Christmas lunch doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen, endless dishes, or last-minute panic. Across South Africa, restaurants are preparing festive feasts where families can relax, reconnect and simply enjoy the meal. Expect carveries and buffets, plated elegance, dessert tables, and kiddies’ menus, depending on where you dine.
Rather than stress about logistics, book a table and soak up the celebration. Please note: venues below may already be fully booked. Early booking is recommended.
Johannesburg – Gauteng
Sec Restaurant | Rosebank 27 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Price: R795 pp, R495 per child
Sec Restaurant at Clico Hotel offers an intimate festive experience with refined dining in tranquil surroundings. The Christmas spread includes generous starters, a pasta course, hearty, family-style mains and sweet finishes, with vegetarian options available. A perfect option for relaxed sophistication without the clean-up afterwards.
The Bull Run – Sandton | 20 Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton
Price: R795 pp
A Sandton institution, The Bull Run channels the glamour of a New York grill house. Enjoy a festive three-course set menu with Harvest Table starters, or order from the à la carte menu and add the Harvest Table for R150. With plush interiors and polished service, it’s ideal for a celebratory city lunch.
Sandton Hotel – Benmore Gardens | 5 Benmore Road, Benmore Gardens, Sandton
Price: R750 pp
This family-friendly Christmas buffet offers a relaxed festive setting with a carvery of prime rib, glazed gammon and lamb, seafood stations, sushi, curry, vegetarian dishes and indulgent desserts. Live entertainment and a kiddies’ play area add ease and enjoyment. Perfect for large families wanting comfort without fuss.
Book throughBook through https://sandton-hotel.com/dining/
Durban – KwaZulu-Natal
189 Ridge Road, Umhlanga | Eden Rocks Umhlanga – Umhlanga
Price: R300 pp | Two seatings
Eden Rocks presents an affordable buffet featuring festive salads, turkey, mutton curry, and mac and cheese with bacon bits, followed by desserts. A relaxed space close to the beach, ideal for families spending Christmas on the coast.
Book via Instagram: @eden_rocks_umhlanga.
Tylers – Umdloti | Shop 24A, Marine Walk Shopping Centre, Salta, Umdloti
R1,200 pp / R600 per child
Tylers delivers a stylish Christmas lunch with sustainably sourced, hand-cut meats and a festive set menu full of seasonal favourites. Children dine at half price or choose from the kiddies’ menu. A lively atmosphere for families wanting a premium dining experience.
Cape Town – Western Cape
126 Cape Kitchen & Café | 126 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
R895 pp | All-day dining
Celebrate with Cape Malay-inspired flavours alongside carving stations, sushi platters and entertainment. Expect breyanis, curries, roasts and sweet treats at the Dos-Tea Café. A stylish celebration in the heart of the city.
Arum at Boschendal Estate | Werf Building, Pniel Road, Franschhoek
R1,500 pp / R750 child
Arum, from Chef Peter Tempelhoff and the FYN Group, serves a sophisticated five-course Christmas menu rooted in Boschendal’s farm-to-fire philosophy. Set in the historic Werf building, it’s ideal for those seeking a destination dining experience.
Gusto Urban Italian | 4 Conference Lane, Century City
R695 pp, half-price for kids under 12
Feast on an Italian-inspired Christmas buffet overlooking the canals and piazza. Expect focaccia, steamed mussels, carpaccio, roast lamb, gammon, Tuscan chicken, roast potatoes, and gelato, tiramisu and cannoli for dessert. A relaxed yet stylish celebration for the whole family.
Gqeberha – Eastern Cape
The Lemon Tree Restaurant | 22 1st Avenue, Walmer, Gqeberha
R590 pp
The Lemon Tree serves a festive menu with comforting staples: cherry-glazed gammon, roast potatoes, lamb, and Christmas pudding. A warm, neighbourhood setting perfect for those spending the holidays away from home. Kiddies’ menu available on request.
