If you’ve been pondering where to book Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne you’re certainly not the only one – every year, the locals are in a frenzy to snag a spot at a Christmas lunch before they sell out, especially at those top-end rooftop bars, yum cha spots, and fancy restaurants. In Melbourne, a festive buffet or long lunch is almost a competition, complete with Christmas cocktails, soft drinks for the kids, and that age-old debate over who gets the last Yorkshire pudding.
This guide keeps things simple: real venues, good food, and places that won’t have you fighting to get to the restroom at a crowded park.
Picking A Lunch Style That Suits Everyone
Before you lock in your Xmas menu, think about the vibe you’re after. Melbourne’s not a ‘one-meal-fits-all’ town – it’s more like a choose-your-own-adventure of modern Australian grub, Asian flavours, rooftop vibes, and good old traditional German feast places like Hofbrauhaus.
You might be after a seasonal menu built around what’s in season, a buffet feast with a massive seafood selection, or a signature Christmas banquet with a top-shelf drinks package. Or maybe you’re just there for the Coffin Bay oysters, the Queensland tiger prawns, the sparkling wines, or that famous slow-roasted beef ribeye everyone always raves about at the office party.
Get a handle on the mood first – that makes booking a whole lot easier.
Where You Can Still Book A Table
Melbourne’s Christmas dining scene always seems to book out faster than a NYE party at a rooftop bar. With many places offering a 5-course menu, seafood upgrades, or a premium drinks package, it’s worth booking early and checking what’s included – like arrival drinks, and Christmas crackers.
Below, we’ve got an updated rundown of who’s offering Christmas Lunch, from top Cantonese banquet places to riverside long-lunch spots.
Christmas Day Lunch Options At A Glance
| Venue | Suburb | Style | Expected Price (Per Adult) | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Brighton Savoy | Brighton | Beachfront Christmas Buffet | $140–$210 | Big families, seaside vibes |
| The Royce | St Kilda Rd | Luxe Hotel Dining | $180–$240 | Couples, special-occasion dining |
| Bistro X | Melbourne CBD | Modern Australian | $150–$190 | Foodies |
| Hofbrauhaus | CBD | German Feast | $120–$160 | Families, groups |
| Warabi (Omakase) | CBD | Japanese Fine Dining | $280–$350 | High-end meals |
| Golden Dragon Palace | Templestowe | Cantonese Banquet | $110–$180 | Yum cha lovers |
| Yarra Botanica | Southbank | Floating Bar & Shared Plates | $85–$150 | Casual groups |
| From Here By Mike | CBD | Produce-Driven Long Lunch | $120–$180 | Seasonal diners |
Beachfront Buffets That Actually Feel Like Summer
Christmas in Melbourne basically screams one thing: standing there sweating through your Christmas hat as the sea breeze tries to make you feel just a little bit better about yourself. Beachside dining – it’s the perfect choice if you want the salty air slapped in your face, a fight for a park that’s easier if you get there before the crowds, and a super-quick stroll along the beach after lunch.
The Brighton Savoy — Classic Christmas Lunch By The Bay
It’s no secret that Christmas Lunch in Melbourne at THE Brighton Savoy is always going to be a real challenge to get a booking for – every year, families come back for more of the relaxed beachfront vibe and the classic Christmas spread.
Every year, year after year, the Brighton Savoy attracts families after that perfect Christmas Lunch with enough grub to go around – everything from Roast Turkey Breast to Pavlova and some of the best artisan cheeses around. It’s the sort of Christmas Lunch where the air con‘s just humming in the background like a present being wrapped up at the North Pole, and the staff somehow keep the crowd under control without breaking a sweat – just like someone slipping a glass of bubbly past you. And with the beach just a hop, skip, and a jump away, it’s the easiest spot to cool off after a long lunch or grab some cheesy family photos while everyone’s still in a good mood.
Some Nearby Alternatives
- Book early – St Kilda Foreshore Restaurants
- Sandringham Yacht Club
- Encore St Kilda (it’s worth a punt if you can get in)
Hotel Restaurants Offering Festive Feasts Without The Fuss
Hotel kitchens might be like tightly-run ships – minus the billy tea being burnt, Melbourne’s hotel dining rooms shine on Christmas Day. By that time, the weather outside has turned hot enough to make you want to crack under the pressure.
The Royce — Elegant Dining On St Kilda Road
The Royce has been given a fresh polish since its revamp, while still retaining its distinctive charm of yesteryear. This place makes Christmas lunch a luxuriously slow and savoured event – and they really know their stuff when it comes to modern European cuisine with local ingredients.
Langlands Restaurant & Bar At Savoy On Little Collins
Langlands usually offers a festive set menu with stunning city views, top-notch service, and a drinks list that is guaranteed to keep the adults smiling while the kids fight over who gets to have dessert first. It’s central, classy, and the perfect place to dine on Christmas if you’re based in the CBD.
Where To Book Yum Cha And Cantonese Banquets
Let’s face it, many of us prefer a Christmas banquet to a roast any day of the week – it’s quicker, tastier, and you’ll more than likely avoid a food coma by midday.
Golden Dragon Palace — A Templestowe Institution
You know the drill – many people go out of their way to get a taste of Golden Dragon Palace’s yum cha on Christmas Day. The prawn dumplings turn up steaming hot, the roast duck tastes like it took a personal holiday just for you, and the lazy susan gets a workout like it’s in a Boxing Day Test crowd.
Shunde Cuisine
If your family prefers seafood or lighter dishes, then this could be the perfect Christmas option for you – the food is deep in flavour, silky smooth in texture, and feels right for a big celebration like Christmas.
Antara 128
A refreshing take on the traditional – Antara 128 serves up refined banquets with a modern edge, without losing that heart of Cantonese cooking that makes it so special.
Rooftop Bars And Outdoor Dining
If it’s going to be a hot day (which, let’s be honest, Melbourne in late December can be pretty unforgiving), then a breezy rooftop or an outdoor deck is the way to go.
Yarra Botanica — Floating Fun On The Yarra
Imagine dining on a floating pontoon with a two-storey floating bar, cold drinks and summery shared plates – it’s like having Christmas lunch on a lake, without getting seasick. It’s the perfect spot for groups who want atmosphere without the hassle.
Melbourne’s Rooftop Favourites
- Hochi Mama Rooftop bar
- Fable Melbourne
- QT Rooftop
Just a few things to remember:
- Bring some sun cream
- Drink plenty of water, as your life depends on it
- Wear shoes that can handle a bit of a walk
European-Style Feasts For Families
You know what really gets the Christmas spirit going for some families? A big old feast with plates piled high and a dining room that’s been around the block a few times. You know, the kind of place that’s been hosting Christmas celebrations for years and years.
Hofbrauhaus — The CBD’s German Christmas Banquet
Now there’s something guaranteed to put a smile on your face: a German Christmas feast on Christmas Day—Roast pork, sauerkraut, schnitzels and all the steins you can handle. You’ll be rolling out of here like a happy little snowman.
High-End Meals For The “Go Big Or Go Home” Crowd
We get it – some of you want Christmas lunch to be a real showstopper. No problem, we’re not here to judge.
Warabi — Premium Omakase In The CBD
If you’re the kind of person who likes their Christmas lunch to be an authentic culinary experience, then Warabi’s your place. It’s premium Japanese dining at its best, with dishes that’ll make you stop mid-sentence and say… ‘wow’. Bookings are scarce, and it’s not cheap, but trust us, it’s worth it.
From Here By Mike
Seasonal food focused on using the best produce and cooking it with a light hand. Expect a long lunch focused on the food, not the fuss.
Booking Tips That’ll Save Your Sanity
Now we know the glossy brochures don’t tell you this, but every Melburnian knows the secret to surviving Christmas lunch booking season:
- Book by October, or you’ll be fighting it out with the rest of Melbourne to get a table
- Check your drink options – it’s a long day, and you’ll want to keep hydrated
- Don’t be afraid to ask about kids – we all know they need a soft drink or two
- Confirm the menu – you don’t want any nasty surprises
- And for goodness sake, ask about the aircon – it’s a long day
- Check the city transport – you don’t want to be stuck without a lift home.
FAQ
Do Melbourne Restaurants Open on Christmas Day?
The good news is that, although it’s not every little café, most major hotels, yum cha places, and large restaurants will be open.
How Early Should I Book Christmas Lunch?
If you want to avoid the stress and panic of finding a table in December, book in October or November.
Are Christmas Day Menus More Expensive?
The bad news is yes, but only by a bit – 15-30% more expensive to be exact. It’s just a bit of a bummer, public holiday wages and all that.
Is Public Transport Running On Christmas Day?
The good news is that the buses are still running, although not as frequently as usual.
Do Venues Offer Vegetable or Gluten-Free Options?
Most of them will have options suitable for those dietary requirements, but yum cha places are a bit more hit-and-miss, so it’s always best to check in advance.
