Melbourne is well known for its culinary scene, and this reputation only grows at Christmas time. Every holiday our dining institutions up their game and bring us mouth-watering seasonal flavours to celebrate the festive spirit.
This is great news for families who want to skip the Christmas stress in 2023. Instead of toiling in front of the stove all day – relax, be jolly, and indulge in one of the best Christmas buffets Melbourne has on offer this year.
Here is our list of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day 2023 for a Christmas buffet in Melbourne, where you can enjoy a sumptuous Christmas breakfast, lunch, dinner – or all three with all the trimmings.
The Best Buffet Christmas Dinner Melbourne 2023
1. Melba Restaurant: The Langham Melbourne, Southbank
Melba Restaurant at The Langham Melbourne is decking the halls this Christmas with decadent buffet breakfast and lunch sittings.
Enjoy a magical festive feast in an enchanting setting, overflowing with both classic brunch fare and less traditional Christmas morsels such as gyoza and spring rolls.
This holiday dining experience goes way beyond the food. While you graze on endless pastries, eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes and more, you and your family will be serenaded by Christmas carollers, enthralled by roaming entertainers, and delighted by Santa himself handing out presents to the little ones.
Melba Restaurant, 1 Southgate Avenue Southbank VIC 3006, 1800 641 107, tlmel.restres@langhamhotels.com
2. Collins Kitchen: Grand Hyatt, CBD
Collins Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt offers a Christmas experience that blends traditional flavours with modern flair. Their Christmas Eve, Festive Lunch, and Christmas Dinner Melbourne menus are nothing short of a culinary delight.
Expect all the classic Australian Christmas favourites, from a fresh seafood spread featuring crabs, bugs, and prawns to roast turkey and ham, lamb rump, and roasted potatoes. On top of the usual fare, you’ll find a Japanese bar serving up maki rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, as well as wood oven pizzas, Indian curries, and more.
To top it all off, they not only have an impressive range of festive desserts but also a decadent dark chocolate fountain and a waffles and pancake station. If you have a sweet tooth, this is THE Christmas dinner 2023 for you.
Collins Kitchen: Grand Hyatt, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, (03) 9657 1234, melbourne.grand@hyatt.com
3. No35: Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, CBD
Does your family like to start the festivities early? Celebrate both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch Melbourne 2023 at No35: Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.
Enjoy their buffet dinner the night before Santa comes to town and make the most of their free-flowing beverage package alongside the endless holiday dishes.
Then, recover from the previous night’s indulgence with an all-inclusive Christmas lunch or dinner, complete with live music and some on-theme entertainment for the kids.
No35: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Level 35, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9653 7744, H1902-re13@sofitel.com
4. Ginger: Park Royal Monash, Clayton
Sick of roast ham and potatoes on Christmas day? Join Ginger at Park Royal Monash for a less traditional Christmas Bottomless Buffet Lunch.
Their chefs have created a delicious holiday dining experience that does away with the same old European Christmas menu, instead shining a light on fresh and vibrant flavours from Southeast Asia.
To start, you’ll receive a glass of prosecco and a seafood platter on arrival, followed by Korean fried chicken wings, melt-in-your-mouth butter chicken, a carvery station, and much more.
Balance the meal and complete the celebration with an Australian pavlova, baked cheesecake, or select from their variety of other delicious morsels for dessert.
Ginger, 872 Blackburn Road, Clayton VIC 3168, (03) 9518 8888, enquiry.prmon@parkroyalhotels.com
5. The Cliveden: Pullman, CBD
Experience the magic of Christmas at The Cliveden: Pullman with their Buffet Christmas Lunch 2023.
Before you even reach your table, you and your family will indulge in an enchanting feast for the eyes, thanks to their wonderland of traditional Christmas decorations and twinkling lights.
Expect a whole new wave of Christmas joy when you spot the buffet. Overflowing with fresh, seasonal seafood, decadent desserts, classic Christmas side dishes, and of course a carving station for the obligatory Christmas roasts – you’ll be glad you can go back for seconds (and thirds).
They also have plenty of vegetarian options and a premium beverage package to ensure everyone has a jolly time, no matter their preference.
To cap off the experience, the big man in red will make a special appearance for the kids where they can get Christmas photos and make lasting memories.
The Cliveden: Pullman, 192 Wellington Parade, Melbourne VIC 3002, (03) 9419 2000, H9875@accor.com
6. Marriot Bonvoy, CBD
Marriott Bonvoy invites you to an extravagant Christmas Buffet Lunch. Offering a range of options from seafood to carvery, it’s the perfect setting for a festive celebration.
Expect all the usual trimmings and buffet favourites, plus a few surprising flavours to enhance the Christmas spirit.
There will also be free-flowing premium wine for the adults, which in itself makes this package worthwhile in our book.
Marriot Bonvoy, Corner Exhibition & Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9660 1183
7. The Rialto, CBD
Celebrate a lavish Christmas Day Lunch at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. This festive season, gather your loved ones for an unforgettable Christmas Day Lunch at Alluvial Restaurant.
Embrace the joy and tradition with a champagne welcome and a sumptuous Christmas buffet. Delight in fresh Sydney rock oysters, hot smoked salmon with champagne jelly, kingfish sashimi, Harvey Bay scallops, and more.
For mains, indulge in honey-glazed ham hock and rosemary-scented turkey breast. Then follow with a selection of decadent desserts, including a chocolate fountain and, of course, fruit mince pies.
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto, 495 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000, 1800 593 932, icmelbourne@ihg.com
8. Pan Pacific Melbourne, South Wharf
Join the festive celebration at Pan Pacific Melbourne’s Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen. This Christmas, gather around for an exquisite luncheon featuring a seafood buffet, live carvery station, and a lavish homemade dessert buffet.
Children will be thrilled with a special visit from Santa, exciting activities catered to them and their own dedicated buffet.
What’s more, you’ll enjoy a Christmas cocktail on arrival and live music throughout the afternoon.
Pan Pacific Melbourne, 2 Convention Centre Place South Wharf VIC 3006, (03) 9027 2000, enquiry.ppmel@panpacific.com
9. Ruby Riviera, South Wharf
Change up your Christmas vibes to experience a meal designed for the whole family.
Experience a unique Mediterranean-inspired Xmas Lunch 2023 at Ruby Riviera, ideally located riverside in South Wharf Melbourne.
Enjoy a festive atmosphere and a mouth-watering sharing feast that includes chilled seafood, delicious dips, premium seafood, marinated meats, and a La Dolce Vita dessert station where you can build your own cannoli.
Vegan and vegetarian options are also available to cater to all dietary needs.
Ruby Riviera, 53 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, (03) 8899 7322, reservations@rubyriviera.com.au
10. Dolly, Le Meridien, Melbourne
Say Joyeux Noel this holiday season, with Christmas dining and cheer at Dolly.
The European diner, situated within Le Meridien Melbourne, will be hosting a seafood buffet with free-flowing champagne on Christmas Day.
Take the stress out of Christmas, with Dolly’s indulgent Christmas Lunch, a magnificent seafood buffet with all-you-can-eat holiday roasts, decadent desserts, and free-flowing drinks throughout the celebration. This is Christmas at its most delicious, and extravagant. It costs $299 pp and $149 for children (4-12 years).
Dolly, Le Meridien, Melbourne, 20 Bourke St, Melbourne, 03 9123 3960, dolly@lemeridien.com
11. Collins Kitchen, CBD
Named after the hotel’s prestigious location on Collins Street, Collins Kitchen offers guests a unique dining experience. Its modern open-plan layout provides a contemporary setting, creating an intimate and relaxing escape from the bustling CBD.
Guided by the philosophy, “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served,” the culinary team has reimagined the classic Australian barbecue, and the result is purely spectacular: traditional American style smoked ribs and meat; premium meat cuts from the grill; wood oven roasted fish and vegetables cooked to perfection; and of course, luscious signature desserts.
Collins Kitchen, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne, 03 9653 4831, ghmelbourne.collinskitchen@hyatt.com
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