I’ve always found that eating out on Christmas Day in Sydney is a far smarter choice than stressing over a marathon lunch at home. When the 25th rolls around, my mind inevitably drifts toward Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner, especially knowing you can dine exceptionally well without facing the mountain of preparation and the clean-up that follows. Here are my favourite restaurants open on Christmas Day, so you can get your plans locked in.
And while many venues shut shop for that small stretch of festive glory in mid-December, there are still plenty of Sydney restaurants open on Christmas Day. Many of our finest venues put on curated Christmas Day lunch packages designed to take care of everything, while others stay open for dinner and keep things simple with their regular à la carte menus.
So if you’re wondering where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney, here’s a guide to the best restaurants taking bookings for Christmas lunch with special set menus or a la carte menus. All ten of these will also be open for Christmas dinner, offering their usual a la carte menu.
Restaurants open on Christmas Day
1. Gowings Bar & Grill
Best for: A decadent Christmas feast that excels in excess.
I’ve always found Gowings Bar & Grill to be one of the most reliable picks for a festive long lunch, and their Christmas offering this year feels especially polished. The kitchen team put on one of the most impressive festive spreads of the year, and in 2025, they’ve outdone themselves. The menu starts at $289 per adult and includes favourites like oysters Venetian, burrata with heirloom tomato and duck breast with beetroot purée. Seafood lovers can upgrade to half grilled lobster with Champagne beurre blanc, while meat fans may gravitate to the wagyu rib eye carved at the table. A cherry chocolate tiramisu rounds things out for a Christmas meal that sounds both indulgent and effortless.
Where: 1/49 Market St, Sydney
More information: qthotels.com
2. Squire’s Landing
Best for: A casual brewpub lunch with million dollar views on Christmas Day.
Good beer, supreme harbour views, and a gorgeous rotunda dining room that always feels special. Hosting your family’s Christmas lunch at an upscale brewpub may go against instinct, but we Sydneysiders are mighty proud of Squire’s Landing for a reason. And it’s not just because of that expansive view of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Priced at $240 per adult and $89 per child, the kitchen has whipped together an epic three-course, share-style menu that includes a glass of sparkling or James Squire’s on arrival. An $80 per person add-on will get you a 2.5-hour drinks package on top of that, so you’ve got everything taken care of for a very good price. There’ll be live music downstairs at the Brewhouse between 12pm and 4pm as well.
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, The Rocks
More information: thesquireslanding.com.au
3. Nel
Best for: A more creative Christmas feast with unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
I have always enjoyed how NEL leans into theatre, and its Story of Christmas menu is one of the most creative festive dining experiences I’ve ever seen in Sydney. This year’s 12-course Christmas degustation is priced at $195 per person and delivers playful dishes that play heavily on holiday nostalgia. Highlights include the Summer Pine sorbet wrapped in dolmades leaf and the rich Noel Terrine with foie gras and truffled chicken mousse. The Cherry and Custard Tart is a perfect finale. With optional wine or non alcoholic pairings, it is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a creative Christmas degustation in Sydney.
Where: 75 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills
More information: nelrestaurant.com.au
4. Woodcut
Best for: Christmas lunch or dinner in Barangaroo right by the harbour.
Woodcut is one of the most atmospheric and stylish places to settle in for a long lunch on any given day. Christmas Day suits the restaurant perfectly. Their four-course festive menu is priced at $420 per adult and $140 per child, built around open flames, woodfire grills, and the kind of produce-first approach that defines the kitchen. Expect seafood touched by the hearth and slow-cooked mains that feel made for the season. Families can make use of the Woodchippers kids’ menu, while dinner guests can choose between à la carte or a curated set menu. It is an elegant way to celebrate Christmas in Sydney by the water’s edge.
Where: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
More information: crownsydney.com.au
5. The Charles
Best for: Christmas lunch for families with kids who just want the sweet stuff.
There’s something about The Charles in December that feels instantly festive, and a big part of that magic comes from its Christmas dessert trolley. Alongside the regular a la carte menu, Pastry Chef Rhiann Mead turns it into a cleverly themed parade of seasonal treats, with Gingerbread Russian Honey Cake, Bauble Bonbons, Snowman Macarons, Marshmallow Teddy Bears and spiced Speculoos Pine Cones gliding through the dining room. Prices start at $7, making it easy to mix and match a few favourites. This is one of the most charming ways to linger, indulge and soak up the season.
Where: 66 King St, Sydney
More information: thecharles.sydney
6. Mode Kitchen & Bar
Best for: A Christmas lunch buffet for families who want to eat as much as physically possible.
Christmas Day at Mode Kitchen & Bar sounds as grand as the Four Seasons itself; the kind of setting where a long festive lunch really comes into its own. Their Christmas Day Buffet is priced at $350 per person and features seven generous stations, from seafood and salads to pasta, carved meats, cheeses, and a full dessert spread. To me, it sounds like the sort of buffet that defeats any sense of restraint. It’s Christmas, so live a little. A selection of beverage packages adds to the occasion, making it ideal for families or groups seeking a relaxed, premium Christmas lunch in Sydney, near Circular Quay and The Rocks.
Where: 199 George St, The Rocks
More information: fourseasons.com
7. Botanic House
Best for: A private Christmas lunch away from the crowds.
Botanic House is one of those places where Christmas lunch genuinely feels like a private escape. This year’s nine-course menu leans into that sense of celebration. Priced at $240 per adult and $75 for kids, the spread moves through festive favourites with a fresh, modern touch. Think Nem Nuong lemongrass pork, seared Hokkaido scallops, tiger prawns and a beautifully rich Massaman lamb curry, ending with mango pudding for something light and summery. The setting among the gardens adds to the occasion, so I’d recommend this one if you and the family want a Christmas Day lunch that’s well away from the crowds.
Where: 1 Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
More information: botanichouse.com.au
8. Otto
Best for: A picture-perfect Christmas lunch or dinner on the wharf.
Spending Christmas Day at Otto feels like a little holiday without leaving Sydney. The waterfront setting at Woolloomooloo’s picturesque Finger Wharf makes the festive lunch feel bright and celebratory, while the food has that requisite holiday indulgence. The main restaurant serves a four-course lunch with assaggi and a glass of Champagne on arrival for $395 per adult and $120 per child. Groups of 10 to 14 can enjoy a semi-private experience upstairs, and a children’s menu is available on request. With optional drinks packages and the kitchen’s greatest hits, it’s one of my favourite ways to enjoy Christmas Day by the water.
Address: 6 Cowper Wharf, Woolloomooloo
More information: ottoristorante.com.au
9. Lee Ho Fook
Best for: Using Christmas as an excuse to try something new.
For a Christmas lunch that steps away from the usual roast, Lee Ho Fook offers a bold, Chinese-inspired feast in its brand-new dining room at Porter House Sydney. Chef Victor Long has crafted a shareable menu full of big flavours and local produce, including XO sauces, char siu glazed ham, and Peking duck pancakes. Priced at $190 per adult and $50 per child, it’s a fun way to introduce the family to something new this Christmas. The vibrant, heritage-filled space makes it feel special, and the festive menu proves that Christmas in Sydney isn’t always about the well-established favourites.
Address: /203 Castlereagh St, Sydney
More information: leehofook.com.au
10. Quay
Best for: A truly special occasion for the whole family on Christmas Day.
This Christmas is a perfect excuse to dine at one of Sydney’s most iconic restaurants. Quay offers a five-course Christmas Day lunch with a glass of Champagne on arrival for $550 per adult. Chef Peter Gilmore’s menu blends festive classics with his signature inventive flair, featuring dishes crafted from the finest seasonal produce. The dining room overlooks the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, giving that sense of occasion that many families save for a day like this. For anyone looking to mark Christmas in Sydney with elegance and indulgence, I think Quay is the best choice you’ve got. Plus, it’s quite reasonably priced given Quay’s reputation.
Where: Upper Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
More information: quay.com.au
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