A Complete Guide to Christmas Day Dining in Sydney 2023

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If you’re thinking of outsourcing your Christmas dining this year you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Sydney restaurants open Christmas Day and over the festive period.

Whether it’s a set menu feast or somewhere to just grab a bite to eat without all the festivities we’ve hunted around to find which restaurants are open on Christmas to meet your culinary needs.

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

Restaurants open Christmas Eve for dinner

If you traditionally celebrate on Christmas Eve, or just want to get a head start on celebrations, then these restaurants open on Christmas Eve with festive feasts to tantalise those taste buds.

Botanic House | Sydney CBD 2023

Relax before the big day and celebrate Christmas Eve at Botanic House with a nine-course menu designed for sharing, plus a glass of prosecco on arrival. With no prepping or washing up required, sit back and relax with your family and friends whilst they take care of the rest.

Adults – $190 | Children (3-12yrs) – $75

Find out more about Christmas Eve dinner at Botanic House here

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay | Sydney CBD 2023

This year the Sir Stamford are hosting a White Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner. Here you can indulge in a delicious buffet dinner showcasing the finest ingredients and celebrating traditional Christmas flavours. The Christmas buffet includes a traditional carvery, all your festive favourites, plus a 2hr beverage package including house beer, wine and sparkling.

Adults – $169 | Children (6-12 years) – $99 | 5 and below – Free

For more information or to book visit the hotel’s website or phone (02) 9252 4600.

Chiosco by Ormeggio | Mosman 2023

Take the family or friends out for a Christmas Eve celebration and choose from a specially crafted sharing feast or Chiosco’s à la carte menu. The restaurant is fully licensed or you can BYO wine (corkage fee applies).

Prices on menu. Reservations can be made via the Chiosco website or by calling (02) 9046 7333.

O Bar & Dining | Sydney CBD 2023

Elevate your Christmas Eve experience at O Bar and Dining. The panoramic views from their elegant venue provide a captivating backdrop, creating a magical atmosphere that adds a touch of elegance to your festivities. Celebrate with their carefully curated 3 course menu, a feed that brings all your loved ones together.

Adults – $185

Find out what’s on the menu at O Bar ad Dining for Christmas Eve here

Pilu | Freshwater 2023

Giovanni and the kitchen team take great care in sourcing the best of local, seasonal ingredients and when required, the highest quality products from Italy. The menu is typically Sardinian, re-interpreted using modern techniques whilst remaining true to tradition and regionality.

Christmas Eve details to follow!

The Gantry | Walsh Bay 2023

Christmas Eve at The Gantry in Walsh Bay, Sydney, is an enchanting experience, unparalleled in its union of gastronomy and ambiance. Nestled on the waterfront, this iconic restaurant transforms into a festive haven, with twinkling fairy lights reflecting off the calm harbor waters. Diners are treated to a meticulously crafted 3 course meal with a glass of champagne with a menu that showcases Australia’s finest seasonal produce, each dish narrating a tale of tradition and innovation. The gentle lull of the waves, combined with the warm and intimate setting, makes for an unforgettable evening, evoking the true spirit of Christmas in the heart of Sydney.

Adults – $299

Find out more about The Gantrys menu here.

Restaurants open for Christmas breakfast

There are plenty of cafés around Sydney opening Christmas morning for coffee, bakery items and traditional breakfast fare. If you’d prefer a full sit-down Christmas breakfast/brunch experience then try these restaurants.

Bathers Pavilion | Balmoral 2023

Bathers-Pavilion Sydney - a great Christmas dining option

Looking to start Christmas Day off in style? It’s hard to pass up a chance to dine by the beach in the historic Bathers Pavilion. There are two sittings to choose from: 8am-10am in the Bistro or 8.30am-10.30am in the restaurant – the latter including a cheeky glass of Prosecco or a mocktail on arrival.

Bistro: Adults – $110 | Children – $70  

Restaurant: Adults – $170 | Children – $95

For more information visit the Bathers Pavilion website or phone (02) 9969 5050 to book your spot.

Best Christmas Day lunch Sydney has on offer in 2023

When it comes to Christmas lunch Sydney is spoilt for choice. Our list covers a range of budgets and includes high-end restaurants with stunning views, restaurants with a more casual vibe, and venues offering special menus for the kids.

Chiosco by Ormeggio | Mosman 2023

Celebrate with friends and family this Christmas over a waterside Christams feast at Chiosco! The restaurant is fully licensed or you can BYO wine (corkage fee applies). The menu includes:

  • Yellowfin tuna crudo
  • Salad of king prawn – octopus – squid – potatoes – mussels
  • Traditional Lombardian spit roast
  • Amalfi lemon semifreddo
  • And more!

Adults – $275 | Children (under 12 years) – $90

Reservations can be made via the Chiosco website or by calling (02) 9046 7333.

Botanic House | Sydney CBD 2023

Take the stress out of Christmas this year and celebrate at Botanic House with a nine course menu designed for sharing, plus a glass of prosecco on arrival. With no prepping or washing up required, sit back and relax with your family and friends whilst they take care of the rest.

  • Drink on arrival
  • 9-course shared feast
  • Vegetarian menu available on request

Adults – $240 | Children – $75

Visit the Botanic House website for more information or phone 1300 558 980.

Bathers Pavilion | Balmoral 2023

The gorgeous Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral is also offering Christmas Day lunch. There are three options in 2023. Choose from a 3 Course A La Carte Lunch in the Bathers Pavilion Restaurant. a 3 course A La Carte Lunch in Bathers Bistro or a 3 Course Set Lunch Served Family Style served in the Balmoral Room Upstairs.

Bathers Bistro: Adults $245 | Children 10 & under $130

Bathers Pavilion Restaurant: Adults $360 | Children 10 & under $160

Balmoral Room: Adults – $225 | Children – $120

Fratelli Fresh | various locations

For an affordable and truly delicious Christmas lunch you can’t go past Fratelli Fresh. The chefs are serving up a 4-course share-style lunch at each of their restaurants.

  • Limoncello on arrival
  • Antipasti board
  • Prawn bucket
  • Maple syrup and honey glazed leg ham, slow-cooked lamb shoulder
  • Plenty of sides and dessert
  • 2-hour drinks package available including Aperol spritz, espresso martini, Prosecco, house wine and craft beers

Adults – $89 | Children (under 12) – $39 | Drinks package – $39 per person

Bookings can be made at the Fratelli Fresh website.

O Bar and Dining | Sydney CBD 2023

Christmas Day dining table setting

How about a bird’s-eye view of Sydney’s magnificent icons while enjoying Christmas lunch? Set high above the city, O Bar and Dining’s revolving restaurant means an ever-changing view as you enjoy their 5-course offering (or 3-course for children). The menu includes dishes like:

  • Delicate appetizers such as kingfish, prawn salads or duck
  • Turkey, cod, sirloin or pasta
  • Traditional Christmas vegetables
  • Dessert ranging from Christmas pudding, cheesecake, pavlova or a cheese board

Adults – $245 | Children – $100

Reservations can be made on the O Bar and Dining website or phone (02) 9247 9777.

Pullman Sydney | Hyde Park 2023

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park invites you and your loved ones to a playful feast in the heart of the city. Their playground is set for you to create heart-warming moments and enjoy timeless delights with your whole family. 

Indulge in an abundance of all your favourite traditional trimmings, fresh seafood, and sweet sensations. Picture this: succulent roast turkey, slow-roasted lamb, platters of lobsters, oysters, and prawns, along with pavlova and rich Christmas pudding – the list goes on! It truly doesn’t get any better than this. INCLUSIONS: Traditional feast, 3-hour beverage package, gift for children, discounted parking.

Adults $159 | Children $75 | Children under 5 eat free

Information and reservations can be found on Pullman Sydney Hyde Park’s website.

Otto | Woolloomooloo 2023

Christmas at Otto means seafood galore, which seems fitting given its prime waterfront location at the Finger Wharf. Chefs are preparing a 4-course extravaganza that includes:

  • Delicate appetisers such as seared scallops and zucchini flowers
  • Stunning pastas like lobster linguine and Strozzapretti with King pawns
  • Tajima Wagyu sirloin, fish of the day and much more
  • Dessert ranging from Meringue to a cheese board
  • Glass of Champagne on arrival
  • 4-hour beverage packages also available

$495 per person | Children $120 | 4 hour beverage packages available

For further information or to make a reservation visit Otto online or phone (02) 9368 7488

Pilu | Freshwater 2023

One of Sydney’s most spectacular restaurants, set in a charming beach cottage on Freshwater Beach, Pilu is presenting a ‘surf and turf’ twist on the classic Australian seafood Christmas lunch. The 4-course meal features breathtaking dishes, and Pilu has also created a modified menu suitable for the kids.

Adults enjoy:

  • Sydney Rock oysters with champagne pearls (2 per person)
  • Sardinian salumi made by Pino’s Dolcevita with Vanella burratina
  • Tuna tartare, sheep yoghurt, white peach & caper
  • Sides, dessert and petit fours

Children enjoy:

  • Mozzarella arancini
  • Malloreddus, tomato, & pork sausage ragu
  • Mozzarella arancini
  • Malloreddus, tomato, & pork sausage ragu
  • Pilu ‘fish & chips’
  • Chocolate gelato sundae

Adults – $295 | Children (under 12 years) – $95

Reservations are essential. Book on the Pilu website or phone (02) 9938 3331.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay | Sydney CBD 2023

Enjoy a sumptuous Christmas seafood buffet lunch and a special visit from Santa with a gift for each child, for a memorable Christmas Day. The buffet lunch includes all the favourites including fresh seafood, a traditional carvery, along with all the trimmings, a selection of decadent festive desserts, plus a 2 hour beverage package including house beer, wine and sparkling wine.

Adults – $279 | Children (6-12 years) – $159 | 5 and below – Free

For more information or to book visit the hotel’s website or phone (02) 9252 4600.

Terrace on the Domain | Sydney CBD 2023

Enjoy a decadent Christmas lunch with stunning views of the city and the Domain parkland.  Chefs will pair Italian flavours with local ingredients to bring a menu with a difference. Terrace will host multiple lunch seatings from 11.30am – 4.30pm – so you can pick the time that suits you best. Your lunch includes:

  • Glass of Prosecco on arrival
  • 3-course shared feast including antipasto and cured meats, rich pastas, roasted meats and fish
  • Wattlseeds tiramisu and other delicious desserts

Adults – $195 | Children – $75

For bookings visit the Terrace on the Domain website or phone 1300 300 278.

The Gantry | Walsh Bay 2023

This Christmas Day, Pier One Sydney Harbour will be celebrating the festive season with the return of their annual Christmas celebration dining experience at the hatted Gantry Restaurant. This Christmas, celebrate with friends & family and enjoy a stunning waterside dining experience at The Gantry showcasing festive, local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a 4 course menu with champagne and snacks on ice on arrival, chef’s selection menu and sweets to finish with matching wines.

Adults – $499 (please note an additional 15% surcharge will be applied at time of booking)

Visit The Gantry website for more information, or phone (02) 8298 9910.

The Winery | Surry Hills 2023

This beautifully quirky wine bar with its leafy laneway and terrace would be a delightful choice on any day of the year, but especially Christmas Day. The Winery will present a delicious 3-course lunch of Christmas favourites with bookings available between 11am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm.

Lunch – $189 per person | Premium drinks package – $39 per person

Visit The Winery website for bookings or call (02) 8322 2007.

Christmas dinner Sydney 2023

For those who’d prefer to celebrate Christmas in the evening, these restaurants offer set-menu Christmas dinners.

The Gantry | Walsh Bay 2023

This festive season, celebrate with friends & family and enjoy a stunning waterside dining experience at The Gantry. Enjoy a 3 course set menu showcasing festive, local, seasonal ingredients and a glass of champagne on arrival. 

Adults – $299 (please note an additional 15% surcharge will be applied at time of booking)

Visit The Gantry website for more information, or phone (02) 8298 9910.

Restaurants open as normal on Christmas Day

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and not everyone wants a big Christmas meal at a premium price, so we’ve put together a list of a few places you can go on Christmas Day for a normal meal.

Restaurants open on Christmas Day

Whatever your dining desires there are plenty of restaurants open Christmas day across Sydney. We hope our list helps you find the perfect location for your Christmas celebrations.

If you are looking for other places open on Christmas Day in Sydney click here. And we can help you 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.

Planning a Christmas party in Sydney and looking for a venue? We got you covered!

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.

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