Where to dine out for Christmas lunch in Sydney

Sydneysiders looking to enjoy Christmas Day dining out should reserve a table soon with many restaurants already booked out for December 25.

"We have a few seats left, but they're filling fast," says Celine Tran, food and beverage director of Sake restaurant in Manly. "It's mainly local families coming for lunch. People seem more keen than ever to eat and drink by the water and have a stress-free day."

People may have also remembered recommendations in October from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who suggested visiting a COVID-Safe restaurant for Christmas lunch and supporting hospitality venues affected by the pandemic.

Three-hatted Quay was booked out by November for its $490 five-course Christmas Day menu (plus $200-300 for wine pairing), while Otto at Woolloomooloo and The Star's Flying Fish, Sokyo and Black restaurants are also at capacity for the service.

In addition to his full sushi and sashimi-filled menu, Sake head chef Shoji Toru is preparing Christmas specials for the occasion including pork belly chashu with crackling chips, and Murray cod shiny with shiso butter.

"It's always a really nice service, and the customers are lovely – most are just very happy not to be cooking and cleaning," says Tran. "The terrace is also available for people who want to take a drink outside after lunch, although we're not taking bookings for it in case of rain."

Sake will throw a special Christmas breakfast for the staff as well, says Tran, with lots of pancakes and fruit. "We want to make sure everyone's full before service. There might be the odd glass of bubbles too – for extra boost in the kitchen, you know?"

Where to dine out for Christmas lunch

Christmas Day tables might be rarer than chook's teeth this year, but there are still a few restaurants with sittings left if you get in quick.

Shuk 2 Mitchell Street, North Bondi

"We'll be open for people who don't have their family around," says Shuk co-owner Yoni Kalfus. "It's the usual thing for us, we do it every year." The cafe's full Middle Eastern-inspired menu will be available for brunch, ideal for couples chasing a relaxed morning of shakshuka, falafel and teff pancakes topped with ricotta and berries. Open from 6am and bookings are highly recommended. shuk.com.au

The Mayflower 2/303A Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst

Caviar and champagne is one heck of a way to welcome the morning. This pink-on-pastel corner cafe can provide that brut and beluga, plus eggs Benedict if you don't fancy going too luxe too early. It is Christmas though, so if you're ever going to drop $33 on a butter-poached lobster roll, this is the time and place to do it. Open for brunch from 7:30am. the-mayflower.com.au

Chukka Jones Bay Wharf ,26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

Quay might have booked out for Christmas lunch weeks ago, but with the right seat you can still jag at Harbour Bridge view at Chuukka. Jones Bay Wharf's number one Chinese-Japanese fusion restaurant is rocking a $150 yuletide menu featuring pork gyoza bolstered by perilla oil, tea-smoked duck breast, scampi toast (like prawn toast, but better) and other deeply savoury share plates that demand another glass of fizz. chuuka.com.au

The Langham 89-113 Kent Street, Sydney

At $328 per adult and $98 for kids, The Langham's Christmas buffet sure isn't the cheapest luncheon in town. The luxe hotel can put on a spread for the ages, however, starring a cornucopia of rock oysters, tiger prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, spanner crab and red snapper sashimi. Plum and mustard-glazed leg ham awaits anyone who can make it past the sushi station. langhamhotels.com

Gavroche 1/2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale

Have yourself foie gras-heavy Christmas at Chippendale's casual French bistro Gavroche. The full a la carte menu will be available to order (tartare, steak frites and oysters, ahoy) or guests can opt for an $88 set menu starring escargot, flounder and sparkling on arrival. In any case, you'll want to finish with cheese. gavroche.com.au

Fratelli Fresh 118 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest

Frat Fresh is partying Italian style December 25 with an $89 lunch menu starting with limoncello on arrival and finishing with mixed fruit and meringue. In between there's no shortage of antipasti, prawns, maple-glazed ham and lamb shoulder slow cooked for 12 hours. Throw in a $39 drinks package including prosecco and Aperol spritz, and this might be the best value leave-it-to-someone-else option going. Also at Fratelli Fresh Manly, Darling Harbour and The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. fratellifresh.com.au

Continental Delicatessen 210 Australia Street, Newtown

Anyone within coo-ee of Australia Street on Christmas Day should know Continental is open from midday to 4pm for reservations and walk-ins. Bar manager Michael Nicolian can provide soothing respite from extended family with stiff martinis, top-end smallgoods and all the cheese that's fit to slice. Expect a few special-occasion wines to be pouring too. continentaldelicatessen.com.au