The holiday season is in full gear, which means there is likely no end to your to-do list! Let San Diego’s finest restaurants lighten your load this year by letting them prepare a special Christmas dinner for you – no shopping or doing this dishes required!

Many of the city’s restaurant industry pros are working hard over the holidays to prepare special meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, just to make your spirits bright.

We’re updating the list frequently, so be sure to check back often!

Dine Out Options

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Fort Oak

San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition is back; Holiday Lunches at Fort Oak are returning for six very special midday services. Not normally open during lunch, Fort Oak is taking the holidays as an excuse to decorate the space and get tipsy and toasty while the sun is still shining.

Decked out in their holiday best, the restaurant will be serving up Fort Oak favorites, alongside some new dishes Chef Brad Wise loves to indulge in during the holidays. Chef Brad’s cozy hearth grilled fare feels extra magical this time of year and behind the bar, Bar Manager Jess Stewart is serving up new, festive cocktails, with some special bubbles and bottles brought in just for the occasion.

Guests are encouraged to set their out-of-office messages, leave the car at home, and bring their office pals, friends and family to join Fort Oak in celebrating the best time of year. Holiday lunches will be offered Thursday through Saturday, 11AM to 1:30PM from December 14 through December 23.

Secure a sought-after reservation via Fort Oak’s website here.

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Herb & Wood

Spend a quintessential San Diego Christmas Eve at Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Executive Chef Carlos Anthony has thoughtfully crafted a four-course meal that begins with your choice of a refreshing Scallop Crudo, a nutty Arugula Salad, or Venison Tartare.

Guests have the option to choose between standout entrees including Prime Filet with pink peppercorn cognac demi, roasted, mushroom and whipped potatoes, Halibut with carrot tahini, shaved carrot, pomegranate, and toasted pita, Stuffed Pasilla Pepper with saffron rice, walnut “cream”, dried fruit, pomegranate molasses or Roasted Cornish Hen with sourdough herbed stuffed, and california gravy.

Stay true to tradition with family style sides like Truffle Mac and Cheese, Braised Kale, and Parker House Rolls. Conclude your Christmas Eve dinner with a decadent Date Cake with toffee sauce, black walnut ice cream, and candied walnuts or a fruity Winter Citrus Tart made by Executive Pastry Chef Laura Warren.

Book your reservation from 3PM to 8PM via OpenTable to experience a herbaceous feast that’ll bring everyone together.

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Animae

On Christmas Eve, dress to impress and spend your Christmas Eve at San Diego’s captivatingly elegant Animae, where Chef Tara Monsod presents flavorful dishes that draw inspiration from her Filipino-American heritage and a variety of Asian cuisines.

This Christmas Eve meal will feature four courses highlighting many of Animae’s beloved dishes alongside new creations fit for the occasion. After bread service of Ube PandeSal with cheddar butter, enjoy light dishes like the Shrimp Cocktail and Beet Salad, followed by comforting favorites like Chicken Congee and Beef Cheek Dinaguan. Entree options include Filet with celery root puree, ginger demi, and roasted carrots; Ginger Barramundi with black soy vinaigrette, scallion oil, and daikon; and Mushroom Ragu with korean rice cakes, mozzarella, and kale.

After enjoying these savory dishes, indulge in Pastry Chef Laura Warren’s Calamansi Mousse with coconut cake and calamansi and prosecco gelee or Chocolate Cremeux with miso sesame foam, chocolate crumble and chili cashews.

Priced at $110 per adult and $42 per child, book your reservation from 3PM to 8PM via OpenTable to experience a truly special Christmas Eve dinner.

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Craft and Commerce

Cozy up with a cup of cheer and warm meal this holiday season at Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce. Well-known for their adventurous hunting lodge decor, contemporary comfort food and fine-tooled cocktails, Craft & Commerce has decked the halls for a festive season of eating and drinking.

In addition to their Turkey Dinner for Two special featuring deep fried confit turkey legs, green bean casserole, sourdough-sausage stuffing, herbed potato purée, cranberry sauce, buttered rolls, gravy and your choice of pecan or apple pie, for only $55, they’ve churned out a new menu of 8 seasonal drinks, inclusive of everyone’s favorite holiday flavors of sugarplum, white chocolate, gingerbread, baked apple, pine, and holiday root beer. Sample festive sips such as the Ms. Shugga Plum’s Hot Stuff with white chocolate, marshmallow, orange liquor, Meletti Amaro, Demerara Rum and sugar plum whip, the Santa’s Rootin’ Bootin’ Old Fashioned with bourbon, Amaro Meletti, herbsaint and St. Schmitter’s Root Beer Cordial or the Chwithmuth Twee Oh, Chwithmuth Twee with London Dry Gin, bianco vermouth, elderflower, lemon, and winter bouquet bitters.

Enjoy an extra dose of holiday cheer by visiting during happy hour, 4PM-5PM, Monday through Thursday and 3PM-5PM, Fridays.

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Valle

Join Chef Roberto Alcocer and the Valle Family for a special Christmas Eve holiday dinner on December 24 from 5PM – 8PM! Guests will enjoy a special four or eight course tasting menu with a celebratory champagne toast. Guests can also enhance their experience with an optional curated wine pairing!

Four Course Tasting Menu: $185++ per person / additional $120 per person to add wine pairing.

Eight Course Tasting Menu: $350++ per person / additional $200 per person to add wine pairing.

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Mister A’s

Celebrate the holiday season with the best views in San Diego at the iconic Mister A’s. Seated sky high, guests can indulge in Chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix fixe menus, which all celebrate French & Mediterranean flavors and local sourcing, offering a modern take on classic holiday fare.

• Christmas Eve | 3-course prix fixe, $105/person / $35 kids menu
  PM seating: 4:30-8:45
• Christmas Day | 3-course prix fixe, $97.50/person / $35 kids menu
  AM seating: 12PM-3PM
  PM seating: 4PM-7:30PM

Don’t forget the 2nd annual Elf on the Shelf holiday cocktail program which launches on December 1 and is available for the naughty and nice through the end of the month. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

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The Smoking Gun

Celebrate Christmas with Gaslamp’s The Smoking Gun, as they host their third annual Chinese Christmas Dinner. On Monday, December 25th, come in to enjoy dishes, created by Chef Navor Martinez, that include Deep Fried Green Beans, Smoking Gun Fried Rice, Honey Walnut Shrimp,

Beef Broccoli, Spicey Honey Garlic Chicken, and Fried Wontons with wasabi-soy ginger cream cheese. Also on the menu is Egg Drop Soup, Wagyu Beef Brisket Cumin Soup, and Chicken Wonton Soup. Prices vary from $11.99 – $15.99, and each dishes is priced separately.

The menu will be available when they open at 5PM.

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Paradisaea

Nestled in the coastal neighborhood of Bird Rock in the iconic 1949 “Piano Building” sits Paradisaea, San Diego’s buzziest dining hotspot. Known for its elevated, yet approachable menu that showcases thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes made with the best coastal California can offer, Paradisaea will give locals and visitors alike just that this Christmas Eve with a special three-course prix-fixe menu. 

Menu highlights include:

• First Course: Burrata with Roasted Bosc pears and Black Pepper Gastrique, served on Grilled Sourdough | French Onion Soup, topped with gruyere & parmesan, and served with brioche
• Entree: Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, Creamed onions, Horseradish Cream, and Au Jus | Roasted Chicken with pancetta roasted brussel sprouts, pearl onion ragout, and jus de viande | Ora King Salmon en route with apple celeriac puree and a truffle vinaigrette
• Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Bay Leaf Ice Cream

Better yet, Paradisaea will be offering three (3) unique Holiday-esq cocktails, including a Noel Spritz, Yule Ball, and Hot Butterbeer. 

The menu will be available on Christmas Eve from 4PM-8PM and will cost $95 for adults, and $45 for children. Reservation can be made by calling the restaurant or online at OpenTable here.

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Hotel del Coronado

One of the most magical times of year at this historic grande dame, The Del is known among locals and travelers alike for welcoming the holidays with splendid fanfare, bringing wintertime fun to sunny Southern California. Dine in the stunning new Southpointe Ballroom on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and indulge in a lavish holiday buffet of traditional favorites and culinary surprises all day long, featuring a beautiful display of sparkling holiday lights adorning the vaulted ceiling.

Find the Christmas Eve Dinner Menu here. For the Christmas Day Brunch Menu, click here.

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Bleu Bohème

Bleu Bohème will celebrate Christmas Eve with a three-course prix fixe dinner and festive cocktail, available from 4PM to 8PM on Sunday, December 24. Crafted by owner and executive chef Ken Irvine, the meal will be priced at $80 per person. A specialty cocktail, The Canneberge, will complement the meal, priced at $16.

The Christmas Eve dinner will begin with a choice between crab croquettes, and caramelized Spanish onion soup, among others. For an additional $4, guests can savor escargot prepared “old school” with garlic, shallots, parsley, thyme and Pernod served with a petite baguette.

Entrée selections will include braised beef short rib, Faroe Island salmon, and Shiitake and Oyster mushroom raviolis among other options. For an additional $5, guests may choose large dry-pack sea scallops with saffron lobster risotto, linguiça, English peas, fennel and basil pistou; or petite filet mignons and garlic pommes frites served with caramelized onions, Béarnaise and arugula salad.

Dessert offerings will consist of flourless chocolate cake, warm gingerbread with strawberry confiture and caramel ice cream; warm brioche bread pudding, and more.

Reservations are available now by calling 619.255.4167 or by visiting the website here.

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Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

Downtown San Diego’s Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine will make the holiday season merry and bright with Hanukkah dishes available every night throughout the Festival of Lights and a succulent dinner menu offered on Christmas night.

In honor of Hanukkah, Lionfish will feature challah bread with apple spice butter for $18 and a modern twist on the traditional dish of latke and lox, crispy potato pancakes served with chive crème fraiche, caviar and smoked salmon, priced at $25. Both specials will be available throughout the holiday’s eight nights from Thursday, December 7 through Friday, December 15.

The modern culinary destination will offer a special Christmas menu on Monday, December 25 featuring a delectable holiday cast iron special of duck a l’orange, duck fried rice, moo shu wraps and pickled vegetables, priced at $40. Lionfish will also offer its full menu of sustainable seafood and prime meats prepared with innovative twists by renowned San Diego Chef JoJo Ruiz.

Guests tired of party hosting and days in the kitchen roasting may enjoy a merry night of festive toasting with Lionfish’s creative holiday cocktails including the innovative Not Your Grandma’s Apple Cider, made with Maker’s Mark, Aperol Spritz, green apple purée, apple spice syrup and lemon; the refreshing Falling For You, crafted with Sipsmith gin, Pimm’s, apricot liqueur, house-made rosemary syrup, lemon and Chandon; the cozy Gimme S’more featuring Templeton Rye, Crème de Cacao and chocolate bitters; and the PSM made with Belvedere vodka, Mozart Pumpkin Spiced Liqueur, house-made spiced syrup and oat milk. Each of these hand-crafted seasonal cocktails is priced at $18 and available until January 1, 2024.

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Rancho Bernardo Inn

Tucked away in quintessential North County San Diego, Rancho Bernardo Inn is full of Christmas cheer and welcomes guests to enjoy their winter wonderland of celebrations, holiday dining and festive decorations. Indulge in merry feasts this holiday season, including:

Christmas Eve & Day Dinner at AVANT

Savor a specially crafted four-course dinner at The Inn’s signature dining destination. Menu highlights include:

• Wild mushroom bisque with creme fraiche, lion’s mane mushrooms and espelette
• Beet parfait with blood orange, caviar and dill
• Honey-glazed liberty duck leg with pineapple, sweet potatoes and honey
• Wagyu strip loin with salsify, avocado mole and mustard from the on-site Chef’s Garden
• Alaskan halibut with winter greens, saffron billi bi, confit potato and seaweed
• Santa’s gingerbread cookie made with buttercream, Bailey’s and spruce needle
• And much more

Served from 4PM-8PM on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Price: $125++ per adult / $65++ per child (aged 12 and under)

All-Inclusive Christmas Day Buffet at Bernardo Ballroom

Make Christmas Day extra festive with an all-inclusive holiday buffet and live entertainment! Embrace the holiday spirit with a delectable array of seasonal favorites – from various action and carving stations, cured salmon with salt, sugar and spice and grilled chicken with arugula cream to brown butter garlic mashed potatoes, cinnamon and clove baked baby sweet potatoes and mouthwatering dessert display.

Served from 1PM-4PM on Christmas Day. Price: $135++ per adult *inclusive of sparkling and still wine, beer and spirits / $55++ per child (aged 12 and under).

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Wolfie’s Carousel Bar

Nestled in the northern end of San Diego’s most beloved dining destination, Little Italy, sits the one-and-only, Wolfie’s Carousel Bar — a Parisian-inspired eatery that boasts French bistro cuisine in an awe-inspiring, immersive setting. Beautiful, luxurious and whimsical, Wolfie’s is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable evening this Christmas season.

Gather with friends and family around the moving carousel centerpiece for a holiday feast of Australian lamb rack arrosè, herb crusted with galette de pommes, cippolini onions glacè and gremolata, available for the month of December. Top it off with one of Wolfie’s popular sparkling cocktails or choose from an impressive selection of wines and champagnes.

Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable here.

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Born & Raised

You know that velvet sports coat or glitzy cocktail dress you’re always looking for an excuse to wear? An opulent Christmas Day dinner at Born & Raised is the perfect excuse to bust out the sequins and shine your shoes. With a menu brimming with decadent cuts and buttery sides, this Little Italy steakhouse offers endless dishes that’ll stick to your bones on these chilly winter nights.

Sample the specialty of the house with classics like the Dry-Aged Porterhouse which you can order by the ounce, luxurious plates like the Uni Spaghetti with chili oil and cured yolk, or shareable bites like the Charcuterie & Cheese Board with a collection of meats, cheeses, mustards, pickles, fruits, and fresh-baked bread. And, of course, a dirty Martini or bourbon cocktail to pair! ‘Tis the season to get dolled up and hit the town!

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The Shores Restaurant

Indulge in the “sea-son’s” delights at The Shores Restaurant with a special Christmas Day buffet steps from the sand. Feast on a variety of savory main courses from the Carving Action Station, including Pineapple Glazed Roasted Ham, Black Angus Prime Rib, and Stuffed Brined Turkey. Soup and salad options like Winter Squash Soup and Apple & Walnut Salad are available, along with sides such as garlic mashed potatoes and bacon Brussels sprouts.

Heartier entrees include Blackened Swordfish, Tequila Citrus Chicken, Rock Shrimp Linguini Pasta, Tuscan Butter Salmon, and Butternut Squash Ravioli. The brunch station will offer Crab Benedicts, Banana Foster French toast, and Quiche, complemented by a Farm Fresh Omelet Station, Charcuterie Station, and Fresh Seafood Bar. Pastries, including bread, butter stations, desserts, and a Kids Buffet are also part of the festive spread.

Please visit here for reservations.

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La Valencia

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the historic La Valencia Hotel, a cherished destination for over 95 years. With a rich history of hosting special moments that create lasting memories, La Valencia Hotel is thrilled to announce its exciting lineup of festive events and experiences for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Join us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a special menu available from 3PM onwards. For $98 per person with kid-friendly options, leave the cooking to us, sit back, relax, and create lasting holiday memories with loved ones.

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Truffles

Christmas is just around the corner and North Park’s Fine Italian restaurant, Truffle, is offering a delicious, elegant, and affordable 3-course meal for those looking to celebrate away from home. Their Christmas menu transports guests to the heart of Italy’s Christmas traditions with their immersive menu. Diners can choose from an elegant selection of traditional Italian Christmas dishes such as  truffle risotto, branzino all’acqua pazza, truffle tiramisu, and more.

For only $49 (per person) each guest can choose one of the four starters, one of the five entrees, and one of the two desserts. For guests who want to gift themselves the opportunity to enjoy a rare type of truffle, you can choose to add Black Umbria Winter Truffle Shavings. This limited time dinner menu is only available December 24th and December 25th.

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Italian Christmas Eve at Garibaldi

Get an authentic taste of Italy during this one-night-only Italian Christmas Eve tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, at Garibaldi, located on the third floor of the InterContinental San Diego. Known for its Italian-isle inspired cuisine, Garibaldi is bringing this age-old Southern Italian Christmas Eve tradition to San Diego, centered around sustainable seafood.

Enjoy a seafood buffet featuring seven sustainably sourced seafood dishes alongside classic antipasto and salads. Seafood dishes include Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with Sturgeon Caviar, Octopus Potato Salad, Shellfish Blue Zone Minestrone, Sheepshead Acqua Pazza, Smoked Trout Gnudi, Malloreddus al Tonno, and Swordfish alla Ghiotta. Finish off with a sinful dessert bar featuring Pistachio Cake, Myrtle Panna Cotta, and Cassata Siciliana Ricotta Cheesecake.

Every pair of guests will receive a bottle of “Samas” wine from Sardinian winemaker Agricola Punica, and a complimentary bag of raw housemade pasta, to create their own Sardinian-inspired feast at home!

To make reservations, click here.

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George’s at the Cove

George’s at the Cove, with Chef/Partner Trey Foshee, Executive Chef Masa Kojima, and Pastry Chef Aly Lyng at the helm, presents a four-course prix fixe dinner from 4PM–7PM in the restaurant’s enclosed Lower Level dining room that offers floor-to-ceiling views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s $110 per person, and entrées include Eye of Ribeye, Striped Bass, and Cauliflower Steak. Dessert features an assortment of petit fours of orange cranberry, thumbprint, apple pie snickerdoodle, gingersnap, and doughnuts. For the full menu and to make reservations, visit here.

In addition, George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace and open-air Level2 will feature lunch service only on Christmas Day from 11AM–2:30PM.

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RustiCucina

RustiCucina, Hillcrest’s premier farm-to-neighborhood Sicilian restaurant is welcoming families and friends into their warm Italian kitchen this Christmas season.

With a $55 per person pre-fixe menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day families and friends have plenty of time to gather and pass off the cooking to indulge in a RustiCucina’s specialty holiday menu. Shared plates include their fresh Bruschetta, Calamari, Sicilian Style Sautéed Artichokes, and house meatballs served with parmesan fondu. Entrees will feature a rich Lobster Ravioli, a Pollo Ripieno Alla Parmigana, Brasato Di Manzo served over parmesan Risotto, and Salmon over a white wine sauce.

Their signature sides include truffle fries, brussel sprouts, garlic bread, and roasted carrots. Of course, it would not be a special occasion without RustiCucina’s signature Cheese Wheel allowing you to make your own Filet Mignon Pasta Dish. Their menu will be available from 4PM to 10PM.

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Barrio Star

In the spirit of the holiday season, Barrio Star, invites you to partake in a cherished tradition – Christmas tamales. Revered as a sacred food originally reserved for the gods, tamales have transcended cultural boundaries and are now a global sensation, especially during the Christmas festivities.

• Tamal de maíz: Revel in the sweet corn undertones of this vegetarian classic, featuring Barrio Star’s roasted tomatillo and corn salsa, accompanied by their signature cilantro lime sauce. Served over frijoles de la Olla, power rice, and a refreshing steamed green kale.
• Tamal de pollo: Indulge in the flavors of this chicken tamale, dressed with a Chile guajillo sauce that harmonizes perfectly with the crema drizzle and pico de Gallo. Served alongside traditional black beans and jasmine rice.
• Tamal de carnitas: For pork enthusiasts, savor the rich flavors of pulled pork, bathed in Barrio Star’s signature cilantro lime avocado sauce.

These delectable tamales are available for both dine-in and take-away this holiday season. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and diverse cultures encapsulated in Barrio Star’s culinary creations, and toast to a vibrant new year with one of San Diego’s favorite Blood Orange margaritas.

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20|Twenty

Create holiday memories in a quintessential SoCal setting at 20|Twenty. This year, the Carlsbad eatery offers special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day three-course menus featuring elevated Southern California classics with a modern twist.

The Christmas Eve menu features choices like Cheese Tortellini or Lobster Bisque for starters and Barramundi, Beef Short Rib, or Butternut Roast for mains, with dessert options like Butter Cake or Chocolate Citrus Cassata. On Christmas Day, indulge in Chicory Salad or Lobster Bisque, followed by main courses such as Campbell River Salmon, Prime Rib, or Chestnut Risotto—all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Conclude the festive meal with sweet treats like Apple Crumble or Buche de Noel Chocolate.

Both Christmas Eve and Day prix fixe dinners are priced at $125 per person ($75 children, wit no h an alternate menu available), and will have seating from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. To make a reservation for Christmas Day, click here and Christmas Eve here.

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Temaki Bar: Handroll, Sushi, Sake

Nestled just steps away from the sandy shores of Encinitas, Temaki Bar: Handroll, Sushi, Sake will celebrate the holidays throughout the entire month of December with a festive “Merry Maki” menu available Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 31.

Literally translating to “hand roll,” Temaki Bar’s holiday menu will include the Bad Santa Handy featuring yellowfin tuna, scallops, mandarin kosho sauce, chuka and gobo, offered at $13; Stocking Stuffers crafted from inari stuffed with kanikama (Krab) and marinated jalapeño, priced at $8 for two pieces; and the Krampus, a five piece cutroll filled with tempura shrimp, tamago, ooba and avocado on the inside and topped with spicy tuna, Temaki red aioli, tobiko, lime, bubu arare and Green Apple Pop Rocks, priced at $23.

The holiday menu will also include specialty nigiri such as salmon with brown butter aioli, sweet soy and smoked salt, priced at $11; hamachi with black garlic ponzu, lime supreme and chive, priced at $12; and yellowfin with yuzo kosho, serrano and togarashi, priced at $12. Guests may also choose from two “Merry Maki” drink specials, Stiegl Goldbräu, a traditional Salzburg lager, for $6; or Glühwein, a hot, mulled wine, priced at $10.

The restaurant’s full menu is also available at any time. Temaki Bar also features a wide selection of beer, wine and an eclectic sake program. Temaki is open 11AM to 9PM on Sunday through Thursday and 11AM to 11PM on Friday and Saturday.

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Arlo

Christmas Eve: Available on December 24 from 5PM–7:30PM, guests can choose from a prixe fixe menu or a la carte fall menu items to ring in the holiday. The prix fixe menu is $80 per person and features festive creations, including seared scallops, chestnut stuffed jidori chicken, butternut squash velouté and eggnog brûlée. The full menu can be found here and reservations can be made here.

Christmas Day: On December 25 from 1PM–8PM, locals can enjoy a delectable Christmas buffet at ARLO featuring cold appetizers such as pasta salad and a seafood display, and action stations including rosemary and salt crusted prime rib station, pan roasted duck breast station, smoked pacific snapper station and brown butter sage gnocchi station.

Festive desserts include Buche de noel, rich chocolatey Ovaltine, crème brûlée and assorted holiday cookies. The Christmas buffet is $85 for adults and $35 for kids ages 6 – 12. The full menu can be found here and reservations can be made here.

Naughty Nog Cocktail: In addition to festive bites, ARLO will offer the Naughty Nog cocktail throughout December. The holiday cocktail is made with eggnog, vodka, Amaretto Disaronno, Fernet-Branca and topped with cinnamon.

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Giardino

The popular East County restaurant is open for gathering all holiday season-long. For those wanting to go out the day before, Giardino is open for lunch, dinner and drinks on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day, guests can rise early for a brunch buffet serving breakfast classics and Giardino favorites from 10AM to 2PM. Adults are $49 and kids under 12 are $25. For dinner, which starts at 3PM, Giardino is offering a 3-course preset menu with holiday specials and Italian classics. Think Roasted Duck Breast, Butternut Squash Ravioli Surf & Turf and more.

Dinner is $55 for adults and $20 for kids under 12. Make your reservations early at here.

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Matsu

Leaning into the Japanese holiday dining tradition of fried chicken and strawberry shortcake, Chef William Eick has created a special “Christmas Eve Karaage Night” at Matsu. Matsu will be exploring different cuts and styles of fried chicken in an evening of fun and festivities with a 6-course karaage tasting menu. Menu highlights include Chicken Dashi (Tenkasu | Miso), Wing (Kakitamajiru | Caviar), Breast (Cornbread | Honey | Jalapeno), Strawberry Shortcake, and specialty sake pairings. Reservations can be made here.

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Kanpai BBQ & Shabu

Kanpai BBQ & Shabu, San Diego’s premier all-you-can-eat BBQ & shabu spot, will be doing a Joyful Group Feast from December 25-29. In an effort to bring family and friends together for the holidays, any party of 6 or more will get one free all-you-can-eat meal for one person. Kanpai BBQ & Shabu will also be doing a Santa’s Early Bird special – guests can visit the restaurant from 4PM-5:30PM, December 25-29, and receive an all-you-can-eat special at $34.99 instead of the regular price of $39.95. Located in the Convoy district, cozy up this holiday season at Kanpai BBQ & Shabu!

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Huntress

The  upscale, modern steakhouse offers entirely new taste combinations, unexpected pairings and theatrical presentation, from gorgeous glass lockers displaying the venue’s dry-aged steak to the famed “Magic Mushroom” and more. An ideal location for celebrating the holidays in a sophisticated yet approachable dining environment, with high-quality cuisine and cocktails.

On Christmas Eve, from 5:30PM–10PM, and Christmas Day, from 4PM–8PM, Huntress will offer its full menu and a selection of chef specials, including venison wellington ($55) including mushroom duxelle, prosciutto and port wine demi, as well as lobster risotto ($38) including main lobster, ricotta salata and preserved lemon.

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Hudson & Nash

On December 24 and 25, Hudson & Nash, the waterfront kitchen and cocktail space on the Embarcadero, is offering a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner a la carte menu featuring a dry-aged prime rib, poblano sweet potato gratin and coriander-spiced heirloom baby carrots ($59), as well as a Tiramisu dessert ($12) and other specials.

Through December 30, Hudson & Nash is also serving specialty holiday-themed cocktails like a French Toast White Russian, Tennessee Tidings (Jack Daniels, Amaretto, passion fruit, lemon, honey, powdered sugar blackberries) and Chestnut Campfire (Rye whiskey, maple syrup, chocolate bitters, orange twist).

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Christmas at Home

Make your holiday celebration at home both effortless and extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a small family gathering or a large group, these “Christmas To-Go” options provide a delightful and stress-free way to enjoy the holiday season.

Ranch 45

Guests can assemble their own unique Christmas meal from Ranch 45. The Solana Beach restaurant and butchery has got all your at-home feast needs covered. Main course choices include Herb Crusted Prime Rib, Braised Short Rib, Smoke Turkey Legs, 45-Day Aged Ribeye, and Smoked Cornish Game Hen along with a selection of salads, soups and signature sides. Finish off the meal with something sweet such as Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, or Apple Crisp. Pre-orders must be placed before Sunday, December 17 at 4PM for pick-up on Sunday, December 24.

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Gold Finch

Urban Kitchen Group’s Jewish modern delicatessen, Gold Finch, is rolling out a to-go Hanukkah menu that pays homage to the Ashkenazi Jewish deli combined with the freshness, seasoning, and modern style of Sephardic cooking.

Borkum’s grandmother’s beloved recipe for Matzo Ball Soup (a vegan and non-vegan option serves 4, $28) joins the lineup with other staples like Tzimmes Beef Brisket (serves 4, $68), a dozen of Gold Finch’s famed Latkes (12-pack, $51) a Sweet Apple + Raisin Kugel (serves 6, $45), and more. Hanukkah menu items are available for pickup or delivery on Thursday, December 7th at Morena Provisions. Orders must be placed here by Monday, December 4th.

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Morena Provisions

Skip the holiday grocery store chaos and toast to letting the pros handle the Christmas prep.

Sit back and pre-order an extravagant feast guaranteed to impress your family with options like Beef Wellington served with Roasted Shallot Jus (serves 1, $45), Smoked Kassler Pork Loin (serves 4-6, $65), a 7-Layer Smoked Salmon Dip (serves 6-8, $55), and a merriment of desserts from a Burnt Basque Cheesecake (serves 8-10, $58), to Buche de Noel (serves 6-8, $75), to Santa’s Cookies (12-pack, $58) and more.

Orders must be placed here for pickup and delivery on Sunday, December 24th.

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Gelson’s

Gelson’s is elevating the holiday dining experience by offering hassle-free, ready-made meals for Christmas and Hanukkah, including plant-based choices.

Main courses from the menu include a Roasted Turkey, Spiral Cut Glazed Ham, Brisket, Prime Rib, and Salmon (spicy grilled or poached). Guests can also opt for plant-based main courses like Celebration Roast Dinner or a Hazelnut Cranberry Roast. All of Gelson’s dinners are paired with a selection of a la carte sides depending on the entre of choice. The enticing array of side options and desserts includes Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, house-baked Apple Pie, and New York Style Cheesecake.

For more information and to place an order for holiday dinners, visit here or here.

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Little Frenchie

This holiday season, add a touch of bistro charm inspired by the cozy cafes of Paris to your menu by indulging in the delightful offerings from Little Frenchie to-go! This chef-driven approachable bistro offers a variety of delectable treats to take home and enjoy, including:

Bûche de Noël Cakes (Order between November 27 to December 15 & pickup on December 23 by 4PM):

• Chocolate Bûche de Noël | Chocolate Viennoise Sponge, Bailey’s Syrup, Chocolate Mousse, Cacao Praline, Salted Chocolate Buttercream
• White Chocolate Bûche de Noël | Vanilla Viennoise Sponge, Caramelized White Chocolate Mousse, Cranberry Compote, Vanilla Buttercream

Price: Full Cake $90 for 8-10 ppl // Half Cake $65 for 4-5 ppl

Holiday Cheesecakes:

• Red Velvet Cheesecake | Red Velvet Sponge, NY Style Cheesecake, Sour Cream Frosting
• Caramel Ripple Cheesecake | Shortbread Crust, Caramel Cheesecake, White Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Drizzle

Price: $65 for 10-12 ppl (10″ Round)

Holiday Cookies (Order between November 27 to December 15 & pickup on December 23 by 4PM):

• Assorted Holiday Cookie Box ($30) – Chocolate chip, Peppermint Cocoa, Smores, Snickerdoodle, White Chocolate Cranberry
• Decorated Sugar Cookie Box ($40) | 12 assorted decorated holiday sugar cookies

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The Plot

Savor a plant-based holiday feast at the comfort of your home for only $40/person with The Plot’s special pick-up option. Enjoy menu highlights like Wild Rice & Lentil Roast with tomato jam, Sweet Potato Gratin, Smokey Maple Butter Roasted Parsnips and Squash, Braised Southern-Style Garden Greens, Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing, Caramelized Onion Port Gravy, and more.

Pre-order by December 22. Pick up on December 24 between 11AM and 5PM.

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Fortunate Son

For those that love to dine on Chinese food for Christmas a la “A Christmas Story,” Fortunate Son has you covered. Keep it simple this holiday season with tasty takeout and enjoy a cozy night at home or walk-in at their North Park location for a lowkey evening out. Make sure to order house favorites such as the Mapo Tofu with beef, fermented chili bean paste, garlic & tofu, served with steamed rice; Szechuan Hot Chicken Wings with hot & numbing spice rub, yunan chilis, scallions and cilantro; Crab Ragoon with crab, cream cheese, sweet chili sauce and scallions; and the Dan Dan Noodles with beef, szechuan sesame sauce, pea shoots, fried shallots, garlic and chili oil.

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Indulge in the holiday spirit, and let San Diego’s restaurants make your Christmas meals unforgettable.

Happy Holidays, San Diego!