Whether you're separated from the usual family crew or simply weary after months of home-cooking and washing up, the restaurant Christmas lunch looks set to be more popular than ever this year. And no matter what sort of festive menu you're craving, Melbourne's dishing up a decadent December 25 feed to suit. Settle into a fine dining feast spiked with Southeast Asian touches, book a contemporary Cantonese spread complete with five-spice Christmas pud, or even enjoy a coastal-inspired Aussie seafood lunch overlooking the water. Food and festivities sorted, zero kitchen mess to deal with.
Melbourne families are gifted with an abundance of Christmas lunch ideas, with countless restaurants open on Christmas Day to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a seafood buffet, a 5-course meal, or all the turkey you can eat, there's an option available to suit every member of the family. If you're thinking of heading out for a Christmas Day lunch instead of cooking and cleaning, consider visiting one of these venues.
Are you located in Melbourne, Victoria, planning a Christmas lunch idea? When you are planning for an occasion like this, you probably want everything just perfect. One of the best ways to make sure that it all turns out the way you dreamed it to select the place or restaurant yourself personally. This way, you can choose the ultimate location, the best entertainment and the most delicious food and craft your ideal Christmas lunch.
Ultimate Christmas Lunch Ideas in Melbourne, Victoria
Lunch At The Top of Brighton Savoy Hotel Melbourne
Visit their website at brightonsavoy.com.au
Call (03) 9592 8233
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.
While our capacity will be limited due to current COVID-19 and government restrictions, we are delighted to be able to host bookings of 2 adults or more. Get your favourite friends and family members, together with bookings and details, opening very soon.
Traditional Christmas Day Lunch – 12.30pm - 4.00pm
Bookings open on July
CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU
ENTREE
Seafood tasting plate prawn cocktail with a whole prawn garnish smoked salmon rosette on a blini with a horseradish cream virgin mary oysters.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Freshly carved roast breast of turkey & smoked ham served with roast potatoes, vegetables and cranberry sauce.
DESSERT
Christmas plum pudding topped with hot brandy custard and a berry garnish
FRUIT MINCE PIES, CHOCOLATE MINTS, TEA & COFFEE
BEVERAGES INCLUDE
- De Bortoli Willowglen Sem. Sauvignon Blanc
- De Bortoli Willowglen Shiraz Cabernet
- De Bortoli Willowglen Sparkling Brut
- Carlton Draught and Cascade Premium Light
- Soft Drinks and Iced water
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
- $TBC Adult Private table
- $TBC Children 12 & Under
- $TBC Children 4 & Under
- $TBC High chair
Bookings available in the following event space:
- Gala Ballroom– The hotel's main ballroom with elegantly decorated tables with crisp white linen, Christmas centrepiece & Bon Bons with ambient background music.
- Seaview Room– Spectacular Bay views, elegantly decorated tables with crisp white linen, Christmas centrepiece & Bon Bons with ambient background music.
- Wellington Room– A quieter space, elegantly decorated tables with crisp white linen, Christmas centrepiece & Bon Bons with easy listening and Christmas music by Freddy Gulino.
- Seaview Terrace- Premium intimate space with 180 Degree views of Port Phillip Bay. Premium Christmas Lunch Dining - Every table has a bay view, bookings of tables from 8-10 Adults only. Be quick before these premium tables disappear. No other table combinations available in the Seaview Terrace.
Christmas Lunch at Bangpop Melbourne
If you're searching for delicious Thai hawker food in Melbourne, BangPop is the place to go. Delighting Melbournians with amazing taste sensations, we offer various succulent Thai dishes, all made with seasonal ingredients sourced locally or straight from Thailand.
Go on a culinary journey to Thailand this Christmas with BangPop in South Wharf. Attend one of the multiple sittings that go for two hours at a time and receive a drink of your choice upon arrival. Taste the likes of crisp pork belly with mustard greens and dried chilli or a rich beef Massaman curry. There also a vegan menu too.
The concept is street food but don't expect prices to match. One soft-shell crab (albeit fresh, not frozen) with a tumble of herbs and a teacup of rice is a great dish but steep at $24.90. If you're on a backpacker budget, pop in for the lunch special, which will net you a plate (maybe a beef Penang curry) and a drink for $15. Unbeatable.
Book a table!
Call 03 9245 9800!
Lunch at the Conservatory in Crown Melbourne
The Conservatory is known for offering a classy buffet experience in its elegant space. Still, it's switching it up for Christmas lunch and offering a set five-course menu with a glass of Piper Heidsieck Champagne per adult and live entertainment on offer. Expect the likes of blood orange and gin cured ocean trout with oscietra caviar, Moreton Bay bugs, wild mushroom tortellini, turkey breast wrapped in serrano ham and a golden chocolate dessert that looks like a bauble filled with popping candies and nougatine honey parfait.
Conservatory is Crown's upmarket buffet restaurant. There's seafood, sushi, Indian, salads and mod Oz faves in at least three sittings per day, so you can choose your adventure for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Book a table.
03 9292 8888
Christmas Lunch at Cafe Lafayette Melbourne
Hiding in the labyrinth of Melbourne's inner laneways, Cafe Lafayette specialises in Japanese-inspired brunch dishes that will entertain your senses and tickle your fancy.
Start with small bites like baked scallops and loaded chips. Move onto panko-crumbed eggplant, house-made okonomiyaki or matcha French toast. Don't miss the must-try unagi hotdog and crispy beef pie. To finish, try pancakes with lemon curd and seasonal fruit and a rainbow latte featuring technicolour art.
Try their cafe menu.
Call 03 9670 1888
Lunch at St Ali Melbourne
Located in South Melbourne, St Ali is open from 7 am to 3 pm on Christmas Day, making it the perfect breakfast, lunch, and dinner option for Melbourne families. The menu includes plenty of flavours, with a little something for everyone to enjoy. Head over to the St Ali website for potential updates or announcements for their Christmas Day trading hours.
Check their availability
Call (03) 9132 8966
Lunch at Prahran Hotel Melbourne
You get classic pub eats in whimsical surrounds at the redux Prahran Hotel.
Taking old pubs, filling them with tat and turning them into playgrounds for adults is the Sand Hill Road group's shtick. First, it was the Richmond Club, then the Bridge in Richmond. Last year, they set Techne Architects upon the old 1940s Prahran Hotel on High Street. A rear extension now sees 17 giant concrete pipes stacked on top of each other like industrial-scale Connect Four. Those pipes extend inside, creating cubby-like booths meaning you and some pals can re-enact drinking in drainpipes without the fear of flash flooding. From here, you have a bird's eye view of the Saturday night crowd pumping their fists to house tracks down below. You can also watch folks attempting to pick up in the tall, twinkling smoker's terrarium. Out front, the hotel's 1940s art deco visage remains intact. The Sand Hill Crew know some things are sacred, as the menu of burgers, parmas, and chips attests. You can score a $15 T-bone on Tuesdays, while the dewy Carlton Draught lever will forever stand between the Little Creatures and Mountain Goat taps. It might be slicker than it used to be, and some locals lament that, but in a city where pubs either spruce up or die, the Prahran Hotel has successfully taken the plunge into the 2010s.
Prahran Hotel is set to treat you to a three-course shared lunch menu and a four-hour beverage package, so you're bound to have a very jolly Christmas. The specially curated lunch commences at noon, and tickets can be booked online.
The Prahran Hotel menu reflects the style of the pub itself; all of your favourite, classic pub fare with a fun, new-age twist. Our talented head chef Mauricio serves up a delectable variety of options, from unbeatable parmas to fresh, seasonal salads. Whether you're after a snack with drinks or in need of a hearty meal with friends, we have the menu to hit the spot.
Book here.
Call 03 9529 2168
Hot Pot Lunch at JiYu Thai Hot Pot
JiYu brings together Thai soup dishes and the modern Chinese hot pot concept.
Jiyu is s famous for its distinctive secret soup, fresh seafood and divine dessert.
The menu includes tom yum and Tom Kha Gai (coconut soup), but their focus is on seafood. You can enjoy a variety of seafood experiences, with hot pot, curry and grilled choices. There are vegetarian choices, too.
Originating in Phuket, Thailand, JiYu translates to 'get all the fish together.
Enjoy their hotpot here.
Call 03 9639 3669
Try Lunch Celebration At Ryne Melbourne
Ryne is a modern french dining experience curated by Donovan Cooke and his team. Situated in Fitzroy north, we offer inspired cuisine executed with classical French cooking techniques.
This Christmas lunch, they will be offering 6 six-course tasting menu with either a glass of NV Bollinger Special Cuvee, Spritz or Mocktail on arrival for $260 per person. For children under 12, $80 per person, including a 3-course menu and a non-alcoholic drink.
Book your reservation
Call (03) 9482 3002
Try Ludlow Bar Melbourne
Also located in Southbank is Ludlow Bar. Check out the views of the Yarra and sit down to a three-course menu featuring classic Christmas staples like turkey ballotine served with creamed silverbeet, potato fondant and green peppercorn jus, or a seasonal berry pavlova with honeycomb and chantilly cream. There's even a separate children's menu for the little ones.
The Ludlow Lunch is Back! $25 and choose from Beef, Chicken or Veggie Burger, Fish & Chips, Pasta of the Day or Chef's Salad of the Day with a pint of local beer, cider or glass of wine.
Try Ludlow Bar Lunch
Call 03 9699 1676
Lunch At No. 35 Melbourne
The No 35 Restaurant of the Sofitel Melbourne has offered an impressive dining experience throughout Christmas Day in the past. Kicking off the festivities is a breakfast buffet from 6:30 am for $45 per person. Otherwise, the Christmas Day lunch runs from 12:30 pm to 3 pm, serving a buffet with seafood, meats, and dessert, plus a visit from Santa.
Contact them now!
Call 03 9653 7744
Lunch at Sea Life Melbourne
Sea Life Melbourne's Christmas Day lunch includes a delicious feast alongside all-day entry into the aquarium. Families can look forward to a menu comprised of smoked salmon, duck breast, roast turkey, roast potatoes, mixed vegetables, pavlova, and heaps more, plus a menu specifically for kids under 12 years age. Head to the aquarium's website for potential announcements and updates regarding a Christmas lunch.
Dine Under the Sea
Melbourne's only underwater dining experience is back! The Private Dining packages include a self-guided tour of the aquarium, a three-course dinner, and a two-hour beverage package open to guests of all ages.
Book now!
Call 1800 026 576
One of a Kind Experience Lunch at Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is a popular dining option leading up to Christmas lunch, offering families a 3-course lunch to enjoy. You can enjoy lunch from the 7th to December 24 with prices starting at $25.
Enjoy a cup of coffee and something sweet from our patisserie kitchen in the morning or have lunch freshly cooked from a range of cuisines, including vegan and vegetarian options at the Lakeside Café. Or try our gourmet burger, franks and loaded fries at the Giraffe Lookout Café while watching giraffes on the observation deck or head over to Elephant Kiosk for rotisserie chicken and chips.
Experience This Unique Lunch At The Zoo.
Call 1300 966 784
Try Lunch Dining at Sheraton Hotel Motel
The Sheraton Melbourne is hosting a vast Christmas Day feast for families, available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Kicking off from 5:30 pm and 8 pm, the menu included seafood, dessert, and plenty more. Prices for the event started from $230 per adult and $1oo for kids.
Book your table.
Call (03) 9290 1000
Hot Pot Lunch at Panda Hot Pot Melbourne
Step into Ancient China and an unforgettable hot pot experience complete with free nightly shows. Panda Hot Pot is Melbourne's BIGGEST premier premium hot pot experience, like none other!
Panda Hot Pot is Melbourne's largest premium Sichuan hot pot restaurant. To enjoy a delicious meal, just add the finest ingredients to any of the dozen broths they have developed.
Check their website here.
Call 03 9888 9899
Afternoons at O'Connell's Melbourne
Make this year's Christmas unforgettable with their three-course lunch, with individual mains and sharing style entrees, sides and desserts for $155pp. Kids 12yrs and under are welcome to enjoy a special half portioned main while sharing the entrees, sides and desserts with the adults for $55pp.
O'Connell's South Melbourne has been home to some of the city's most well-known chefs including Greg Malouf, Cath Kalka and Adrian Richardson. Our seasonal restaurant menu offers innovative cuisine while remaining faithful to our pub roots.
Book your afternoons at O'Connell's Melbourne.
Call (03) 9810 0086
Things To Do With Your Family At Christmas
Take a Mini Melb Virtual Reality Tour
This year, Christmas goes virtual! Experience the magic of VR as you wear a headset and navigate through Melbourne's biggest Christmas events and activities at the Melbourne Town Hall Visitor Hub.
Visit the Myer Christmas Windows
Now in its 64th year, the Myer Christmas Window is one of Melbourne's most eagerly anticipated Christmas traditions. This year's beautiful display celebrates The Gum Nut Babies from beloved Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs. Join the queue to make your way past each window and see some of Australia's favourite bush fairies, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
Visit Santa's House
Visit Santa's House in Christmas Square to catch a glimpse of Santa and his merry helpers. Here, little ones can take part in free daily activities and have the chance to whisper their Christmas wishes to the man himself.
Treat yourself to Christmas Melodies.
Join Michael Cormick, Johanna Allen, the National Boys Choir, and the Salvation Army's Melbourne Staff Band at the ever-popular Christmas Melodies at the Arts Centre. With a big band, choir and special guest vocalists, this is Christmas entertainment the whole family will love.
Santa's Mailbox and Giving Box
Help the kids write their Christmas wish list, and drop the letter into Santa's Mailbox at the Australia Post GPO on Elizabeth Street or the letterbox outside The District Docklands. Every letter will get a personalised reply, as long as you remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Better yet, share the giving spirit with someone who might otherwise miss out – you can drop your gift donations at the Giving Box at Australia Post GPO.
Gingerbread Village at St Collins Lane
A delicious and fun-filled activity for the whole family. Follow the heavenly scent to discover Melbourne's iconic cityscape, recreated in gingerbread by Epicure's team. See if you can catch the gingerbread bakers getting up to mischief and spot your favourite landmarks. The Gingerbread Village offers plenty of treats and activities for the kids and delicious baked goods that make fantastic gifts. And even better, it's open from 9 am until 8.15pm daily.