Celebrate the holidays: Best Christmas dining experiences in Melbourne

A mix of Middle Eastern, Spanish and Moroccan influences are sprinkled over seasonal Australian produce at Nomad. Here you’ll enjoy one of the best Christmas dining experiences in Melbourne. The fire-driven menu is rich with smoky flavours and bold pairings, all served up in a stylish, industrial-chic space. There’s also an adventurous wine list and a buzzing open kitchen, so it’s no wonder the crowds book months in advance for both the atmosphere and flavours. 

Celebrate with startling flavours and Bangkok-style energy at BangPop – a revered riverside eatery that transforms traditional Thai cuisine into a modern Christmas dining experience. There are lots of punchy cocktails and a menu packed with zing, so settle in with your group and soak up the cheerful vibes – one of the best Christmas restaurants in Melbourne for something fun and flavourful. 

For a hearty festive feast, look no further than Hunter & Barrel Eastland. Loved for its fire-grilled meats, rich sides and signature barrel-aged cocktails, this is one of the best Christmas restaurants Melbourne’s east has to offer. Craving slow-cooked beef rib or wood-fired lamb? Here’s the perfect spot for those who love tradition with a smoky twist. 

Aru brings innovation and intimacy to the Christmas table. You’ll love the refined flavours like dry-aged duck and Moreton Bay bug fried rice. Think of it as the perfect destination if you’re after a modern twist on festive dining. Tucked into Little Collins Street, Aru is one of the top picks for diners who appreciate creative flair and culinary precision. 

Fast-paced and full of festive energy, Chin Chin is a go-to for group Christmas celebrations. The Asian-inspired menu, which is always meant for sharing, packs in everything from spicy curries to tangy salads. Add cocktails and a bustling city atmosphere, and it’s no wonder Chin Chin ranks high among the best Christmas restaurants in Melbourne for lively holiday feasts. 

With stunning views over Hobsons Bay and the Melbourne skyline, The Strand Restaurant in Williamstown has a relaxed coastal vibe that’s perfect for a Christmas catch-up. Fresh seafood, paella and premium meats flesh out the menu, so it’ll be a winner for your group booking. Come for the delicious food but stay for the scenic celebrations by the water. 

Found between heritage buildings at The Rialto, Alluvial is elegance at its finest. Lauded for its seafood towers and refined ambiance, this is a top restaurant Melbourne Christmas diners choose for a premium experience. Whether you’re dining indoors or alfresco, it really does promise festive luxury with every bite. 

More interested in laid-back vibes and impressive flavours? Teller in Brunswick East is the place for your modern pub-style Christmas celebration. Housed in a beautifully refurbished former bank, it has a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a welcoming laneway beer garden. A local favourite and one of the best Christmas restaurants Melbourne has beyond the CBD, Teller is perfect for casual festive eats. 

Take things up a notch at The Hotel Windsor, where you’ll get to enjoy a grand dining experience in the beating heart of Melbourne. With its colonial-inspired dining room and refined Modern Australian menu, it’s a festive step back in time. Afternoon tea here is legendary, and its history of holiday hospitality makes it one of the top restaurants in Melbourne for Christmas traditionalists. 

Melbourne’s most iconic Chinese fine diner is also a top pick for festive meals. Flower Drum has banquet menus and private rooms for groups, which is why it’s one of the best Christmas restaurants Melbourne foodies book well in advance. If you’re craving lobster, Peking duck or just a splash of sophistication, this is the place to indulge.