I was born and raised in Europe, so Christmas Eve is a big holiday for me, and it is my family’s tradition to go out to dinner every 24th of December. Most Americans however, use this day do some last minute shopping and prepping for the big day, Christmas Day. Lots of folks like to go out to dinner on the 25th, being tired from the rest of the festivities. There’s hardly a better place to dine out on Christmas Day than right here in New York, So: if you want to skip the cooking and the dish washing, or if you’re in town for the holidays, here’s a guide to which places have an excellent Prix Fixe menu! Keep in mind that all these reservations will go like hot cakes, so don’t waste time!
The Sea Grill
This might be one of the most coveted reservations in town. Located in the Rockefeller Center Buildings, you will have an amazing view of the skating rink, and of the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree! Dinner on Christmas Day will be a three-course prix-fixe for $140 per person, $39 for children under 9 years of age. Don’t miss out.
For more info on the Sea Grill click here
ABC Cocina
Jean-George Vongerichten’s elegant and beautiful Latin Fusion restaurant downtown is one of my personal favorites. Go off the beaten path and celebrate the holy day with tapas! The prix-fixe menu here will run you $108 per person. You will need a credit card to secure your reservation.
For more info on ABC Cocina click here
Mercer Kitchen
Mercer Kitchen is another one of my personal favorites (yes, I love me some Jean-Georges). On Christmas Day you will be able to order from a 3-course prix-fixe menu that will run you $98 per person. Choose items like a Peekytoe Crab Cake or a Pan Roasted Black Sea Bass.
For more info on Mercer Kitchen click here
Tavern On The Green
Central Park is one of the calling cards of New York City, and you can’t think Central Park without thinking Tavern On The Green. This staple of the Big Apple offers a 4-course menu for $125 per person. Choose the Country Ham or the Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin, you can’t go wrong here with this traditional menu.
For more info on Tavern On The Green click here
Russian Tea Room
Located in the heart of Manhattan on 57th Street is the Russian Tea Room, which has withstood the test of time, having been a mainstay for decades. Not only is the food here delicious, but it is visually just so stunning, especially for the holidays. The Prix-Fixe here is $125 per person, $85 for children.
For more info on the Russian Tea Room click here
Palm Court
The Palm Court is located in the world famous Plaza Hotel, bordering on Central Park on 59th Street. This is one of those places that you simply have to visit once in your life, and what better day than Christmas? This gorgeous location offers a Christmas Brunch Buffet you won’t soon forget. It’s a little pricey at $190 per person ($75 for children under 13), but it is well worth it with scrumptious items like Penne with Lobster and Truffles and Cabernet braised Beef Short Rib…
For more info on Palm Court click here
Le Coq Rico
If it’s fine French Cuisine you crave to celebrate with your loved ones, then Le Coq Rico is a standout. Stuffed Goose with gnocchi and apple cinnamon red cabbage is a menu item that reminds me of my European childhood! It sounds absolutely amazing. Get it with the 3-course prix-fixe menu for $98 per person.
For more info on Le Coq Rico click here
Benjamin Steakhouse Prime
A red blooded American Christmas will most likely involve a steak somehow! Have a Ribeye here, or a Montauk Swordfish for a lighter fare. This upscale steakhouse offers a prix-fixe menu at $79 per person, with children being charged 50% off. This seems to good to be true!
For more info on Benjamin Steakhouse Prime click here
Ortzi
Located on 41st Street inside the Luma Hotel is Ortzi, a restaurant by José Garces, serving Basque hot pots and tapas. Here you can dine for $65 per person prix-fixe with amazing menu items like Paella or Braised Oxtail, and desserts like Copa Caramel with pumpkin. Then take a stroll around Times Square!
For more info on Ortzi click here
Rice And Gold
Jewish tradition is to eat Chinese food for Christmas! Rice And Gold (besides being one of my absolute favorite restaurants) serves Chinese and other Asian food, so this would be the perfect spot on December 25th. Even though of course this is perfect for all traditions and religions! The Christmas Eve and and Day Dim Sum menu will cost $45 per person, and you just might catch me there, because I may not be able to resist!
For more info on Rice and Gold click here
