Renovating, need Christmas lunch

Question

My family is currently living in the swirling vortex of entropy otherwise know as extensive home renovations. The upshot of that is no kitchen, no dining area, overcrowding, mess and discomfort. Can you recommend a restaurant in Melbourne - preferably CBD or inner north - where we can have a lovely family lunch on Christmas day?

ihearthawks, Coburg, VIC

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Dear ihearthawks,

Oh yeah, renovating can be a killer, so it’s good thinking to escape the chaos. My advice: book today. There’s a real scramble for Christmas lunch, and restaurants are filling up lickety split for the 25th.

Matteo’s still has limited availability for around 10 or 20 people, as of today. It books out every year and is a fantastic, modern four-course spread of Asian-inspired dishes, such as Chinese roasted suckling pig and an Asian mushroom pie. It’s $170 a head; $80 for children.
Where: 533 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy North. Phone: 9481 1277. matteos.com.au

For a more informal experience Orto Kitchen and Garden still has places available for its Italian, seafood-themed lunch: soup, yellowfin tuna tartare, a hand-made pasta with a fish and shelfish ragu (traditionally from the Amalfi Coast), and then a roasted suckling pig and chocolate and panetone pudding to finish. Price: $65 a head for four courses.
Where: Level 1, 302-320 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Phone: 9819 2200. orto.com.au

Good luck with the festivities.

Cheers,
The Doc