Crack the Christmas bon bons – we’ve found the best Christmas Day lunches in Brisbane
October is now in our rearview mirrors, which means it’s time to dust off the Halloween cobwebs and make way for the most wonderful time of the year. That’s right, Christmas is right around the corner and whether you like it or not, December 25 is approaching fast. We know that planning for the big day can be overwhelming, so to make life easier we’ve compiled a list of Brisbane’s best Christmas Day soirees. All you have to do is sit back, relax and revel in the festive fun.
Port Office, Brisbane City: This Christmas, the Port Office has carefully curated a stellar menu of Christmas classics for the big day. Fresh seafood fiends will love indulging in the decadence of the prawn and oyster station. Port Office will also be serving up succulent sirloin, baked ham and juicy roast turkey. Available for $190 per person, Port Office offers a central location to meet and unwind with the family this Christmas in the historic pub. Book here.
Waterloo, Fortitude Valley: This inner-city pub will be celebrating the big day with a delightful two-course set menu and a two-hour beverage package as well. The inner-city pub is the perfect place to reconnect with friends and family this Christmas as you share a sumptuous dining experience curated by Waterloo Hotel’s stellar kitchen crew. On the menu, you’ll find roast turkey ballotine, brown-sugar-mustard-glazed ham, tiger prawns and Christmas pudding. Available for $155, secure your table here.
Crown, Lutwyche: Celebrate Christmas this year with a feast at Lutwyche’s Crown Hotel and its sun-dappled beer garden and expansive bistro dining room, which offer the perfect spot to unwind this Christmas. Relish the season and spend more time with family and less in the kitchen with Crown Hotel’s delicious seasonal buffet lunch complete with all the traditional festive trimmings. From a delectable carving station serving up honey-glazed ham to a smorgasbord of fresh seafood, celebrate Christmas in style. Book here.
Riverland, Brisbane City: Riverland has carefully curated a scrumptious three-course menu for Christmas Day lunch. Dig into fresh seafood platters, then savour a spread of chicken and lamb, served from Riverland’s iconic Parrilla Grill. Dessert will sweeten the deal with build-your-own pavlova station leaving the power of creation in your hands. With delicious food, accompanied by live music and unbeatable river views, Riverland is a top pick for your festivities. Book here.
Regatta Hotel, Toowong: Sit back and settle in for a sumptuous Christmas lunch at Regatta Hotel. Starting with a delicious seafood selection including local prawns, bug tail, oysters and crab, you can then partake in a traditional turkey roast. Finally, delight in a classic Christmas pudding – the perfect way to polish off your Christmas feast. This three-course treat is available from 12:00–3:00 pm on Christmas Day for $120 per person. Book here.
Rydges South Bank and Bacchus Restaurant, South Bank: Prepare your appetite for a festive feast with all of the bells and whistles at Rydges South Bank’s Christmas Lunch Buffet. Packed with flavour and fun, this special buffet features an array of fresh seafood, traditional roasts and delightful desserts, paired with a three-hour beverage package featuring bubbles, wine and beer for the adults, and a visit from Santa himself for the little ones.
Hang around for dinner at the famed Bacchus Restaurant and enjoy a Christmas dinner you won’t forget. For $199 per person indulge in three flavour-filled hours of seafood (fresh Pacific oysters, whole salt-baked king salmon and even a blini stations), an array of hot and cold options, a salivation-worthy selection of meats from the carvery and Christmas-themed desserts. Pair the flavoursome fare with Bacchus’ award-winning wine list.
You might like
Persone, Brisbane City: Another Italian favourite is dishing up the ultimate Christmas Day feast from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm on December 25. Indulge in four flavoursome courses including shared antipasti platters, lobster salad, porcetta and panettone to finish, alongside a three-hour beverage package of wine, beer and soft drinks. Available for $245 per person, your feast will be scored by live Christmas carollers and even a surprise visit from the big bearded guy himself. Book a table by heading here.
Tenya, Brisbane City: Indulge in free-flowing sips and snacks at Tenya’s modern Japanese Christmas Day buffet lunch. You can enjoy festive classics such as roast turkey and honey-glazed ham, alongside a delicious line-up of Asian eats including sashimi, sushi and tempura for $140 per person. Elevate your festive feasting with a two-hour bottomless drinks package for an extra $50. Head here to book.
The Lex, Brisbane City: Skip the stress of Christmas Day cooking and let the experienced team at The Lex treat you to a tantalising three-course meal with snacks on arrival. A mouth-watering menu featuring the likes of White Pyrenees lamb rump, Roasted peach, marinated buffalo cheese, Bay lobster tartlet and of course, Christmas ham, paired with The Lex’s house-made focaccia. Toast to the season with three hours of free-flowing bubbles, wines, beer and non-alcoholic tipples. Make a booking by heading here.
Walter’s Steakhouse, Brisbane City: Celebrate Christmas a little early at Walter’s Streakhouse’s Christmas Eve dinner. Slide into a red-leather booth and let the Walter’s Steakhouse crew make your Christmas Eve feast magical. For $275 per person, savour trimmings from the seafood platter, Walter’s signature porterhouse and stuffed turkey ballotine with cranberry jus, alongside a drool-worthy selection of sides and decadent desserts (think tropical pavlova). Secure your spot here.
Firma, South Bank: Emporium Hotel’s newest dining destination will be decking the hall this Christmas for a special lunch event. With a three-hour premium beverage package (with champagne) at intimate tables for up to six guests, diners are invited to sample the delicacies of the buffet including seafood, carvery, cheese and charcuterie. Plus, a procession of delicious desserts. Available at $320 per person, bookings can be made here.
Subscribe for updates
Settimo, Brisbane City: Celebrate Buon Natale with an Italian feast at Settimo. Be transported to the Amalfi Coast with a family-style dining experience featuring the likes of antipasto served shared style, a decadent pasta primi source and a signature Settimo secondi. The feasting festivities will finish off with a mouth-watering menu of traditional dolci including tiramisu, panettone and of course Christmas pudding. Nab a seat here.
One Fish Two Fish, Kangaroo Point: Tuck into a traditional Aussie seafood lunch at One Fish Two Fish this Christmas. The lobster-loving kitchen crew will be serving up its Feast of the Seven Fishes, featuring seven sensational courses for $185 per person. Expect drool-worthy plates of Boomer Bay pacific oysters, grilled bay lobster, goldband snapper and more. A vegetarian menu is also available for those non-seafood-loving folk as well as a kid-friendly option. Head here to snag a spot on the waitlist.
Black Hide Seafood and Steakhouse, Brisbane City: A full-blown Christmas feast at Black Hide Seafood and Steakhouse, one of Queen Wharfs’ latest additions to Brisbane’s culinary scene. Whilst it might be Black Hide’s first Christmas, Gambaro Group is known for its signature hospitality. Black Hide will be pulling out all of the stops this year, offering a set menu of fresh succulent seafood, sensational mains and decadent desserts for $125 per person. To make a booking, click here.
Popolo, South Bank: There’s no reason to stress out in the kitchen this December 25, just let Popolo take care of Christmas Day feasting. A fabulous banquet of Italian-inspired dishes, ever-flowing drinks and beautiful river views – what more could you want? Tuck into a family-style meal, including duck-leg ragout fettuccine, wild herb-crusted toothfish and sweet ricotta cannoli. This lavish lunch is running from 11:00 am, costing $275 per person, and includes a three-hour premium drinks package. Book in here.
Goldfinch, Brisbane City: Kick back, relax and let Goldfinch take care of all of the food and drinks for this year’s Christmas feast. Savour a fabulous four-course alternate-drop dinner (with a decadent seafood platter to share), paired with a glass of bubbles on arrival (of course!) and be transported back to those cherished Christmas memories with a menu filled with festive favourites, while enjoying a playlist packed with joyful jingles. Book yourself in here.
Darling & Co, Paddington: Let Darling & Co in Paddington satisfy your Christmas cravings with its iconic Christmas Day buffet, suitable for all taste buds. Featuring unlimited fresh seafood on ice (we’re talking oysters, prawns, scallop ceviche and cured Atlantic salmon), this jam-packed buffet also includes a carving station brimming with succulent slabs of meat, finished with an assortment of delightful desserts and seasonal fruit. Bookings are essential, so head here to make a reservation.
C’est Bon, Woolloongabba: The French brasserie is pulling out all the stops to wish you a Joyeux Noël. Experience a decadent French meal, with Moreton Bay bug eclair, barbecue Murray cod, Elgin Valley chicken paired with roasted apricots and mustard crème – all followed by a delicious selection of desserts. Available for $195 per person, C’est Bon’s Christmas meal will be served share style with a complimentary glass of bubbles. Book here.
Mary Mae’s, New Farm: Celebrate Brisbane with Mary Maes’ spectacular river view. This Christmas, Mary Maes will be serving up a three-course shared feast with a glass of sparkling on arrival. On the menu, you’ll start with a decadent seafood platter with roast turkey breast, roast salmon and a dessert of petit fours. Plus, with such a glorious location, you can take a wander through New Farm Park. Available for $185 per person, book here.
Naldham House, Brisbane City: This new addition to The City’s dining season will be hosting an inaugural Christmas lunch, created by executive chef Douglas Keyte. Nestled in one of Brisbane’s most iconic heritage building, Naldham House offers an elevated destination to ring in the season. On the menu, discover a heap of festive delights including Southern Rock lobster cocktail, crispy porchetta and a dessert of apple pie. Available from 11:00 am for $275 per person Secure your table here.
Cucina Regina, Brisbane City: Brisbane’s latest Italian eatery will be serving up a decadent feast this Christmas Day. Experience a four-course lunch, paired with a three-house beverage package, live entertainment and even a visit from the big man in red. The Cucina Regina kitchen will be serving up the likes of Coffin Bay Pacific oysters, prawn ravioli, 12-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder and an indulgent dessert of pistachio Panettone. Book here.
Aloria, Brisbane City: Take your Christmas celebration sky high this year with a decadent feast atop Queen’s Wharf. You’ll find Aloria on the Sky Deck, serving up a four-course shared dinner along with matching wines on December 25. Sample the likes of tiger prawns and appellation oysters, whole baked fish and Kidman ribeye. Available for $295, Aloria’s celebrations will kick off at 5:30 pm. Book here.