The year that was supposed to be our re-emerging into society, post-pandemic, that ended up being, well, not quite that at all, is finally coming to end. So, chances are, you’re oh-so-ready for the fresh start that’ll come with the ringing in of 2022. But until that day comes, let’s make the most of the rest of the year by planning a truly stand-out long Christmas lunch.
And if you live in Sydney (or are visiting Sydney for the holidays), you’re in luck. We’ve made choosing a venue that much simpler by narrowing down our favourites. From a laidback restaurant in Bondi where you can feast on oysters with a side of sea air, to a stylish new Italian seafood spot on Woolloomooloo Wharf, these are the best spots we’ve found in Sydney for a long Christmas lunch.
Il Pontile, Woolloomooloo
New kid on the stylish block that is Woolloomooloo Wharf, Italian restaurant Il Pontile (once the site of The Almalfi Way) will be offering a mouth-watering $250 Christmas set menu of entrees, mains, sides and desserts. Think pasta baked with mixed seafood, veal filled with smoked mozzarella and wrapped in proscuitto and a plate of mixed grilled seafood.
The Blue Door, Surry Hills
While The Blue Door isn’t actually open on Christmas Day, its lunch on Christmas Eve is special enough to warrant a mention on this list. For $200 a person, guests can help themselves to a buffet of all your favourite Christmas dishes, as well as enjoy four hours of beer, wine or soft drink. If you’re not familiar with The Blue Door, it was founded by Chef Dylan Cashman who wanted to encourage meaningful conversations about and showcase local produce, as well as shine a spotlight on interesting wines.
Rocker, North Bondi
Oysters on arrival, Iggy’s famous sourdough, whole roasted cauliflower with miso cream and a 1kg dry-aged T-bone steak with house mustard and pan juices feature on the set $75 Christmas menu at Rocker, located steps from the North Bondi bus terminal and close enough to the beach that you can smell the sea air. Add on a two-hour bottomless package for $45 or $85.
Above Par, CBD
For a Middle Eastern Christmas Day feast, head to Above Par where you can tuck into the likes of babaganoush, fattoush, lamb kofta and pan-fried haloumi as part of an affordable $79 Christmas set menu. Pair the menu with your choice of over 150 bottled wines or a Middle Eastern-inspired cocktail and sit back in a leafy oasis setting enjoying it all.
The Winery, Surry Hills
You’ll want to book well in advance for The Winery’s Christmas lunch. Comprising three courses of choices including honey-glazed off-the-bone ham, watermelon and watercress salad and roast chicken ballotine, the menu costs $110 a pop with add-on drinks packages $49 or $89. Kids aged 5-12 are $50 and kids aged four and younger are free.
Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, The Rocks
A four-course set menu, four-hour bottomless beverage package and views of the Opera House are what’s on offer at Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant’s Christmas Day lunch. Dig into chilled tiger prawns, slow-roasted turkey breast, butter-roasted potatoes and traditional Christmas pudding as you watch Christmas carolers and soak in the (hopefully) sunny weather in your al fresco seat. The lunch will set you back $195 per person, $130 for teenagers without alcohol and $70 for kids.
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