CBD Restaurants open for Christmas

Hard-hit CBD restaurants are welcoming diners back for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, boasting new and improved menu items, Indonesian feasts, an “ultimate” wagyu experience and much more.

Despite the Melbourne Money Scheme’s recent closure in November – a scheme which gave CBD diners a 30 per cent rebate on food and drink – restaurants are hoping the influx of hungry Melburnians continues on into the upcoming silly season.

David’s Master Pot at 301 Swanston St is open on Christmas day and New Year’s Eve until 10pm, a restaurant home to chef David Li’s award-winning signature dish, MaLaTang.

Chef Li has recently revamped the signature Malatang broth, full of authentic Sichuan flavour. 

What makes David's Malatang broth unique is that it is comprised of authentic beef tallow oil made from Australian-raised Angus Beef and premium Sichuan spices and chillies. 

Much like a master stock, it is continuously brewed fresh on a flame that has never gone out since its creation in 2018. Hence the name David’s Master pot.

Liam Zhou, CEO of David Management Group, owners of David’s Master Pot and Chef David, said the Melbourne Money initiative has been helpful for CBD hospitality businesses.

“As we all know, the CBD has been especially hard hit in the last couple of years, so it’s great to have the support of local government to help entice people back into the city centre. 

“What we hope, is that Melbourne locals keep that momentum up and that the CBD becomes a destination for dining.”

“There are so many fantastic restaurants in the city and Melburnians have come out to support them all and breathe life back into our hospitality sector.”

 Niku Ou at Shop 9/10 108 Bourke St, Melbourne is also open for Christmas, boasting the “ultimate” wagyu experience.

Niku Ou’s premium menu of Japanese Wagyu beef, sushi and sashimi, bento rice boxes and more. 

They are one of only three restaurants in Australia (one is the sister restaurant in South Yarra with the same owner) with a licence to serve the prized kobe beef.  

Kata Kita, La Trobe St will also be open on Christmas, and will soon announce whether the restaurant will open on New Year’s Eve.

Kata Kita is serving a feast of Indonesian regional specialities for Christmas. 

Dishes include duck in the Madura style, known for its blackened spice paste of lemongrass, candlenut, shallot and other aromatics and rich, five-hour roasted Babi Guling pork belly.

Chef David at level 1/462 Elizabeth St, Melbourne will also be serving diners tasty dishes on Christmas day.

Chef David’s menu is Sichuan flavours and delicious, spicy cocktails to match. Their interiors are also full of neon lights, so lots of fun for celebrations.

Online bookings only.

Da Long Yi Hot Pot, 398 Elizabeth St, Melbourne will also be open for Christmas.

For a more traditional hot pot experience, gather round a bubbling pot of deep-spiced Sichuan broth and enjoy a wide range of healthy ingredients on offer at Da Long Yi Hot Pot. 

Grab yourself a bubble tea at Gotcha Fresh Tea, Ground Floor, 208 Little Bourke St, Melbourne which will also be open for Christmas.

Bubble tea fans can indulge in limited-edition flavours created for the Xmas period such as Watermelon Macchiato, Mango Pomelo, Royal Thai Milk Tea and more from Sunday 12 December – Friday 24 December.

Diners should be aware that public holiday surcharges will apply at most restaurants.