The best memories are made gathered around the table. Celebrate the season with the help of these delectable options for holiday dining in California, from vegetarian favorites in San Francisco to fresh seafood in San Diego.
Click here for holiday pop-up bars in California 2023.
The Front Yard at The Garland
Los Angeles
Featuring classic holiday specials and seasonal stations, the special-edition menu at The Front Yard includes a chipotle-pineapple-glazed ham and a build-your-own apple crumble, among other delights. The special holiday menu will be available from noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Cost: $85 per adult; $35 per child, ages 12 and under.
To book: www.opentable.com.
Herb & Wood
San Diego
Spend a quintessential San Diego Christmas Eve at Herb & Wood in Little Italy with a thoughtfully prepared four-course meal. Guests have the option to choose between standout entrees including prime filet with pink peppercorn cognac demi, roasted mushrooms and whipped potatoes; halibut with carrot tahini, shaved carrot, pomegranate and toasted pita; stuffed pasilla pepper with saffron rice, walnut “cream,” dried fruit and pomegranate molasses; or roasted Cornish hen with sourdough herbed stuffing and California gravy. Book your reservation from 3 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $92 per adult; $37 per child, ages 12 and under.
To book: www.opentable.com.
Animae
San Diego
Dress to impress and spend your Christmas Eve at San Diego’s Animae, where Chef Tara Monsod presents flavorful dishes that draw inspiration from her Filipino-American heritage and a variety of Asian cuisines from 3 to 8 p.m. This four-course holiday feast highlights many of Animae’s beloved dishes alongside new creations fit for the occasion, like ube pandesal with cheddar butter, chicken congee and beef cheek dinuguan.
Cost: $110 per adult; $42 per child.
To book: OpenTable.
Herb & Sea
San Diego
Herb & Sea invites locals and visitors to indulge in a Key West Christmas Eve–in San Diego! The holiday celebration offers laidback coastal vibes and bright flavors in a four-course feast with island-inspired fare. Entrees include pineapple-glazed ham, Jidori chicken, Kalbi skirt steak and jerk grilled cauliflower.
Cost: $89 per adult and $38 per child.
To book: OpenTable.
Hotel del Coronado
Coronado
Hotel del Coronado brings endless wintertime fun to sunny Southern California. Locals and guests are invited to dine in the stunning new Southpointe Ballroom on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day–decked in lights and other festive decor, of course–and indulge in a lavish holiday buffet of traditional favorites and exciting culinary surprises.
To book: hoteldel.com.
Greens Restaurant
San Francisco
Those seeking vegetarian-friendly to-go options for both Hanukkah and Christmas can turn to Greens Restaurant in San Francisco. For Hanukah dining, guests can order up matzo ball soup, potato latkes and more, while the Christmas menu includes portobello mushroom Wellington, potatoes au gratin and homemade desserts, to name a few options.
To order: greensrestaurant.com.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
San Diego
Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego is full of Christmas cheer, with a variety of options for holiday dining in California. Visit AVANT on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 4 to 8 p.m., for a special four-course meal, with options like honey-glazed duck leg and wagyu strip. On Christmas Day, from 1 to 4 p.m., diners can dig into an over-the-top buffet at Bernardo Ballroom with caving stations, a dessert display, seasonal faves and much more–with a side of live entertainment.
Cost: $125 per adult and $65 per child, ages 12 and under (AVANT); $135 per adult and $55 per child, ages 12 and under (buffet).
To book: www.ranchobernardoinn.com.
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen
Fullerton
Fullerton’s Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen dishes up limited-time Asian Christmas specials (available on both the 24th and 25th). Options include chicken lo mein, General Khan’s cauliflower, sweet-and-chili Tiger shrimp and more, alongside the award-winning restaurant’s 100 percent Halal menu. Guests can raise a glass to new traditions with Khan Saab’s alcohol-free mocktails
To book: www.khansaaboc.com.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Dana Point
On Christmas Eve, guests and locals can enjoy a special Christmas Eve buffet for both breakfast and dinner at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, featuring holiday specials and seasonal stations. Plus, guests can take a 10-minute stroll and find themselves in the heart of the Holidays at the Harbor celebration, where they can enjoy a boat parade, over 700,000 twinkling lights and shopping at local boutiques!
To book: www.marriott.com.
George’s at the Cove
San Diego
George’s at the Cove presents a four-course prix-fixe dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. on Christmas Day in the restaurant’s enclosed Lower Level dining room that offers floor-to-ceiling views of the Pacific Ocean. Entrees include eye of ribeye, striped bass and cauliflower steak. Plus, George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace and open-air Level2 will feature lunch service on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $110 per person (dinner).
To book: www.georgesatthecove.com.
RustiCucina
San Diego
Hillcrest’s premier farm-to-neighborhood Sicilian restaurant, RustiCucina, is welcoming families and friends this Christmas season. Available from 4 to 10 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the prix-fixe specialty holiday menu includes shared plates, rich entrees, signature sides and, of course, RustiCucina’s signature Cheese Wheel.
Cost: $55 per person.
To book: www.rusticucina.com.
The Marine Room
La Jolla
The Marine Room is celebrating the season with special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day four-course prix-fixe menus, with dishes like filet mignon, Ora King salmon, matcha soba primavera, eggnog panna cotta and much more. On Christmas Eve, the restaurant will offer two seating times, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and then noon until 7 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Cost: $165 per person.
To book: www.marineroom.com.
Bayside Restaurant
Newport Beach
Bayside Restaurant will host a special three-course prix-fixe Christmas Eve menu, plus a limited a la carte menu, with seatings from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Starting at 4:30 p.m., revelers will also enjoy live music. Pro tip: Dine at Bayside Restaurant before you head out to view the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and skip the hassle of finding parking at a prime viewing spot. With free valet and ample self-parking, Bayside is walking distance from boat parade viewing at the Balboa Island Bridge.
To book: www.baysiderestaurant.com.
20|Twenty at The Westin Carlsbad
Carlsbad
20|Twenty, the signature restaurant at The Westin Carlsbad, offers special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day three-course menus featuring elevated Southern California classics with a modern twist (different menus are served each day). Seatings are available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $125 per adult; $75 per child.
To book: www.20twentygrill.com.
The Shores Restaurant
La Jolla
The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla dazzles guests with a special Christmas Day buffet, just steps from the sand. Feast on a variety of savory main courses from the carving station, alongside soups, salads, delectable sides, pasta dishes, a fresh seafood bar, brunchy goods, desserts and much more. A kid-friendly buffet is also part of this festive option for holiday dining in California.
To book: www.theshoresrestaurant.com.