Where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney 2021

Are you trying to decide where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney for 2021? Whether you like to celebrate with Christmas Eve dinner, have a seafood lunch or a more traditional Christmas menu look no further, we have done all the research to save you hours of searching.

The good news for some is that in 2021 it appears the ever-popular Christmas Buffet will be back at many venues. We have been busy updating this page and will continue to do so daily until Christmas so bookmark this page and come back soon. If we’ve missed any, please get in touch to let us know!

It can be hard being away from family and friends during the holidays, and it can be challenging figuring out what is open on Xmas day, we hope this list of ideas will help.

Whatever you do we hope you have a fabulous Christmas in Sydney.

Last Updated 12/11/21

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 with some of our favourites like Feast at the Sheraton Grand back in action. However many restaurants will offer fixed menus, unlimited servings or shared plate service.

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 2021?
One thing we have noticed this year is that many restaurants are only offering one sitting so this may result in things booking out more quickly than previous years.

Christmas Eve Lunch and Dinner in Sydney 2021

Looking for dining options for a Christmas Eve get together?

Feast at the Sheraton Grand

Feast will offer both lunch and dinner services on Christmas Eve. Lunch will be available from 12-2pm and include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival for adults.

Cost: Adults $129, Kids (5-12 years) $64.50. Dinner will be offered from 6-9pm and be $169 for adults and $79.50 for kids.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9286 6000

Sir Stanford Hotel Circular Quay

Sir Stanford will offer a Christmas Eve buffet dinner featuring a salad bar, turkey, ham, and 4 hot mains along with a large selection of desserts. Seatings from 5:30-8:30pm. Dine and Discover vouchers are accepted.

Cost: Adults $149 and Kids $99 Kids under 6 years are free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

O Bar and Dining

Watch the sunset and the city lights come on as you celebrate Christmas with family and friends. A three-course meal (4 choices for each course)

Cost: Adults $145
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9247 9777

Infinity at Sydney Tower

Dubbed Christmas in the clouds dining at Infinity puts you 245m above Sydney for a Christmas meal to remember. Their Christmas Eve Dinner offers a 3, 5 or 6-course à la carte dinner. A full vegan menu is also available. Matching wines for $85

Cost: Adults $125, 185 or $210 depending on the number of courses. Kids $55
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Botanic House

Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Gardens will offer an 11 course shared feast with drinks on arrival. Choose from a 5pm or 7pm seating. Adults $150, Kids under 12 years $60)

Cost: Adults $150 and Kids (under 12 years) $60
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

The Langham Hotel – Kitchens on Kent 

An extensive Chrismas Buffet offering loads of glorious Aussie seafood, with prawns, Sydney rock oysters, crab and Balmain bugs. There will also be a sushi and sashimi raw bar, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean bars, and of course a Christmas carvery. Top it off with more than 10 dessert options including a chocolate fountain. Also includes a drink package with wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

A brisk walk around Barangaroo might be in order on completion! 

Lunch 12pm – 2pm  Dinner 6pm – 10pm

Lunch cost: Adults $248 and Kids (under 4-12 years) $40 
Dinner cost: Adults $220 and kids (under 12 years) $110

View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9256 2222

The Pantry Manly

Celebrate right on the waterfront at Manly with a three-course Christmas Eve dinner. Choose from 5 entrees and mains and three dessert options.

Cost: Adults $90
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 0566

nel. Restaurant

While nel. won’t be open for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day their Christmas degustation is so special it needed to be on this list. It is perfect for early birds, groups of friends or even a special staff Christmas celebration. Christmas 2021 – A Degustation will launch on 16 November and will run until 23 December 2021.

The 11-course Christmas degustation is inspired by Christmas tales old and new.
Included are:

• Stuffing Brioche, a bread course inspired by traditional turkey stuffing and bacon, 
• Stuffed Chook, a chestnut stuffed chicken that cries out an English Christmas dinner 
• and for those who have been naughty, Naughty Child with coconut charcoal shards, black sesame and puffed rice.

Cost: $145 per person, plus $105 for matching wines and cocktails.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9212-2206

Where to Eat Christmas Lunch in Sydney

It’s worth noting that 2021 lunches are booking fast – if you have your heart set on something book it now!

Christmas lunch in the City, Pyrmont, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo

O Bar and Dining

O Bar and Dining will offer both lunch and dinner. A five-course meal with your choice from 4 entrees and mains and 3 desserts, added to this a starter course of oysters and to finish petit fours. Vegetarian options are available, and there is also a children’s menu.

Cost: Adults $225 and Kids $100.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9247 9777

Botanic House

Christmas Lunch at Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Gardens will offer a shared feast menu by Luke Nguyen. The 2021 menu includes drinks on arrival and an 11-course feast. Two-hour seatings are available from 11:00am – 4:30pm.

Cost: Adults $170 and Kids (under 12 years) $60
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

Sydney Opera House

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 12-4.30pm for a 2-hour meal.

Joan Sutherland Cost: Adults $260, Teens $220 Kids $120 Kids under 13yrs
Yallamundi Cost: Adults $220, Teens $180 Kids $120 Kids under 13yrs

View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 305 529

Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant

With a prime position in Campbells Cove and uninterrupted views of the Opera House, the four-course Christmas menu at Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant is bound to please everyone. The main course includes a choice of char-grilled striploin, slow-cooked turkey or crispy skin salmon.

Adult prices include a 4-hour bottomless pour of beer or Aussie wines. Kids and teens get unlimited soft drinks. Christmas carols and a visit from Santa will add to the fun.

Cost: Adults $195pp, Teens $130pp and Kids $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9251 0894

Sir Stanford Hotel Circular Quay

Well located opposite the Royal Botanic Garden just a short walk from Circular Quay Sir Stanford 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. Dine and Discover vouchers are being accepted

Lunch cost: Adults $259 and Kids $179 Kids under 6 years are free.
Dinner cost: Adults $199, Kids $115 (6-12years)

View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

Feast at the Sheraton Grand

It’s hard to beat the buffet at Feast their famous seafood selection is legendary, with everything from prawns and rock oysters to lobster and Balmain bugs. There is also a sushi and sashimi bar, antipasti and salad will be all the Christmas favourites including ham, turkey and plenty of desserts.

Your lunch includes a 3-hour beverage package of hotel selected red, white and sparkling wine, house beers, soft drinks and juices.

At lunch service, Santa will be popping in and all children will receive a signature gift pack.

Cost Lunch: 12-3pm Adults $350, Teens (13-17 years) $190 and kids (5-12 years) $162.50
Cost Dinner: 6-9pm Adults $325, Teens $190 and kids $162.50

View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9286 6000

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

The Langham Hotel – Kitchens on Kent 

Gather your family and friends for an intimate and stress-free family-style lunch event on Christmas Day. Indulge, with our extravagant seafood displays, carvery meat selection and festive dessert stations. For all our little diners, look out for Santa! Lunch 12pm – 2pm  Dinner 6pm – 10pm

Lunch cost: Adults $398 and Kids (under 4-12 years) $40 
Dinner cost: Adults $248 and kids (under 12 years) $110
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9256 2222

Infinity at Sydney Tower

Christmas 245 meters above Sydney is one you will remember. The 3-course menu on offer will help too with entrees featuring salmon, oysters and mains of turkey, rib eye and John Dory. Finish up with Valrhona chocolate black forest and Smashed pavlova, mixed berries

Cost: Adults $185, with guaranteed window seat $200, Kids $55
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Skyfeast at Sydney Tower

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 11am.

Cost: Adults $130, with guaranteed window seat $150, Kids 3-12 years $50
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Gowings Bar and Grill 

The in-house restaurant at the QT Sydney, Gowings Bar and Grill will offer an indulgent three-course feast that will be sprinkled with “dashes of QT quirk”. Starters will include generous shared platters of seafood, Christmas ham, white Tarramasalata with salmon roe and sourdough Crumpets.  For mains choose from Roast Turkey, Porchetta or Wood Roasted Salmon with cheesecake, Cherries on Ice or Fruit Mince Pies with brandy sauce to round out the meal. Seatings between 12-2.30pm 

Lunch cost: Adults $190 and Kids (under 12 years) $85
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 8262 0062

Christmas at Crown Sydney

There is plenty on offer this Christmas at Crown in Barangaroo.

Epicurean

A lavish Christmas brunch with Sydney Harbour views to match. Included is a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Cuvée Champagne per adult and an unlimited selection of soft drinks and juices.

Lunch cost: Adults $450 | Children $225
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Silks

This authentic Cantonese fine dining restaurant will offer an eight-course menu which includes a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne for each adult

Lunch cost: Adults $288 | Children $144
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

a’Mare

Christmas with an Italian flavour and a Sydney Harbour view. a’Mare will offer an extravagant feast. Chef Alessandro Pavoni’s perfectly crafted 5-course menu will be offered at 11:30am and 2:30pm. You can add a drinks package for $180-$300 (premium)

Lunch cost: Adults $450 | Children $199
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Woodcut

A festive lunch on the harbourside terrace or choose to watch the action of the open kitchen, either way, this is a Christmas lunch you will remember. On offer is a 5-course sharing menu for adults and three courses for kids.

Lunch cost: Adults $450 | Children $200
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Nobu

Why not enjoy a festive omakase experience at Nobu this Christmas. The finest local seafood 7-course extravagant lunch make this a very special place to spend December 25th! Lunch includes a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne per adult.

Lunch cost: Adults $320 | Children $160
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Christmas at the Star

Black Bar and Grill

Start your Christmas lunch with a complimentary glass of sparkling before indulging in seafood, turkey, rump steak and decadent desserts 

Cost: $230pp 

View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Cucina Porto

An Italian feast to remember featuring Alaskan King Crab, Whole Roasted Cappon and Millefoglie 

Cost: $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Flying Fish

Every Aussie Christmas meal should feature seafood if you ask us and Chef Peter Robertson and the Flying Fish team have prepared a seafood extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival to kick things off. 

Cost: $195pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Sokyo

With salmon, scallops, Miso glazed tooth fish and Wagyu striploin MBS +9 and Matcha tiramisu on the menu, this non-traditional Christmas lunch will delight any seafood lover. 

Cost: $200pp share menu 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Christmas Day Lunch Harbour Cruises 2020

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.

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.

• Ocean Deck – Christmas platters that include Charcuterie board, Seafood platter with Queensland prawns, Sydney rock oysters and smoked Salmon, Thai Calamari Salad and fat cut chips. Dessert with mini puddings and pavlovas. Also included is a standard bar package of house wines, beers & soft drinks. This is on the entry-level deck with no stairs. Currently, early bird of $159 for adults – Normally $205 | Child 4-15 $159. – Still available 🙂 27/11
  
• Club Deck Lunch – 4-course lunch with superior drinks package held on the middle deck. Early bird $175 Normally $225 | Child 4-15 $179 – Almost gone!
  
• Sky Deck – 4-course premium lunch plus superior wines, beers and spirits served on the top deck. Earlybird $225 Normally $275 | Child 4-15 $189 – sold out!

Other cruise options include:

• Vagabond Cruises have a 3-hour lunch cruise $145 for adults and $115 for kids (children under five free) Drinks not included
• Oz WhaleWatching – one of the friendliest boats on the harbour is offering a 3-hour seafood buffet including drinks for $147 for adults and $97 for kids.
• Majestic Cruises – a Christmas banquet and drinks package $149 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.

The Nielson

The Nielson at Shark Beach Vaucluse will offer a three-course set menu with choice plus snacks, bread, olives and sides. It’s an easy transition to the beach for a Christmas Day swim in the afternoon. Drinks are not included. Matching wines and a full beverage list are available to order on the day.

Cost: Adults $255 per adult, Children $95 (under 12 years)
View the menu  | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9337 7333

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)l with sides If you are looking to avoid traditional Christmas fare this is a good option. 

Cost: Adults $225 and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Make a booking via email chowderbay@ripplescafe.com.au | 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. 

Cost: Adults $445 per adult, Children $150 Optional four-hour beverage packages available $85 or $135
View the menu | 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. Three seatings between 12-1pm.

Cost: Adults $275 per adult, Children $150
View the menu (not yet available) | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8279 2706

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

Christmas Lunch in Manly and the 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 with an alternate service, but when the main choices include lobster or fillet steak that’s not so bad. A vegetarian menu is also available. Lunch seating from noon with service from 12.25pm. Views of the Harbour Bridge and a walk in Clark Park after lunch make for a lovely afternoon. A drinks package of premium red and white wines, tap beers, juices, soft drinks, tea & coffee is included.

Cost: Adults $195 and Kids (under 12 years) $65
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone:  02 8925 0223 

Bather’s Pavilion 

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 $125, or in the and restaurant from 10.30am from $150. A 2.5hr family sharing lunch will be on offer at Upstairs at Bathers for $250 for adults and $110 for kids.

Cost: Lunch in the restaurant Adults $320 and Kids (under 12 years) $110
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 5050

Pilu at Freshwater 

Pilu at Freshwater is a fantastic choice for a relaxed waterfront Christmas day. With beautiful views out of Freshwater Beach, you can finish up the day with a lovely waterfront walk.
Their 2021 Christmas lunch will be a four-course menu featuring the classic Aussie surf and turf for the main. Prices do not include drinks. 

Cost: Adults $290 and Kids (under 12 years) $90
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9938 3331

Public Dining Room

If you are late lunch people this one is for you with seatings at 3pm and 3.15pm. Public Dining Room will be offering their regular al la carte menu with canapes & and a glass of Champagne on arrival.
choice of entrée, mains, dessert petit fours, tea and coffee.

Cost: Adults $300 and Kids (under 12 years) $100
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9968 4880

Bistro Manly

A Christmas buffet and drinks package will be available from 12.30pm -3pm and feature plenty of quality seafood. Probably not a great choice for anyone who does not like seafood as the other options are pretty limited. Located in the Novotel Manly Beach.

Cost: Adults $240
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8966 7442

Christmas at Q Station

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

On offer is a 4-course degustation and premium beverage package. Choose from 12.00pm, 12.30pm, 1.00pm & 1.30pm seatings. Reservations taken from 24 November.

Cost: Adults $250, Kids over 12 years $210
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1511

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 $105, Seniors $95, Kids $60
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 3305

Christmas lunch in Sydney’s West and Hills District

Novotel Parramatta

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 generous 4-hour drinks package is included (house wine, beer and soft drinks). They even throw in free parking!

Cost: Adults $172 per adult, seniors $142, Teens $112 Children (5-12yrs)  $92
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9630 4999

Nobles Restaurant

The Hills Lodge in Castle Hill will offer 3 course Christmas lunch featuring choices of turkey, ham, and wagyu with Yule log and Eton Mess among the dessert offerings. 

Cost: Adults $179 and Kids (under 12 years) $65, Kids under 5 years $35 (Earlybird pricing) 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9849 5746

The Epping Club

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!

*If COVID restrictions are still in place a three-course meal will be substituted.

Cost: Members $115, Non Members $125, 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 $115, Kids $60 (3-12 years) and Seniors $60, 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

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 sides. 

Cost: Adults $225  and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Phone: (02) 9159 4700

Noi in Petersham

Celebrate Christmas Day at Noi in Petersham – On offer is a 4-course set lunch menu plus snacks. Take a break from traditional Christmas fare and enjoy Tasmanian scallops, Moreton bay bug, confit lamb and torrone semifreddo with pistachio custard.

Cost: Adults $159  and Kids (under 12 years) $49
View the menu | Make a booking via email reservations@noirestaurant.com.au | Phone: 02 9337 7377

Christmas Dining in the South and Sutherland Shire

Neptunes at Brighton le Sands will be offering a festive version of the usual menu with a few special options like a $55 per head, the Mediterranean share menu or a $75 for a BBQ meal.

Lugarno Seafood 

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 $150 and Kids (4- 12 years) $45
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9119 1809

Albi’s Taverna Cronulla 

Indulge in a delicious 3-course set menu bookings between 11am to 4.30pm. Also open Christmas Eve.  

Cost: Adults $139, Kids $50 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9524 0392

Soldiers on the Esplanade, Cronulla RSL

Enjoy a 3 course Christmas lunch and 3-hour beverage package between noon and 4pm. The menu includes a cold seafood platter, alternate service of pistachio-crusted salmon, or flame-kissed lamb backstrap for mains and pavlova or chocolate fondant for dessert.

Live entertainment and water views make this an extra special afternoon.

Cost: Adults $140, Kids $40 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9523 6833

Christmas in the Watergrill, Cronulla RSL 

3 Course Christmas lunch, drink on arrival, presents for the children with a special guest appearance from Santa. Doors open at 12pm with entree being served at 12:25pm. Mains include Black Angus fillet steak and whole lobster. The children’s menu is chips and lasagne.

Cost: Adults $140, Kids $55
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone 02 9523 6833

Jensens at Kareela

Dining off a 3-course set menu local favourite Jensens is a great choice for your family lunch. Details are not yet available but check the link below for updates.

Cost: Price: $150pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9528 8433

Willow at Tradies Gymea

Enjoy a 3-course festive feast including both traditional and modern Christmas dishes. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. Two lunch sessions will be offered Session 1: 11am to 1pm and  Session 2: 1:30pm to 3:30pm. 

Members are limited to 4 guests each however you can join the club before Christmas. 

Cost: Price: $89pp and $30 for kids under 12 years (members prices) 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9540 1933

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

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: Price: $89pp and $39 for kids under 12 years.
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.

Cost: Price: $125pp and $60 for kids 3-12 years, add a beverage pack for $38pp
View the menu | Make a booking

Centennial Homestead

A BBQ 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!

Cost: Price: $165pp and $55 for kids 3-12 years (members prices) 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9380 9350

Pancakes on the Rocks

Pancakes on the Rocks will be trading 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!

Fairmont Resort

With stunning views over the Jamison Valley, the Fairmont Resort has two options on Christmas Day and one each on Christmas Eve and Christmas Night.

Christmas Day Luncheon in the Grand Ballroom will feature a seafood starter, a choice of four mains, plenty of desserts and a cheese course. House wine and beer, selected soft drinks and tea and coffee are also included. Bookings open now, prices $219 adults, / teen (13-17) $179 / children (5-12) $99 / children (4 & under) Free

Christmas Day Lunch in Jamison’s Restaurant will offer a relaxed menu that includes seafood, choice of main, festive desserts and cheese. A selection of beer, wine & soft drinks is also included. Priced at adults $169 / teen (13-17) $109 / children (5-12) $49 / Under 5 Free

Hotel Mountain Heritage

Why not have your Christmas Dinner at the Jamison Views Restaurant in Katoomba

Indulge in a four-course menu featuring butternut pumpkin soup with parmesan twist, a medley of roast meats, vegetables and buttered broccolini, and traditional plum pudding, brandy anglaise, fine vanilla ice cream and choc curl, washed down with freshly brewed tea or coffee. Priced at $119pp, children $59pp (3-12 years).

The Lookout Echo Point – 3-course menu and cocktail on arrival – seating 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Adults $90 | Kids $40

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 Christmas Day 2020. 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

• Primary Coffee Roasters in Potts Point will be open from 7am till noon
• Meet Mica in Surry Hills will be open all day 8am-3pm
• The Mayflower Cafe in Darlinghurst
• Chat Thai -Haymarket
• Coffee, Tea and Me – Redfern
• Organic Bread Bar – Darlinghurst
• John Montagu – Darlinghurst – coffee only 8am-noon
• The Factory Grind – Surry Hills – from 6am
• Joseph Hyde – Darlinghurst – morning only
• Tropicana – Darlinghurst
• They’re There – Darlinghurst – coffees, frappes, smoothies and wraps

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
• Pancakes at the Rocks – Pancakes and more.
• Grain Bar, Four Season 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
• Miller’s Kitchen Cammeray – Breakfast from 7.30am / Lunch 12.30-3.30pm
• 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.

• 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

• Christmas Events and Activities
• Shop Local Sydney Christmas Guide
• Choose a NYE Harbour Cruise
• New Year’s Eve Restaurant Guide

Main image: Credit: Kitchens on Kent

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