Are you looking for great restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego? If so, keep reading!
If you don’t fancy cooking at home this Christmas Day, then you might be looking for the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
Maybe you’re looking to celebrate somewhere special, or perhaps you’re looking for somewhere casual and friendly.
Whatever your situation, we’ll hopefully have a fitting location on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
On our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego, we’ve also tried to include lots of different budget options.
From exclusive and special-occasion-worthy options to budget-friendly choices too!
So let’s get into it!
Reminder: Whilst we try to be as accurate as possible, we are human! Some restaurants will change their opening hours for holidays with little notice. We will check sites like Open Table to verify, but we always recommend checking and reserving yourself ahead of the day!
Our favorite restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego
Fogo de Chao – San Diego
First on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego – it’s Fogo de Chao.
This Brazilian steakhouse is tucked away in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and it’s fancy.
Everything from the central buffet area to the steak plates and ceiling décor is fabulous, So, it’s no surprise that it’s one of our favorite restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
These guys suggest making a reservation for Christmas as early as possible, as you’ll get a nice discount in the form of dining cards.
And hey – the gorgeous, sizzling steaks and moreish sides don’t hurt either! It’s a fantastic choice for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego!
The Vineyard Rose
We couldn’t make a list of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego without talking about the Vineyard Rose!
This place is in Temecula (which is famous for its wineries, FYI!). So, it’s one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego which is ideal for wine aficionados.
Although they usually serve a classic Californian menu, they embrace Christmas with roasted Brussels sprouts, turkey, filet mignon, and Skuna Bay Salmon.
Don’t miss the desserts either. This is one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that offers everything from chocolate cake to gingerbread pudding!
Valentina
Valentina is among the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that’s on the casual side.
It’s a little way out of the city center, but the scenery and amazing food/drink makes up for the drive.
It’s designed in a bistro style, so you needn’t feel the need to dress up if you don’t feel like it!
If you choose to put this place on your list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego to check out, expect a three-course prix-fixe menu.
You’ll usually find Spanish-inspired dishes like polenta and endive on Christmas Day, but everything’s always subject to change.
Mister A’s Restaurant
If you’re on the hunt for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego with amazing views, consider the search over with Mister A’s Restaurant.
It’s one of the fanciest restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego and is known for its incredible American dishes and prime downtown location.
On the menu, you’ll find incredible Maine lobster, beef chateaubriand, and a whole host of delicious sides.
Throw in the impeccable wine pairings and it’s easy to see why this is one of our favorite restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego!
It’s on the pricier side at approximately $90 per person, but we promise it’s worth every cent.
Osteria Panevino
The next place on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego is Osteria Panevino – and it’s a great one!
This is one of our ultimate go-to spots if we’re craving Italian food, and they take things on Christmas Day with top-notch meats and authentic dishes.
It’s not overly cheap here, but the atmosphere remains quaint and never feelings stifling at any point.
So, you can easily sit here sipping fine Italian wines and chowing down on Tiramisu until you’re ready to roll home.
That’s all we’re asking for from the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego!
ARLO
If you’re on the hunt for a reasonable feast this year that feels upscale, then you’ll adore the next spot on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
ARLO is run by chef Josh Mouzakes and it serves an incredible three-course meal on Christmas Day.
You’ll find a perfectly cooked goose making an appearance most years but keep an eye out for the eggnog too!
Considering the food is super-upscale and tastes delicious, this is one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego feels like a steal.
Most years it costs just $50, but this is subject to change (of course!).
AVANT
If you’re searching for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego, then you should check out AVANT – stat!
It’s a contemporary French restaurant in Rancho Bernardo that’s known for its wonderful atmosphere and fabulous four-course meal on Christmas Day.
A meal at AVANT doesn’t come cheap. But we promise – it’s so worth it.
On the menu, you’ll find items like roasted carrot bisques, roasted filet mignon, and the most delicious toffee rum cake that you’ll ever eat.
As we said, it’s one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that’s worth shelling out for!
Café Champagne Restaurant
If you’re willing to head to Temecula, then you’ll love the next place on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
Café Champagne Restaurant is a beautiful and sophisticated choice for spending Christmas Day in San Diego.
It’s always open on Christmas Day and they serve a wonderful menu on the 25th that’s usually served between noon and 5 pm.
Aside from the classic Christmas fare, you’ll be treated to an incredible selection of wines that rival the finest cellars in the city! Another great pick for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
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Roy’s San Diego Waterfront
If you’d like to try something different during the holidays, then you should check out the next spot on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
Roy’s San Diego Waterfront is a Hawaiian Fusion restaurant that has risen through the ranks to become one of the Gaslamp area’s finest foodie hotspots.
The restaurant is run by top chef Roy Yamaguchi, and you’ll find everything from new-age sushi to melt-in-your-mouth meats on offer.
So, if you’re looking for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego with a twist, you’ll love this place!
Oh, and did we mention it’s right on the waterfront? Come through views!
Restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego: Gyu-Kaku
If you fancy a hit of Japanese BBQ this year, then the next place on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego is bound to float your boat.
Gyu-Kaku is an amazing choice for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
This authentic BBQ restaurant is tucked away in the downtown area. Thanks to its classic setup, you’ll be able to see your entire Christmas feast being cooked on a flaming charcoal grill!
It’s seriously satisfying, trust us.
Although this is one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that isn’t overly traditional with its menu, you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied (without the turkey!).
Pacifica Del Mar
Pacifica Del Mar is the next place on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
This seafood restaurant has won the “Best Seafood Dining in San Diego” Gold Medallion and is always praised for its wines.
The result? You’ll be wined and dined with the best of them!
This place has been around for years, and it serves everything from premium seafood to steaks and pasta dishes.
We get that you won’t want to dine on the sprawling patio during winter. But this is one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego with wonderful waterfront views. So maybe press your face up against the glass before leaving!
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Herb & Wood
Herb & Wood is a gorgeous Mediterranean restaurant. It absolutely deserves a spot on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
They’re best known for serving one of the best Sunday Brunches in town. But they’re also famous for their extravagant Christmas Day menu.
Serving an incredible range of dishes like truffle mashed potatoes and classic meats, you’ll be able to fill your boots.
This is one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that’s committed to using seasonal ingredients.
So, keep an eye out for seasonal veggies and rustic, wood-fired goodies while you dine!
Mille Fleurs
To kick off our list of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego, we have Mille Fleurs!
This incredible upscale spot specializes in French Californian cuisine, and it’s one of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego for luxury lovers.
It’s been open for over 30 years and has earned a coveted Michelin Star during that period. You know what that means – the food is bound to be good.
On Christmas Day, you’ll find a wonderful selection of a la carte favorites with a seasonal twist, and classic Christmas goodies like yule logs.
Our advice? You need to try the famous black truffle risotto. Just trust us on this one – it’s what makes this place one of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego!
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Madison
Located on Park Boulevard, Madison is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego.
This restaurant has made a name for itself by serving classic cocktails and modern Mediterranean fare. But they take things to new heights on Christmas Day – hey, ‘tis the season, right?!
On Christmas, this restaurant offers an incredible European feast in its gorgeous dining area.
As expected, you’ll also be able to order a few of their signature cocktails to dial things up a bit!
Juniper & Ivy
The final spot on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego is Juniper & Ivy. And let us tell you – we love this place.
This restaurant is uber-popular for its Holiday At Home packages, allowing you to build your own Christmas dinner from the ground up.
The annual menu contains classics like beef and tuna wellington, pot roast vegetables, a ridiculously delicious jus of your choice, and a sourdough loaf. Oh, and don’t forget the epic chocolate Bundt cake!
As you’ll be able to enjoy your meal at home, this is one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that lets you munch without a morsel of guilt.
Hopefully, our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego has given you plenty of ideas!
Which of these restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego will you be visiting? Let us know!
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