A Christmas feast without the clean-up? Where to book in Sydney

‘Tis the season for stunning water views and a sensational Christmas Day lunch at Ripples.

Imagine it now. A glass of champagne in your hand, with your loved ones around you, as you tuck into a feast of Modern Australian favourites, and stare out at the beautiful blue water of Chowder Bay.

The three-course set menu lets you choose from a number of options, and while the menu is subject to change, expect choices such as burrata, peach, corn, capsicum and sourdough to start, salmon, sweet potato, kale and lemon oil as the main event and, for dessert, a classic trifle of strawberry jelly, sponge, custard, fresh cream and almonds.

It doesn’t get much more festive than that. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas Day three-course lunch ($275 pp)

Book it here

Indulge in a stress-free Christmas with a knockout South East Asian-inspired Christmas Day lunch at Botanic House, nestled in the heart of the gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens.

Head chef Luke Nguyen’s festive nine-course menu is guaranteed to bring good tidings!

After Mumm champagne on arrival, enjoy Vietnamese turmeric pancakes with spanner crab before moving on to the star of this year’s Aussie Christmas variety show – twice-cooked master stock chicken with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and sour sauce.

Just save room for dessert! A decadent mango pudding with lemon myrtle meringue, black sticky rice and raspberry ice cream.

If Christmas Eve is more your thing, there’s also a special set menu for the night before Christmas.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas Day lunch menu ($225 pp)

Book it here

Nothing says “Aussie Christmas” more than a beachside Christmas day lunch. Soak up the holiday season sunshine and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood Chrissie spread at Atmos.

You’ll be instantly transported to the Greek Islands entering Atmos’ Mediterranean-inspired space. It’s decked out with rustic wooden furnishings, coastal-themed decor and an open plan design to let in the refreshing ocean summer breeze.

Santorini or Shoal Bay? Enjoy a feast featuring the best of Atmos’ Greek menu, plus some traditional Christmas classics.

Graze on grilled pitta, warm olives and fresh king prawns before tucking into two succulent roasts – slow-cooked lamb shoulder and honey mustard glazed ham.

Cap it all off with baklava and fresh seasonal fruit.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Greek Christmas feast menu ($200 pp)

Book it here

Relish breath-taking water views while enjoying an elevated French Christmas Day feast at Atelier.

Celebrate Christmas in style in Atelier’s luxurious dining room which is filled with contemporary furniture, elegant wood floors and those world-famous views over Darling Harbour!

Executive Chef Sam Moore’s sophisticated Christmas Day menu showcases Atelier’s signature modern twist on classic French cuisine.

After a seafood platter entree, opt for a main of honey and thyme roasted duck breast with cherry jus or baked barramundi with herb butter and preserved lemon.

For dessert? A rich Valrhona yule log, bon appétit!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas Day menu ($300 pp)

Book it here

Looking to splurge this Christmas? Eat, drink and be merry in luxury at Quay, one of Australia’s most-awarded restaurants.

This three-hatted restaurant celebrates December 25 with a lux lunch experience at its sophisticated digs which boast dramatic, sweeping vistas across the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Executive Chef Peter Gilmore’s signature five-course menu is packed with jubilant indulgence.

After champagne on arrival, settle in to unwrap five foodie presents from Gilmore’s signature five-course menu.

Expect exquisite dishes like bone marrow noodles with mud crab and sour koji butter and confit pig jowl in smoked trotter broth.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas lunch menu ($580 pp)

For a family-friendly Christmas Day lunch that won’t break the bank, put Fratelli Fresh top of the wish list.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice at this parlour of Italian perfection! Fratelli is filling the foodie stocking this Christmas with their famous four-course lunch stuffed with delicious presents.

Start, in true Italian style, with limoncello on arrival as you graze on Fratelli’s signature antipasti boards.

Followed by two roasts – maple syrup, honey glazed leg ham, and 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Delizioso!

Carb up with sides like creamy potato salad and honey-roasted dutch carrots with cumin yoghurt.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas lunch menu ($89 pp)

Spend Christmas Day up in the clouds with a magical sky-high lunch at Altitude.

Enjoy sumptuous dining and plenty of Christmas cheer 36 levels above Sydney Harbour, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing unparalleled views as you hover above the city.

Michele Menegazzi’s impeccably curated five-course Christmas lunch teems with festive spirit and scrumptious traditional favourites to savour.

In true Aussie tradition, prawns kick off the proceedings served alongside freshly shucked oysters.

Nothing says “Christmas” more than a plump roast turkey! Stuffed with pork and drizzled with sage jus, dished with a generous side of double-baked crispy lemon rosemary potatoes. Delish.

Finish with fruit mince tarts and an irresistible yule log.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas lunch menu ($299 pp)

Celebrate the lead up to Christmas, Spanish-style, with a silly season party fiesta at Balcon by Tapavino.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Balcon delivers contemporary Spanish fare inspired by the refined cuisine of Northern Spain.

While not open on Christmas Day, get into the festive spirit with Balcon’s fresh seasonal Christmas menu running from the 15th of December till the 23rd.

Begin with Sydney rock oysters before moving to moreish mains like grilled octopus with Kipfler potatoes or a monster 1.2kg dry-aged ribeye with anchovy butter.

Forget Nanna’s Christmas pudding! Finish off this Christmas feast the Spanish way with a chocolate cake washed down with Pedro Ximenez sherry.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Christmas menu ($155 pp)