December 25…you’re sweatily rushing around the kitchen, tripping over the kids’ toys and struggling with trays while your family pick from half-finished plates to provide “feedback” on your dry, overcooked turkey. If you’ve ever found yourself up to your elbows in stuffing wondering why you indulge in the self-inflicted torture of cooking Christmas lunch, it’s time to start a new festive tradition. Celebrate with your loved ones at a beautiful restaurant – it means no menu planning, no grocery shopping and the best bit – no washing up!
Here are our top 10 picks for Christmas Day dining…
1. Glass brasserie at Hilton Sydney, Sydney CBD
Christmas is a time to indulge, so go all out and book a table at Hilton Sydney’s glass brasserie. Celebrity chef Luke Mangan has created a special Christmas-inspired three course menu. We’re pretty sure your family will be satisfied enough here to keep their cooking tips to themselves.
2. 360 Bar and Dining, Sydney CBD
Christmas Day lunch with revolving views of our glorious city sound good? Watch Sydney sparkle while you toast to great food and great company. Adult: $140 / Child: $50. Reservations are for 11.30am or 1.30pm.
A Christmas Eve lunch starts at $129 for adults with dinner at $169, while a Christmas Day indulgence will set you back $289 per adult for lunch (including a three-hour beverage package of sparkling, white, and red wine, beer, soft drinks, and juice) or $229 per adult for dinner. This Christmas Day enjoy a sumptuous spread at Sailmaker Restaurant, with Darling Harbour views, a live carvery, cooking stations, salads, desserts and a special visit from Santa. There is no better place to be than Hyatt Regency Sydney. Pricing includes Sailmaker Christmas Table with two hour beer and wine package.
360 Bar and Dining
3. Biota Dining, Bowral
Take a well-deserved mini break in the beautiful Southern Highlands to enjoy a special Christmas Day lunch at critically acclaimed Biota Dining for $165 per person. Cost includes a glass of champagne on arrival. Children aged under 13 only $65. For reservations, please call +61 2 4862 2005.
4. Altitude at Shangri-La Sydney, The Rocks
Take your Christmas celebrations to new heights, 36 levels above the harbour at Altitude Restaurant. Christmas Eve Dinner includes four courses and a glass of Champagne: $150 per adult and $75 per child. Christmas Day Lunch includes five courses and matching wines: $295 per adult and $150 per child. Christmas Day Dinner includes four courses and a glass of Champagne: $195 per adult and $130 per child. For bookings please email mansi.kant@shangri-la.com or call (02) 9250 6427
5. Botanic Gardens Restaurant,Sydney CBD
Enjoy a festive three course lunch at Botanic, featuring a range of traditional and seafood options. Adult guests will be welcomed with a glass of celebratory bubbles. Adults: $150 and children: $50. Lunch will be served at midday, with a second sitting at 2.30pm. Bookings are essential.
6. Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar, Sydney CBD
Christmas for under $30!? You read it right! Bistro Fax is bringing the festive cheer with freshly baked bread to start, followed by a healthy summer salad and a mouth-watering main course served with crispy beer battered chips. Best of all, it comes with a complimentary glass of wine and free WIFI internet access. Available leading in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
7. Centennial Parklands Dining
Enjoy a BBQ in the surrounds of the beautiful Parklands, when Centennial serves up a banquet lunch for the whole family. With traditional and seafood BBQ cuisine on the grill, this relaxed atmosphere offers the quintessential Aussie Christmas experience. Adult: $130 / 5-11 years: $60 / 2-4 years: $30. Lunch is served from midday until 4pm.
Centennial Parklands Dining
8. Ho.Mei, Surry Hills
For an Asian-inspired Christmas Day, head to ho.mei. This new restaurant is offering a special Christmas banquet for either lunch or dinner, starting at $35 pp for six courses, plus dessert. Please call Romi on +61 2 8021 4806 or email info@homei.com.au for more details.
9. Ormeggio at The Spit, Mosman
In Australia, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the water in sight, and with absolute waterfront tables at Ormeggio, plus an incredible four course menu on offer, this is a day that absolutely MUST be booked in advance! Enjoy Italian hospitality with a unique and memorable menu and location. Buon Natale!
10. The Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral
If your idea of a perfect Christmas involves sun, sand and sea, Bathers should be in your sights. Enjoy brunch for $125 per adult, 9am start – 10.30am finish. The Restaurant, Cafe and Room are open for Christmas lunch: *RESTAURANT – 4 courses, $275 per adult. 12 noon to 2.30pm. *CAFE – 3 courses, $195 per adult. 11.30am to 2pm OR 2.30pm to 5pm. *Buffet lunch in the ROOM. $210 including drinks, 12 noon to 3pm