Christmas time isn’t complete without a tasty dinner surrounded by friends and family! Here in NYC, there are a bunch of restaurants serving one-of-a-kind Christmas menus that will have you feeling full and jolly. Since there’s a few weeks before the big holiday, we’ve hand selected a few spots for you…so you can get a reservation in now! These are our favorite restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (and their specialty food options):
1. The Standard, East Village (eve and day)
It’s well documented how much we love the cozy yurts at The Standard in East Village, and they’ll be available for reservation on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! The Winter Garden will be serving their normal menu in addition to Christmas specials like Beef Wellington (Filet Mignon, Truffles, Foie Gras, Sauce Perigeaux, Broccolini) and Dover Sole Grenobloise (Capers, White Asparagus, Fines Herbes). Plus, their connecting cafe will also have a la carte options!
Where: 25 Cooper Sq
2. Baccarat Hotel New York, Midtown
Baccarat Hotel New York will be serving a four course “Joyeux Noel” prix-fix menu this year for $160 per person. The talk of the meal though? The dessert! Their Christmas yule logs are the perfect sweet treat to finish your decadent meal (pictured above)! Be sure to check out Baccarat’s other offerings too like a holiday afternoon tea experience and a boutique.
Where: 28 W 53rd St
3. Le Pavillon, Midtown
If you’re looking for a gorgeous restaurant with Christmas decor and decadent food, we recommend Le Pavillon on Christmas Eve. Although this 4 course prix fix is on the more expensive side ($245/person), it’s worth it for the mouthwatering dishes you’re served. Some of the menu highlights include Saffron Cured Hamachi, Black Winter Truffles Champignon, and Sole Champignon (roasted dover sole “en feuille de brick,” rutabaga black trumpet mushrooms, moscatel sauce). Full menu here.
Where: One Vanderbilt Ave
4. The Musket Room, Nolita
What could be a better Christmas Eve gift than indulging in the Feast of the 7 Fishes? For $250, you’ll get a tasting of some of the finest seafood in downtown NYC (along with wine pairings from Sommelier Ramon Manglano). You can expect dishes like Razor Clam Oreganata (pictured above) and a whole lot more. Full menu here.
Where: 265 Elizabeth St
5. Buddakan, Chelsea
Buddakan’s “holiday duck feast” is not to be missed this year! For $150 (which feeds 2), you’ll get a duck-focused series of dishes including Duck Wonton Soup with roasted duck consommé and udon and Peking Duck for Two with cucumber, scallion, hoisin. Their standard a la carte options will be available to add as well!
Where: 5 9th Ave
6. Upland, Flatiron
This spacious and chic brasserie, known for its Californian and Italian inspired menu will be offering a three-course prix fixe menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $105 per person. You’ll start with a Mushroom Soup, then choose between a Prime Rib or Branzino, and finish it off with a choice of Pecan-Walnut Pie or Apple Cinnamon Sundae for dessert. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 345 Park Ave S
7. Electric Lemon, Hudson Yards
This restaurant on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards is serving a 3 course prix fix for $120 per person this year. They’ll be serving the likes of Prime Rib and Poached Halibut (plus other options) on Christmas Day from 2 pm – 9 pm. Full menu here.
Where: 33 Hudson Yards, Floor 24
8. The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, Upper East Side
The Mark Restaurant by Jean–Georges is serving up a 3 course menu for $208 per person this year. The prix fix selection includes appetizers like Tagliatelle with Black Truffles, entrees like Maine Lobster, and desserts (our personal favorite) like the Butterscotch Pudding with Crème Fraîche, Caramel and Sea Salt (pictured above). This spot will be open on Christmas Day! Full menu here.
Where: 25 E 77th St
9. Pastis, Meatpacking
From 9 am – 9 pm on Christmas Day, this iconic French brasserie will be serving up a three-course prix fixe Christmas menu for $89 per person. Everything here is delicious and we suggest getting the Bûche De Noël dessert when it comes to that time!
Where: 52 Gansevoort St
10. Stella 34 Trattoria, Herald Square
Have breakfast with Santa Claus at Stella 34 Trattoria in Herald Square! Located inside the iconic Macy’s store, you can enjoy a delightful Italian breakfast while dining with the jolly man himself. Plus, there will be activities for the kids, and festive mimosas for the adults. This spot will be open through Christmas Eve! More details and reservation info here.
Where: 151 W 34th St
11. Lincoln Ristorante, Upper West Side
Lincoln Ristorante will be open on Christmas Eve, serving a three course menu exclusively for the holiday. Menu highlights here include Carne Crudo (dry aged beef tartar, 40 month parmigiano, egg, and caper dressing), Halibut (panko crusted with leek puree, prosciutto vinaigrette, and nebbiolo juice), Chocolate Hazelnut Tart for dessert, and more. We recommend making reservations! Full menu here.
Where: 142 W 65th St, Lincoln Center Plaza,
12. Veronika, Flatiron
Feel the warm glow inside of Veronika’s angelic grand dining room this year, and try out one of their holiday specials like the Caviar Service, White Truffle Agnolotti, and Whole Roasted Duck. They’ll be open on Christmas Eve serving these dishes alongside their featured holiday cocktail featured above, the Saint Jeffrey’s Eggnog (A light frothy version of a holiday classic and Tequila based to pump).
Where: 281 Park Ave S
13. Bar Boulud, Upper West Side
Enjoy the creations of Executive Chef Daniel Guzman and Pastry Chef Courtney Bratton at Bar Boulud this Christmas Eve. Their $115/person 3 course menu offers a variety of French and American classics including a festive and dreamy Mont Blanc Bûche De Noël dessert (vanilla mousse, chestnut moelleux, yuzu sorbet) which can’t be missed!
Where: 1900 Broadway
14. Hortus, NoMad
This Michelin-recognized Asian spot will be offering a five-course special prix fixe menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for only $80 per person! Menu highlights include Crispy Wontons filled with truffle pulled duck and spicy mango and Truffle Chicken with filet mignon, sweet rice, and special sides. We love this spot in particular though because of the atmosphere. They have a glass enclosed hidden garden as well as stunning views of the Marble Collegiate Church across the street!
Where: 271 5th Ave
15. Daniel, Upper East Side
At a steep $475 per person, this is probably the fanciest Christmas dinner you’ll find. The five course meal features the likes of Upstate New York Foie Gras Terrine, Dover Sole, and Bûche De Noël that is out of this world. Full menu here.
Where: 60 E 65th St
16. AperiBar, Midtown West
This chic Italian restaurant/cocktail bar is throwing down a Christmas fish feast for only $75 per person! It’s located in the LUMA Hotel Times Square and will be serving food on Christmas Eve! Since it’s also a cocktail bar, we suggest grabbing one (or a few) of their holiday specialties while you enjoy your meal (pictured above).
Where: 120 W 41st St
17. Soogil, East Village
This Korean-French gem is offering a holiday tasting menu for $175, which features the likes of Beef Wellington (pictured above), Scallop and Honeynut Squash Soup, a Jenga Tower of churros, and much more. With a focus on French holiday ingredients, each menu item is packed to the punch with flavor. They’ll be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Full menu here.
Where: 108 E 4th St
18. Sweetbriar, NoMad
Find a three-course Christmas dinner priced at $110 per person at Sweetbriar in NoMad this Christmas Day. They’ll be open from 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm serving highlights like Butternut Velouté and Applewood Smoked Honey Glazed Ham, that show off the live cooking aspect of the dinner.
Where: 127 E 27th St
19. Ole & Steen, Bryant Park, Union Square & Midtown East
This Danish bakery is serving Christmas sweet treats rather than a traditional dinner, but their cute desserts are something that should be savored this holiday season! With three different locations across NYC, you’ll be able to find goodies like their Christmas Tree Puff and Polar Bear Rum Ball (both pictured above) to cure your sweet tooth.
Where:
80 W 40th St – Bryant Park
873 Broadway – Union Square
518 Lexington Ave – Midtown East
20. The Clocktower, Gramercy
This three-course prix fixe Christmas menu for $110 per person offers a modern twist on British cuisine, with menu highlights including Roasted Heritage Turkey, Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Parfait, and Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding, (along with much more). The Clocktower will be serving a Christmas Day feast from 2 pm – 9 pm. Full menu here.
Where: 5 Madison Ave