The holidays are upon New York! The ice rinks are open, the holiday markets are crowded and tables are booking up for some of the most feast-worthy days of the year. Before you start saving recipes or agreeing to obligatory plans that maybe you can opt out of, book a reservation at a special New York City restaurant offering Christmas Eve dinner. Here’s where to dine on December 24:
Union Square Cafe
Danny Meyer’s beloved restaurant will be hosting its Third Annual Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes ($195pp, $55 for kids, $95 wine pairing), inspired by Executive Chef Lena Ciardullo and her team’s Christmas Eve traditions and family recipes. The four-course menu will include Caviar Service with Tater Tots, Antipasti in Abbondanza, a choice between two seafood pastas, and a choice of Papa Bob’s Beef Tenderloin or Swordfish Piccata. For dessert, Orange Sorbetto and an Italian-inspired Cookie Tin will be offered alongside a special Strega Nona Spritz cocktail.
The Golden Swan
Head to this historic two-story townhouse in the West Village, for a Christmas Eve $165 prix-fixe dinner menu. Offerings include Salad Lyonnaise with frisée, bacon lardon, poached egg, Mimolette cheese and truffle dressing, a Steak tartare with garlic aioli, brown butter emulsion, and parmesan, Red Snapper paired with cabbage farce, smoked pork belly, and sauce diable, Beef Wellington with rutabaga, market carrots, watercress, and bordelaise jus and Buche De Noel served with eggnog ice cream.
Le Jardinier
This Christmas Eve, the Michelin-starred French restaurant will be serving an opulent five course menu including dishes like Cured Hiramasa with avocado mousse, winter citrus and royal kaluga caviar; Celeriac and Savoy Cabbage Lasagna with hazelnut, black truffle and parmesan; Grilled Tilefish with baby leeks, why emulsion and root vegetables; Venison Striploin with parsnip mousse, brussels sprouts and barberries; and capped off with a Nougat Parfait with caramelized pistachio and cranberry sauce. The tasting menu is available for $195 per guest with an optional $155 wine pairing.
Francie
Head to Williamsburg where this luxe French restaurant will offer it’s traditional menu plus festive features including Caviar Service featuring ossetra caviar and accouterment arancini, King Crab Tortelloni with sea urchin, smoked trout roe, and fingerling, and a Fromage Flamée to Share showcasing chartreuse verte, Castelfranco, and black truffle vinaigrette.
Lingo
Acclaimed Greenpoint Japanese American restaurant Lingo will be offering all its comforting classics, like Hokkaido style braised beef curry pie and crispy vodka battered whole cornish hen, along with a Christmas Eve special, a wagyu beef katsu sando, and a seasonal dessert.
La Grande Boucherie
The elegant French restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a special menu featuring dishes such as Soupe De Choux Fleur and Roasted Halibut. The restaurant will house a 26-foot Christmas tree in its grand lobby, with approximately 1,000 ornaments and 15,000 string lights adorning its branches, while 700 feet worth of garland will sparkle throughout the restaurant.
Sea Fire Grill
This Christmas Eve, Midtown’s Sea Fire Grill celebrates with a spin on the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. Begin with a choice of starter: a lavish Crudo assortment featuring Scottish Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna, Scallops, and Caviar or Oysters elevated with a touch of caviar. Followed by the second course of Squid Ink Spaghetti, luxuriously combined with Fresh Maine Lobster and Crab Meat. For the main course, choose from three exquisite options: the elegantly Roasted Mediterranean Branzino with Caper Sauce and Asparagus, the sumptuous Roasted Nova Scotia Halibut with Lemon Gnocchi, Fava Beans, Kale Chimichurri, and Beurre Blanc, or the boldly flavored Blackened Montauk Swordfish accompanied by Tartar Sauce and Avocado Mousse. End your festive meal with a choice of indulgent desserts like decadent Molten Chocolate Cake, or Tiramisu. Priced at $149 per person, including freshly brewed tea or coffee