Holidays are merrier at the 9 best restaurants for a Christmas feast in Adelaide!
The Christmas season is when Adelaide’s restaurants truly shine. With twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cheerful music, they create a magical atmosphere perfect for the holidays.
This time of year, I’m always on the lookout for places that feel warm and festive. There’s nothing quite like savouring a roasted turkey in a beautifully decorated space that captures the Christmas spirit.
If you’re like me and love discovering festive dining spots, here are my top picks for Christmas restaurants in Adelaide. These places are sure to make your holiday season even brighter!
Chianti
Media From: chiantiadl
Address: 160 Hutt St
Phone: +61 882 327 955
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.chianti.net.au/
Price Range: $$$
Christmas is all about festive gatherings, and Chianti is a great spot to consider. This Italian restaurant in Adelaide is all about warmth, tradition, and good food. The cosy decor adds to the festive vibe, and their Christmas menu features classic Italian dishes like beef carpaccio, pasta, and charred corn polenta al forno.
For something extra special, you can add caviar to your meal for $120. It’s perfect for sharing, especially since Chianti’s communal dining setup makes everything feel more festive.
Last Christmas, my wife and I dined here and tried the $58 Kerwee Angus ribeye. It was tender and packed with flavour, and the bistecca jus took it to the next level. The portion was generous enough for both of us to share.
Tip: Ask about their “Chianti a Casa” meals. These ready-to-heat dishes are perfect for a relaxed Christmas celebration at home.
GEORGES
Media From: georgesadelaide
Address: 20 Waymouth St
Phone: +61 882 116 960
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.georgesonwaymouth.com.au/
Price Range: $$$
During the holiday season, Georges on Waymouth really feels like Christmas in the city. The restaurant is decked out with twinkling lights and festive greenery, making it warm and welcoming.
Their Christmas menu blends Mediterranean flavours with holiday classics. Think house-made scallop tortellini and slow-roasted meats, all plated beautifully for the occasion.
For me, the highlight is their lamb press. The lamb is tender and packed with flavour, served with pancetta and creamy cauliflower purée. At $35, it’s a great choice for a festive meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Tip: Order a shiraz with the lamb. Its bold, rich flavour pairs perfectly with the dish.
Ruby Red Flamingo
Media From: ruby.red.flamingo
Address: 142 Tynte St, North Adelaide
Phone: +61 882 675 769
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday – 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.rubyredflamingo.com/
Price Range: $$
Ruby Red Flamingo is another great spot for an Italian Christmas feast. The place comes alive with festive charm—twinkling lights, colourful ornaments, and cheerful table settings that feel like a warm Italian celebration.
Their Christmas menu changes every year, but it’s always full of Italian favourites. Last year, it was all about handmade pasta, seasonal antipasti, and indulgent desserts.
Every Christmas, I go for their pork sausages with grilled veggies and bread. The chargrilled pork and fennel sausages are rich and full of flavour. The sides—capsicum, eggplant, and steamed cherry tomatoes—pair perfectly with the sausages.
Tip: Head there on a Wednesday or Thursday for their Piccolo Banchetto. For $35 per person, you’ll get a shared selection of dishes like arancini or piatto freddo, followed by a pasta of your choice.
Part Time Lover
Media From: pendleblog
Address: Paul Kelly Ln
Phone: +61 488 448 807
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: https://www.parttimelover.com.au/
Price Range: $$
If you’re after a Miami-inspired Christmas vibe, check out Part Time Lover. Fairy lights drape across the ceiling and walls, and festive ornaments add a playful touch, turning the space into a whimsical holiday spot.
Their Christmas menu mixes modern Australian flavours with an Asian twist. Expect dishes like Wagyu skewers, salt and pepper bug rolls, and SA kingfish sashimi.
My pick is the blue swimmer crab egg noodle, priced at $36. The crab meat is tender and sweet with just a hint of brininess. The egg noodles are packed with rich umami flavours that perfectly balance the sweetness of the crab.
Tip: Try their Long Time ‘Feed Me’ Menu. It’s a four-course experience for $76 per person, with plenty of smaller dishes and desserts to share.
Restaurant Botanic
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Address: Plane Tree Dr
Phone: +61 882 233 526
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://restaurantbotanic.com.au/
Price Range: $$$
Restaurant Botanic blends the festive charm with the natural beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Picture dining under fairy lights, surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal floral arrangements. The rotunda is beautifully decorated with ornaments and centrepieces featuring native Australian flora, adding a special touch of nature.
Their Christmas menu highlights seasonal ingredients with creative flair. Think smoked fish, roasted meats, and festive salads made with local produce.
A few Christmases ago, my family and I had a memorable multi-course meal here. For me, the roasted duck was the highlight. It was rich and savoury, with a subtle sweetness from the honey glaze that made it unforgettable.
Tip: Book a lunchtime spot to soak up the natural light streaming through the heritage rotunda’s large windows. It’s stunning!
Jolleys Boathouse
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Address: 1 Jolleys Ln
Phone: +61 882 232 891
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.jolleysboathouse.com/
Price Range: $$$
Jolleys Boathouse offers a stunning riverside view during the Christmas season. Twinkling fairy lights, festive table settings, and seasonal floral arrangements set the scene, making the River Torrens feel even more magical.
Their Christmas menu is a thoughtful mix of traditional favourites and modern Australian flavours. You’ll find dishes like lobster tortellini, seasonal salads, and roasted meats, including grilled barramundi.
The roasted turkey was a standout for us. The stuffing was full of flavour, and the house-made gravy and seasonal vegetables complemented it perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that makes you fall in love with Christmas all over again.
Tip: Book a 6 p.m. table to enjoy live music!
Mayflower Restaurant
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Address: 45 King William St
Phone: +61 882 108 899
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Tuesday to Friday – 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday – 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Website: https://www.mayfairhotel.com.au/dining-bar/mayflower-restaurant
Price Range: $$
Get into the holiday spirit with a festive meal at Mayflower Restaurant. The sophisticated decor combines traditional holiday touches with modern design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
They’re offering a Christmas Day buffet breakfast and Christmas Day lunch with Santa, which are perfect for celebrating the season.
The breakfast spread has all the classics, like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, smoked salmon, seasonal fruits, and fresh pastries.
Lunch steps it up with a buffet of Australian seafood, including rock oysters and poached prawns, alongside herb-roasted turkey and glazed ham.
My favourite, though, is their grass-fed beef rib-eye roast. It’s tender, rich, and full of flavour, with herbs and spices that make it unforgettable.
Tip: Leave room for the dessert buffet. It’s packed with treats like chocolate yule logs, Christmas pies, and pavlovas.
Windy Point
Media From: windypointrestaurant
Address: Windy Point Lookout, 339 Belair Rd
Phone: +61 882 788 255
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday – 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Website: http://www.windypoint.com.au/
Price Range: $$$
For stunning holiday views, Windy Point Restaurant is a must-visit. Before you even step inside, you’re greeted by twinkling fairy lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Once seated, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills and St Vincent’s Gulf, which look especially magical at sunset during the festive season.
Their three-course Christmas menu offers a mix of traditional favourites and modern Australian dishes. Think roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, honey-glazed ham, and fresh seasonal veggies.
The highlight for me, though, was dessert—a classic Christmas pudding. It was dense, moist, and packed with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gave it that nostalgic Christmas flavour.
Tip: Visit during Christmas Day to enjoy their special lunch menu. It includes festive dishes like slow-roasted lamb, Yorkshire pudding, and honey-glazed ham.
iTL
Media From: itl.kitchen
Address: SkyCity Adelaide, 125 North Terrace
Phone: +61 870 773 948
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: https://www.skycityadelaide.com.au/eat-and-drink/itl-italian-kitchen/
Price Range: $$$
Step into a festive wonderland at iTL, where Italian charm meets the holiday season. The space combines sleek, contemporary design with traditional Christmas touches, creating a stunning spot to celebrate.
Their Christmas Day set menu offers classic Italian dishes with a festive twist. Start with an array of antipasti, then choose from mains like roasted turkey with seasonal veggies or seafood risotto. Finish on a sweet note with desserts like panettone and tiramisu.
My favourite is their panettone. It’s perfectly balanced with sweetness, richness, and a hint of citrus—just right for the season.
Tip: Pair your seafood or salad with an Aperol spritz. Its light, bubbly character complements the flavours beautifully.
