28 Best NYC Restaurants And Bars To Celebrate Christmas In 2023

Christmas Day in New York City might embody the ideal holiday retreat, complete with strolls along 5th Avenue and sipping cocoa in Central Park. Or, it might just be another Monday, and you want to find a nice place to eat without showing up to a dark dining room. Trying to figure out which restaurants are open in New York on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve can feel like an endless loop of unhelpful Google searches and outdated information. So, we've put together a list in alphabetical order for where to dine and drink during Christmas 2023 to satisfy a range of diets and tastes.

Our list of restaurants delivers views, comfort food, cocktails, or a cozy space to cuddle up with a loved one who shares a distaste for washing dishes. Sure, you can head to Chinatown (trust us, you're unlikely to be disappointed), but while far from exhaustive, we found more than a few culinary destinations across the boroughs. The holiday season doesn't need to be a fervor of home cooking to enjoy an elaborate meal and decadent treats for one, two, or 10 of your closest chosen family members. This is New York! Let's leave it to the professionals this year.

For those of us who partake in the tradition of Chinese food on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, a dim sum feast with all the favorites is the perfect meal scenario. As You Are, located in Brooklyn's Ace Hotel, has received well-earned recognition for its restaurant and bakery, and in the spirit of continuing to give the people what they want when it comes to delicious dishes and baked goods, they are giving New Yorkers the most festive of meals. Grab a reservation on Christmas Day for the $55 per person dim sum, which includes a dumpling spread, five-spice duck legs, veggie pancakes, and other special treats. You can also take advantage of their regular menu on Christmas Eve for favorites like crab bucatini or the short rib burger, and don't forget to order their homemade Parker House rolls with roasted garlic butter.

asyouarebk.com

(718) 303-3535

252 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, NY 11217 

Just six floors up from Le Crocodile in the Wythe Hotel, the Euro-centric vibes keep pulsing at Bar Blondeau, where the view of the Manhattan skyline alone is reason to head over for a daytime tipple just about any time of year. In addition to its regular menu, Bar Blondeau will offer a prime rib special on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for those inclined to pair a festive dish with some impressive cocktails, too. If going with a large group, we recommend pairing that beautiful prime rib with a large-format cocktail like the Pan Am — served with your choice of bourbon or their house rum blend, along with Aperol, Sicilian amaro, lemon, orange, and bitters — for eight or more guests. 

barblondeau.com

(718) 460-8006

80 Wythe Ave., 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Whether you're looking for a casual afternoon lunch or a chic dinner, Blackbarn manages to tick all the boxes when it comes to offering a little something for everyone. This Christmas Eve is no exception, as chef/owner John Doherty and executive chef Brian Fowler are teaming up to offer both à la carte dishes and a four-course prix fixe menu. The selection includes some of their favorite dishes from their fall/winter menu, like olive oil braised octopus and Hudson Valley foie gras terrine, as well as holiday specialties like shrimp mousseline or a 30-day aged New York strip steak with truffle mac and cheese. The prix fixe option is a very reasonable $110 per person, or $145 per person with wine pairing, making this Christmas Eve meal even more festive.

blackbarnrestaurant.com 

(212) 265-5959

19 East 26th St., New York, NY 10010

Ice skating surrounded by skyscrapers isn't only found at the iconic rink in Rockefeller Center. Bryant Park Winter Village boasts an even larger rink, even if the Christmas tree is much smaller. It's also free to book a time slot if you bring your own skates, and can be reserved a week in advance. You'll find plenty of vendors selling global cuisine. Although retailers are less likely to be open on Christmas Day, visitors can count on food stalls being open as a low-key way to dine on the holiday. 

This year's food vendors include Cheesesteaks by The Truffleist, Crepe Café, and Palenque BBQ, just to name a few purveyors of the Winter Village's international delights. We can't imagine a more New York day than enjoying ice skating, hot cocoa, and boozy specialties steps from Times Square.

bryantpark.org

(212) 768-4242

Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018 

Chola is a Midtown East mainstay, serving coastal Indian cuisine within walking distance to Central Park and the Roosevelt Island Tramway, in case you're interested in a scenic walk following your meal. The restaurant opened in 1998 to wide acclaim, and has since focused its menu on India's western-shore states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, as well as the eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengal.

Considering that covers some 8,000 miles of Indian coastline, it's no surprise that Chola excels at seafood such as jhinga Koliwada — which is a crispy fried prawn in the style of Koli cuisine — and the lobster masala. We appreciate the ample sea and land selections and specialties, which include plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.

cholany.com

(212) 688-4619

232 East 58th St., New York, NY 10022 

For absolutely chic New York City vibes, your go-to move is eating dinner in an Upper East Side townhouse. At David Burke Tavern, you get all the swagger that comes with eating at a restaurant from a chef who is a bastion of New York City dining, providing a modern American menu with whimsy and flair. This Christmas Day, treat your family to the finer side of life with a three-course prix fixe for $105 per adult and a two-course menu for the kiddies for $45 per child. Choose from various seasonal specialties, including a winter harvest salad, a pumpkin lasagna, and an herb-encrusted prime roasted rib eye. For dessert, don't miss out on the cheesecake lollipop tree for the table, complete with toffee crunch, cherry pistachio, chocolate tuxedo, and bubblegum whipped cream cotton candy. The Christmas Day prix fixe is available from noon to 8:30 pm, and on Christmas Eve, brunch and dinner guests can enjoy the à la carte menu with holiday specials.

davidburketavern.com

(212) 988-9021

135 East 62nd St., New York, NY 10065

Pairing a visit to the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center with a steakhouse feast is a powerhouse combination for meat lovers. Fogo de Chão is open on Christmas Day for regular service from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at both the Manhattan restaurant and the Queens location, meaning you can bring the whole family for top-quality Brazilian-style churrasco. (There's a reason 11.5% of Tasting Table readers surveyed consider this the best steakhouse chain.) Reservations are recommended, especially if you're arriving with a large party. The tri-level space also offers a lounge area if you're looking for cocktails or small bites with loved ones in a space that isn't your studio apartment or hotel room.

Prefer to enjoy your steak at home? Fogo de Chão also offers holiday packages for up to six people, compiling fire-roasted meats such as filet mignon or marinated chicken breast with sides like sweet potato casserole, depending on which package you order. You'll need to order at least 24 hours in advance, and expect to pick up your fixings no later than 11 a.m. on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. However, the luxury of simply reheating a decadent meal during the holidays is a true gift of foresight.

fogodechao.com/location/new-york

(212) 969-9980

40 West 53rd St., New York, NY 10019

This restaurant takes inspiration from the food of Hakata, in Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture, the ancient trading port known as the "gateway of Asia." The coastal city is influenced by its close Korean and Chinese neighbors, resulting in a varied international cuisine. Head chef Koji Hagihara shares a diverse culinary background, having gained notoriety at Chinese restaurants in Japan and New York. The Hakata TonTon menu features a variety of regional dishes like a motsu hot pot, made with beef intestines paired with cabbage and chives for texture.

Hakata TonTon is open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for both daytime and evening meals. While dinner is the main draw, a weekend brunch welcomes anyone interested in a hearty Christmas Eve midday spread. The Yum Cha Set is a $75 deal that includes gyoza soup, an assortment of 10 small plates, and a choice of Japanese tea. 

hakatatonton.net

(917) 261-6536

35 West 35th St., New York, NY 10001

Act while you can to secure seats at this Sichuan legend in Chinatown. Hwa Yuan restaurant on East Broadway is a celebrity hot spot that will be open on Christmas Day for its take on Chinese delicacies. Original restaurateur and chef Shorty Tang was a pioneer of cold sesame noodles, which are a must-order. Today, the Hwa Yuan legacy is carried on by his son, who creates a fine-dining menu that includes a spectacular Peking duck.

This is the ideal spot for a group or family members who are not interested in the fuss of an at-home meal. Plus, if Hwa Yuan is good enough for Martha Stewart, then it's good enough for us.

hwayuannyc.com

(212) 966-6002

42 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002 

We understand it's a bold statement to claim the best ramen restaurant in NYC. We'll let you talk amongst yourselves about the merit of that statement, as we mention [checks notes] that the original Ichiran in Japan is said to have birthed the supremely porky tonkotsu ramen that we all know and salivate for, and New York City hosts the chain's only U.S. locations. The commitment to craftsmanship includes never letting a bowl of delicious, delicious ramen noodles sit for more than 15 seconds before it reaches a customer.

As of publication, Ichiran's NYC outlets — found in Midtown, Times Square, and Brooklyn — will be open on Christmas. Keep in mind, the restaurants have slightly different hours and the last seating is around 60 minutes before closing. Cozy up to a private ramen booth to savor the balanced pork-bone broth without distraction. Ichiran could be the ideal spot for anyone seeking a little alone time without sacrificing a quality meal on Christmas Day.

ichiranusa.com

Multiple locations

Whenever we are stumped for where to dine in the daytime, we tend to find ourselves thinking of the reliability of Jack's Wife Freda. We also often think about the satisfaction of once watching a chic couple eat in silence at the Chelsea location, each wearing dark sunglasses inside the cafe's dining room. It's a type of calm one gets from eating food that just hits, and an enviable familiarity of sharing a meal with someone you love — who also has a raging hangover. If that doesn't remind you of the spirit of the holidays, don't worry. This is absolutely a place to bring your parents or three of your chosen family members, regardless of their desire to imbibe.

The name Jack's Wife Freda is a nod to the co-founder's Jewish grandma, and the menu is an elevated diner experience borrowing from Israel, South Africa, and New York's Jewish food culture. The multiple locations of this all-day cafe have plenty of brunch-to-dinner classics designed to please booze hounds and teetotalers alike, although we highly recommend Freda's signature cocktails, including the bloody mary and cantaloupe mimosa. The Soho location at Lafayette and Spring streets will be open on Christmas Day, as will the Williamsburg branch of this multigenerational family affair.

jackswifefreda.com

Multiple locations 

New York's restaurant world was eagerly awaiting the return of Jing Fong — known for serving premier dim sum in Chinatown since 1978 — after the restaurant announced the permanent closure of its grand-scale Elizabeth Street location in 2021 because of lost income during the pandemic. The new space on Centre Street is significantly smaller, but it's still serving favorites tableside from carts.

The Jing Fong kitchen is known for crafting dim sum delicacies, including steamed and pan-fried dumplings, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, and crispy turnip cakes. This is the type of comfort food you want on Christmas Day, especially if you're in the mood for a yum cha, a traditional dim sum feast. If you're not looking to travel downtown, there is another Jing Fong location on the Upper West Side. 

jingfongny.com

Multiple locations 

Williamsburg recently received a new culinary destination courtesy of K'Far, meaning village in Hebrew. The all-day restaurant, bar, and cafe in the Hoxton Hotel takes inspiration from Israeli cuisine by way of K'Far Saba, the hometown of executive chef Michael Solomonov. Guests can grab a Jerusalem bagel in the morning, but you might want to stay awhile once you see the space. 

Did we mention the earthy interiors with avocado-green booths, green foliage, and pale pink walls? Maybe we should add that you can enjoy almond-pumpkin challah Danishes or plum olive oil cake. What about a Persian lamb shank for two, or bone-in short rib with amba and passionfruit? K'Far is brought to you by the same team as neighborhood gem Laser Wolf, so expect the same level of care in the kitchen that you'll find at its Brooklyn sibling.  

kfarbrooklyn.com

(718) 215-7154

97 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249

La Grande Boucherie is the type of dining establishment that you can visit if you want some serious pomp and circumstance without feeling stuffy. The Midtown location isn't just a nod to Parisian architecture: The architecture embodies the Belle Époque style with a vaulted skylight ceiling featuring stained glass imported from the renowned "Les Puces" flea market in Paris. Art Nouveau touches are visible all along the gallery, a year-round outdoor plaza with heated floors that stretches the length of the restaurant. The entire brasserie occupies an entire city block (a vertical block, but still).

The La Grande Boucherie Midtown is unlike any other space in the city because of its special pedestrian arcade at 6 1/2 Avenue of the Americas, acting as an introduction to the space that remains open at both ends of the expansive dining hall. All of the restaurant group's four NYC Boucherie locations, including Union Square and two in the West Village, will be open for Christmas Day. Oh, and expect all the French bistro classics, along with serving Christmas specials at each location. Head to the Petite Boucherie at the corner of Christopher and Gay if you prefer a more intimate, neighborhood vibe. Can't make it for Christmas Day? The mini-chain hosts brunches during Christmas Eve weekend.

boucherieus.com

Multiple locations

Williamsburg can sometimes feel like a neighborhood almost too trendy to set foot in, let alone have a meal. However, one of the things we love about neighborhood favorite Le Crocodile, located in the Wythe Hotel, is the more laid-back, cool-without-being-intimidating vibe it gives off. We love the idea of feeling a bit lavish when it comes to the offerings this Christmas, on the eve or the day. With options like the sole for two with cockles and clams or a chateaubriand poached in bordelaise, this is a celebratory feast in every sense of the word. Be sure not to miss the French-inspired desserts, including a bûche de Noël that screams festive holiday sweet. Le Crocodile will be open during regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and the restaurant's à la carte menu will also be available for lunch and dinner on both days.

lecrocodile.com

(718) 460-8004

80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249 

Lure Fishbar is serving seafood and yacht club glamour to the well-heeled crowd that frequents Soho. The actual aesthetic is a below-deck moment with excellent mood lighting. Despite succumbing to seasickness in real life, we do love the "I'm on a boat!" throwback. The full menu will be available on Christmas Day, so a Yuletide voyage at Lure can include the lobster mac and cheese or Alaskan king crab.

The expansive raw bar includes plenty of sushi options, but the impressive lobster roll is among the city's best. Even though there's still plenty of seating available as of publication, we recommend grabbing a reservation, because it's better to be safe than left waiting out in the cold on Christmas.

lurefishbar.com

(212) 431-7676

142 Mercer St., New York, NY 10012

Maison Premiere is one of those restaurants that reminds New Yorkers that they don't have to buy a plane ticket to reach their ideal food destination and indulge in something delicious; for this, they can simply hop on the L train and take a ride out to Williamsburg instead. Known for excellent cocktails and delicious cuisine inspired by the best bites of late-19th-century New Orleans, Paris, and New York, Maison Premiere is one of our favorite options for a chic and cheerful Christmastime, so we recommend stepping out of the craziness that is Bedford Avenue and step into somewhere far more cozy for a tipple and a dozen oysters instead. Maison Premiere will be open on Christmas Eve from noon for regular service, catering to those needing some afternoon imbibing and steak tartare or a bowl of steamed mussels.

maisonpremiere.com

(347) 889-5710

298 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn NY 11249 

Hell's Kitchen is a Times Square-adjacent neighborhood that is a bit of an after-show destination for the Broadway set. We've overheard at least one conversation here between performers that felt plucked right out of "All About Eve," all while enjoying chicken and waffles alongside a cocktail served in a miniature inflatable flamingo. In other words, you can really find yourself a good time and plenty of food options.

French stalwart Marseille will be offering a three-course prix fixe menu on Christmas weekend for $85 plus tax and gratuity, which is not a bad deal, considering it is a holiday and the cost is in line with what you might spend for a regular prix fixe in the city. Service will run from noon to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day, and reservations are bound to be scarce. The bûche de Noël sounds delightful, and the option of a whole free-range turkey stuffed with seasonal treats and foie gras — served along with trimmings of Brussels sprouts, root vegetable purees, and cranberry chutney — makes the value jump quite a few percentage points.

marseillenyc.com

(212) 333-2323

630 9th Ave., New York, NY 10036

When the weather's chilly outside, stop into Melba's — the Michelin-recommended Harlem comfort-food hot spot — to warm your belly and soul with savory Southern cuisine. Harlem native Melba Wilson founded her namesake eatery in 2005 to provide down-home meals with gourmet flair, and she continually succeeds with platefuls of signature chicken and eggnog waffles, BBQ braised short ribs, Jamaican oxtails, and other tempting specialties served with filling sides like Low Country collard greens and ASAP yams. 

As for dessert, who can pass up grandma's sweet potato pie, especially during the holidays? Melba's is keeping the doors open to welcome guests on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

melbasrestaurant.com

(212) 864-7777

300 West 114th St., New York, NY 10026

When Mile End Deli underwent renovation in 2018 to expand its dining room, this meant one thing in our minds: plenty more space to celebrate festive meals with family and friends, like their Jewish Christmas. This year, the Mile End Traditional Jewish Christmas Chinese feast is happening on both Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The menu is complete with all the traditional Chinese favorites, each given a Canadian twist, as co-founder and Montreal-native Joel Tietolman is wont to do. Bites to look forward to include smoked shiitake bao, crab rangoon, and smoked meat fried rice, among several others. Christmas Eve seatings start at 5 p.m., while things kick off a bit earlier on Christmas Day, starting at 11 a.m. for anyone who'd rather enjoy Jewish Christmas as a brunch.

mileenddeli.com

(718) 852-7510

97A Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Just because Christmas is a big holiday with even bigger meal implications, that doesn't mean you need to get all dressed up to go out and eat it — or even stay in and cook the whole thing yourself. This year, put your trust in the brisket magicians at Momofuku Noodle Bar and let them do the heavy lifting for you. David Chang's New York noodle institution offers Christmas Eve pickup packs featuring a spread of their sliced smoked brisket with a spicy-tingly crust, alongside potato mash gratin and roasted broccolini with mushroom sauce. Most importantly, the pickup pack includes potato rolls for next-day leftover brisket sandos, because the only thing better than the holiday meal is the sandwich you get to make from the festive foods the very next day. Packs are available for pickup from the restaurant.

momofukunoodlebar.com

(212) 777-7773

171 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003

The original Nom Wah Tea Parlor is tucked away on a small yet bustling restaurant row in Chinatown. Open since 1920, this New York institution first became known for its moon cakes and tea before creating its mark as a dim sum destination. It also moved next door in 1968 after losing its lease, and it's retained the same site ever since, while another location opened in Nolita in 2016.

Despite a few changes over the last century, Nom Wah has maintained its vintage aesthetic and commitment to the classics, including a variety of pan-fried dumplings, its signature original OG egg roll, and a variety of rice rolls. Many people will say that Joe's Shanghai around the corner is the spot for soup dumplings. However, we've found that Nom Wah might sell out of these specialties if you arrive late, so they must be doing something right. Both locations will be open on Christmas Day.

nomwah.com

Multiple locations

We love the vibe of The Press Club Grill, a relative newcomer to the NoMad eating scene, mixing its cuisine with a hint of 1960s glamour. We're big fans of the weekend brunch and their bar snacks (onion dip with homemade chips and Ritz crackers, anyone?), but this Christmas, go full "Mad Men" and head to The Press Club Grill to partake in their Yuletide prix fixe offers. No matter which meal you choose as the festive one this year, The Press Club Grill has you covered, offering not only dinner on Christmas Eve from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but an equally festive lunch and dinner on Christmas Day between 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., all available for a very reasonable $89 per person. Menu highlights include steak tartare, roasted duck, and an eggnog crème brûlée for dessert.

pressclubgrill.com

(646) 838-9020

1262 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

If spending the day with skaters in Central Park sounds like a holiday gone wrong, you can still soak in aerial views of the park atop The Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle. Robert is open for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Sure, the interior is reminiscent of a '90s Trapper Keeper (Google it, we'll wait). But, those views! And ignore the 2010 review from The New York Times. Critic Sam Sifton only appears to cook at home these days, anyway.

Nowadays, the service is often impeccable and the food is tasty. Try the tuna tartare, while the Berkshire pork chop is sure to satisfy. No harm in asking for a window seat while you're at it — just know you won't be the only one.

robertnyc.com

(212) 299-7730

2 Columbus Cir., New York, NY 10019

The Russian Tea Room may be well past its heyday, but if there was ever a time to visit this culinary OG, it's during the holidays. Anyone who watched Carrie from "Sex and the City" fall for the emotionally distant Russian artist might recognize the appeal of the restaurant. The whole setup goes full meta when you realize the actor who plays Carrie's "lover" (her words, not ours) was a famous ballet dancer in real life, and it just so happens that members of the Russian Imperial Ballet founded the Tea Room in 1927.

The Old World aesthetic is completed by ruby red booths, ornate gold detailing, and white tablecloths. The Russian Tea Room will offer a Christmas prix fixe for $145 per adult and $95 per child. The menu showcases classics such as red borscht, boeuf à la stroganoff, and chicken Kiev. We find the space can feel celebratory and downright pampering, whether you care about pop culture or just want to dine in the same fashion as have a century of artists and intellectuals.

russiantearoomnyc.com

(212) 581-7100

150 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019

The holiday season means a lot of things to a lot of different people, but for those of us who see December as the last hurrah to partake in all the best treats before January rolls around, having a decadent meal on Christmas Eve is the cherry on top of a season of indulgence. If shrimp cocktail and duck confit sound like a part of that indulgent meal scenario, grab a reservation for Christmas Eve at Siren Oyster Bar & Restaurant in Brooklyn for their four-course prix fixe meal. This is an absolute bargain for $125 per person, considering that menu options include a baby rack of New Zealand lamb or linguine with clams, making this a great option for a chic date night or a celebratory feast with a few close friends or family. This is a great Christmas Eve option for a few hours of peace over beef Wellington, lobster bisque, and grilled chateaubriand.

sirenbk.com

(347) 689-4577

687 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215

Whether you're Italian, American, or just love seafood, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a tradition that can't be missed if given the opportunity to dive in. This year, Union Square Cafe offers its annual Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve with a five-course prix fixe menu inspired by Chef Lena Ciardullo and her team members' Christmas Eve traditions and family recipes. Highlights include Caesar salad with bottarga, bluefin tuna crudo, and lobster fra diavolo — rest assured, the minimum requirement of seven fishes are available for this festive meal. The feast will be served from 3 p.m to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and brunch will not be available that day, so if you were hoping to dine at Union Square Cafe on Christmas Eve, this is your chance to do it. At $195 per person, this is more on the over-the-top side of things, but if you can't throw a little money around on delicious food and joyful company during the holiday season, when can you?

unionsquarecafe.com

(212) 243-4020

101 East 19th St., New York, NY 10003

We've all been known to indulge a bit more than perhaps we should during the holidays. Christmas Eve is the ideal time for a bottle (or two) of Lambrusco, or a few too many glasses of Kir Royal. A decadent brunch at Urban Vegan Kitchen can satisfy meat eaters and vegans alike, and just might cure what ails you. 

Located in the West Village, this Black-owned business might not use animal products, but you won't miss out on flavor. Dine on chili cashew-cheese fries, mushroom penne with vodka sauce, and Southern fried seitan in their chick-un and waffles. Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can mosey over whenever your energy levels can make the journey. Its sister establishment, Astoria's Urban Vegan Roots, is also open on December 24 and 25. 

urbanvegankitchen.com

(646) 438-9939

41 Carmine St., New York, NY