A Complete Guide to Christmas Day Dining in Melbourne 2023

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Want to know which restaurants open Christmas Day in Melbourne? Then you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a set menu feast or somewhere to just grab a bite to eat on the big day, we’ve found a wide variety of options to suit all palates and all budgets.

Our list will give you plenty of options for the all important Melbourne Christmas Day lunch, and you’ll find suggestions for Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day breakfast and Christmas Day dinner as well. Read on to find out what Melbourne restaurants open on Christmas.

If you want to know where the best Christmas party venues are in Melbourne, we know that too!

Find a gorgeous Christmas Day dress to wear out to your meal.

Restaurants open Christmas Eve for dinner

Want to get a head start on celebrations? Perhaps you traditionally celebrate on Christmas Eve. Whatever your reason, we’ve found some great restaurants open on Christmas Eve that should meet your needs.

Allegro | Melbourne CBD 2023

Invite your loved ones to join in the magic of Christmas Eve at this enchanting dinner event. Revel in a delightful three-course menu featuring a tempting array of seafood, a cheese selection, a live carving station, and decadent festive desserts. Children aged 4 to 14 can indulge in choices from the regular Kids A La Carte menu.

Reservations are open from 6 PM, with the last seating at 7:30 PM. Guests can immerse themselves in the genuine spirit of the season, savoring exquisite culinary delights. Don’t miss out – secure your spot for a night of festive flavors and joyful moments. Make this holiday season truly special by booking a memorable Christmas Eve celebration!

$200 per person

To book your dinner spot email the Westin or phone (03) 9635 2222. For more information visit the website.

Conservatory at Crown | Southbank 2023

With the anticipation of Christmas Day in the air The Crown invites you to celebrate Christmas Eve with loved ones at Conservatory with an indulgent international buffet dinner paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne per adult.

$250 per adult | $125 per child (4 – 12 years)

Find more information on the Crown website or phone (03) 9292 5777.

The Windsor | CBD 2023

Celebrate at One Eleven and enjoy Executive Chef Damien Neylon who infuses a contemporary twist into festive flavors, paying homage to his years of Christmas celebrations in the heart of country Victoria.

Price: $388 for adults (with free flowing beverages) | $168 for children (3-12 years)

Find out more here.

Restaurants open for Christmas breakfast

If you’re not planning on a big Christmas lunch, or maybe you just can’t be bothered cooking and cleaning with a big day ahead, you might be looking for somewhere to have breakfast. These options should sort you out.

Sadly I cannot find anywhere open for a special Christmas breakfast in Melbourne in 2023. If you know of one, please comment below and I will happily add it!

Best Christmas Day lunch Melbourne has on offer in 2023

When it comes to Christmas lunch Melbourne has oodles of restaurants to choose from.  There are plenty of places to find a traditional meal, or you can mix it up with a wide array of fascinating menus putting a modern twist on Christmas fare. Our selection of restaurants open on Christmas Day has something for all tastes and budgets.

Pan Pacific Melbourne | South Wharf 2023

Join Pan Pacific Melbourne for a festive celebration like no other! Experience the magic of Christmas with their spectacular Christmas Lunch Buffet, featuring live culinary stations, at Pan Pacific Melbourne.

Indulge in a delectable spread of holiday delights prepared by their master chefs, and savour the flavours of the season with friends and family. From succulent roasts to delightful desserts, we have a feast that will tantalize your taste buds and make your Christmas merry and memorable. You can view the menu here.

Price: Adult – $295 | Children aged 12 to 18 $175 | Children aged 6 to 12 $110 per person | Children under 6 dine complimentary.

You can book for Christmas Day lunch at Pan Pacific Melbourne website here.

Allegro | Melbourne CBD 2023

Celebrate the joy of the season at Allegro Restaurant’s annual Christmas Day festive buffet lunch, a culinary extravaganza that promises to delight the senses. Guests will be immersed in the grandeur of a lavish feast, complemented by free-flowing local wines, selected beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. To add to the magic, Santa himself will make a special appearance, bearing gifts for the little ones.

From the Sea:

  • Sushi and sashimi, Native oysters, Mussels, Split bay bugs, Cooked Queensland tiger prawns, King crab legs

Hot Buffet:

  • Lamb neck roulade, sauce diable, Rotisserie free-range chicken, honey bourbon glaze, Steamed broccoli, Pico de Galo, Baked Spinach ricotta cannelloni, saffron cream, Polenta cakes, Asparagus, arrabiata, Lobster, mac and cheese (pass around)

… and much more. Check the website for the full menu!

    Adult: $375 per person (includes beverage package) | Child: $120

    To book your dinner spot email the Westin or phone (03) 9635 2222. For more information visit the website.

    Arbory Afloat | Melbourne CBD 2023

    Table Reservations (3-20 guests)

    Minimum spend $95pp and $55pp for children under 17 years old (max 1 child per adult). Spend will be offered as a tab that can be used at the bar on food and beverage.

    Banquet Bookings (10 – 40 guests)

    • Banquete – from $70 per person, inclusive of three shared courses, plus $450 Jeroboam Rosé (3000ml)
    • Seafood Fiesta Banquete – from $85 per person, inclusive of three shared courses and seafood, plus $450 Jeroboam Rosé (3000ml)

    Day Bed Packages (2-4 guests)

    $457 inclusive of a shared selection of Mexican fare, and a Magnum of Rosé (1500ml) in one of our laid-back poolside daybeds. Don’t forget your swimwear!

    Cabana Packages

    A shared selection of Mexican fare, and a Jeroboam Rosé (3000ml) in one of our riverside cabanas

    • The Cantina Cabana (8-10 guests): $1095
    • The Grande Cabana (11-15 guests): $1640

    Visit the Arbory Afloat website for more information or phone (03) 9629 1547.

    Arbory Bar and Eatery | Melbourne CBD 2023

    Love the sound of Arbory Afloat’s Christmas lunch but prefer to keep you feet on dry land? No problem. Take a seat on the deck overlooking the Yarra River and enjoy the decadence of The Arbory Feast from 12pm. You choose from a general table reservation under umbrellas with a minimum spend of $85 per seat for 4 to 16 guests. This spend value will be given in the form of a tab to spend on the day on food or drinks.

    Starting from $85

    For more information and bookings visit the Arbory website or call (03) 8648 7644.

    Conservatory at Crown | Southbank 2023

    For Christmas lunch with a touch of elegance, step into the Conservatory’s opulent dining room. With its marble floors, lavish décor and stunning views of the Yarra River, you’ll think all your Christmases have come at once. The Conservatory is doing a Christmas Buffet including seafood, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and live entertainment. The lunch will run from 12:30pm to 4pm

    Adults – $475 | Children – $237

    Find more information on the Crown website or phone (03) 9292 5777.

    Bistro Guillaume | South Bank 2023

    Join in with your loved ones at Bistro Guillaume this Christmas Day, with a feast of modern French cuisine to be discovered. Christmas lunch is a five course menu. Lunch will also include a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV.

    Adults – $250 | Children – $125

    For further information visit the Bistro Guillaume website here.

    The Taxi Kitchen | Federation Square 2023

    Enjoy a festive banquet that is filled with the magic of Christmas at Taxi Kitchen. Offering a well-crafted five–course menu that has been carefully curated by Executive Chef Tony Twitchett and team.

    Enjoy spectacular Melbourne CBD views, a glass of sparkling on arrival, and other additions to create memories of a special day.

    Monday 25th December, from 12pm (last booking at 2.30pm)

    Tickets: $220 adults, $110 Children

    Find out more about their Christmas Day lunch here

    The Brighton Savoy | Brighton 2023

    Sadly The Brighton will not be hosting Christmas Day Events this year.

    Christmas Day is about joining together with good friends, family and loved ones.  Recommended by Domain Review as ‘one of the best places for Christmas Lunch in Melbourne’, share in traditional Christmas fare, sip a festive drink and celebrate in style with the Brighton Savoy. Entree includes a seafood tasting plate, main includes freshly carved meats and dessert includes plum pudding.

    Adult group (6 adults and above) $299 each | Adults – $329 | Children 12 & under – $199 | Children four & under – $99

    Check their website Brighton Savoy here.

    Frankston RSL | Frankston (sold out)

    Share this magical day with your family or join the RSL’s big family and celebrate Christmas with them. The Venue will be spectacularly adorned in Christmas decorations making this very special day an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a fully served buffet lunch. This is a fully ticketed event and bookings are essential. Gluten Free and/or Vegetarian options available. Please request special meals at time of booking.

    Frankston RSL – Adult: $129 (Guests), $119 (Members), $49 (5-11 years), $20 (2-4 years), $0 (under 2)

    Book online: See here for the full details.

    The Windsor | Melbourne 2023

    It’s that time of year when they place an order for their living Christmas tree, plan the decorations, and prepare for The Windsor’s most magical moment – Christmas. Join them for Christmas Day Lunch in their majestic Grand Ballroom (it’s one of the only two times in the year they open it for dining). Lunch is also served in One Eleven on Christmas Day. They look forward to celebrating a very special Christmas with you.

    Price: $468 for adults (with free flowing beverages) | $198 for children (3-12 years)

    Find more information on The Windsor website here.

    The Duke of Wellington Hotel | Melbourne CBD 2023

    Christmas lunch at Melbourne’s oldest pub is one of the cheapest around, but don’t let the price fool you. The Duke’s menu is a stunning selection of traditional favourites with an exotic twist. There’s a 3-course menu for adults and a pared-down 2-course offering for kids. There’s also a special 3-course vegetarian menu. Seatings are available at 11am and 2pm.

    The main menu features:

    • Starters of oysters, Queensland prawns, Yarra Valley tomato and buffalo mozzarella, and local cold cuts, pork terrine and Mount Zero olives
    • Bourbon and apricot glazed leg ham
    • Slow cooked turkey with currant, fig and chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce
    • Traditional roasted vegetables, summer greens, and a leaf and herb salad
    • Christmas pudding soaked with cognac and a vanilla bean custard
    • Little fruit mince pies and new season cherries on ice

    The vegetarian menu includes:

    • Starters of crispy oyster mushrooms, compressed rockmelon, honeydew and crunchy iceberg, Yarra Valley tomato and buffalo mozzarella, and yellow squash and zucchini terrine
    • Glazed and smoked eggplant, spiced eggplant puree, confit garlic, mustard see sauce
    • Roasted heirloom pumpkin stuff with puffed grains and seeds, yoghurt, sweet currants, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables and onion gravy
    • Traditional roasted vegetables, summer greens, and a leaf and herb salad
    • Vegan Christmas pudding soaked with cognac and a vanilla bean coconut custard
    • Little fruit mince truffle with fruit and brandy soaked sponge, and new season cherries on ice

    Adults – $145 | Children (12 years and under) – $45

    Book your place on the Duke of Wellington website or phone (03) 9810 0066.

    Christmas dinner Melbourne

    If you’d prefer to celebrate Christmas in the evening some of these options will surprise and delight.

    Allegro | Melbourne CBD 2023

    Allegro at the Westin has put together a decadent 3 course menu with dishes that have a modern twist. Selections include a variety of dishes from the sea; Cheese, Charcuterie and Bread bar; Green Bar; Christmas Roasts; Under the Lambs; Christmas Carvery; sumptuous sides and delectable desserts.

    $350 per person (includes beverage package)

    To book your dinner spot email the Westin or phone (03) 9635 2222. For more information visit the website.

    Conservatory at Crown | Southbank 2023

    For Christmas dinner with a touch of elegance, step into the Conservatory’s opulent dining room. With its marble floors, lavish décor and stunning views of the Yarra River, you’ll think all your Christmases have come at once. The Conservatory is doing a Christmas Buffet including seafood, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and live entertainment.

    Adults (food only) – $295 | Children (food only) – $147.50

    Adults (beverage package) – $395 | Children (beverage package) – $197.50

    Find more information on the Crown website or phone (03) 9292 5777

    Bistro Guillaume | South Bank 2023

    Join in with your loved ones at Bistro Guillaume this Christmas Day, with a feast of modern French cuisine to be discovered. Christmas Dinner is a five course menu. Dinner will also include a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV.

    Adults – $250 | Children – $125

    For further information visit the Bistro Guillaume website here.

    Restaurants open as normal on Christmas Day

    Melbourne has plenty of restaurants open Christmas Day that aren’t doing Christmas menus at a premium price. So if you don’t celebrate, or just want to grab an easy meal, try one of these.

    Restaurants open on Christmas Day

    Whatever your dining desires, Melbourne has plenty of restaurants open Christmas Day and across the festive season. We hope our article helps you find the perfect location for your Melbourne Christmas celebrations.

    If you are looking for other places open on Christmas Day in Melbourne click here. And you can find out where you can get a Christmas Day lunch in the middle of the year because some Australians celebrate Christmas in July across the country.

    Join our Facebook group to jumpstart your Christmas planning all year long!

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    Regina Gleeson

    Regina is a fan of all things Christmas! As the Listings Editor of the popular Families Magazine she was instrumental in putting together the Christmas content in the print publication and on their website since its inception in 2013. She is extremely community-minded and makes it her personal mission to contribute content that is low cost (or free!) and suitable for families. This thirst for knowledge and desire to experience the things she writes about makes her an irreplaceable member of the team.

    2 thoughts on “A Complete Guide to Christmas Day Dining in Melbourne 2023”

    1. Hi,

      Do you happen to know of any restaurants open Christmas Day for lunch in the outer eastern/southeastern suburbs of Melbourne? My Google search isn’t helping me at all.
      Love your post, very helpful.
      Maryanne

      Reply

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