Put the ‘feast’ into ‘festive’ and celebrate the season with loved ones over a marvellous Christmas lunch at an idyllic venue in Johannesburg. Bring along the whole family for a special treat and tuck into a range of food offerings, courses and dishes to tantalise your palate and take in the festive vibes, with great entertainment lined up for adults and kids.
Let’s drink a toast (or two) to the season while we take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the merry atmosphere at these festive spots this Christmas.
Cyra
Chef Candice Phillip’s new Cyra restaurant in Houghton is a magical place to spend Christmas dining. Soft natural light washing in from the glass wall complements the elegant interiors with touches of textured tablecloths, plush furnishings, and handcrafted chandeliers. Chef Candice crafted a 7-course tasting menu with opulent flavours and techniques that will be served on Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch.
Cost: R1950pp, includes a 7-course tasting menu. Book via Dineplan or email [email protected]
When: Christmas Eve – 24 December from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Christmas Day – 25 December from 12:30pm to 2pm
Where: The Houghton Hotel, Lloys Ellis Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Qunu
Qunu restaurant at The Saxon hotel always serves up a grand dining affair on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Patrons can dine in the stylish dining room under a canopy of stunning moulded ceilings, skylights and chandeliers.
Though tickets don’t come cheap, entry secures you access to a fine 4-course feast for Christmas Eve that includes turkey breast roulade, Scottish sous-vide salmon with fennel and salmon roe, an experterly layered chicken and duck terrine with foie gras for a luxe edge, whimsical and gourmet takes on childhood classics like bread and butter pudding served with cognac-soaked fruit and cardamom ice cream, and more.
Cost: Christmas Eve – R3250pp, includes a 4-course menu. Christmas Day – R4250pp, includes a 4-course menu. Book via email [email protected] or call 011 292 6000
When: Christmas Eve – 24 December from 6pm to 10pm. Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm to 3pm
Where: The Houghton Hotel, Lloys Ellis Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Eclipse Restaurant
Can’t decide what to cook this Christmas? Leave it all in the good hands of the culinary team at Eclipse Restaurant in central Sandton. The Sandton eatery is serving an elegant gastro spin on your classic three-course Christmas lunch with a herbed rack of lamb, roast chicken and pork belly, mushroom Wellington and a lavish trifle with all the trimmings for dessert. Kids are welcome to join with a range of dining options tailored to their taste.
See what else you can do while you’re there!
Cost: R725pp, including a 3-course dinner, and a welcome drink. Book via email at [email protected] or call 010 880 4449
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm
Where: Eclipse Restaurant at Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West Street Corner West Street and, Maude St, Sandton
The Marabi Club
Dress up for a jazzy Christmas Eve dinner at The Marabi Club, tucked in the basement level of Hallmark House. Head Chef Freddie Dias promises a special three-course menu that underscores his artistry as one of Joburg’s top chefs.
The Marabi Club is one of the most popular live music haunts in the city and evokes this history through the many careful details of the club’s interior. Add excellent food, a long bar, and jauntily dressed waitrons offering friendly and slick service and live jazz, and visitors get why most people who visit this Maboneng landmark are captivated by the electric atmosphere.
Cost: R750pp, including a 3-course set menu + R100pp live music cover charge. Book via email [email protected] or call 010 591 2879
When: Christmas Eve – 24 December from 6pm till close
Where: Hallmark Hotel, Maboneng Precinct, 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg
The Maslow Hotel
Make your Christmas Day even merrier by stopping at The Maslow for an unforgettable dinner event where luxury and culinary delight come together. This year, let Executive Chef Ofentse take the stress out of your holiday with a spectacular feast designed to satisfy every tastebud.
Start with a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a wholesome buffet filled with delicious dishes that everyone will love. The little ones will be entertained with a face painter and balloon maker, while you sit back and enjoy a live performance to set the perfect holiday mood.
Cost: R720pp | R350pp (kids aged 3-to-12 years) | Free (kids u/3) | Book via Quicket
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Where: The Maslow Hotel – Lacuna Bistro, 146 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton
The Medley
If you prefer your Christmas celebrations to be bright, bubbly and full of fun, The Medley at Hyatt House in Sandton may be the fit for you. Perfect for the whole family, their three-course lunch includes starters, mains, sides and a dessert to finish. Expect to see the likes of fresh seabass cooked just right, stuff lamb shoulder, roasted turkey, and a fruity pavlova that’s too good to resist. Meringue. Be sure to book ahead to save a spot. The inclusive three-hour dining package excludes drinks, you can try local wines, beer and non-alcoholic drinks for your own account.
Cost: R425pp, book via Dineplan for Sandton, or via hyattrestaurants.com
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton – 25 Ann Cres, Simba, Sandton
Flames Restaurant at The Westcliff
Have a luxurious Christmas Lunch at The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff’s Flames Restaurant. Take in some incredible sights from the chic restaurant overlooking the city while you spend quality time with the entire family.
Cost: R2150pp | R1 300pp (kids aged 6 to 12 years) | Book online
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm
Where: Flames Restaurant at The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Randburg
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel
Join Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa for a luxurious family Christmas lunch where festive indulgence meets elegance. Delight in a memorable celebration filled with gourmet delights and cherished moments in a stunning setting. Guests receive welcome Eggnog on arrival before getting to indulge in a harvest dinner.
On the Starter menu is an artisan selection of breads, fresh cheeses and salads, Knysna oysters served with Bloody Mary and raspberry pearls, and a charcuterie selection. For Mains, there is rosemary and garlic-infused deboned roast lamb shoulder, sour cherry-glazed gammon with crispy crackling, and creamy Tuscan-style baked Scottish salmon.
If you miss out on booking the Fairlawns Christmas Lunch, don’t fret as they also host a delightful Christmas Eve dinner for those who don’t manage to book a spot for the lunch. The Intermediate meal is a house-made pumpkin ravioli and the main dish options include cranberry fillet of beef, sustainable line fish, and mushroom Orzo. Finally, for dessert, you have a choice between Bergamot Citrus Parfait or dark chocolate and raspberry ganache.
Cost: Christmas Eve – R980pp, book via Quicket. Christmas Day – R1350pp (adult) | R650 (kids) | Book via Quicket or email [email protected] for bookings for larger groups
When: Christmas Eve – 24 December from 6pm to 10pm. Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm to 4pm
Where: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Johannesburg
Sec
Chef Dario de Angeli at Sec Restaurant in Rosebank is ready to tempt with a three-course menu that kicks off with a celebratory Champagne cocktail. Savour soft and buttery Parker house buns, spiced nuts, oysters, and more as a starter platter, before feasting on mains like turducken, glazed pork belly, or beef paired with duchess potatoes and roasted vegetables. The dining experience ends with an irresistible dessert plate featuring a white chocolate mousse and a chocolate yule log.
Cost: R695pp, includes a 3-course menu. Book via email [email protected] or call 011 252 3300
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12:30pm to 8pm
Where: The Clico Boutique Hotel, 9 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
The Collective
Slip away to The Collective, a cosy restaurant hidden inside Hyatt House in Rosebank situated mere minutes away from the lively central precinct. They’re hosting a fully inclusive and Halaal-certified Christmas Brunch starting with a cornish crab and prawn mousse, flavourful butternut squash soup, dive into roasted turkey for that classic Christmas feel, or a premium beef fillet cooked immaculately. The finale is a pistachio rolled pavlova with zesty flavours such as passionfruit cream and a raspberry and cherry compote.
Cost: R425pp for a 3-course lunch, book via Dineplan for Rosebank, or via hyattrestaurants.com
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank – 28 Tottenham Ave, Melrose, Johannesburg
Le Petit Chef at 54 on Bath
54 on Bath Hotel is providing the ultimate Christmas-lunch-with-a-show experience. Join Le Petit Chef for a culinary journey like no other at 54 On Bath in Rosebank, and discover the secrets of becoming the world’s greatest chef in this immersive six-course dining show.
The experience includes a complimentary glass of Boschendal Methode Cap Classique NV and an immersive experience with 3D tabletop projections that transform your dining setting with ever-changing decorations, props, and more.
There is also an optional wine pairing with the lunch.
Cost: R1 595pp | R395 to R425 (add-on wine pairing) | Book via Computicket
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 1pm to 4.30pm (but also Thurs to Sun, 7 Nov to 31 Dec (+ occasional other days) lunch and dinners)
Where: 54 on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Chiefs Boma at Indaba Hotel
Celebrate this Christmas lunch that boasts a flavourful symphony of culinary delights at Chiefs Boma. The 300-seater Chiefs Boma African dining experience restaurant, located in the tranquil indigenous gardens of the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre caters for all tastes this festive season.
The Christmas Day Family Buffet Lunch features special Christmas treats, a welcome drink on arrival, a Christmas cracker and hat, a Mowana Spa discount voucher per adult and an opportunity for the kids to play in the fun entertainment area whilst enjoying the lunch.
There will also be live entertainment on offer, a kids’ colouring competition, a visit from Father Christmas, and lucky draw prizes.
Cost: R695pp (adults) | R395pp (kids 6 to 12 years old) | R115pp (kids 3 to 5 years old) | Free (children 0 to 2 years old) | Book via [email protected]
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm
Where: Chiefs Boma Restaurant, Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, cnr. William Nicol & Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways, Johannesburg
Level Four Restaurant at 54 on Bath
Located right in central Rosebank, Level Four Restaurant at 54 on Bath is the ultimate gathering place for your friends or family this Christmas. A 5-course set feast will allow you to sit back, relax and spend quality time with loved ones without worrying about any kitchen disasters.
Start with toasted camembert from Dalewood Cheesery plated with cranberry gel and golden beets, slow braised pork belly or Beef Wellington served with gourmet, seasonal vegetables, before moving onto the star of their dessert offering – a decadent Bailey’s trifle with all the trimmings.
Both events include a welcome drink to start the festive feels, Christmas crackers, and a special gift for each guest.
Cost: R1350pp for adults and R395pp for kids under 12, includes a 5-course menu. Book via call 011 344 8442 or email [email protected]
When: Christmas Eve – 24 December from 6:30pm. Christmas Day – 25 December from 12:30pm
Where: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Math Restaurant
Math Restaurant is planning their first Christmas event since its launch in May this year. Founder Puleng Mathabatha draws inspiration from his parents’ thriving hardware store that served as a meeting place in the township of Lebowakgomo. The name ‘Math’ represents the first four letters of his family’s surname. The menu at Math Restaurant stays faithful to dishes inspired by Puleng’s own culinary journey from the streets of New York City to the humble home-cooked favourites that many South Africans know.
Cost: To be confirmed, book via [email protected] or call 072 050 2511
When: Christmas Day – 25 December, time TBC
Where: Math Restaurant, Waterfall Corner, Shop 33, Cnr Woodmead &, Waterfall Dr, Midrand
Epsom Restaurant at Indaba Hotel
Indaba Hotel also hosts a Christmas Day Brunch at their Epsom Restaurant. The brunch has most of the same highlights as the Christmas lunch, excluding the visit from Father Christmas and the colouring competition, but with the added treat of Christmas Carol sing-alongs.
Cost: R450pp (adults) | R275pp (kids 6 to 12 years old) | R135pp (kids 3 to 5 years old) | Free (children 0 to 2 years old) | Book via Dineplan
When: Christmas Day 0 25 December from 9am
Where: Epsom, Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, William Nicol Drive, Pieter Wenning Road Johannesburg, Fourways, Sandton
Kashew Restaurant
Located inside The Catalyst in Sandton, this year Kashew Restaurant is showcasing a smorgasbord selection of much-loved festive dishes at their Christmas Day buffet lunch. Think grilled lamb, roasted gammon, something for the pescetarians, and a medley of sides and salads to choose from. If you’ve somehow still got room for more, a decadent selection of desserts are on offer including a trifle, and eggnog milk tart, and kids will love tucking into the gingerbread house.
There will be two timeslots from 1pm to 3pm, and 3:30pm to 5:30pm, and live music sets the mood from 2pm to 5pm.
Cost: R650pp, includes a three course menu. Book via email [email protected] or call 021 427 5900
When: Christmas Day – 25 December, rfom 1pm to 3pm or 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Where: The Catalyst, 100 Weirda Road East Wierda Valley Sandton
A feast to make the most of the merry occasion at Avianto
Embrace the world of exceptional experiences at Avianto this festive season, synonymous with the luxury and refinement befitting an elite hotel. Let the Christmas vibes sparkle at this idyllic venue and savour the holiday taste with their sumptuous Christmas Lunch.
Relish in a 7-course plated meal that will tantalise your taste buds, with meals tailored to adults, children, vegetarians and vegans alike. The main adult meal’s seven courses include an appetiser, soup, a starter, a palate cleanser, a fish course, a meat course and dessert. In the vegetarian menu, the meat course is replaced with an open butternut ravioli meal.
For the vegan menu, instead of a fish and meat course, there are two main courses featuring various types of beans, kale, beetroot and squash. Finally, the kids’ meal is cut down to five courses, with one delicious main course.
Cost: R1250pp (adult) | R625pp (kids 4 to 12 years old) | R100pp (kids u/4) | Book via Dineplan
When: 25 December 2024 from 12.30pm
Where: Avianto, R114 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift
A royal and fun festive lunch at Emperors Palace
Come and enjoy a magical Christmas lunch at Emperors Palace, home to some of the most elegant settings in Joburg to celebrate the occasion with family, friends and the kids. Prepare for a festive-inspired menu that delivers a culinary adventure for all tastebuds. Guests can expect a full menu that will deck the table outstandingly, along with Christmas-themed decor and an atmosphere lit up by the Christmas cheer and spirit of the season.
Emperors Palace has three Christmas Lunch options, one at their Rosetta’s restaurant, another at their Reign restaurant, and the last in their Convention Centre. The Centre plays host to their traditional Christmas Buffet lunch, providing the perfect backdrop to celebrate the festive season.
Guests meet in the Assembly Room for a special buffet for the whole family to enjoy an experience that also includes live entertainment and a complimentary welcome drink.
Cost: R650pp (adults) | R350pp (kids 7 to 12 years) | R200pp (kids 3 to 6 years) | Free (kids u/2) | Book via [email protected]
When: 25 December 2024 from 12.30pm to 4pm
Where: Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park Johannesburg
Balata Restaurant
Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable Christmas buffet lunch at the Fairway Hotel’s renowned Balata Restaurant. This festive extravaganza promises to be a culinary journey, nestled within the beautiful Fairway Hotel, Balata Restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts and families looking to make the most of the holidays.
The menu features traditional Christmas favourites to international delights, there’s something for everyone. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, attentive staff, and a mouthwatering menu, you can look forward to a day filled with laughter, joy, and the flavours of the season.
Cost: R510pp (adults) | R255pp (kids 12 and under) | Free (Kids 5 and under) | Book via Dineplan
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm
Where: Balata Restaurant, The Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Setperk Rd, Randpark, Randburg
Monte de Dios Christmas Sunday Buffet
Stop by Monte Dios on the Sunday before Christmas for a celebratory Christmas Lunch. Their chefs have put together a huge festive feast of delicious traditional menu items for everyone to enjoy, and artist Alouise performs live on the day. Parents need not fret either, as there is also tons of fun for kids in the designated children’s play area.
Cost: R595pp (adults) | Kids under 12 get in half price | Book via q2b
When: 22 December, from 12pm to 3.30pm
Where: Monte de Dios Country Boutique Hotel, 106 Achilles Street, Olympus Heights Dr, Pretoria
LeSi Restaurant
LeSi Restaurant is hosting a delightful three-course Christmas dinner in celebration of the holiday. The Starter selection features butternut soup, crispy smoked chicken breast and camembert, mushroom Florentine, and escargots. The main course selection features pork neck espetada, blue cheese, bacon and fig beef fillet, red wine short rib, roasted butternut and beetroot and basil pesto linguine.
Finally, for dessert choose from a passionfruit and raspberry panna cotta, velvet chocolate mousse tartlet, crème brûlée, or strawberry panna cotta. Note that a R100-R200 deposit fee is required with each reservation.
Cost: R480pp (adult) | R150pp (kids u/10) | Book via q2b
When: Christmas Eve – 24 December from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Casa Toscana Lodge – Home of – Blou Hond Theater and LeSi Singing Waiter Restaurant, 5 Darlington Rd, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria
Check out what other festive things to get up to this year!
