This Christmas, Houston restaurants are offering a sleigh of dining options to make your celebrations memorable, so you can relax and savor the festivities without lifting a finger. From cozy Christmas Eve dinners and Feasts of the Seven Fishes to festive Christmas Day brunches and suppers, check out our holiday dining guide to find the city’s top restaurants serving up special menus and cheer this holiday.
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ROMA’s “Feast of the Seven Fishes” is a Christmas Eve delight.
Photo by Becca Wright
Christmas Eve
Afuri Ramen, 1215 North Durham
The ramen spot will be open full service on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day.
Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd
Backstreet Cafe will serve Christmas Eve dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. for $58 per adult/$15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity, with complimentary eggnog and live Jazz by the Bob Chadwick Trio from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Highlights include lobster risotto, roasted lamb shank, gingerbread pudding and more.
Bar Bludorrn, 9061 Gaylord; Bludorn, 807 Taft; Navy Blue, 2445 Times Boulevard
All three of chef Aaron Bludorn’s stunning restaurants will be open for Christmas Eve dining, serving the regular menus with holiday specials.
Bar Louie, multiple locations
Bar Louie will offer a Four-Course dinner for Two, available Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day. Offered for $75 ($85 at select locations), guests can pick one bar vite to share, a choice of soup or salad per person, a choice of entrée per person, and one dessert to share.
Bari Ristorante, 4444 Westheimer
Enjoy the a la carte menu alongside a festive holiday menu, featuring cioppino, chateaubriand, panettone bread pudding and more. Christmas Eve hours run to 7:30 p.m.
Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith
The Creole house will once again host its festive Christmas Eve meal, with seatings available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy an la carte menu with features including Southern Citrus Salad and Chili-Fried Gulf Oysters, Gulf Fish Pontchartrain and Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon, sides such as Sorghum Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Lardons or Smoked Gouda and Andouille Mac & Cheese, and Creole Cream Cheesecake and Brennan’s Bananas Foster or dessert. Call 713-522-9711 for reservations.
Brenner’s on the Bayou, 1 Birdsall
Holiday features include a Turkey Plate for $65 per person, with hours from 4 to 9 p.m.
Caracol, 2200 Post Oak
The Buffet de Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve Buffet, will be offered from 5 to 8 p.m., with complimentary ponche and live music by Ikaru from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per person and $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, 2800 Kirby, 9595 Six Pines
Christmas Eve Dinner features a three-course prix fixe menu for $55 and a la carte options. Indulge in holiday-inspired dishes like Lobster Bisque, Black Truffle Fonduta Ravioli Barolo Braised Short Rib, Herb Roasted Salmon and Christmas Crème Brûlée.
Doris Metropolitan, 2815 South Shepherd
The buzzy steakhouse will be from 5 to 9 p.m. this Christmas Eve.
Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park
Etoile will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving regular menu and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. serving a three-course menu for $84 per person plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
Guard and Grace, 500 Dallas
The steakhouse will be open for dinner from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Hamsa, 5555 Morningside
The Rice Village stunner will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, offering its fan-favorite salatim, hummus and pita, charred skewers and more.
Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer
The Buffet de Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve Buffet, will be offered from 5 to 8 p.m., with complimentary ponche and live music by Viento from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per person and $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
Juliet, 5857 Westheimer
The upscale dining destination will be open on Christmas Eve from 5 to 9 p.m., offering menu favorites.
Kenny & Ziggy’s, 1743 Post Oak Boulevard
The New York deli will be serving sky-scraping sandwiches, sizable salads authentic Eastern European entrees and more until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
La Griglia, 2817 West Dallas
Enjoy the luxe Italian menu plus Christmas features like Short Rib Cappelletti, Risotto Al Bosco and Grilled Branzino from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Le Jardinier, 5500 Main
The Michelin-starred French fine dining invites guests to enjoy a five-course menu priced at $185 per person, showcasing festive and elegant dishes like Foie Gras Crème Brûlée Tartlet and Royal Kaluga Caviar, Citrus-Cured Hiramasa with heirloom radishes, Gruyère Cheese Soufflé with shaved black truffle, Saffron Carolina Gold Rice Risotto with Maine lobster, braised Red Wine Chuck Beef and a Cranberry Nougat Log for dessert. Reservations are available via Resy and OpenTable from 4 to 9 p.m.
Leo’s River Oaks, 2009 West Gray
River Oaks’ buzzy new restaurant will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, offering signatures like its Lobster Bisque, Seared Sea Scallops, Bone Marrow Au Gratin, Grilled Octopus; Veal Milanese and Wagyu Strip Loin.
Liberty Kitchen, 4224 San Felipe, 963 Bunker Hill
Liberty Kitchen will offer Christmas Eve Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Honey Butter French Toast, Chicken Sausage & Kale Frittata, Coastal Benedict and more.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer
The full menu is available alongside holiday cocktails and wines features from noon to 9 p.m.
Ojo de Agua Houston, 4444 Westheimer
Celebrate Christmas Day with hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Palm, 1201 Fannin Enjoy the full dinner menu plus a featured $69 Queen Cut Prime Rib and $79 King Cut Prime Rib. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, multiple locations
Perry’s will be open on Christmas Eve 3 p.m. to close with two menus available –- The Standard Prixe Fixe Menu and the Rare and Well Done Prix Fixe Menu. Price depends on timing of reservation and are also available to-go.
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th
Enjoy a Seaside Christmas Eve as executive Chef Joe Cervantez and team offer a special menu from 5 p.m. alongside wood-fired oysters, chilled seafood platters and other tide-to-table delights. Santa will make an appearance from 4 to 8 p.m. and the bar will offer happy hour pricing all day, plus festive drink specials. Call 281-339-1515 for reservations or book online.
Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella
The classic restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., serving its a la carte menu.
ROMA, 2347 University
The Rice Village Italian restaurant will offer a four-course, “Feast of the Seven Fishes” from 4 to 9 p.m. For $69.50 per guest (plus tax and gratuity), guests can enjoy dishes such as calamari fritto, octopus salad, squid ink spaghetti with lobster and pizzaiolo sauce, grilled tuna and garlic mash and panettone con gelato.
State Fare Kitchen & Bar, 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, 1900 Hughes Landing
State Fare will be bringing extra cheer with its Holly Jolly Extended Brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Steak 48, 4444 Westheimer
The lauded River Oaks District restaurant will open early at noon for lunch service and will close at 9:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Wow the family with decadent dishes like NY Strip, 45-Day Dry Aged Bone-In Rib Eye, Chilean Sea Bass, Corn Creme Brulee and a Cookies & Cream Popcorn Sundae.
Tavola, 1800 Post Oak
Chef de cuisine Michael Lara presents a $95 per person prix-fixe menu inspired by the traditional Italian “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” alongside a meat-focused option for those who prefer land over sea. Enjoy dishes such as Seafood Spaghetti and Branzino with a crispy potato crust, Lasagna Bolognese or the Filetto Wellington, and Limoncello Sorbet and Christmas Panna Cotta. The restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and reservations are available via OpenTable or by phone with a $50 per person deposit.
URBE, 1101 Uptown Park
Enjoy a Christmas Eve Buffet from 5 to 8 p.m., with complimentary ponche and live mariachis from 6 to 7 pm. Cost is $45 per person and $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
Vic & Anthony’s, 1510 Texas
Enjoy the signature menu plus specials including 12-ounce Filet Mignon, Iberico Pork, Bone0In Ribeye, Szechuan Pepper Crusted Tuna and Fried Lobster Mac & Cheese. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m.
Willie G’s Post Oak, 1640 West Loop South
Alongside its regular menu, Willie G’s offers a Christmas Buffet featuring holiday favorites and seafood options for $69 per adult and $29 per child. Christmas Eve hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Xochi, 1777 Walker
The Buffet de Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve Buffet, will be available for 5 to 8 p.m., with complimentary onche and live music by Sol y Sun from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Cost is $55 per person and $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
Zanti Cucina Italiana, 1958 West Gray
In addition to its regular menu, Chef Hilario Zamora is featuring an exclusive 12-ounce pork chop, marinated for 24 hours in a rich blend of Italian herbs and American whiskey, stuffed with creamy fontina cheese and fresh baby spinach, and served atop a luscious bed of marsala wine sauce and tender mushrooms. The holiday special is available for $44 until it’s sold out.
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Sip a festive Sidecare Royale and enjoy a luxurious Christmas dinner at The Warwick.
Photo by CKO Digital
Christmas Day
Afuri Ramen, 1215 North Durham
The ramen spot will be open full service on Christmas Day.
Bari Ristorante, 4444 Westheimer
Enjoy the a la carte menu alongside a festive holiday menu, featuring cioppino, chateaubriand, panettone bread pudding and more. Christmas Day hours run noon to 10 p.m.
Bayou Heights Biergarten and BHBG Coffee, 3903 Washington
On Christmas Day, BHBG Coffee will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Bayou Heights Biergarten from moon to midnight. Both concepts will offer their regular menus with a variety of coffees and pastries as well as 74 types of craft beer, 16 wines on tap, and a full bar and food menu.
Bloom & Bee, 1600 West Loop South
The festive three-course meal features seasonal specialties for $115 per adult and $55 per child. Christmas hours are noon to 8 p.m.
Brenner’s on the Bayou, 1 Birdsall
Holiday features include a Turkey Plate for $65 per person, with hours from 5 to 9 p.m.
Doris Metropolitan, 2815 South Shepherd
The buzzy steakhouse will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Hamsa, 5555 Morningside
The modern Israeli restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, which is also the first night of Hanukkah. Enjoy offering its fan-favorite salatim, hummus and pita, charred skewers and more.
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City, 9787 Katy Freeway
The Tipping Point Restaurant and Terrace’s new Christmas Day Holiday Menu features highlights such as Smoked French Onion Dip, New England Clam Chowder, Herb-rubbed & Roasted Half Lamb Rack, Texas Bread Pudding and more.
Hotel ZaZa Museum District, 5701 Main
Celebrate Christmas Day with a special holiday dinner at Hotel ZaZa’s signature restaurant, Monarch, with festive menu with options like Roasted Half Lamb Rack, Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass, and classic Southern desserts such as Texas Bread Pudding.
Juliet, 5857 Westheimer
On Christmas Day, Juliet is hosting a special Christmas Buffet from 1 to 8 p.m., offered for $79 per adult, $48 for kids under 12, and free for children 5 and under. Guests can enjoy everything from carving stations with hickory smoked ham, salmon, and filet to an array of sides, sauces, and decadent desserts
La Griglia, 2817 West Dallas
Enjoy the luxe Italian menu plus Christmas features like Short Rib Cappelletti, Risotto Al Bosco and Grilled Branzino from noon to 6 p.m.
Leo’s River Oaks, 2009 West Gray
The buzzy new restaurant will be open from 2 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day, offering signatures like its Lobster Bisque, Seared Sea Scallops, Bone Marrow Au Gratin, Grilled Octopus; Veal Milanese and Wagyu Strip Loin.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer
The full menu is available alongside holiday cocktails and wines features from 1 to 8 p.m.
The Palm, 1201 Fannin
Enjoy the full dinner menu plus a featured $69 Queen Cut Prime Rib and $79 King Cut Prime Rib. Reservations can be made from 4 to 9 p.m.
Rockhouse, 6025 Richmond
The Southern kitchen and bar will be open for dinner service on Christmas Day, with hours from 4 to 10 p.m.
The San Luis Resort, 5222 Seawall
The Grand Ballroom will be transformed into a winter wonderland for its Grand Christmas Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a lavish feast, champagne and live entertainment. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. For those wanting a more casual atmosphere on Christmas Day, Blake’s Bistro will offer a three-course menu available for lunch and dinner. Call 409-744-1500 to make reservations. Walk-ins welcomed.
Vic & Anthony’s, 1510 Texas
Enjoy the signature menu plus specials including 12-ounce Filet Mignon, Iberico Pork, Bone0In Ribeye, Szechuan Pepper Crusted Tuna and Fried Lobster Mac & Cheese. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m.
The Warwick, 5888 Westheimer
The posh dining spot will be open for dinner service on Christmas Day, with hours from 4 to 10 p.m.
Willie G’s Post Oak, 1640 West Loop South
Alongside its regular menu, Willie G’s offers a Christmas Buffet featuring holiday favorites and seafood options for $69 per adult and $29 per child. Christmas Day hours run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
We will be updating this list in the days leading up to the holidays. If you have a restaurant to add, please send your information to [email protected].