Wellington Restaurants Open Christmas day

Christmas is here again and while you're most likely busy thinking of Christmas gift ideas it's also time to start thinking about where you want to have your Christmas lunch or dinner.

There are a couple of possibilities: 1. Have it at home, but think about all the mess!

2. Just relax and go out to a nice restaurant.

Anyway, I thought I’d take the time to profile some Wellington restaurants that are open on Christmas day. 

Logan Brown is located in the wonderful 1920s banking chamber on Cuba Street. They seat up to 80 people, with room for 12 in the upstairs private dining room. They do have room for more, but I’m told that they make a point of not crowding their guests. There will be an early lunch sitting from 11am to 2pm and a late lunch at 2.30pm to 6pm.

At $150 per person (payment required up front to confirm booking) they will be serving dishes like Freshly baked sourdough, Crispy duck leg with caramelised apple pork sausage, maple pumpkin, asparagus and cranberry relish and Billy Scott’s Strawberry tart.  

Chameleon Restaurant is within the 5-star InterContinental Hotel on Grey Street. Though the menu is yet to be confirmed, they will be open for Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving the usual Christmas fare.

Sittings are planned for between 12 noon and 2pm and 6pm to 8pm. Prices will be around $135 per person for a three-course meal, including a glass of Brancott Estate Brut Curvée wine. They will also serve a buffet breakfast at $40 per person.  

Artisan Restaurant and Bar is located in the 5-star Bolton Hotel on Bolton Avenue. They plan to be open for lunch on Christmas day and may have a later sitting if there is enough demand.

The three-course set menu will include dishes like Grilled haloumi, asparagus with salsa verde for an entrée, Roast turkey breast, chestnut and kumara puree, cranberry stuffing and juniper and port wine reduction for a main and Dark chocolate tart with mulled wine, ice cream and orange syrup for dessert.

Their prices will be $120 per adult and $60 per child under 12 years. 

Other Wellington venues open Christmas Day 2012 include: Zibibbo Restaurant and Bar on Taranaki Street, which will have three sittings available including 11 – 1:30pm, 2:30 – 5pm and 6 – 8:30pm. They charge $110 per person and $55 for children under 12.

Osteria del Toro on Tory Street is open for two Christmas Day lunch sittings and Boulcott Street Bistro is open for lunch; bookings are available 12-1pm, the doors open from 12pm.

Editorial By Liam MacAndrew