So you’re looking for somewhere to do Christmas lunch in Newcastle. Fair enough. You’ve probably got the usual suspects in mind – big hotels, chain restaurants, the same old thing. But honestly, most of them are just packed and chaotic and the food is mediocre at best.
In Forno does Christmas differently though. Actual Italian Christmas food. Done properly. In a place that doesn’t feel like a factory.
Here’s why you should consider it.
Why In Forno for Christmas Lunch
Look, Christmas lunch is supposed to be something special. You’re spending time with people you care about. The food should actually be good. The atmosphere should be nice. The staff should make you feel welcome.
Most restaurants don’t nail all three. In Forno does.
They’re not trying to be something they’re not. No pretentious pricing. No corporate vibe. Just good Italian food in a warm atmosphere with people who actually care.
Harry and the team put thought into their Christmas menu. It’s not just the regular menu with a couple of festive additions. It’s actually planned. Actually special.
And you can taste that care.
What Makes Italian Christmas Food Different
Italian Christmas is different from traditional Australian Christmas. For a start it’s not about turkey and ham and all that heavy stuff. It’s about fresh ingredients. Quality. Family. Togetherness.
Italian Christmas food is lighter, fresher, more elegant. It’s about celebrating properly without making yourself feel sick from overeating.
At In Forno they do Christmas the Italian way. Fresh pasta. Quality ingredients. Proper technique. That’s the difference.
The Christmas Menu at In Forno
They put together a special Christmas menu that you don’t get any other time of year. It’s limited. It’s special. It’s worth booking for.
Festive Starters
They usually do Christmas-specific appetizers. Think fresh seafood preparations. Prosciutto with seasonal ingredients. Proper antipasto with quality components.
The Crispy Pork Belly they do year-round is even better at Christmas when they do it with festive touches. Properly cooked. Crispy. Not overdone. Customers rave about it.
Fresh oysters if they can get them. Seafood risotto variations. Things that feel special without being pretentious.
Christmas Pasta
This is where it gets good. They do special pasta dishes for Christmas that you won’t get any other time.
Usually something with seafood – fresh prawns, scallops, calamari with proper pasta. Light, elegant, actually tastes like Christmas celebration instead of just heavy food.
Pasta with seasonal vegetables. Pasta with truffle if they can source it properly. Things that are special.
The regular pastas are still available too – Carbonara, Bolognese – if people want the classics. But there’s usually at least two or three special Christmas pasta options.
Christmas Pizza
Yeah, they still do pizza at Christmas. And honestly, pizza can be part of Christmas lunch. It’s not traditional but it works.
They might do pizzas with seasonal toppings. Festive ingredients. Special touches that make them different.
Or you can just get regular pizzas if you want. But the Christmas menu usually has something special pizza-wise too.
Mains
They do other mains beyond pizza and pasta. Usually some meat options, seafood options, vegetarian options.
At Christmas it’s typically upgraded versions – better ingredients, special preparations, things that feel festive.
Desserts
Italian Christmas desserts. Panettone variations if they do them. Fresh fruit. Proper sweets. Things that feel celebratory without being too heavy.
They might do tiramisu. They might do panna cotta. Fresh fruit with quality chocolate. Depends on what they’ve got going on that year.
Wine
The wine list is decent year-round. At Christmas they might have some special selections. Italian wines that pair well with the festive menu.
You’re not paying crazy money either. Fair pricing for what you’re getting.
Why Christmas Lunch at In Forno Works
Here’s the thing about Christmas – it’s supposed to be about enjoying time together. Good food. Good atmosphere. People who make you feel welcome.
Most big restaurants lose that. They’re too busy, too corporate, too much about turning tables.
In Forno keeps it real. Yes they’re busy at Christmas. But there’s warmth to it. The staff are happy. The atmosphere is actually celebratory instead of stressful.
The Atmosphere
It’s warm. It’s Italian. It’s celebratory without being pretentious. You sit down and you feel like you’re somewhere special. Not some corporate function.
The space is cozy even when it’s full. There’s a working wood-fired oven. The energy is good.
The Staff
They actually care. They’re not rushed. They’re not just trying to get you in and out. They want you to enjoy the experience.
The Food
It’s actually good. You can taste that someone cared about making it. That matters at Christmas.
The Price
Fair. You’re not getting ripped off because it’s Christmas. You’re getting quality food at fair prices.
Practical Christmas Lunch Info
When
Christmas Day obviously. They might do lunch service. You’d need to check with them about specific times.
Boxing Day they might be open too. That’s actually a good alternative if Christmas is fully booked.
Booking
You absolutely need to book ahead. Christmas is busy everywhere. But especially if you want a good time, book early.
Early December is the time to be thinking about this.
Group Size
They can handle groups. They’ve got capacity at both locations. Whether it’s small family or bigger group, they’ll sort you out.
Dietary Requirements
If someone in your group has dietary requirements – vegetarian, vegan, allergies – let them know when you book. They’ll work with you.
Cost
Depends what you order but Christmas lunch at In Forno is fair value. You’re getting quality Italian food, nice atmosphere, good service. For what you’re getting it’s actually reasonable.
How to Book Christmas Lunch
Call them
Ring them directly. Tell them when you want to come. How many people. Any dietary requirements.
02 4961 0079 (Hamilton)
02 4961 4031 (Charlestown)
Book early
Christmas fills up fast. Early December is the time. Don’t wait til the last minute.
Confirm closer to the date
Ring again a few days before to confirm. Remind them of any dietary stuff. Make sure everything’s good.
What to Expect
You’ll show up. Get settled. Staff will welcome you.
You’ll look at the Christmas menu. Or ask for recommendations. They know what’s good. You’ll order. Your food will come. It’ll be good.
You’ll sit there with people you care about. Eating good food. In a nice atmosphere. Enjoying Christmas.
That’s the idea. That’s what In Forno does.
Why This is Better Than the Big Hotel Christmas Menus
Look, big hotels do massive Christmas buffets. It’s expensive. It’s crowded. The food is fine but forgettable.
In Forno is different.
You’re eating actual quality food made properly. You’re in an actual nice atmosphere. You’re not packed in like sardines.
Staff actually know your name by the end of it.
It feels like a proper Christmas lunch. Not a corporate event.
Real Talk
Is it exactly like traditional Christmas lunch? No. There’s no turkey. No ham. It’s Italian.
But honestly, that’s the point. You get something different. Something special. Something that feels celebratory in its own way.
Will it be busy? Yeah probably. It’s Christmas. Everywhere is busy. But at In Forno the busy feels warm, not chaotic.
Questions People Ask
Do I need to book?
Yeah definitely. Christmas is busy. Book early.
Can you do dietary requirements?
Yeah. Tell them when you book. They’ll work with you.
How much does it cost?
Depends what you order but fair value. Quality food, nice atmosphere. You’re paying for what you get.
Can we bring kids?
Yeah definitely. It’s family-friendly. Kids are welcome.
How long does lunch take?
Depends on you. If you want to linger it’s fine. They’ll look after you. If you want to eat and leave that’s fine too.
Can we do group bookings?
Yeah. Both locations can handle groups. Tell them when you book how many.
What if someone doesn’t like Italian?
It’s all Italian food. But there’s variety. Pizza, pasta, meat, seafood, vegetarian. Should be something for everyone.
What time is Christmas lunch?
You’d need to ring them about specific times. Christmas lunch might be different hours than usual.
Can we BYO wine?
You’d need to ask them. Some restaurants allow it, some don’t. Best to ring and check.
Is the menu fixed or can we choose?
They probably have a special Christmas menu but might also have regular menu available. Ask when you book.
How far in advance should we book?
Early December is good. Don’t leave it too late.
Bottom Line on Christmas Lunch in Newcastle
Christmas lunch this year – think about In Forno.
You’ll get quality Italian food. Nice atmosphere. Staff who actually care. Fair pricing. It’ll feel like a proper celebration. Not a corporate event.
Ring them. Book a table. Enjoy Christmas lunch done properly.
Ring early December to book your Christmas lunch. Both locations welcome groups and can accommodate dietary requirements.
🍕 Hamilton, Newcastle – Come to In Forno and taste the difference.
📍 Come to charlestown, Newcastle, or reserve your table online today!
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