Are you looking for the perfect Christmas Eve dinner in NYC? If so, keep reading for my top recommendations.
I love NYC during the festive season, and aside from Christmas Day… My next favorite time is Christmas Eve. There’s just something special and magical about ‘the night before Christmas’, especially in NYC.
You’ll often see people having their big Christmas celebratory dinners on Christmas Eve in NYC, and it’s so lovely to walk around the city and see groups of friends and families in cozy restaurants, tucking into delicious food.
If you’re in NYC this Christmas, then hopefully my list of the best places for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC is going to give you loads of ideas for where to eat, for the night before Santa comes!
I’ve compiled a list of all our favorite restaurants that serve up some of the most delicious Christmas Eve dinners in NYC! Some are traditional festive fare, others are a little untraditional!
Here are my top Christmas Eve dinners in NYC!
Benjamin Prime
- Website: https://benjaminsteakhouse.com/prime/
- Address: 23 E 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Phone: 212.338.0818
- Type of cuisine: American Steakhouse
- Closest subway station: 33 St
Each year, this glorious restaurant features a fixed price menu that allows diners to enjoy their food inside or outside.
On Christmas Eve, you can enjoy a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
If I was to recommend one thing on the menu that you need to try, it would be the bone-in ribeye. Not only is it enormous, but it’s always perfectly cooked.
Be sure to finish things off with a beautiful slice of cheesecake! It’s an ideal spot for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC.
Benoit
- Website: https://www.benoitny.com/
- Address: 60 West 55th street, New York, NY 10019, United States
- Phone: +1 646 943 7373
- Type of cuisine: French food
- Closest subway station: 57 St
If you’re looking for places to go for Christmas Eve dinners in NYC this year, then you’ll want to check out Benoit in NYC.
They serve the most glorious mandarin-chocolate yule log that you’ll be dreaming of for nights on end.
With so much variety on offer, Benoit is certainly one of the top places to go for Christmas Eve dinners, and it’s somewhere that’ll feel really special and lovely too.
Read more: What’s open on Christmas Day in NYC?
Café Altro Paradiso
- Website: https://altroparadiso.com/
- Address: 234 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Phone: +1 646-952-0828
- Type of cuisine: Italian food
- Closest subway station: Spring St
Café Altro Paradiso is an Italian restaurant that just hits the spot every time, and it’s next on my list of restaurant open for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC.
Coming in at $95 per person for a veritable feast, this is one of the more reasonable places to go for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC.
Sure, it’s not cheap, but some Christmas Eve dinners in NYC are extortionate! Another great choice for restaurants open on Christmas Eve in NYC.
So, we think it’s well worth reserving a table at this Italian wonderland well in advance.
Included in the price are five dishes: a starter, a salad, a gorgeous pasta dish, roast pork, and a beautifully decorated meringue.
Read more NYC food inspiration: What is the best pizza in New York City
Fogo de Chao
- Website: https://fogodechao.com/location/new-york/
- Address: 40 W 53rd St. New York, NY 10019, United States
- Phone: 212-969-9980
- Type of cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
- Closest subway station: 7th Ave/53rd Street Subway Station
If you’re looking for a fun and unique option for Christmas Eve dinners in NYC, then Fogo de Chao is a great shout. Sure this place might not be the most sophisticated of choices, but it’s a great chain and the food is delicous.
It’s a Brazilian BBQ place, and you’ll get hefty portions, plenty of choices for sides, and lots of variety.
If you want something for Christmas Eve dinner that is fun, and a little different to the traditional festive dinners – then Fogo de Chao is going to be a good fit for you.
Estela
- Website: https://estelanyc.com/
- Address: 47 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10012, United States
- Phone: +1 212-219-7693
- Type of cuisine: American Food
- Closest subway station: Houston St
The owner of this restaurant was born in Uruguay, and he’s made his name in New York by creating wonderful, unique dishes that keep guests coming back for more.
Their Christmas eve prix-fix menu is $120 per person, but you can also order from the regular a la carte menu if it doesn’t quite float your boat.
As one of the best places to go for Christmas Eve dinners in NYC, Estela can get pretty packed out. Be sure to sample the amazing ricotta dumplings with white truffle while you’re here.
Perfectly indulgent and ridiculously tasty, this is an incredible place to go for your Christmas Eve dinner in New York City.
Houseman
- Website: http://housemanrestaurant.com/
- Address: 508 Greenwich St, New York, NY, United States
- Phone: +1 212-641-0654
- Type of cuisine: American Food
- Closest subway station: Canal St
What we love about Houseman is the fact that the food is flavorful but uncomplicated, and the menu is simple but stylish. This is a place for foodies who like to keep things simple.
Not every group wants to be overwhelmed by big menus, and if you want a carefully cuarated menu, which promises delicious flavors and unique combinations – this is for you.
The dishes are stylish and sophisticated but simple in nature. Highlighting seasonal items, and key flavor combinations.
The star of their menu is thier Houseman Burger – so make sure you try that too!
Read more about visiting NYC: The ultimate guide to spending Christmas in NYC
Tuome
- Website: https://www.tuomenyc.com/
- Address: 536 East 5th Street, New York, NY 10009, United States
- Phone: (646) 833 7811
- Type of cuisine: Chinese-American food
- Closest subway station: 1 Av.
If you fancy a touch of fusion this holiday season, then you need to consider adding Tuome to your list of the best places for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC.
You’ll be able to choose from the regular menu at Tuome, but we highly recommend opting for one of the specials on Christmas Eve.
Featuring dim-sum style uni shu mai and stuffed quail among other dishes, it’s an incredible menu that is well worth sampling on the night before Christmas.
The decoration at this restaurant is simple, but it’s extremely inviting and will make you feel as though you’re in a home away from home.
Read more about NYC at Christmas: 18 Christmas-themed restaurants in NYC! With festive decor!
Dirty French
- Website: https://www.dirtyfrench.com/
- Address: 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY, United States
- Phone: +1 212-254-3000
- Type of cuisine: French food
- Closest subway station: Bowery
This incredible restaurant has a set menu for Christmas Eve that comes in at a reasonable $95 per person. And it’s such a great place, with delicious food.
With tuna tartare, scallops, and grilled oysters on the menu, seafood lovers with certainly rejoice when dining here! It’s going to be a compilation of hits!
However, if you’d rather keep things meaty, you can opt for the delicious hanger steak. We highly recommend booking ahead if you want to have your family’s Christmas Eve dinner here.
It’s extremely popular, so be ready to put down a deposit!
Russian Tea Room
- Website:https://russiantearoomnyc.com
- Address: 150 W 57th St, New York, NY, United States
- Phone: +1 212-581-7100
- Type of cuisine: Russian food
- Closest subway station: 57 St-7 Av
If there’s a classic choice for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC, it’s the Russian Tea Room.
This place oozes festive spirit, and with all the red tones and luxurious, cozy decor, you’ll feel like you’re having Christmas Eve dinner in Santa’s own dining room!
This place has been open for decades, and it’s one of those restaurants that goes ‘all-in’ for the holidays. So that means you can expect themed holiday dishes, and tons of Christmas decor too.
Read more about visiting NYC at Christmas: What restaurants are open on Christmas Day in NYC?
Roberta’s Pizza
- Website: https://www.robertaspizza.com/
- Address: 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, United States
- Phone: +1 646-747-0820
- Type of cuisine: Italian food
- Closest subway station: Grand Central-42 St
Not everyone wants a massive food blowout before Christmas Day, maybe you want to keep things simple. And pizza is a proven favorite!
So, if you’re looking for a dinner choice that is casual, and oh-so-Italian, then you’ll want to check out Roberta’s Pizza.
This bustling pizzeria is open until midnight on Christmas Day, making it possible for diners to eat and drink the night away.
If we had to suggest one dish to try at Roberta’s, it would be the oxtail tagliatelle. Unique and moreish, it’s the perfect pre-Christmas treat.
Narcissa
- Website: https://www.standardhotels.com/en-GB/culture/welcome-to-narcissa
- Address: 27 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003, United States
- Phone: 212 228 3344
- Type of cuisine: American Food
- Closest subway station: 14 St–Union Square
Narcissa is one of the most affordable places to head for set Christmas Eve dinners in NYC. Coming in at $79 per person, Narcissa offers guests a selection of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert.
Although you won’t get enormous portions for the money, you will feel satisfied at the end of the night.
If you do plan on dining here for any Christmas Eve this year, then you’ll want to make sure you’re wined and dined before 10pm.
Unfortunately, Narcissa’s opening hours are slightly shorter that day, so you’ll need to manage your expectations if you were expecting an all-night affair!
Quality Meats
- Website: https://www.qualitymeatsnyc.com/
- Address: 57 W 58th St., New York, NY, United States
- Phone: (212) 371-7777
- Type of cuisine: Bar with snacks and food.
- Closest subway station: 5 Av/59 St
One of my favorite restaurants in NYC, and a fantastic choice for the best Christmas Eve dinners in NYC – it’s Quality Meats.
Expect all the classic steakhouse choices here – amazing cuts of meat, incredible appetizers, and delicious desserts too!
I recommend the t-bone steak, and we love the Jalapeno and bacon appetizer! There’s nothing quite like it, and it’s seriously wow.
The vibe here is relaxed but sophisticated. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and it’s the perfect place to head for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC. I think you’ll love it.
Benihana
- Website: https://www.benihana.com/locations/newyorkwest-ny-we/
- Address: 47 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, United States
- Phone: 212-581-0930
- Type of cuisine: Japanese Food
- Closest subway station: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
OK, I know Benihana is a chain restaurant, but there’s nothing wrong with a safe bet on Christmas Eve. Which is why this place makes it onto our list of places for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC.
If you want a Christmas Eve dinner in NYC that is familiar and delicious, then you really can’t go wrong with eating at Benihana.
It’s fun, friendly, yummy – and there’s lots of choice and variety too. Perfect for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC!
Read more useful NYC recommendations: Top 22 group-friendly restaurants in NYC
Leuca
- Website: https://www.leuca.com/
- Address: 111 N 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Phone: +1 718-581-5900
- Type of cuisine: Italian food
- Closest subway station: Bedford Av
Are you looking to enjoy some Southern Italian fare this Christmas Eve? If so, you’ll want to head on down to Leuca for Christmas Eve!
Not only do they serve a beautiful, fixed price menu for their Christmas Eve dinner, but their a la carte menu is fully available too.
If you fancy pushing the boat out and trying something different this year, then be sure to place an order for the sea urchin spaghetti.
You may be turned off by the initial thought of this dish, but we promise, it’s a revelation.
Read more about visiting NYC at Christmas: A guide to seeing the EPIC Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Mile End Delicatessen
- Website: https://www.mileenddeli.com/
- Address: 97 HOYT ST | BROOKLYN, NY 11217, United States
- Phone: +1 718-852-7510
- Type of cuisine: Canadian food
- Closest subway station: Hoyt St
If you’re looking for a cheaper place to go for one of the most incredible Christmas Eve dinners in NYC, then check out Mile End Delicatessen.
Usually known for its sandwiches and deli items, this place turns into a fantastic festive eatery on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Although you may think this place serves pastrami sandwiches and baked goods during these special days, you’d be quite wrong. Mile End Delicatessen actually serves up an amazing Chinese feast!
Featuring dishes like meat bao and stuffed eggplants, this is one of the most unique places to go for Christmas Eve dinners that won’t disappoint.
Sfoglia
- Website: https://www.sfogliarestaurant.com/
- Address: 1402 Lexington Avenue, New York City, NY 10128
- Phone: 212-831-1402
- Type of cuisine: Italian food
- Closest subway station: 77 St
Next on our list of restaurants open for Christmas Eve Dinner in NYC, it’s Sfoglia.
Sfoglia is a gorgeous little restaurant / trattoria located on the Upper East Side. So if your hotel is located in this part of Manhattan, Sfoglia could be a perfect choice for your Christmas Eve dinner.
This place is all about season produce and beautiful fresh flavors and combinations, centered around Italian style cuisine.
There is also a private dining room upstairs for larger parties, which is worth knowing, if you’re part of a bigger group.
Smith & Wollensky
- Website: https://www.smithandwollensky.co.uk/
- Address: 797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
- Phone: +1 212-753-1530
- Type of cuisine: American Steakhouse
- Closest subway station: 51 St
Next on our list of the best places for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC, is the iconic steakhouse Smith & Wollensky.
This place is almost as old as the city itself (or at least, it feels that way).
Smith & Wollensky is steeped in NYC history and it’s one of those restaurants in the city that whisks you away to a time gone by.
Hopefully my list of the best places for Christmas Eve dinner in NYC has been helpful!
NYC is an amazing place full of so much delicious food and plenty of restaurants to choose from, there are plenty of restaurants you can pick from on Christmas Eve.
