As the year draws to a close and our minds inevitably turn to the festive season, one of the first items to be discussed amongst family and friends is what our plans are for Christmas Day lunch. Brisbane has a range of different family-friendly places that are open for Christmas Day lunch, taking all the stress out of worrying about the organising, cooking and cleaning.
With an almost endless list of options, you can choose between a Christmas lunch buffet-style, a set menu, sit down in a restaurant, by the river or even ON the river, and the best thing is that a simple phone call and booking is all that you need to do to be fully organised for Christmas Day!
Many of the Christmas lunch in Brisbane venues also include festive extras like carolers, Santa visits and even gifts for kids. These extras change from year to year, but the below places are well known for hosting incredible family Christmas lunches in Brisbane.
Remember, you will need to get in quickly if you want to secure your spot. Many places have waiting lists and tables booked already, even before their menu and details have been released.
Christmas Lunch Brisbane Southside 2023
Eight Mile Plains – The Glen Hotel
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch
The Glen Hotel caters extremely well for big families who are keen to enjoy a long, delicious buffet lunch without having to worry about children getting tired or bored. The large adventure playground will keep the kids easily entertained so parents can relax after the full hot and cold buffet and make use of the drinks package on offer. On-site hotel rooms (with use of the pool) are also available to book, should you have family coming from out of town or if you want to make a full day of it. You can enquire about a Christmas Day lunch booking by contacting The Glen Hotel directly on 07 3270 6666, or visiting their website.
Located at 24 Gaskell Street, Eight Mile Plains
South Bank – River Quay Fish
Christmas Lunch By The Brisbane River
It spells it out in its name and the menu is no different. It’s all about fish at River Quay Fish and at Christmas-time the restaurant opens its doors with a festive Christmas lunch menu that features the popular ocean dwellers as well as some more traditional fares too. With sweeping city views, the restaurant offers a four-course spread with two sittings (one at 11am and one at 2:30pm), and also includes a 2.5-hour drinks package. Bookings can be made via the River Quay Fish website or contact them on 0426 203 501.
Located at River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank
South Brisbane – Hotel West End
Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Lunch
“The Westie” traditionally stays open over the festive season and offers a full festive seafood buffet lunch on Christmas Day. Complete with all the trimmings and with a 3-hour drinks package of beer, wine, bubbles, juice and soft drinks included too, your Christmas lunch is definitely going to be festive here. Lunch is on from 12pm to 3pm and has options for all members of the family. Bookings are essential on the Hotel West End website or by phoning (07) 3840 9888.
Located at 10 Browning Street, South Brisbane
South Brisbane – Rydges South Bank
Christmas Lunch Buffet
Located right in the heart of South Bank, Rydges Hotel offers a traditional seafood, salad, meat and dessert Christmas Day buffet as well as an all-inclusive beverage package too. With great family entertainment to get the atmosphere jolly, your family could enjoy the festivities without even lifting a finger! Call the hotel directly to get further information on 07 3364 0800, or book via the Rydges South Bank website.
Located at 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
South Brisbane – Signature Restaurant at Emporium Hotel South Bank
An Emporium Christmas buffet
Head to Signature Restaurant at Emporium Hotel South Bank for Christmas Day buffet lunch and be delighted by their festive offerings, including seafood, roasts, cheese and charcuterie, and desserts. Packages also include wine pairings featuring 90+ point wines (local and international beer substitution available). There will also be live entertainment to add to the cheer. Of course, the day will not be complete without a visit from Santa Claus where all children receive a Christmas gift. All ages welcome. Book via the Emporium Hotel South bank website.
Located at 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
South Brisbane – Spice Central Kitchen & Bar at The Novotel Brisbane South Bank
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch or Dinner
Celebrate with your loved ones in the light and leafy surrounds of Spice Central Kitchen & Bar with their Christmas buffet lunch (12pm – 3pm) or dinner (6pm – 9pm). Feast your eyes and bellies on the seafood bar and dessert lane, dip a few too many sweets in their chocolate fountain, and marvel at their giant Christmas tree. Limited seating is available. Bookings are essential via The Novotel Brisbane South Bank website or contact them on 07 3295 4100.
Located at 38 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane
Springwood – Springwood Hotel
Feast Christmas Buffet
Sit back, relax and leave the cooking to someone else this Christmas. With a hot and cold buffet, including seafood and a dessert bar, as well as drink packages available, the one thing left to do is dust off those Santa hats! Find out more and book here.
Located at the corner of Springwood & Rochedale Roads, Springwood
Yeerongpilly – The Tennyson Room at Brisbane Golf Club
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch
Enjoy Christmas Day in The Tennyson Room, a space of timeless elegance that’s surrounded by lush greens and views of the fairways. It’s the perfect location for a long Christmas Buffet Lunch for the whole family to enjoy. They’ve got all your Christmas favourites catered for like local seafood, glazed ham with all of the trimmings, as well as an array of delicious desserts. They have two sittings and offer a variety of options and prices for adults, children and seniors. Drinks are not included in the package. Bookings are essential, so visit the Brisbane Golf Club website or contact them directly on 07 3848 1008.
Located at 70 Tennyson Memorial Avenue, Yeerongpilly
Christmas Lunch Brisbane Northside 2023
Brisbane City – Goldfinch Restaurant and Street Café at Pullman & Mercure Hotels Brisbane
Christmas Day Dinner
Whilst not a lunch offering, we couldn’t not include Goldfinch Restaurant and Street Café’s Christmas Dinner! Starting with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, relax to your favourite Christmas tunes while enjoying a 4-course Christmas dinner and dessert package. Book via the Goldfinch website.
Located on the Corner of Ann & Roma Streets, Brisbane
Brisbane City – La Boca Bar & Grill at Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner | Christmas Day Buffet Lunch or Dinner
Arrive to the sounds of festive carollers, before enjoying lunch or dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day beside the river at La Boca. Feast on the freshest local seafood (including fresh Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba king prawns and Moreton Bay Bugs), charcuterie, and a variety of hot and cold dishes including traditional roasts, as well as an indulgent dessert selection and more. A 3-hour beverage package for adults, with soft drinks and juices for children is included, and kids can also enjoy face painting and a gift from Santa (for all children up to 12 years). Book via the La Boca website.
Located on the Corner of Edward & Margaret Streets, Brisbane
Brisbane City – Motion Dining at Marriott Brisbane
Christmas Day Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
With a pre-Christmas menu in the lead up to Christmas Day, along with special Christmas Eve Breakfast sittings on the 24th, your Christmas celebration options are open to not just Christmas Day at Motion Dining. Of course, their full buffet Christmas Day breakfast with all the trimmings (across two sittings), and 7-course degustation menu for lunch and dinner are perfect for the day itself. Book now here.
Located at 515 Queen Street, Brisbane
Brisbane City – Suzette at Sofitel Brisbane Central
Festive Buffet Lunch or Dinner (throughout December) & Christmas Day Buffet Lunch or Dinner
Enjoy your Christmas lunch or dinner in style and with a view to match. Suzette will be serving up a special buffet feast with plates of fresh, locally-caught seafood, internationally-inspired hot dishes, and decadent desserts every Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday for dinner from 1st December 2023. On Christmas Day itself, bookings for the lunch and dinner buffets will include festive-inspired food stations laden with fresh seafood, salads, meats, internationally-inspired hot dishes, desserts and more. Find out more about each of these dining options and book on the Sofitel Brisbane Central website, or contact the hotel on 07 3835 3535.
Located at 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane
Brisbane City – The Lex at W Brisbane
Christmas Day Lunch At The Lex
Let someone else do the hard work while you indulge on Christmas lunch at The Lex. Three-hour sittings can be booked between 11:30am and 3pm, with a fully-inclusive dining package that includes snacks on arrival, a three-course meal, and a three-hour beverage package. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be live music and The Lex’s famous stunning views across the Brisbane River.
Find out more on The Lex website, or contact them on 07 3556 8833.
Located at Level 3, 81 North Quay, Brisbane
Brisbane City – Vintaged Bar & Grill at the Hilton Brisbane
Christmas Eve Dinner | Christmas Day Buffet Breakfast | Christmas Day Lunch or Dinner
Whether you celebrate on Christmas Eve or at any time of the day on Christmas Day, you’ll find a festive option at Vintaged Bar & Grill. With multiple set menu options to choose from in each of the three course menus offered across lunch and dinner (two courses for children aged 5-12 years), patrons will delight in their choices of main and dessert, and be spoilt for choice. Each child booking also receives a free gift for the child. You can find out more here. Bookings are essential via the Vintaged Bar & Grill website, or by calling the restaurant on 07 3231 3265.
Located Level 6, 190 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Hamilton – Gusto da Gianni
Christmas Day Lunch
If you are looking to find a full Italian-inspired Christmas lunch, then look no further than Gusto da Gianni restaurant in Hamilton. Offering a four course set menu as well as delightful desserts, your celebration here is sure to be a memorable one! View the 2023 Christmas Lunch menu here. For more information about booking your Christmas lunch, contact Gusto da Gianni via their website, or on 07 3868 2011.
Located at Portside Wharf, Remora Road, Hamilton
Kenmore – The Kenmore Tavern
Christmas Day Buffet
With two sittings on Christmas Day (one 11am – 1pm and one 2pm – 4pm), The Kenmore Tavern’s Christmas Day Buffet Lunch includes a wide selection of festive favourites that include cold options such as seafood and salads, as well as hot foods such as roast turkey, honey roasted ham and more. Finish up with a selection of desserts including traditional Christmas pudding and the Aussie favourite – pavlova! This buffet is reasonably priced for kids, at $50 for those aged 6 to 17 years (kids 5 and under are free). You can find out more information on The Kenmore Tavern’s website, or give them a call on 07 3051 7608.
Located at 841 Moggill Road, Kenmore
Mitchelton – The Brook Hotel
Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Lunch
Kicking off the festivities from 11am on Christmas Day, there’s nothing left to do but don your Santa hat and relax with The Brook Hotel’s cold and hot seafood buffet lunch. With oysters, salmon, hot turkey with all the trimmings, traditional Christmas pudding and more, there’ll be something to please the whole family. The kids will love the dessert buffet, which includes an ice cream station, fairy floss, and a candy condiment bar! You can find out more information on The Brook Hotel’s website, or give them a call on 07 3355 5366.
Located at 167 Osbourne Road, Mitchelton
New Farm – Mary Mae’s – WAITLIST ONLY
Christmas Day Lunch
Each year, Mary Mae’s offers the most spectacular setting to enjoy their 4-course shared feast with your family. With a glass of sparkling on arrival, your family can sit back and relax as they serve up the traditional fares with Christmas Day roasts, scrumptious desserts and even pavlova. There are two sittings available and children are offered smaller portions at a reduced price as well. For more details you can contact them directly on (07) 3358 5464, or check out their events page.
Located at the Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
New Farm – Spicers Balfour Kitchen and Bar – FULLY BOOKED
Christmas Lunch
Enjoy a truly Australian Christmas lunch in the stylish surrounds of a once stunning Queensland home, now the luxe boutique Spicers Balfour Hotel. The chefs are preparing a 4-course long lunch menu that will be flowing with festive flavours, to be enjoyed for lunch on Christmas Day. Bookings can be made via the Spicers Balfour website, or by phoning 07 3358 8888 for more information.
Located at 37 Balfour Street, New Farm
Petrie Terrace – Gambaro Seafood Restaurant
Christmas Day Lunch
As most Aussie Christmas spreads usually includes our world-famous local seafood, then where better to dine than at one of Brisbane’s most popular and award-winning seafood restaurants? Gambaro Seafood Restaurant’s Christmas Lunch is everything you expect it to be. With a four course lunch menu that is laden with fresh seafood options, the famous lunch also comes with a beverage package, a visit from Santa and gifts for the kids. Children aged under 5 years are free. You can find out more and make a booking on the Gambaro website.
Located at 33 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace
Toowong – The Regatta Hotel
Christmas Day Boatshed Extravaganza | Christmas Day Seafood Buffet (SOLD OUT)
This beautiful vintage Queenslander and well-known landmark in Toowong sits right opposite the Brisbane River. Each year, The Regatta hosts an annual Christmas Day Boatshed Extravaganza for lunch in its award-winning Boatshed restaurant, complete with four courses and a 3 hour beverage package to boot! You can expect traditional Christmas flavours, including roast turkey, beef wellington and fresh local prawns, as well as some delicious desserts as well. If you are after a more endless affair then the seafood buffet lunch option offered upstairs on Level 1 may be more to your liking (note: this is sold out for 2023). You can find out more information on The Regatta Hotel’s website or give them a call on 07 3051 7617.
Located at 543 Coronation Drive, Toowong
Costs
The cost of getting someone else to prepare and serve your family Christmas lunch can be expensive, and it really depends on where you decide to go, what type of menu you go with, and how many family members you are paying for as to how much your final bill will amount to. Whether you choose buffet or a la carte, table service or a drink package, costs can vary from $20 – $400 per person! Still, when you consider all the planning, groceries, decorations, set up and logistics of hosting the day yourself, not to mention the fact you are usually run off your feet and left to clean up at the end, some might find this a good deal!
Get in quick!
With all of these places offering multiple courses and delicious fresh produce, one thing is certain – if you want to have Christmas Lunch in Brisbane then you best bet you will want to book in quickly! Having someone else take the hard work out of the day so that everyone can relax is a very popular option, and so these Christmas Day lunches tend to book out fast. Keep an eye out for early bird specials too. Many offer discounts or even complimentary items if you book by a certain date.
Have we missed your favourite place for Christmas Lunch in Brisbane? Let us know in the comments below and we will add it to our list!
Colleen Giles
Any restaurant open Christmas Day in North Brisbane, north of chermside.