Christmas lunch doesn’t end when your family and friends finally leave your place. For hours or even days after, you’ll find yourself washing dishes, cleaning ham glaze off of your oven door or making your way through leftovers for almost a week after (okay, so that part isn’t so bad).
If the very thought of hosting Christmas lunch makes you feel overwhelmed, then the solution lies in leaving the hard work to someone else and enjoying a festive feast at one of Sydney’s best restaurants.
Here are 15 restaurants to enjoy a delicious Christmas lunch in Sydney in 2019.
1. Quay
Peter Gilmore’s Quay restaurant on Sydney’s stunning harbour is offering up a high-end event this Christmas. Enjoy a glass of Champagne and canapes on arrival, followed by a five-course special Christmas menu by the executive chef. No doubt a feast for the eyes and the stomach, but an event such as this does not come cheap — the Christmas menu at Quay will set each adult back $450.
2. Manta
One of the original Woolloomooloo gems on the water, Manta’s Christmas lunch serves up a sustainably-sourced seafood feast from executive chef, Daniel Hughes, with all the usual Christmas table suspects including oysters, cold prawns and mango spiced leg ham. Prices start from $285 and include a welcome glass of Veuve Clicquot.
3. Terrace on the Domain
After a recent refurbishment, the Terrace on the Domain is back in full swing with a Christmas Day menu to make mouths water. Serving up Italian flavours using local ingredients, the four-course feast is designed to be shared and includes seafood, pasta, roast pork, three desserts and a glass of champagne. There are two sittings available and prices start from $150 for adults and $55 for kids.
4. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
If you like your prawns accompanied by the salty scent of the ocean they came from, then a Christmas Day lunch at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel may be for you. The waterfront locale has two lunch options on offer: An outdoor seafood buffet at the Beach Club ($149 for adults and $99 for kids aged 6-15), and a more formal three-course menu with three-hour drinks package in the Sunset Room with bubbles on arrival ($299 for adults and $125 for kids aged 10-17). Additional drinks packages can be purchased with the outdoor Beach Club buffet.
5. 360 Bar and Dining
Enjoy a 360-degree view of Sydney over a three-course seasonal Christmas menu in the rotating 360 Bar and Dining restaurant. Sip a flute of champagne to the accompaniment of live music over one of two lunchtime sittings. Prices start from $185 and climb to $200 for a guaranteed window seat.
6. Park Hyatt
The prestigious Park Hyatt on Sydney Harbour brings you a Christmas lunch with an unbeatable view. The Dining Room serves up a four-course set menu with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival or a drinks package with sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks. Lunch with a view starts from $340.
7. Botanic House
Nestled in the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, the menu at Botanic House, curated by Ambassador Chef Luke Nguyen features a modern Asian palette with native Australian ingredients. The three-course Christmas lunch on offer here is designed to be shared and includes duck, prawns, scallops and crabs with sumptuous South Asian flavours. A vegetarian menu will also be available on the day. Prices start at $155.
8. Centennial Homestead
The barn-style eatery in Centennial Park puts on a grazing feast every Christmas. Start with canapés, followed by a selection of grazing stations that include seafood, BBQ, paella, and charcuterie, and top off a lovely arvo with a dessert station. Those with little ones will also be thrilled with the visit from Santa. Christmas Lunch at Centennial Hometsead starts from $159 for adults and $55 for kids up to 12.
9. Otto
For the very first time, Otto will welcome guests for a Christmas Day lunch on the water. Champagne and canapes will meet guests upon arrival, followed by a signature four-course menu with seafood supplements that include oysters, caviar and lobster. Prices range from $350 for adults and $120 for children.
10. Intercontinental Double Bay
The swish Eastern Suburbs hotel will host a Christmas lunch buffet with festive fresh seafood, charcuterie grazing boards, sushi, glazed carvery meats, and a massive dessert table. With a visit from Santa and a menu for even the fussiest eaters, the feast is suitable for families. Prices start from $90 for children aged 5-11 to $330 for adults with a deluxe beverage package.
11. Fratelli Fresh
Sit back and let the fine cooks at Fratelli Fresh take care of Christmas entirely. Selected restaurants will showcase a three-course menu starting with a shared antipasti platter of prosciutto, salumi, bruschetta, olives, cheeses and prawns. Mains include a roasted lamb shoulder or eggplant parmigiana, while dessert is simple with fried dough balls or stuffoli. At $75 for adults and $25 for kids, this is no doubt one of the cheapest ways to do Chrimbo lunch.
12. Anason
Situated on the still waters of Barangaroo, Anason’s Turkish fare will provide a Christmas feast unlike the others. Just $98 each will grant you access to a shared menu of housemade humus, smoked eggplant salad, grilled octopus, lamb loin and much more.
13. Sir Stamford Hotel
The three-hour lunch buffet at the lavish Stamford Hotel in Circular Quay is ideal for those who don’t wish to lift a finger. Not only will you enjoy a feast of seafood on ice, traditional roast ham and turkey, salads, platters and festive desserts, but you’ll be entertained with live music, kids activities and a visit from the bearded man himself. Kids will also love the chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruits. Lunch for adults is $249 with house drinks included, while it’s $145 for kids aged 6-15. Kids 5 and under eat free.
14. O bar and Dining
The revolving restaurant atop a Sydney CBD tower puts on a Christmas lunch each year, and in 2019, there are four delicious courses of seasonal Aussie ingredients to be enjoyed alongside oysters, sides and petit fours for the table. Adults can expect to pay $230 while the rate for children 12 and under is $100.
15. The Gantry
The one-hatted Walsh Bay restaurant will take guests on a culinary journey with four courses, each paired with a delightful Australian wine or beer. To match the waterside locale, the menu will include a fresh seafood platter as well as traditional festive favourites like roast turkey. Christmas lunch at The Gantry starts from $349.
