Melbourne is ready to spark this holiday season – and while diners are getting excited about upcoming grand reunions, family get-togethers, work parties and all-night-long celebrations with friends – the city’s stellar dining scene has prepped grand feasts for Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner. This holiday season, you’ll find some of the city’s most beautiful restaurants serving seasonal dishes with festive flair: from the CBD to the Dandenong Ranges, get ready to pour gravy and pull crackers at the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne.
Pubs compete over the best Christmas roast with fluffy puddings and all the trimmings. Raw bars overflow with fresh seafood and fine sea produce, while sleek Asian joints are ready to host transportative Thai and Vietnamese banquets. For something extra special, there’s a festive-themed afternoon tea complete with fine blends and gingerbread houses.
The most magical day of the year books out fast – secure your seats on OpenTable today.
Read on for the 11 best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne
For an elegant Christmas lunch at one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne – book at Luci in Melbourne CBD
The grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers is home to Luci, a contemporary Australian restaurant with Italian flair. The stylish, Art Deco dining room with plenty of natural light is a natural setting for an indulgent festive celebration. The rest of the year, Luci offers a five-course chef’s tasting menu and a three-course set menu, both perfect for groups. Alternatively, the pasta and vino lunch is a great option for a casual meal. On December 25th, Luci will serve up a five-course Christmas lunch inspired by Italian flavours. Start with an antipasto sharing platter and finish by choosing from the dessert buffet. There’s also a kids’ menu, so it’s perfect for the whole family.
For a dazzling Christmas Day buffet – visit The Alexander Bar in Melbourne CBD
Head to the ground floor of The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne and visit The Alexander Bar, a sleek, modern bar with a rich history. A popular haunt for celebrities during the jazz era, grab a seat in the relaxed, contemporary Art Deco lounge and celebrate the festive season. Book the Christmas Day lunch and indulge in a big buffet featuring a carvery and fritto misto station, a raw bar, a chef’s corner and a sweet counter. Alternatively, book the curated Christmas Day dinner menu and choose between traditional roast meats, oven-baked barramundi and pumpkin ravioli. Finish with a mini pavlova, a classic Christmas pudding or assorted mince pies. The Alexander Bar will also host a lively New Year’s Eve three-course dinner with a glass of complimentary sparkling wine on arrival.
For a festive party to remember – book at Mr. Tompkins in Melbourne CBD
Mr. Tompkins serves classic European dishes with a native Australian twist in a charming mood-lit space set within the Rendevous Hotel. Expect picture-perfect dishes with a fine dining twist such as the Murray cod cooked in paperbark and the chargrilled lamb sausage with house-made sauerkraut. On Christmas Day, Mr. Tompkins is putting on a show with a grand lunch in the King Edward Ballroom at Rendezvous Hotel. Dine in the shadow of the Grand Vestibule and watch the chefs create seasonal classics at the live cooking stations. Plus, you’ll get a 2.5-hour beverage package of wine, sparkling and beers to pair with your meal. After Christmas, ring in the New Year with the NYE dinner at Mr. Tompkins. Expect a two-course dinner paired with Campari cocktails for a real la dolce vita feel.
For one of the best family-friendly Christmas lunches in Melbourne – book at One Queen Restaurant in Melbourne CBD
All day, all year long, One Queen Restaurant is one of the CBD’s best coffee gems. With a neighbourhood feel in the heart of the city, it’s a great spot for the whole family. This Christmas, it’s hosting a Christmas celebration lunch/dinner featuring a mix of Christmas classics and more inventive twists. The festivities continue with a New Year’s Eve dinner served from 5 pm on the 31st. Enjoy a three-course meal and ring in the New Year in style. Rich, warm tones and bright, natural light help make One Queen Restaurant feel elegantly casual. Its usual daily menu features crowd-pleasers like a juicy grilled beef burger with shoestringfries and elevated classics like the charcoal mushroom arancini.
For a transportive Christmas Day feast – book a table at Salted Egg in Melbourne CBD
Try a Thai Christmas feast at Salted Egg, one of Melbourne’s best Thai restaurants. Set in a unique, modern dining room with unique lighting, curtained walls and an open kitchen, it’s always a fun spot to spend the holiday season. The Christmas Day lunch feast will serve Salted Egg’s set sharing menu, featuring some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Think juicy twice-cooked pork belly with plum tamarind sauce and Hung Lae curry of roast duck. Oh, and a complimentary Christmas cocktail when you arrive. For the NYE 2024 feast, executive chef Adam Woodfield has curated a multi-course menu just for the occasion. Whether it’s the holidays or not, you can book one of Salted Egg’s tasting menus, including the pre-party set menu with some light bites, stir fry and curry available from 5 pm to 5:30 pm every Saturday.
For one of the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne for a one-of-its-kind lunch – book Hoiana in Melbourne CBD
Inspired by the cuisine and culture of Hoi An, Hoiana brings a fresh, fusion twist to classic Vietnamese cooking. Situated in the heart of the CBD, with live music from Thursday to Sunday, this is a perfect party spot for any occasion. The fusion menu offers a variety of fresh, fun flavours. Think steamed rice cakes with pork and prawn mince and grilled turmeric barramundi wrapped in banana leaves. Classics like grilled scallops with caramelised nuoc cham or spring rolls filled with pork, prawns and mushrooms are the perfect way to kick things off. Visit from 4 pm to 7 pm for happy hour. Expect an indulgent five-course feast featuring some of their best dishes plus a complimentary cocktail. Currently taking bookings for December 25th, grab your spot on OpenTable now before they run out.
For a luxury Christmas Eve dinner – book at Ms Ava in Melbourne CBD
Named for and inspired by the iconic Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, Ms Ava oozes charm and luxury. Drink and dine by stained glass windows and leafy plants. Every Christmas, Ms Ava outfits the elegant dining room with grand Christmas decorations, making it the perfect spot for a special Christmas Eve dinner. Start with a cocktail like the Ms Ava, a spin on a martini, Ava Gardner’s favourite drink. Share plates of mushroom arancini with saffron aioli or try the tender wagyu beef skirt steak with shoestring fries. For a festive celebration with a touch of elegance, Ms Ava is one of the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne.
For a festive high tea at one of the best hotel restaurants in Melbourne – check out Lobby Lounge – The Westin Melbourne in Melbourne CBD
Spend Christmas in the polished grandeur of Lobby Lounge – The Westin Melbourne. Known for its expertly mixed cocktails and light bites, it’s the high tea that shines during the festive season. Throughout the year, Lobby Lounge serves a seasonal high tea with bottomless coffee and herbal tea. Over Christmas and New Year’s, you can book the FestiviTea and enjoy delicate pastries and gingerbread houses by the stunning spiral staircase and grand Christmas tree. Make it extra festive by adding on bottomless Chandon Brut or rosé. The a la carte menu includes bar snacks like chargrilled flatbread with dips and the vegan heirloom tomato and orange salad with coconut bacon. For something heartier, try the prawn and lobster ravioli made with sustainably sourced prawns or a peri peri pumpkin bowl packed with plant-based protein.
For one of the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne serving stellar roasts – visit Cognoscenti Food & Wine in Belgrave
Head out to the Dandenong Ranges and visit Cognoscenti Food & Wine. This neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant is all about personal service, seasonal produce and great wine. From the Sunday roast to the set chef’s menu, the kitchen makes the most of the smokey flavours from the wood-fired oven. This Christmas Eve, Cognoscenti is hosting a relaxed three-course dinner. Try fluffy house-made focaccia and roast turkey breast stuffed with pancetta. With a tart cranberry sauce and roasted root vegetables on the side, you’ve got everything you need for a classic Christmas meal. Finish off with a Christmas pudding served with a warm brandy anglaise. Visit on New Year’s for a hearty meal starting with corn financiers and ending with a layered dark chocolate mousse – plus a tender Black Angus eye fillet as the main course.
For a fantastic Christmas buffet with views over Werribee – book at Rosana Bistro & Bar – Holiday Inn
High up on the 8th floor of the Hunter Building, Rosana Bistro & Bar – Holiday Inn Werribee offers panoramic views out over Werribee. Floor-to-ceiling windows let plenty of natural light into the spacious dining room filled with elegant furnishings and leafy plants. On Christmas Day, Rosana serves up a bountiful Christmas buffet. There are two seatings, one from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and the other from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Expect an indulgent buffet featuring seafood and meat from the grill and a carvery station with honey-glazed ham and roast turkey. Finish off with a selection of classic Christmas desserts including mini pavlova wreaths and fruit mince pies.
For one of the best restaurants with private dining in Melbourne – check out North&COMMON in Coburg
North&COMMON is in the former Pentridge Prison, and its unique setting makes it a popular spot for private hire. Groups of up to 30 can book The Yard with alfresco seating and an operable roof. The earth-toned dining room with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and the neighbouring Olivine Wine Bar features restored prison cells. On Christmas, the kitchen will be serving a festive Christmas Day lunch featuring a classic roast with all the trimmings (and, of course, a Christmas pudding for dessert). With Sydney rock oysters and a festive cocktail to kick things off, North&COMMON is one of the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne.
From classic roasts to fusion feasts, the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne have something for everyone. Dine in relaxed lounges in the CBD or on the outer stretches of the city near forests and countryside. Wherever you go, expect a warm, holiday welcome, special decorations and Christmas exclusives. Whether you book a curated set menu or keep your options open with an indulgent buffet, Christmas Day 2024 is sure to be a special one at the best restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne.
The vest restaurants for Christmas lunch in Melbourne sell out quickly – book yours on OpenTable today.
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