Outsourcing Christmas Lunch In The Illawarra
How To Have A Low Stress + High Vibe Christmas In The Illawarra
It really is the most wonderful time of the year, but gee it’s also a lot of work!
All that organising, prepping and cooking is enough to send even those high up on Santa’s ‘Nice List’ into a tiz.
Well, take a deep breath guys, because we’ve put together a list of venues to make your Chrimbo a whole lot easier this year. Whether you plan on going out or hosting at home, we’ve got some fab options to make sure you’ll spend less time on the run and more time with the rum….balls, obviously!
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
No standing over a hot stove and no washing up….bliss!
Here’s some of our picks of impressive restaurant options for the big day AND you can click here to be taken through to a big list of local venues offering up something spesh for Christmas Day.
Waterfront Tavern Christmas Day Lunch :: Shell Cove
Two words that go perfectly together are SEAFOOD and BUFFET. This lunch is a seafood lover’s dream! Throw in loads of carvery faves like roast meats, roast veg and salads and everyone’s happy. For afters they’ve got a wonderful choice of desserts including cheese and crackers, perfect if you’re the type who loves to finish on a little bit of the savoury – chomp chomp.
Christmas Day Banquet at Balgownie Hotel:: Balgownie
This one feels real like memories of Chrissy’s gone by and we love it. With hot and cold platters including roast turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce as well as hams, roasties and even Yorkshire puddings this one is likely to book out so grab your place quick sticks!
Christmas Day Spectacular at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach:: Wollongong
Spectacular this lunch is surely set to be! A traditional Christmas buffet, all the trimmings and a handy 3-hour drinks package. Enjoy seafood, roast meats, veg, salad and decadent desserts. It is also a great family-friendly option with children’s gifts, activities and a visit from Santa. Book your spot out on the deck for ocean views or in one of the lovely indoor spaces.
Christmas at Headlands :: Austinmer Beach
An excellent option for our northern suburbs friends or even if you’ve got fam coming down from the big smoke and want to meet them halfway. A tasty buffet of all the classics with some fun additions like brown rice roast sweet potato & pumpkin seed salad and chocolate fudge blueberry brownie… Drool!
Harbourfront Christmas Day Lunch :: Wollongong
Sitting on Wollongong Harbour, we challenge you to find a prettier spot for lunch. A 3-course all-inclusive menu [yep that means booze too] with choices like cold seafood platters and eye fillet steak – luxury! For all you traditionalists, don’t worry there’s plum pudding for dessert…. although the peach Alaska does sound preeeeetty yum too.
NOT QUITE CHRISTMAS
‘Twas the night before Christmas…. Or maybe the week before… and all the blended families, vacationers, friend groups and in-laws organised their early Christmas feasts at one of the options below and then had a fantastic time…..THE END!
Crooked River Wines :: Gerringong
On the 16th of December, you can book your gang in for this award-winning dining experience. Sit back, relax and let the head chef and their team take your tastebuds on a magical Christmas journey. At $89 per person, it’s great value!
K.Malu Kitchen & Bar :: Wollongong
Every Friday from now until Christmas K.Malu Kitchen & Bar will be serving up a special 4 course menu just for the season. You can also add a 2-hour drink package to the mix and to that we say, why not?
Christmas at Boveda:: Thirroul
For groups of 6 or more book a table with Boveda for Chrissy. Their modern Mexican eats sound delish, tacos, ceviche, corn ribs and 2 hours of bevvies- fabulous! Shoot them an email or give them a buzz to make a booking.
Lucia’s By The Sea Christmas Eve :: North Wollongong
Give your Christmas Eve some Italian flair! Choose from 2 or 3 courses of Italian-inspired dishes like burrata, antipasto, crispy barramundi and the exciting-sounding Zuppa Inglese [sponge cake soaked in liqueur with custards]. They’ve also got a decent kids’ menu for the Bambini.
OUTSOURCE IT, BABY!
As December edges closer many of our fave local restaurants and catering businesses will be releasing their Christmas catering menu. Be sure to check back here to get the scoop. In the meantime head to our directory for some local caterers making fresh eats all year round.
Villa D’Oro :: Wollongong
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to attend this venue for a function over the years then you no doubt know how absolutely scrumptious their food is. Guess what? They’re now taking orders for Christmas catering. Hooray! They’ve got all their classic pasta dishes plus meats, sides and dessert. Trust us when we say their sfogliatelle [filled pastries] are so good they should be illegal….thankfully they’re not!
Cove Catering:: Albion Park Rail
Order your whole roast chickens, limited edition lasagnas, fresh salads and veg to keep the whole team happy. You can even add options for brekkie munching whilst the kiddos are opening the goodies Santa left them under the tree. There are grazing and fresh fruit boxes to snack on during the day and don’t forget the chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.
Smith St. Foods :: Gerringong
Take all the busy work out and order Christmas lunch here. Loads of meat options including Turkey Ballotine, 12-hour lamb Shoulder [sounds delish], hot smoked salmon and rolled pork belly. Plus fancy sides for impressing the most discerning eaters and Nan’s boozy Christmas pudding for dessert.
BUBBLES, BREWS + BOTTLES OF FUN
Need a tipple or two …..Like who doesn’t at Christmas? Let’s keep the theme going and support our local liquor vendors this year. Insider tip: They’ve actually got some of the best and most unique drinks around town so you’ll be the one who’s winning.
Check out this comprehensive list of local breweries, distilleries, wineries and bottle shops to hit up, and here’s some of our favourites to load up on all things bubbly and refreshing!
Thirroul Cellars
These guys really care about the drinks they sell and it shows. If you want to impress your guests with your excellent taste but are not sure where to start, pop in here and get some help from the friendly staff and prepare for the accolades from the dinner table that will follow.
Good Drop Liquor Emporium :: Port Kembla
Head to Port Kembla if you’re looking for something a little bit fancy pants this year. Their website also has an excellent holiday drinks guide with options for all price ranges and tastes. If your schedule is packed to the max right now just make an order online and they will deliver to you.
Manning Street Cellars :: Kiama
Kiama’s best selection of craft beer, fun wines and cool spirits. They stock lots of local brews but also newbies from further afield. All designed to make you seem like the beer or wine aficionado you know deep down you truly are.
5 Barrel Brewing
The beer here is the bo-omb! They have flavourful ales, lagers and stouts to make your day merry. Bonus: Every year since they’ve opened, they’ve brewed a special beer just for Christmas.
Phew, Christmas is sorted. Now go pop on a Santa hat, bust open a cracker and crank the carols!
Merry Christmas!!
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