The 34 Best Christmas Restaurants NYC
Where can I eat on Christmas Day in NYC?
Though the majority of places are closed for Christmas day, a surprising number stay open for a very special Christmas Dinner in NYC. Our favorite Christmas Restaurants NYC offer many additional special dishes, prix fixe options, and, of course, Christmas decorations.
If you’re in town on Christmas Day and are wondering where you could go out to eat at night, this is the right article for you. When it comes to the best restaurants on Christmas Day there are a few that I can highly recommend.
My tip: This is my guide to Christmas in NYC with everything you need to know!
34 Amazing New York City Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Are you looking for options for Christmas dinner in NYC? New York City has top-notch restaurants featuring impressive menus on Christmas Day. Christmas in New York is the most wonderful time of the year in the city. Here is a list of my absolute favorite Christmas New York City restaurants and your guide to which restaurants are open on Christmas Day in NYC.
- 01
Benoit
French Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Here at Benoit you can get the French classics like cassoulet or onion soup. The restaurant is famous for its fantastic fish dishes and steaks. Be sure to order the fries with it – they are second to none. The Benoit is also ideal for a romantic dinner for two, as the selection is large and the wines are sensational.
On Christmas Eve + Day, there is a 3-course menu for $95 p.p. There are four appetizers to choose from, such as oysters or sea bream, and four main courses.
- 02
The Ribbon
American Restaurant in Upper West SideSituated on the Upper West Side, The Ribbon represents the quintessential New York restaurant experience. From their extensive wine list and craft cocktails to their mastery of American classics with a hint of French influence, there’s no better Christmas dinner than that at The Ribbon NYC.
Start your meal with a Treviso and Endive salad or stuffed butternut squash before moving on to the main course of Atlantic Salmon or traditional ham or turkey. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!
- 03
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Other Restaurants in West Village
One if by Land, Two if by Sea has the reputation to be the city’s most romantic restaurant and has also been voted the 5th most romantic restaurant in the world – for good reasons. The former carriage house, built in 1767, does not only stand out due to its charming architecture but also due to its rich history. The property was once owned by the United States’ first Attorney General Aaron Burr.
After the duel in which he shot Alexander Hamilton, he lost the property and it was later repurposed until it became the restaurant we love today. The decor is simply beautiful. On top of that, One if by Land, Two if by Sea features several fireplaces, a piano, and a garden. As you may imagine, the food is absolutely amazing, too. The restaurant is said to be the most popular restaurant in New York for engagements, too.
- 04
Enjoy the Christmas Dinner aboard a glass-enclosed Bateaux, Manhattan's most premium experience on the water!
Cruise in Chelsea
At Christmas time there are several boat tours with the Bateaux: On December 24 you can choose between a Christmas Eve Gourmet Lunch Cruise and the Christmas Eve Dinner Harbor Cruise.
The Lunch Cruise lasts 2 hours, the Dinner Cruise 3 hours. You can expect a 3-course Christmas menu, impressive views of the New York skyline and a festive ambience.
- 05
Jams
American Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Jams, located at 1 Hotel Central Park, is owned and operated by Chef Jonathan Waxman, and will be open all day on Christmas Day, offering a day full of food options.
Whether you’re looking for an in-room brunch basket experience overlooking the parade, brunch near Jams’ floor-to-ceiling windows, or a prix-fixe delectable three-course meal, Chef Waxman’s Jams will help you make the most of Christmas in New York City.
- 06
Christmas Restaurants NYC: Boqueria
Spanish Restaurant in SoHoOur Highlight
One of my favorite restaurants is Boqueria which is a lively, Barcelona-style tapas bar. They are serving a menu of Spanish classics and market-driven seasonal specials in a warm, modern space. Do you love authentic Spanish cuisine? Then you won’t ever want to leave Boqueria in NYC. Their Christmas menu offers classic tapas including a seasonal favorite of fried egg, delicious potato cream, Perigord truffles, and Jamón Ibérico. They also feature a luxurious Seafood Suquet for the table to share and concludes with an extra special treat. Feliz Navidad!
- 07
Little Prince
French Restaurant in SoHoOur Highlight
For the first time we noticed the French restaurant in summer: the windows can be opened completely and because it is so small, you have a window seat & table all to yourself, so to speak. Super-romantic and that’s why it immediately landed on our list of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.
- 08
Bubby’s Tribeca
American Restaurant in TribecaOn Christmas Day, Bubby’s will serve a classic prefix of homestyle and traditional favorites. If you are dining with a group of fewer than eight people, you can call ahead and make a reservation.
- 09
Dirty French
French Restaurant in Lower East Side
Dirty French is a French bistro created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick located inside The Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side. It’s a really great location for your Christmas dinner in the city.
Their Christmas Day Special feature is a prix fixe menu for $125/pp plus tax and 20% gratuity. It comes including Dirty French classics that you have to try!
- 10
Cote
Asian Restaurant in Flatiron District
New York City is home to so many great Michelin-starred restaurants. Another such place is Cote which is a Korean steakhouse that will offer a tasty meaty feast for just $85 per person.
Included in the meal are four cuts of USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef with traditional Korean sides such as spicy kimchi stew, savory egg souffle, and sticky rice stuffing with shiitake mushrooms and Chinese sausage.
- 11
La Goulue
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
Add a touch of French culture to your Thanksgiving meal by enjoying your dinner at La Goulue. This Upper East Side establishment is offering a three-course meal for $86 per adult or $43 for each child under 12. The menu will offer foods such as tuna tartare, butternut squash soup, pan-seared salmon, roasted organic turkey, pumpkin tart, and pecan mascarpone napoleon.
- 12
The View
American Restaurant in Theatre District
Well known as one of the most popular Christmas restaurants in NYC for Christmas Dinner The View inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel on Times Square is oftentimes booked out months in advance. Save your spot in the fall if you want to spend your Christmas dinner here.
It’s NYC’s only revolving restaurant, where they will pair culinary excellence for your prix-fixe Christmas dinner with a view that is second to none!
- 13
An Amazing Christmas Dinner Restaurant: Peak at Hudson Yards
American Restaurant in Hudson Yards
Helmed by Executive Chef Chris Cryer (formerly Executive Chef at one of our favorite restaurants in Manhattan Seamore’s), Peak at Hudson Yards is a modern American a la carte restaurant with breathtaking views of New York City and beyond. Peak will be located at the summit of the 1,296-foot tall tower. So, the name Peak couldn’t be more accurate, right? Express elevators will take guests from the lounge to the 101st floor in a heartbeat.
Occupying the entire 101st-floor, the restaurant will encompass a 110-seat dining room, a 45-seat cocktail bar which both will be offering the south-facing view of downtown, the harbor, and sunsets. A private dining room and an event space for up to 300. Perfect for weddings, fancy dinners, your unforgettable night out in New York, or a great place to have a drink after visiting the observation deck Edge at Hudson Yards.
- 14
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Italian Restaurant in Theatre District
Whether you want to eat at the restaurant or enjoy a “home-cooked” dinner, Carmine’s has you covered. This year, they’ll be offering a family-style dinner for takeout or dine-in. Their roasted turkey is amazing!
- 15
Osprey in Brooklyn
American Restaurant in DumboOur Highlight
The Osprey is offering a prix fixe dinner on Christmas Day. With their offerings, you can choose from fluke Crudo, venison shank, honey nut squash soup, horchata panna cotta, foraged mushroom risotto, and heritage breed turkey stuffed with mortadella-chestnut stuffing.
- 16
Aquavit
Other Restaurants in Midtown ManhattanSpice up your Christma dinner in NYC by visiting Aquavit, a two Michelin-starred restaurant. On the menu are amazing dishes like spiced turkey breast, smoked turkey leg as main courses, and sides that include Truffle mac and cheese, sweet potato puree, pumpkin sourdough bread, and Danish rye loaf with butter.
- 17
Eleven Madison Park
American Restaurant in Flatiron District
Another great place to enjoy a Michelin-starred Christmas dinner is at the recently-vegan Eleven Madison Park. Their new menu includes all plant-based vegan.
- 18
Red Rooster
American Restaurant in Harlem & Washington HeightsOur Highlight
If you’re looking for authentic Harlem Soul Food, Red Rooster is the perfect spot for you. It is open on Christmas Day in NYC and will create a very casual environment on Christmas Day for you. Red Rooster offers excellent American cuisine as inspired by Marcus Samuelsson’s culinary journey and influenced by the vibrant neighborhoods of his travels.
If you are more into speakeasy vibes, escape from the hustle of the city outside and find yourself downstairs in Red Rooster’s best-kept secret, Ginny’s Supper Club. Stay for the live music after and dance your Christmas dinner off!
- 19
Boucherie
French Restaurant in West VillageAround NYC, you’ll find four Boucherie sister restaurants, all of which will offer a special menu for Christmas dinner. Don’t miss the cheesecake topped with spiced caramel and pecans!
- 20
Rolf's Restaurant
Other Restaurants in Gramercy - 21
Le Crocodile
French Restaurant in WilliamsburgLe Crocodile, the brasserie of the famous Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg is serving a menu with many traditional Christmas additions to their a la carte menu.
- 22
Antique Garage
Other Restaurants in SoHo
As the name suggests, the location used to be an old screwdriver garage, which was brought to life in 2003. The furnishing with antique paintings and lamps creates a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. And then the food: the starters alone are already a blast. Try “Mezze” – these are Mediterranean little treats.
- 23
The Standard Grill
American Restaurant in Meatpacking District
The Standard Grill is going big for Christmas in New York City. The famed west side bistro will offer a prix fixe four-course meal.
- 24
Vestry
American Restaurant in SoHoAre you looking for a Michelin-starred spot in Soho offering a Christmas dinner? Look no further than Vestry’s! They offer menu options such as Atlantic salmon with koji sauce, potato gnocchi with calamari and parmesan cream, crispy-skinned branzino, butternut squash soup, shrimp risotto, and their homemade bourbon pecan pie for dessert.
- 25
Socarrat
Spanish Restaurant in ChelseaDo something different for Christmas in NYC this year and put a Spanish twist on your meal! You will love it!
- 26
Celestine
Italian Restaurant in Dumbo
If Spanish food isn’t your thing, how about a Mediterranean twist? Take your Christmas to new levels with Celestine and their classic family-style menu. Expect food options such as brussels sprouts, sourdough stuffing, chicories salad, heritage turkey roulade, apple galette, and much more.
Photo by Melissa Hom
- 27
Tavern on the Green
Sea Food Restaurant in Upper West Side
Can you imagine anything more romantic for Christmas than spending your Christmas dinner on Christmas Day in Central Park? Tavern on the Green is an American cuisine restaurant located right inside the park that offers a pre-fix Christmas dinner for $125.
The landmark restaurant has been featuring excellent cuisine since 1934 when Central Park was renovated. Tavern on the Green on Christmas is very popular also because of its all-out holiday decor where you can cozy up under 10,000 sparkling string lights and lots of green firs. Make sure to reserve your table months in advance!
- 28
Dante and Dante West Village
Bar in Greenwich VillageOur Highlight
On Christmas, the original Dante location and the one in the West Village will offer a prix fixe meal with classic foods that feature modern twists. Think of things like clothbound cheddar, chicory salad with apples, oven-roasted turkey with sage and apricot stuffing, and a wide variety of pies. Dante’s is consistently voted one of the world’s best bars, so be sure to order their famous pumpkin eggnog!
- 29
Rezdora
Italian Restaurant in Flatiron District
Bist du ein Fan der italienischen Küche? Entscheide dich für Rezdora, ein wirklich schönes Pasta-Lokal im Flatiron District. Zwischen 12:00 und 15:30 Uhr gibt es dort ein Familienmenü zum Preis von 150 Dollar pro Person. Auf der Speisekarte stehen Prosciutto und Burrata, Truthahnkeule auf Osso-Buco-Art, Cappelletto mit Kastanien und Kürbis sowie Kürbis-Panna-Cotta.
- 30
The Polo Bar
American Restaurant in Midtown ManhattanThe Polo Bar from Ralph Lauren will also join this year’s festivities. Their Thanksgiving menu will include roasted organic turkey, mashed potatoes, calvados gravy, chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce, Charleston bourbon pecan pie, or a pumpkin sundae.
- 31
Olmsted
American Restaurant in Prospect HeightsOlmsted is a hot-ticket Brooklyn dining spot that will be open for dine-in guests on Thanksgiving Day from 2 pm until 8 pm. They will offer a family menu for $145 a person that includes dishes such as cornbread and sage butter, arctic char tartare, black truffled potatoes, heritage turkey two ways, and a collection of takeout boxes that are priced at $375 and feed four people. They also have desserts like apple strudel, maple pecan, and pumpkin pies for $45 each.
- 32
Gotham Restaurant
American Restaurant in Greenwich VillageGotham Restaurant has been situated in the Greenwich Village for over three decades and is still going strong. Their Thanksgiving menu is highly emancipated and features dishes such as Lancaster turkey with brussels sprouts and cranberry stuffing, Berkshire pork belly cooked with pink lady apples, red cabbage, and more, as well as yellowfin tuna tartare. Pastry Chef Jessica Lee will have plenty of her famed pies in flavors such as chocolate pecan, pumpkin, and apple.
- 33
Cathedrale
French Restaurant in East VillageOur HighlightThe imposing Cathedrale restaurant will be doing Thanksgiving their way this year (located in the MOXY East Village). Their menu will include favorites such as autumn squash with pomegranate vinaigrette, rotisserie heritage turkey, brussels sprouts, golden raisin chestnut stuffing, pumpkin pie, and much more.
My insider tip: Chinatown on Christmas
Did you know that Christmas and Christmas Eve are the busiest day of the year for most American Chinese restaurants? While a lot of New Yorkers struggle with the challenge of finding delicious restaurant options that are open on Christmas Chinatown is very much open on Christmas Day.
Chinatown on Christmas Day has been a tradition in New York City for many years.
So if you don’t really care much about a fancy Christmas dinner in New York City you should head to Chinatown and experience culture, great Chinese cuisine like dim sum and a different kind of Christmas dinner that is a tradition for many New Yorkers since the early 1900s.
My favorite Christmas restaurant NYC: Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs
Stepping into this early 19th century Tribeca townhouse with its tin ceiling, a copper-topped bar, and a wood-burning fireplace everything feels like Christmas in here. It’s one of the best Christmas Restaurants NYC not only because Tiny’s & the Bar Upstairs feels very welcoming but also because the food is incredibly delicious. Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs is a very unique spot with so much history and character (Address: 135 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013)
If you still couldn’t find your perfect restaurant for Christmas Day in New York City, check our article about the best restaurants & bars in NYC and maybe you happen to stumble across a spot that you like. Confirm with them via email or on their website if the restaurant is open on Christmas in NYC.
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