Are you looking for great restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego? If so, keep reading!
If you’re anything like me, then you might not be in the mood for cooking on Christmas Day.
But don’t worry – there are so many great places you can grab Christmas dinner in San Diego. So if you don’t fancy cooking at home, then hopefully my list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego will give you some ideas!
Maybe you’re looking to celebrate somewhere special, or perhaps you’re looking for somewhere casual and friendly – either way, I’ve got some ideas for both here.
Whatever your situation, I’ll hopefully have a fitting location on my list! So let’s get into it!
Reminder: Whilst I try to be as accurate as possible, I am human! Some restaurants will change their opening hours for holidays with little notice. I will check sites like Open Table to verify, but I always recommend checking and reserving yourself ahead of the day!
My favorite restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego
Fogo de Chao – San Diego
- Address: 668 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Phone: +1 619-338-0500
- Cuisine: Upscale Brazilian chain
First on my 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 my favorite on this list.
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!
The Vineyard Rose Restaurant
- Address: 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, United States
- Phone: +1 951-566-4622
- Cuisine: American restaurant with sophisticated dining.
I 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 which is ideal for wine aficionados and people who want something a little bit more sophisticated.
Although they usually serve a classic Californian menu, they embrace Christmas traditions here on Christmas Day with roasted Brussels sprouts, turkey, filet mignon, and Skuna Bay Salmon.
Don’t miss the desserts either. They have everything from chocolate cake to gingerbread pudding, and you’ll want to make sure you have saved space!
Valentina
- Address: 810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States
- Phone: +1 760-943-6686
- Cuisine: Casual neighborhood Bistro & Wine Bar.
Valentina is a lovely casual option for Christmas day dining. It’s a little way out of the city center, but the scenery and amazing food/drink make 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! Which is really nice if you’re more into keeping it casual on Christmas Day.
If you choose to eat at this place and check it out, expect a three-course prix-fixe menu. So you won’t be leaving hungry!
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
- Address: 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
- Phone: +1 619-239-1377
- Cuisine: Skyline views, with French-Inspired American cooking.
If you’re on the hunt for restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego with amazing views, consider checking out Mister A’s Restaurant.You’ll need to book ahead here – as it’s really positive.
It’s one of the fanciest restaurants for Christmas Day and it’s known for its incredible elegant 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
- Address: 722 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Phone: +1 619-595-7959
- Cuisine: Refined Italian food with a big wine list.
The next place on my list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego is Osteria Panevino – and it’s a great one, especially if you love Italian food.
This is one of my ultimate go-to spots if I’m craving Italian food, and Christmas Day is a great excuse to dine here. It’s not overly cheap here, but the atmosphere remains quaint and never feels stifling.
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 I’m asking for from Christmas dinner!
ARLO
- Address: 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
- Phone: +1 619-908-5058
- Cuisine: Elegant chef-driven rustic dishes for foodies
If you’re on the hunt for a reasonable feast this year that feels upscale, then you’ll adore the next spot.
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
- Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128, United States
- Phone: +1 888-281-7938
- Cuisine: Upscale American food
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 I said, it’s one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego that’s worth shelling out for!
Roy’s San Diego Waterfront
- Address: 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Phone: +1 619-239-7697
- Cuisine: Notable chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion fare.
If you’d like to try something different during the holidays, then you should check out the next spot on my list!
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!
Gyu-Kaku
- Address: 801 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Phone: +1 619-310-5782
- Cuisine: Japanese yakiniku restaurant
If you fancy a hit of Japanese BBQ this year, then the next place on my list should be perfect for you. 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 me.
Although this is one of the restaurants that isn’t overly traditional with its menu, you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied (without the turkey!).
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Pacifica Del Mar
- Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States
- Phone: +1 858-792-0476
- Cuisine: Seafood, steak and pasta
Pacifica Del Mar is the next place on my 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.
I 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
- Address: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Phone: +1 619-955-8495
- Cuisine: Rustic, wood-fired dishes
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 too.
Serving an incredible range of dishes like truffle mashed potatoes and classic meats, you’ll be able to fill your boots. This place is friendly, rustic and delicious. These guys are also committed to using seasonal ingredients, which makes me love it even more.
Mille Fleurs
- Address: 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, United States
- Phone: +1 858-756-3085
- Cuisine: Upscale French classics
Next on my list of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego, is 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
- Address: 4622 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116, United States
- Phone: +1 619-269-6566
- Cuisine: Sleek and stylish Mediterranean fare.
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
- Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
- Phone: +1 619-269-9036
- Cuisine: New American food in modern, arty decor
The final spot on my list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego is Juniper & Ivy. And let me tell you – I love this place.
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!
Hopefully, our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego has given you plenty of ideas!
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