verde, with bon-bons and Christmas decorations.

Cost: Adults $275, Kids under 12yrs $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 61 2 9960 3000

New Brighton Hotel Manly

From its prime position overlooking Manly Beach, you can enjoy all your Christmas favourites at this casual lunch and then pop off for the traditional afternoon swim.

Seafood and antipasto platters for starters, ham, turkey, beef carvery and salmon for mains and pavlova, mince tarts and traditional Xmas pudding for dessert.

Cost: Adults $115, Seniors $104, Kids $65, kids 0-3 years, free
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 3305

Christmas lunch in Sydney’s West and Hills District

Novotel Parramatta Christmas Buffet

Novotel Parramatta is back with a generous Christmas buffet featuring a Christmas carvery with turkey, wagyu, ham and pork belly, plenty of fresh Aussie seafood including prawns, oysters, salmon and mussels. Desserts include all the Christmas classics along with fresh fruit and cheese. A 3-hour drinks package is included (house wine, beer and soft drinks). They even throw in free parking!

Novotel Parramatta Christmas Buffet
The buffet at Novotel Parramatta

The little ones will receive a special Christmas present and, in keeping with the true spirit of gifting, the adults also get a three-hour beverage package, including house wine, beer and soft drinks!

Cost: Adults $210 per adult, seniors $160, Teens $130 Children (5-12yrs) $66, 0-4 years free
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9630 4999

The Epping Club Christmas Buffet

Enjoy a gourmet buffet feast including seafood and a decadent dessert ham, turkey, seafood platters and enough dessert to think you are at nana’s place. The lunch at the Epping Club is a generous feast!

Cost: Members $130, Non Members $140, Children $49 aged from 2-12 years
Menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9876 4357

The Ranch

The Ranch at North Ryde is a great family-friendly choice with affordable pricing, a playground area for the kids. Lunch will feature cold seafood platters with oysters, prawns and smoked salmon. For mains, there will be a hot carvery with ham, turkey and beef sirloin. Christmas pavlova, mince tarts and chocolate will round out the day.

Cost: Adults $125, Kids $65 (3-12 years) and Seniors $113, Children under 3 free.
Menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9887 2411

Related: Still not sure what to do NYE? Check our guide to NYE Dining.

Christmas in the Inner West & Inner East

The Fenwick

A lovely waterfront option in East Balmain just minutes from the ferry wharf. Enjoy lunch with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Fenwick is offering a three-course set menu with snacks and sides.

Cost: Adults $275  and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Phone: (02) 9159 4700

Stamford Plaza Christmas Buffet in Mascot

The Stamford Plaza will offer Christmas Day Buffet Lunch, featuring a wide array of salad selections, fresh seafood, unique hot dishes, and a beautiful variety of desserts.

Christmas Lunch Buffet at Sir Stamford in Mascto
Christmas Lunch Buffet at Sir Stamford in Mascot

Seatings from 11.30am to 2pm. Last day to book: 8 December 2023. Prices include both beverage and non-beverage package options.

Cost: Adult (Buffet + beverage package), $236, Adult (Buffet only), $205, Kids – 6 -12yrs – $155, Kids 0-66 free
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9317 1680

Christmas Dining in the South and Sutherland Shire

Lugarno Seafood Christmas Lunch

A stunning seafood Christmas menu (with a few meat and chicken options for those who are not seafood fans.) Your lunch includes a bread roll, tea, espresso coffee and chocolates 

Cost: Adults $195 and Kids (4- 12 years) $50
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9119 1809

Jensens at Kareela

Dining off a 3-course set menu local favourite Jensens is a great choice for your family lunch.

Cost: Price: $170pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9528 8433

Good Choices for Christmas Lunch in Sydney with Kids

Darling Harbour would be high on my list for anyone travelling with kids. Most, if not all of the restaurants here will be open and child-friendly. 

Fratelli Fresh Italian Christmas Lunch

Fratelli Fresh’s will be serving Christmas lunch at Darling Harbour, The Entertainment Quarter and Manly. The Italian menu is well suited to kids, and the venues are family friends.

The Christmas menu features a glass of Limoncello on arrival for the adults, shared antipasti, king prawns, ham or slow-cooked lamb for main and shared dessert platters to finish. You can add a 2 hr drinks package for $39 (Aperol spritz, espresso martini, wine, beer and soft drinks)

Cost: not yet available.
View the menu | Make a booking

Christmas at Nicks Seafood

With a stunning Christmas menu featuring the freshest seafood, premium Angus steaks, champagne, plus a mesmerising waterfront location, Christmas at Nick’s will be a Christmas to remember! Extensive options on the menu for all tastes. One of the best kids menus we have seen this year.

Price: 4 Course Menu $165pp / Kids Menu $90pp, 3 Hours Drinks Package +$95pp (Additional)
View the menu | Make a booking

Centennial Homestead

A Christmas Buffet Lunch in Centennial Park will feature a menu offering seafood & charcuterie starters, pork belly, chicken and steak for mains. This will be followed by a cheese course and dessert. No one will go home hungry here! Seatings from 11.30am-3.30pm.

Cost: Price: $185pp and $70 for kids 3-12 years
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9380 9350

Pancakes on the Rocks

Pancakes on the Rocks will trade as usual. They offer a range of family-friendly food. Along with their famous pancakes, including ribs, pizza, steaks and salads.

View the menu | Phone 02 9247 6371

Christmas in the Blue Mountains

Fancy escaping Sydney’s heat and celebrating somewhere different this year? The Blue Mountains is the spot to go! Eat your body weight in delicious food on Christmas day and then spend the next couple of days walking it off!

Christmas in the Blue Mountains
Christmas lunch with a view at Hotel Mountain Heritage.

Check our list of Christmas in the Blue Mountains for the range of options

Where to find your Christmas Day coffee

Casual Christmas Day Eats & Coffee (and drinks)

If you prefer not to book something fancy, these establishments were open on Christmas Day 2022. If you are travelling out of your way to one of these, it might be good to double-check before you set out. We have added updates for as many places as we could find.

City centre and inner suburbs

Barangaroo and Darling Harbour

  • Anason at Barangaroo – Turkish hospitality from 12-10pm
  • Muum Maam Thai Christmas lunch or dinner
  • Bungalow 8 at Cockle Bay Wharf will be open noon till midnight with a Christmas Day BBQ
  • Mamak – Haymarket – Malaysian – lunch and dinner

Circular Quay and the Rocks

  • City Extra at Circular Quay – 24 hours a day 365 days a year for 30 years. These guys will be serving their full menu all-day
  • Grain Bar, Four Seasons Hotel – 2pm–late

Suburbs

  • Pacific Club Bondi Beach – noon till 5pm
  • Macchina (next to the Hellenic bakery) in Marrickville 7am-1pm
  • Matinee Coffee – Marrickville – 8am-11am Take away coffee only
  • Campos on Missenden Rd is open 8-12 Christmas day.
  • Shenkin- Erskineville, Newtown, Enmore and Surry Hills open tomorrow from 7am-noon for takeaway.
  • Wolf and Stone – Dulwich Hill
  • Continental Deli – Newtown – noon till 4pm
  • Shuk – North Bondi, Elizabeth Bay and Chatswood from 7am
  • Love of Beans Carlton – coffee and cake 7am-noon at least.
  • Neptunes, Brighton-Le-Sands: 9am-late
  • Efendy – Balmain – noon–3pm, 5–10pm
  • Ellie Mays Nook in Cammeray 

Things to do on Christmas Day in Sydney besides eat!

If you would rather miss all the Christmas feasting and spend your day either sightseeing or fighting off homesickness, check out these ideas.

Christmas day mass at St Mary's Cathedral
Attend Christmas day mass at St Mary’s Cathedral
  • If you are from the Northern Hemisphere, you might enjoy the novelty of a day at the beach. Bondi is usually busy on Christmas Day, and everyone is happy to share the Christmas spirit.
  • Say Merry Christmas to the animals at Taronga Zoo – They would love your presence, and a bonus is the crowds are usually a little smaller on Christmas Day. SeaLife Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney Zoo are also open and offer joint tickets that reduce the cost a little.

Check out our list of the best Christmas celebrations in Sydney in the lead up to the big day!

  • For something memorable, you could book a Bridge climb. These will probably book out to best to get in early.
  • Attend mass at St Marys Cathedral (Catholic) or St Andrews Cathedral (Anglican)
  • Jump on the 8.54 am train up to Katoomba and explore the Blue Mountains in relative peace, as many tour operators do not run on Christmas day.

Have you sorted your plans for Boxing Day? Don’t miss the start of the Sydney to Hobart.

More ideas for the holiday season in Sydney

Main image: Credit: Kitchens on Kent

16 thoughts on “49 Places to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney”

  1. Thank you for some great tips Paula. I’ll be in Tasmania this year for Christmas but it’s always good to know what to do on a day like Christmas.

  2. That would be fine Rie, just make sure you have all your picnic supplies on Christmas Eve as very little is open Christmas day and what is open is very expensive. Merry Chrismas

  3. we are a group of 6 who would like to have lunch on Christmas Day do you have a luncheon Menu for Christmas Day this Year ?

  4. We are wanting to have a Christmas Lunch buffet not over the top cost wise with the family in Sydney but has to be electric wheel chair friendly and if possible not far from a railway station so the patient can travel from hospital in the wheel chair to the destination by train.

  5. I have just completely updated this page so have another look if you can. I think Silvesters at the Sydney Harbour Marriot could be a good choice with a flat 3 minute walk from Circular Quay Station.

  6. Hi. Are there any late afternoon or dinner options or is everything centred on lunch. We like to enjoy the day and have a great dinner afterwards.

  7. Many of the places offering lunch are also doing dinner, at a slightly cheaper rate, so that’s a win. Is there any particular area you are interested in?

  8. St James Church on King St is much better than the cathedrals, and more friendly to all people. The do a kids service on Christmas Eve too

  9. We are five adults can you help some nice restaurant not to spense sydney o lower north Shore

  10. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually know what you are talking approximately!

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