Interior of Masu restaurant in Sky City. Photo / Babiche Martens
Christmas Day is a time of joy for all the family, but it's also a day of food preparation, washing up, cooking, clearing tables and often some moments of mild stress when that already-awkward relative has one too many sherries, the dog discovers the pav at 8am, or the dishwasher (or teenager) chooses to throw a monumental strop.
If your family, or group of friends, have decided to make Christmas Day relaxing for all — and let someone else do all the hard work — here are some options for dining out around town. Almost all these eateries will require prior booking, so be sure to call to reserve a place.
Masu's Nichiyo Brunch is perfect for a long leisurely Christmas lunch. You can keep grazing from the amazing array of sashimi, maki rolls, small dishes and salads at the robata counter till you're satisfied, then choose a main to round it off. Better still, they will have the playroom open too. Dinner will be normal service.
Masu by Nic Watt, 90 Federal St, Auckland. Ph: (09) 363 6278
skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/masu
Grand Harbour has been a firm favourite Yum Cha spot for Aucklanders for years so why wouldn't you want to spend the 25th flagging down your favourite dumplings, deep fried squid, duck, steamed buns, crispy pork and other Hong Kong style delights, as they sail past enticingly on trolleys. Perfect if there are kids involved, as it's always noisy and no one will notice if they aren't on their best behaviour. Sister restaurant, Grand Park in Greenlane, will also be open.
Grand Harbour, cnr Pakenham St and Customs St West, Auckland. Ph: (09) 357 6889.
grandharbour.co.nz
Grand Park, Alexandra Park Raceway, Green Lane West, Greenlane. Ph: (09) 638 6998.
grandparkrestaurant.co.nz
DeBretts has you covered from sunrise to sunset. There's a set menu for Christmas breakfast (including a mimosa and a coffee or tea) plus lunch and dinner menu options with traditional courses like turkey and pavlova as well as modern favourites such as caprese salad and salmon carpaccio in the line-up.
DeBretts Kitchen at Hotel DeBrett, 2 High St, Auckland. Ph: (09) 925 9000
hoteldebrett.com
morning (and takeout) only
While Takapuna Beach Cafe won't be doing regular seated service, it will be open from 7am to 12pm for takeaway options. What better way to start Christmas Day than a coffee and pastry from this popular Auckland spot, followed by a walk along Takapuna Beach. Or even a breakfast picnic on a blanket on the sand.
Takapuna Beach Cafe, 22 The Promenade, Takapuna. Ph: (09) 484 0002
takapunabeachcafe.co.nz
It won't be the cheapest Christmas lunch or dinner in town, but Eight at Cordis probably has the best chance of keeping everyone happy with multiple stations serving sushi and sashimi, curries, seafood, salad, dessert, dim sum and grill as well as special Christmas extras like venison carpaccio, home-smoked milk-fed lamb, lobster sliders, pohutukawa honey and clove roasted champagne ham, Christmas pudding, stollen and mince pies. They will also be doing an extra special high tea in the Lobby Lounge.
Eight Restaurant, Cordis Hotel, 83 Symonds St, Grafton. Ph: (09) 379 5132
eightrestaurant.co.nz
For those looking for an option out West, Deco Eatery in beautiful Lopdell House in Titirangi has a set menu for lunch and dinner, featuring their unique blend of New Zealand produce with Turkish influences. It's a beautiful location and if you are feeling super energetic, the Waitakere ranges and west coast beaches aren't far for a family walk.
Deco Eatery Cafe, 418 Titirangi Rd, Titirangi. Ph: (09) 817 2664
For a slightly spicier Christmas, Indian food icon Paradise has some of the best biriyani, curries and clay oven kebabs around. The restaurant, takeaway and buffet will all be open on Christmas Day. Great news for Sandringham locals — and others willing to travel across town for their Hyderabadi food fix. Also great for anyone with halal dietary requirements.
Paradise, 591 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham. Ph: (09) 845 1144
paradiseindianfood.co.nz
If you like the idea of Tuscany or Rome for Christmas lunch but can't afford the airfare, Gusto at the Grand is where you need to be. Bruschetta, panzanella salad, mushroom arancini, croquettas, eggplant parmigiana, calamari, crab linguini, porchetta, roast potatoes (some of the best in town) and orange-scented tiramisu will be served in courses to share family style. Dinner will be a la carte as usual.
Gusto at The Grand, 90 Federal St, Auckland. Ph: (09) 363 7030
skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/gusto-at-the-grand