As the festive season rolls in, Australia’s dining scene comes alive with colour, flavour and celebration. From vibrant neighbourhood gems to elegant regional hideaways, restaurants across the country are serving up unforgettable Christmas feasts designed to bring people together.
Whether you’re craving juicy rotisserie chicken in Chippendale, refined indulgence in Orange, Middle Eastern artistry in St Leonards, coastal cheer in Coolangatta or stylish comfort in Adelaide’s CBD, there’s a table waiting to elevate your holiday gathering.
Explore five standout destinations where seasonal spirit meets exceptional hospitality - and discover the perfect place to toast to Christmas with those you love.
DIZZYBIRD in Chippendale hums with playful energy - sunlight glinting off bright tiles, the aroma of roasted coffee and fresh bakes drifting through the air. It feels both vibrant and cosy, a neighbourhood perch where chatter rises, colours pop and every visit brings a small, joyful lift to the day.
Round up your mates and celebrate at DIZZYBIRD with a festive feast of juicy rotisserie chicken, cheeky sides and crisp cold brews. Available throughout December, devour tender chicken pieces, sides such as roasted pumpkin and beetroot, shoestring chips with truffle oil, steamed vegetables or roast potatoes.
The Peacock Room in Orange shimmers with old-world charm and modern warmth. Jewel-toned interiors glow beneath soft light, while polished timber and curated artwork create an inviting hush. It feels refined yet welcoming - a place where conversation lingers, flavours unfold slowly and every detail adds a touch of graceful indulgence.
Celebrate Christmas Day in style with an adult zone long lunch and delve into starters such as oysters on ice, prawn cocktail salad and poached salmon, before visiting the carving station for turkey and glazed ham, pork or wood-fired BBQ beef. Finish decadently with Christmas pudding or Summer pavlova with fruit, berries and passionfruit.
Coya in St Leonards blends intimate elegance with vibrant Middle Eastern flair. Soft lighting warms earthy textures, while aromatic spices drift from the kitchen. Each plate feels artful and expressive, inviting curiosity and comfort in equal measure. It’s a refined, welcoming space where flavour and imagination meet beautifully.
Expect a Christmas lunch or dinner unlike any other as you join loved ones for a festive five-course dining experience led by Chef Ashraf Saleh. Enjoy an amuse-bouche of avocado tomato tart, followed by King prawn falafels with chilli emulsion and duck manti with cauliflower velouté. Wild venison, potato mille-feuille and spiced pomegranate entice for the main, finishing with gateau.
Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Coolangatta radiates relaxed coastal glamour. Ocean breezes swirl through an open, sunlit space as waves roll below. Fresh seafood aromas mingle with crisp cocktails, setting an easy, uplifting mood. It’s a breezy perch where panoramic views and laid-back elegance define every moment.
Fresh seafood, a festive carvery, hot and cold dishes, Christmas sweets and a three-hour premium drinks package awaits revellers on December 25, all served family-style to share just like a true celebratory feast.
Penny Blue in Adelaide’s CBD feels effortlessly stylish - moody blues, warm timber and a soft glow that wraps the room in intimacy. The buzz of the bar mingles with the aroma of comforting classics reimagined. It’s a chic, inviting hideaway where good conversation and easy indulgence naturally unfold.
Gather with family and friends on Christmas Day for a buffet-style lunch with shared mains, beginning with a signature welcome cocktail or glass of Champagne, moving on to an elaborate charcuterie and seafood buffet for starters. A decadent dessert bar filled with festive sweet treats awaits those with room to spare.
