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Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in NYC

1. Agora Taverna – Forest Hills, Queens

If you're craving Greek food for Christmas dinner this year, this Forest Hills fave may be one of your best options. The restaurant offers a three-course prix fixe menu featuring all the traditional Greek classics including stuffed grape leaves, lamb shank, and spinach pie for $49.95 per person. Outdoor heated dining is also available.

2. Il Gattopardo – Midtown

Gather with your family in the heated, outdoor dining area of this popular spot, which serves traditional Southern Italian comfort food. The restaurant usually serves dishes honoring the Italian Christmas tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, including dishes like mussels and Sardinian fregola soup, langostino and asparagus risotto, and lobster ravioli.

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Add a little spice to your Christmas with the Indian selections at Chola.

3. Chola – Midtown East

If you haven't had Indian food for ages, spice it up this Christmas with a visit to this neighborhood gem. Focusing on flavors inspired by more than 8,000 miles of Indian coastline, Chola presents seaside delicacies in a comfortable setting. From sizzling tandoori dishes delivered to your table on a cart, to flavorful chicken dishes and tandoori lamb chops, there's something for everyone on the menu.

4. Fogo de Chao – Midtown

Nothing says festive like a Brazilian steakhouse, and this fun outpost does not disappoint. Using the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique known as churrasco, Fogo de Chao has been serving fire-roasted, high-quality meats since 1979. Meat lovers will be in heaven as delectable cuts are brought to each table to sample. Let your server know at the beginning which meats your party prefers, and they ensure you receive exactly what you want. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes an unlimited salad bar with a wide variety of cheeses, fruits, and salads.

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Relax and have your Christmas dinner in a festive atmosphere at Sinigual.

5. Sinigual – Murray Hill

A local favorite upscale Mexican restaurant, Sinigual will be open on Christmas Day for dinner or Christmas brunch. Adults can enjoy some festive cheer with the limited holiday drink featuring Elijah Craig Bourbon and select seasonal spices.

6. Jing Fong – Upper West Side and Chinatown

Devoted fans happily welcomed the recent reopening of this popular dim sum eatery's Chinatown location. Both locations welcome diners on Christmas Day. Traditional dishes like chicken feet and rice noodles are offered as well as flavorful Chinese cauliflower with preserved pork and sea scallops in garlic sauce.

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Enjoy a multi-course Christmas dinner full of French flair at Marseille.

7. Marseille – Hell's Kitchen

Taking its name from the port town in southern France, this brasserie serves yummy traditional French favorites like bouillabaisse and moules frites. A special three-course prix fixe holiday menu is offered for $80 per person. Come for the cozy French vibes and stay for the delicious food.

8. Victory Garden Cafe – Astoria, Queens

Try a Mediterranean-inspired feast for Christmas dinner from this family-owned bistro. The well-priced holiday menu offers a choice of main course—sirloin steak, balsamic chicken, or shrimp scampi, plus a variety of appetizers and Greek side dishes for $39 per person. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.

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Tapas and paella served family-style makes for a fun Christmas dinner at Socarrat.

9. Socarrat – Multiple Locations

Paella and Spanish tapas for Christmas dinner, yes, please! Socarrat offers this mouth-watering holiday combination. Choose the Dinner Party Menu ($65 per person), which includes a choice of festive tapas. Make sure to leave room for the dessert plate with chocolate churros and flan.

10. Noho Hospitality Group – Multiple Locations

Four of Noho Hospitality Group's five restaurants are open on Christmas Day and offer decadent holiday menus. They include Leuca, Carne Mare, The Dutch, Locanda Verde, and Lafayette. Their Christmas feasts are multi-course meals with a choice of a main entree, sides, salad, dessert, and spirits.

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Enjoy a Christmas buffet of modern Southern Classics at Red Rooster.

11. Red Rooster – Harlem

Named after the historic Harlem speakeasy, this spot serves cozy comfort food that's perfect fare for the holidays. Head upstairs for brunch from 11am-4pm and choose from an a la carte menu loaded with Christmas specials. DJ PhearNone spins hits as you dine. Downstairs at Ginny’s, enjoy a gospel choir and a Christmas buffet ($60 per person).

12. LaoJie – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Nothing says Christmas in NYC like unlimited hot pot. This year, beloved neighborhood spot LaoJie serves special Christmas dumplings, barbecue skewers, and yes, an endless hotpot option for $21.95 per person. Outdoor dining is also available. No reservations are taken for Christmas Day.

13. Ruth's Chris Steak House – Midtown

This year, the legendary steakhouse is open on Christmas Day and offers its regular robust menu including the main event—the signature steak. Round out your entree with your choice of tasty side dishes like mushrooms stuffed with crab, veal osso buco ravioli, or the showstopping chilled seafood tower.

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Brooklyn's Cobblestone Catering can prepare a Christmas feast for your family.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in NYC for Takeout Meals

14. Cobblestone Catering and Fine Foods – Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Brooklynites can pick up classic, healthy prepared foods at this Atlantic Avenue food shop. The boutique catering service uses locally grown, seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious appetizers, sides, soups, meats, and desserts for special events and holidays. For Christmas dinner, you can opt for the chef's special to feed up to 12 people, which includes a turkey or ham, three sides, two sauces, and one soup. You can also order from the a la carte menu. Choose pickup or delivery from Thursday, December 22-Saturday, December 24.

15. BKLYN Larder – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

For more than a decade, Bklyn Larder has been supplying Park Slope and Prospect Heights with hand-crafted cheeses, homemade prepared foods, and hard-to-find grocery items. Its commitment to using sustainably produced ingredients also applies to its holiday menu. For Christmas, choose from Bklyn Larder's a la carte menu for traditional items like beef brisket and ham, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a cheeseboard. Eggnog gelato offers a fun twist on dessert. Reserve your order by Wednesday, December 14, to guarantee availability, and pick up on Christmas Eve by 5pm.

16. Bario's – Heartland Village, Staten Island

This Staten Island establishment has an extensive catering menu for every major holiday. Its Christmas Eve feast can feed up to 15 and includes appetizers, bread, salad, veggies, a fresh seafood entree, and homemade pasta at an affordable price. The Christmas Day package equally packs a punch—and includes a main entree and a ham or pork loin meat course. Delivery is available on Christmas Eve until 7pm, or you can pick up your order.

Originally published in 2020.