The 11 Best Christmas Restaurants NYC Right Now
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. After living in New York for almost 6 years now, there’s not much I haven’t tried yet. When it comes to the best restaurants on Christmas Day there are a few that I can highly recommend.
My Favorite 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
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!
- 02
Rolf's Restaurant
Other Restaurants in Gramercy
Christmas in New York wouldn’t be the same without Rolf’s NYC. They go all out with their Christmas display and have hundreds of ornaments hanging everywhere inside the restaurant.
Literally every inch of Rolf’s walls and ceiling are covered in hundreds of garlands, ornaments, baubles, and beautiful Christmas lights. Their Christmas decorations stay until May (!) which sounds odd but its really what makes Rolf’s restaurant in NYC so famous. People come here only to see the decorations. If your purpose to go is the authentic German cuisine that you would also find on a Christmas dinner table in Germany, Rolf’s will do its job. You can expect pork, goose fat, duck, choucroute with sauerkraut, sausages, chicken, and trout that gives a distinctive flavor.
- 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
Christmas Restaurants NYC: The Boqueria
Spanish Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
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!
- 05
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!
- 06
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!
- 07
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!
- 08
Peak Restaurant & Bar
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.
The restaurant Peak sits one floor above the observation deck at Hudson Yards Edge.
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.
- 09
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.
- 10
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Steak Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Wolfgang’s is an institution in New York. Beside the classic steaks like Rib Eye, Sirloin or Filet Mignon, you can also order the Porterhouse variations for two, three or four persons. The steaks are roasted to the point and only first-class meat is used.
- 11
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.
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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