Christmas Day in South Africa is a magical time, filled with joy, family, and of course, delicious food. But why spend hours slaving away in the kitchen when you can indulge in a culinary adventure at one of South Africa’s many fantastic restaurants?
Johannesburg: Urban Chic and Festive Cheer
Jozi, as the locals call it, is a vibrant city with a diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re craving a traditional Christmas feast or a modern twist on festive flavours, you’ll find it all in Johannesburg. From upscale restaurants offering sophisticated dining experiences to trendy eateries serving up innovative cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Durban: Coastal Cuisine and Festive Fun
Durban, the coastal city known for its warm weather and diverse culture, is a great place to celebrate Christmas. Indulge in fresh seafood, Indian-inspired curries, or international cuisine, all served with a side of festive cheer. Many restaurants offer special Christmas Day menus, featuring traditional festive dishes with a local twist.
Cape Town: A Festive Feast with a View
Cape Town, the Mother City, offers a plethora of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From elegant waterfront restaurants with stunning views to cozy wine estates nestled in the heart of the winelands, there’s something for everyone. Imagine savouring a multi-course gourmet meal, paired with exquisite South African wines, while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline or the ocean.
Beyond the Big Cities
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider spending Christmas in one of South Africa’s many beautiful towns and villages. From the picturesque towns of the Western Cape to the historic cities of the Eastern Cape, you’ll find charming restaurants offering delicious festive fare. So, this Christmas, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable dining experience? Let South Africa’s top chefs take care of the cooking, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the festivities.
First on our list is Johannesburg and its surroundings. Here are some great options for Christmas lunch year:
1. Billy G at Gold Reef City
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:00 – 16:00 or 18:00-22:00
- Price: R450 per adult, R250 per pensioner, R350 per child (7-12 years), R250 per child (1-6 years), R100 per child (0-1 years)
- Details: Enjoy a festive buffet with a variety of dishes to delight your taste buds.
2. DAVINCI Hotel & Suites
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:00 – 16:00
- Price: R795 per person, R250 per child (under 10)
- Details: Luxurious Christmas feast with live entertainment, a welcome drink, a visit from Father Christmas, and a special gift for the little ones.
3. Bakubung Bush Lodge
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:00 – 15:00
- Details: Bushveld Christmas celebration at Marula Grill Restaurant.
4. Cyra at The Houghton Hotel
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:30 – 13:30
- Price: R1,950 per person
- Details: Seven-course tasting menu with an elegant dining experience.
5. 54 on Bath
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:30
- Price: R1,350 per person, R395 for kids (under 12)
- Details: Five-course feast with a welcome drink, Christmas crackers, and a special gift.
6. The Troyeville
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:00 – 16:00
- Price: R435 per adult, R335 for pensioners and teens, R235 for kids (6-11 years), free for children (under 6)
- Details: Festive lunch buffet with a lively atmosphere.
7. The Conservatory at Balalaika
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Details: Festive starters, hearty mains, indulgent sweets, and a carvery station.
8. Casalinga
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Details: Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch at Casalinga, known for its beautiful setting and delicious Italian cuisine. For more details, you can visit their website.
9. The Grillhouse
- Location: Rosebank and Sandton
- Price: R950 per person
- Details: Known for its excellent steaks and festive atmosphere.
10. The Living Room
- Location: Maboneng
- Price: R750 per person
- Details: Enjoy a unique Christmas lunch with a rooftop view and a vibrant atmosphere.
11. The Course
- Location: Sandton
- Price: R1,200 per person
- Details: A modern dining experience with a festive menu and live entertainment.
Montecasino
Punchinello’s at Pivot Hotel
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 13:00 – 16:00
- Price: R650 per person, R325 per child (under 11 years)
- Details: Enjoy a festive feast with a delectable menu at Punchinello’s. For more information, you can check out their offer.
Piazza Hotel
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 13:00 – 16:00
- Price: R550 per person, R295 per child
- Details: Celebrate with a Christmas Lunch Buffet at the Piazza Hotel.
Hotel Restaurants
Brambles Restaurant at Vivari Hotel, Krugersdorp
- Date: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:30 – 16:00
- Price: R950 per person, R450 for kids (under 12)
- Details: Enjoy a luxurious Christmas lunch with a variety of meats and a dessert buffet.
Indaba Hotel, Fourways
- Epsom Restaurant: R415 per person, Kids under 3 eat free, R100 for kids aged 3 – 5, R235 for kids aged 6 – 12
- Chief’s Boma Restaurant: R695 per person, Kids under 2 eat free, R115 for kids aged 3 – 5, R395 for kids aged 6 – 12
- Details: Enjoy a festive spread with live entertainment and a welcome drink.
For those looking to indulge in a luxurious and memorable Christmas dining experience, Johannesburg offers a variety of fine dining options that promise to make your holiday truly special. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or a special someone, these top-tier restaurants provide exquisite menus, elegant settings, and impeccable service to ensure a festive feast like no other. Here are some of the best fine dining restaurants in Johannesburg to consider for your Christmas Day celebration:
Johannesburg
Fine Dining Restaurants
Marble
- Location: Rosebank
- Price: R1,800 per person
- Details: Enjoy a luxurious Christmas lunch with a focus on open-fire cooking and a stunning view of the city.
Saint
- Location: Sandton
- Price: R1,500 per person
- Details: Indulge in a festive menu with Italian flair, featuring a variety of gourmet dishes.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
- Location: Sandhurst
- Price: R2,200 per person
- Details: Experience an elegant Christmas lunch at one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious hotels, with a menu crafted by top chefs.
Pretoria
The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar
- Location: Nieuw Muckleneuk
- Price: R850 per person
- Details: A festive buffet with a beautiful lakeside setting.
La Pentola
- Location: Riviera
- Price: R950 per person
- Details: Known for its fusion cuisine and festive atmosphere.
Geet Indian Restaurant
- Location: Brooklyn
- Price: R1,000 per person
- Details: Celebrate Christmas with a gourmet Indian feast.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient
- Location: Elandsfontein
- Price: R2,500 per person
- Details: Renowned for its exquisite cuisine and beautiful setting, offering a special Christmas menu.
Kream
- Location: Brooklyn and Mall of Africa
- Price: R1,500 per person
- Details: A sophisticated dining experience with a festive menu featuring a variety of gourmet dishes.
De Kloof Restaurant
- Location: Waterkloof
- Price: R1,200 per person
- Details: Enjoy a fine dining Christmas lunch with a focus on contemporary cuisine and stunning views.
Next up is a list of restaurants if you are in sunny Durban over Christmas that are offering lunches:
Mamma Luciana’s
- Location: 36 Park Drive, Glenashley, Pinetown
- Details: Enjoy a festive Italian meal with a variety of traditional dishes.
Lingela Restaurant
- Location: Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, 63 Snell Parade, Durban
- Details: Known for its exceptional buffet, offering a wide range of dishes.
Jeera
- Location: Suncoast Towers, 20 Battery Beach Road, Durban
- Details: Offers a variety of dishes with a focus on Indian cuisine.
The Royal Hotel
- Location: Anton Lembede Street, Durban
- Price: R525 per adult, R255 for children aged 4-11
- Details: Festive lunch with live entertainment, hats and crackers, and a variety of family and kids’ activities.
Fiamma Grill
- Location: Ballito
- Price: R950 per adult, R450 for children aged 5-12
- Details: Three-course festive feast with options like grilled beef fillet, wood-roasted baby chicken, and Oreo caramel cheesecake.
Coastlands Musgrave Hotel
- Location: 315 Restaurant, Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, Musgrave
- Price: R725 per adult, R360 per child (aged 4-10)
- Details: Buffet-style lunch with a variety of dishes, welcome drinks, and live entertainment,
The Cargo Hold
- Location: uShaka Marine World, Durban
- Price: R1,200 per person
- Details: Enjoy a unique dining experience with a view of the aquarium, featuring a special Christmas menu.
Hotel Restaurants
Coastlands Musgrave Hotel
- Location: 315 Restaurant, Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, Musgrave
- Date: 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:30 – 15:00
- Price: R725 per adult; R360 per child (aged 4 – 10)
- Details: Buffet-style lunch with a variety of dishes, welcome drinks, and live entertainment.
The Chef’s Table
- Location: Protea Mall, uMhlanga Rocks
- Date: 24 or 25 December 2024
- Time: From 18:00 or 11:30 respectively
- Price: R1375 per adult; R675 per child (12 and under) | R1625 per adult; R745 per child (12 and under)
- Details: Four-course set menu with a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival.
The Royal Hotel
- Location: The Royal Grill, The Royal Hotel, Durban
- Date: 25 December 2024
- Time: 12:30 – 15:00
- Price: R595 per adult; R300 per child (aged 4 – 10)
- Details: Buffet with various cuisine options, live entertainment, and Christmas prizes.
The Estuary Hotel and Spa
- Location: The Fish Eagle Restaurant, The Estuary Hotel And Spa, Port Edward
- Date: 24 or 25 December 2024
- Price: R450 per adult; R250 per child (12 and under); Free (children under 4)
- Details: Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Lunch Menu with soups, starters, salads, main course, and desserts.
Zimbali Lodge
- Location: Thandi Restaurant, Zimbali Coastal Estate, Ballitoville
- Date: 25 December 2024
- Time: 13:00 – 16:00
- Details: Christmas Luncheon with a festive atmosphere.
Make this Christmas one to remember with a fine dining experience in Durban. From family gatherings to romantic dinners, these top-rated restaurants offer the perfect setting to celebrate the holiday season in style. Here are some fine dining experiences:
Fine Dining Restaurants
The Chefs’ Table
- Location: Umhlanga
- Price: R1,495 per adult, R695 for kids under 12
- Details: Enjoy an elegant four-course lunch with a complimentary glass of bubbles, eggnog, and a cinnamon macaron on arrival. The menu includes options like crayfish tail thermidor, beef fillet Wellington, and Christmas trifle.
The Oyster Box Hotel
- Location: Umhlanga Rocks
- Price: R2,200 per person
- Details: Indulge in a luxurious Christmas buffet with a variety of gourmet dishes, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
The Grill Room at The Oyster Box
- Location: Umhlanga Rocks
- Price: R1,850 per person
- Details: A fine dining experience with a special Christmas menu featuring a selection of exquisite dishes.
Cape Town offers a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. Let the city’s top chefs take care of the cooking, while you relax and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Here are restaurants in Cape Town, Garden Route and Plett offering Christmas lunches:
Cape Town
Pullman Cape Town
- Location: Stratus Room Restaurant, 22 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre
- Price: R950 per person, kids between 9 – 15 years pay half price, and kids under 9 eat for free
- Details: Extravagant Christmas buffet with live entertainment.
The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel and Spa
- Location: Emerald Restaurant and Bar, 15 Orange St, Gardens
- Price: R1450 per person, R725 per kid under 12, kids under 6 eat for free
- Details: Harvest-style spread with a welcome drink and a variety of festive dishes.
Taj Cape Town
- Location: 1 Wale Street, Corner St Georges Mall
- Price: Christmas Eve dinner: R950 per person, Christmas Day buffet: R1950 per person, children aged 12 and under pay half-price
- Details: Exotic curry buffet on Christmas Eve and a festive buffet on Christmas Day.
Lagoon Beach Hotel
- Location: 1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Milnerton
- Price: R895 per adult, R450 per child (under 12), free for children under 6
- Details: Sumptuous buffet lunch with a stunning ocean view.
Garden Route
Billy G at Garden Route Casino
- Location: Garden Route Casino
- Price: R350 per adult, R220 per child (7-12 years), free for children under 6
- Details: Christmas buffet with a variety of dishes.
The Hussar Grill George
- Location: George
- Details: Known for its excellent steaks and festive atmosphere.
Nina’s Cafe
- Location: George
- Details: Offers a cozy and festive dining experience.
Plettenberg Bay
La Vista Lodge
- Location: Plettenberg Bay
- Price: R550 per person
- Details: Traditional Christmas lunch with a starter, main course, dessert, glass of bubbly, and a special Christmas gift.
The Sanctuary Restaurant
- Location: Plettenberg Bay
- Price: R550 per person
- Details: All-you-can-eat Christmas buffet with a variety of festive dishes.
The Plettenberg Hotel
- Location: Plettenberg Bay
- Price: R1200 per person, R495 per child
- Details: Three-course Christmas lunch with live music and a stunning sea view.
Cape Town is a city that knows how to celebrate, and Christmas is no exception. If you’re looking to indulge in a truly unforgettable fine dining experience this festive season, the Mother City has a wealth of options to choose from. From world-class restaurants with stunning views to intimate wine estates offering gourmet feasts, there’s something to satisfy every palate and preference. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or a loved one, a Christmas Day feast in Cape Town is an experience you won’t soon forget. Christmas lunch fine dining experiences:
Fine Dining Restaurants
La Colombe
- Location: Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia
- Price: R2,500 per person
- Details: Enjoy a luxurious multi-course Christmas lunch with stunning views and exquisite dishes. Known for its innovative cuisine and exceptional service.
The Test Kitchen
- Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock
- Price: R2,200 per person
- Details: Experience a unique and creative Christmas menu crafted by renowned chef Luke Dale-Roberts. The Test Kitchen is famous for its avant-garde dishes and intimate setting.
FYN Restaurant
- Location: 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town City Centre
- Price: R2,000 per person
- Details: A fine dining experience with a Japanese twist, offering a special Christmas menu that combines local ingredients with international flair.
The Roundhouse
- Location: Round House Road, Camps Bay
- Price: R1,500 per person
- Details: Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Roundhouse offers a seasonal menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Harbour House
- Location: Kalk Bay and V&A Waterfront
- Price: R1,200 per person
- Details: Celebrate Christmas with a seafood feast at Harbour House, known for its fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views.
The Pot Luck Club
- Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock
- Price: R1,000 per person
- Details: A vibrant and trendy spot offering a special Christmas menu with a variety of small plates designed for sharing.
The Conservatory at Cellars-Hohenort
- Location: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia
- Price: R1,800 per person
- Details: Enjoy a festive lunch in a beautiful garden setting, with a menu that highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles Hotel
- Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay
- Price: R1,950 per person
- Details: Indulge in a luxurious Christmas lunch with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The menu features a variety of festive dishes and a selection of fine wines.
Christmas Day in South Africa is a time for celebration, family, and of course, food. While many of us enjoy the tradition of preparing a festive feast at home, there’s also a growing trend of dining out on Christmas Day. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious fine dining experience or a casual family-friendly buffet, South Africa offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to every taste and budget.
Imagine indulging in a multi-course gourmet meal, expertly prepared by renowned chefs, while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline or city skyline. Or perhaps you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, where you can savour a delicious buffet spread with loved ones. Many restaurants offer special Christmas Day menus featuring traditional festive dishes, as well as innovative culinary creations.
By dining out, you can free yourself from the stress of cooking and cleaning, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the holiday season. So, why not treat yourself and your family to a memorable Christmas Day dining experience?
