Post overview: Restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City
If you’re looking for restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City, you’re not alone. Considering the size of most apartments in NYC it’s easier to go out for a bite than to host in a shoe box.
Luckily New York City is home to over 20,000 restaurants, and plenty are open on Christmas day. The hard part for a lot of folks is deciding where to eat Christmas dinner in NYC.
That’s where I hope to help. Throughout my years living in NYC I’ve had the privilege of visiting many restaurants, and wrote this article outlining which are worth your time.
But enough of the small talk – I’m sure you’re hungry, these are the best restaurants open on Christmas in New York City.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Restaurants Open On Christmas Day in New York City
Russian Tea Room
The Russian Tea Room was founded 95 years ago and has hosted famous celebrities, politicians and artists. Founded by Russian expatriates, the restaurant serves a variety of Eastern European dishes in an upscale setting.
And lucky for us, the Russian Tea Room is one of the handful of restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City. You can expect to pay $145 per person ($95 per child) for a four course meal, and the menu is available online.
Address: 150 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Frosty’s/Bacall’s
One of the best Christmas pop-up bars in New York City, Frosty’s is made up of four bars across three floors. The decorations are second to none, with plenty of photo taking opportunities.
Tickets are $20 per person and you get access to all three floors. Frosty’s is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City. For reservations (as well as the menus) visit Frosty’s website.
Even better though, Bacall’s (the host restaurant) is equally decked out and doesn’t require you purchase a ticket. Admittedly, the food is a little bland, but the real reason to visit is for the decorations and drinks.
Address: 220 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Westlight
If you’re looking for one of the most magical restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City look no further than Weslight atop the William Vale hotel.
The beautiful rooftop bar serves traditional American fare as well as a tasty selection of cocktails. Not only is it a rooftop bar, but there are winter chalets encircling an ice skating rink available for you to rent.
Chalets start at with a $60 booking fee for two people and go up from there and the menu is a la carte, reservations available on the Westlight website.
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Blue Fin
Who said restaurants open on Christmas in New York City have to serve traditional holiday food? Why not take a temporary reprieve from city life and head to the ocean?
That’s where Blue Fin comes in, serving some of the most memorable seafood in the city with quality service to match. Sushi, lobster and oysters sure make for a unique Christmas dinner in NYC
Reservations are available through OpenTable but are going quick, so be sure to book as soon as you can.
Address: 1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Print is a restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients. If it’s not in season it’s not served at Print, meaning everything is as fresh as can be.
As one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City, the menu reflects that same dedication to fresh (and local) ingredients. Expect a traditional American offerings like prime rib, as well as more unique dishes like squid ink bucatini pasta.
Print is also serving Christmas breakfast at their cafe from 7AM to 10:30AM, before switching over at 11:30AM to brunch and dinner in the bar and dining room. Reservations are required.
Address: 1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
As the oldest continuously running restaurant in Chinatown, visiting Nom Wah Tea Parlor for Christmas dinner has become a tradition for many New Yorkers. Specializing in Hong-Kong style dim sum, this is the perfect spot for warm holiday meal.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor is one of the most popular restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City, but unfortunately doesn’t offer reservations for parties of less than 3. I suggest trying to gather a group of friends and booking online to avoid having to wait in line.
Address: 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Quality Eats
You might have pieced together, Quality Eats serves, well… quality meats! The restaurant serves top-notch steakhouse meats, but does so in a relaxed and casual setting.
I can’t help but tip my hat to the cooks, because everything I’ve ever tried at Quality Eats has been amazing. I’m especially partial to the hanger steak, which is always tender and packed with flavor.
Quality Eats is also one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City — so if you’re looking to gift yourself something nice this year be sure to book a reservation.
Something to note: Quality Eats has two locations, one in the West Village and one in the Upper East Side. If you’re looking to make a reservation in the Upper East Side double check you’re not booking Quality Meats which is a different steakhouse with a very similar name.
Address: 57 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
Renaissance Harlem
If you’re uptown and looking for one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City be sure to make a reservation at Renaissance Harlem.
The three course meal runs $75 per person and gives you and your guests 90 minutes at the table. Visit Renaissance Harlem’s website for reservations, and take a look at their Instagram for the menu.
Address: 2245 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030
La Grande Boucherie
La Grande Boucherie is a French restaurant that feels more like an elegant museum. The romantic interior could make anyone fall in love and makes you feel like everyday is a celebration when dining here.
After you finish unwrapping gifts, treat your special someone to a nice steak dinner at one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City.
There are a few Christmas specials available on the menu and if you’re interested be sure to book a reservation as soon as possible because they’re going fast.
Address: 145 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Serafina
I can’t think of a cozier Christmas dinner in NYC than a hot plate of pasta from Serafina. The Italian restaurant was founded by two friends who were lost at sea and dreamed of opening a restaurant once they were rescued.
Although I can’t relate to being lost at sea, I can sympathize with the euphoria a good meal can provide. And since Serafina is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas in New York City, I suggest you pay them a visit too.
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
Sushi Yasaka
Sushi Yasaka is my neighborhood sushi joint and luckily one of the restaurants open on Christmas in New York City. It’s a quiet, unassuming place but serves great food and is perfect for an easygoing Christmas dinner in NYC.
But just because it’s a local spot don’t assume it’s not busy, far from it. On a normal day every table is filled, and I can only assume that’ll be the case on Christmas.
Reservations are available, and I encourage you get one to avoid having to wait.
Address: 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
Marseille
The French sure know how to cook, which is why I can confidently say Marseille as one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City. Even the interior of the restaurant is subtly decorated with poinsettias and garlands, adding a charming touch to the space.
For only $80 per person you can enjoy a delicious three course Christmas dinner in NYC. The same menu and deal can be had Christmas Eve from 5-9PM, as well as Christmas day from 12-10PM. For a peek at the menu and to make a reservation visit Marseille’s website.
Address: 630 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
The Blue Mezze Bar
Mediterranean Christmas dinner in New York City? Where do I sign up? At The Blue Mezze Bar, that’s where. The restaurant is running an $89 per person prix fixe menu.
You’ll be able to enjoy four courses of delicious Mediterranean cuisine at one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City. Plus, the restaurant is perfectly cozy for a warm winter meal, and offers a full bar for you and all your friends to enjoy.
Address: 1480 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075
The Pineapple Club
The Pineapple Club is a colorful and tropical themed restaurant in the East Village, and also one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City.
The Very Pineapple Christmas menu is available from December 20th to January 5th, meaning you can enjoy Christmas dinner in NYC for two weeks!
You can expect an ecletic cuisine with items like a seafood tower, oysters, and prime-rib. And if you’re in an extra-celebratory mood consider pre-ordering a bottle of champagne when you make your reservation.
Address: 509 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
Le Rivage
Located in New York City’s historic Restaurant Row, Le Rivage has been a local favorite for nearly 40 years. The charming French eatery is also one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City.
The restaurant will be offering a four course meal full of French classics, and includes a glass of sparkling wine (for those of age, of course). If your reservation is in the evening there will also be live music adding to the ambience.
Expect to pay $125 per person and be sure to make your reservation in advance.
Address: 340 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
NYY Steak
Few things say Christmas like allowing yourself to indulge with a fancy meal, and I know the perfect place. NYY Steak is the New York Yankees Steakhouse, and one of the best restaurants open on Christmas in New York City.
For starters the joint feels elegant, and sitting in one of their comfy leather chairs will make you feel like you’re in the big leagues too. Plus, for Christmas dinner there will be a five course tasting menu and live music.
Expect to pay a pretty penny (173.86 per person after fees), but what are the holidays for if not an excuse to splurge a little?
Address: 159 W 48th St, New York, NY 10019
The Sea Fire Grill
There are two options for Christmas dinner at The Sea Fire Grill, either a prix fixe menu for $99 per person or a la carte like a regular meal. Either option though will boast delicious seafood and an elegant place to enjoy it in.
One of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City, The Sea Fire Grill has a fireplace (talk about charming) and each prix fixe diner will get a cup of eggnog. For a full rundown of the menu or to make a reservation visit The Sea Fire Grill’s website.
Address: 158 E 48th St, Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles Prime Rib is a classy and intimate West Village steakhouse featuring crystal chandeliers, wood lined walls and leather seating. This is the spot to bring somebody you’re trying to impress, especially if they like meat.
As one of the swankiest restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City, reservations are going fast. I suggestion booking ASAP to be assured you’ll have a seat at the table.
Address: 4 Charles St #3004, New York, NY 10014
Asset
Asset is my choice-pick of restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City for a romantic dinner. The dim-lit restaurant is perfect for a date, and if you have a special someone you want to whoo Asset is your spot.
For $95 per person you can expect a three course meal from an Asian-inspired menu. Also, if you have kids (who said toddlers can’t be romantic?) there’s a kids menu available at $30 per child.
Address: 329 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
The Fulton
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City and a stunning view, you need a reservation at The Fulton. Located at the Seaport on Pier 17, you’ll enjoy dinner and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Each person can expect to pay $168 for a three course meal. Since it’s located on the East River it should come as no surprise The Fulton has an emphasis on seafood, you can take a look at the menu here.
Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038
New York City Restaurants Open On Christmas Day (Post Summary)
- Russian Tea Room
- Frosty’s/Bacall’s
- Blue Fin
- Westlight
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Quality Eats
- La Grande Boucherie
- Renaissance Harlem
- Serafina
- Sushi Yasaka
- Marseille
- The Blue Mezze Bar
- Pineapple Club NYC
- NYY Steak
- Sea Fire Grill
- Le Rivage
- 4 Charles Prime Rib
- Asset
- The Fulton
Map of the Best Restaurants Open During Christmas in NYC
I hope this roundup of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City was helpful.
Happy holidays, cheers!
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