How to Celebrate Christmas with a Culinary Twist in Melbourne
When it comes to Christmas, Melbourne knows how to bring the flavour. As a city famed for its world-class foodie culture, Melbourne gives you plenty of reasons to leave the roasting tray behind this year and let the professionals handle the festive magic.
If you’re gathering colleagues for an end-of-year meal or planning a cosy catch-up with loved ones, there are countless ways to add a culinary twist to the season – without spending it in the kitchen.
Celebrate Christmas Day with a view (and zero washing up)
Why not trade your dining table for waterfront views and fresh seafood this Christmas Day? Many of Melbourne’s most loved venues have specially curated festive menus that will make your day stress-free and delicious.
Venues like Criniti’s at Carlton turn up the heat with Italian-style feasts served share-style, complete with a festive welcome glass. Expect a menu packed with house favourites and modern Aussie flair – perfect for those who want to celebrate Christmas like famiglia.
Meanwhile, over in Brighton, hot spots like Waterfront Brighton bring a little elegance to Christmas Day with multi-course menus stuffed with summer seafood, festive mains and indulgent desserts, all served in a light-filled venue just moments from the beach.
Host a laid-back friendsmas (that still delivers big flavour)
If the idea of a stuffy dining room or overly formal lunch doesn’t quite fit your style, Melbourne has no shortage of friendly restaurants perfect for a relaxed friendsmas celebration. Think cosy large share plates and good drinks flowing.
In South Yarra, Cosi Bar Ristorante has been a go-to for festive catch-ups for nearly three decades. With its warm Italian hospitality and seasonal menu, it’s a great place to toast another year together. Their festive set menu makes planning a breeze, with generous courses and options to suit a group with different tastes.
Further along the Yarra, Teatro Gastronomia promises unbeatable riverside views, as well as traditional woodfired pizzas and handmade pasta. Its weekend bottomless pasta sessions have become a much-loved tradition for locals looking to celebrate the silly season in carb-loaded comfort – with a wine in hand, of course.
Or for something a little more offbeat, Teller in Brunswick East serves up beer garden atmosphere with a festive feed-me menu that’s great for those casual end-of-year vibes. Their Sunday roasts and cocktail specials will set the tone for a merry and memorable friendsmas – without anyone having to host.
Make it interactive
For the team that prefers hands-on fun, why not celebrate with a Christmas cooking class or interactive dining experience? You could learn how to master handmade pasta, craft the perfect dumpling or enjoy an afternoon of wine pairing. Whatever you’re looking for, Melbourne has no shortage of creative ways to turn the traditional Christmas event into something memorable.
Pick an experience that matches your crew’s interests – many of Melbourne’s restaurants and cooking schools run themed sessions throughout December, from festive baking to cheese-making and everything in between. You can expect to create moments your team or friends will talk about long after the decorations come down.
And the best part? No wrapping paper required.
The festive season, your way
However you choose to celebrate – be it a long corporate lunch by the water or a quirky cocktail session with friends – the food scene in Melbourne has something for every kind of Christmas mood.
So, this year, skip the supermarket queues and sticky-glazed ham. Instead, lean into the city’s creative and flavour-packed dining culture. Book early, bring your appetite and prepare to toast the season with good food and great company – and maybe even a side of tiramisu.