Are you wondering what restaurants are open on Christmas day in NYC? If so, my list will give you some great ideas!

I love spending Christmas in NYC. The city is pure magic at this time of year!

If you’re spending Christmas in NYC, and looking for the perfect restaurants open on Christmas day for celebrating, then stay tuned! I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you.

In this list I’ve put together some of my top picks for restaurants open on Christmas day in NYC, so you can narrow down the best food spots in the city, for a Christmas Day feast.

Ellie celebrating in Christmas in NYC
Celebrating in Christmas in NYC at my favorite restaurant!

Before I get into my list of my favorite restaurants that are open on Christmas Day in NYC, I have an important piece of advice!

Top tip! When you find the perfect Christmas Day restaurant, always book in advance. Get that table reserved asap! It’ll come as no surprise, that most of these restaurants open on Christmas day in NYC fill up way ahead of time, and bookings are essential!

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!

Read more: 14 fun things to do on Christmas Day in NYC!


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

The first restaurant on my list of restaurants open on Christmas day in NYC, is Quality Meats.

This is one of my top restaurants in the city for cozy vibes and delicious food – and it just checks all the boxes for a festive and beautiful Christmas Day meal in NYC.

Expect to find lots of delicious steaks and meat dishes, but also some pretty amazing side dishes and desserts too. We know you’re going to love it.

And this place is right near Central Park too, which is the perfect place to have a Christmas Day stroll beforehand.

Read more about visiting NYC: 42 festive things to do in NYC at Christmas!

Image credit: www.qualitymeatsnyc.com

Bubby’s

  • Website: www.Bubbys.com
  • Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013, United States
  • Phone: +1 212-219-0666
  • Type of Cuisine: Home-style comfort food
  • Closest Subway station: Franklin St

Bubby’s is one of my favorite restaurants in NYC, and they’re open until 4pm on Christmas Day (so ideal for a Christmas brunch, or lunch).

bubby’s do amazing home-style food, comfort food at it’s finest. If you know you’ll be craving that kind of ‘homemade with love’ kinda food, then you’re going to love it at Bubby’s.

On Christmas Day they will be serving up their full brunch menu (which is full of winning dishes!) along with some signature holiday specials too (for that extra festive vibe!).

Some of these seasonal dishes include Roasted Duck Cranberry Hash, Steak Benedict, Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries and tasty Eggnog Pie.

How great does that sound?

Image credit: https://www.bubbys.com/

Chola

  • Website: https://www.cholany.com/
  • Address: 232 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
  • Phone: +12126884619
  • Type of cuisine: Indian food.
  • Closest subway station: 5 Av/59 St

If you’re craving Indian food instead of a traditional Christmas dinner, then be sure to check out Chola.

This is among the best restaurants that are open on Christmas day in NYC, offering guests incredible food and an even better atmosphere.

The décor is lovely and welcoming, and diners just adore the extensive Indian menu that covers several regions.

Read more about visiting NYC: The ultimate NYC bucket list (80 ideas in the city!)

There are a few Christmas specials on offer each year, so keep an eye out for special curries and interesting dishes that your server is sure to point out.

Whatever you choose to order, if you’re wondering what restaurants are open on Christmas day in NYC, you can’t go wrong with Chola. 

Image credit: www.instagram.com/cholanyc/

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

The brilliant Brazilian Steakhouse, Fogo de Chao, in NYC is one of the ultimate choices for a Christmas festive feast!

You can head to their central location, and celebrate the season with friends and family, eating delicious food and amazing steak dishes.

Dinner also includes some seasonal side dishes too, which makes the experience even more festive! We recommend booking ahead for this place, as it’s a really popular choice.

Read more about visiting NYC at Christmas: What stores are open on Christmas Day in NYC?

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/fogo/

ABC Kitchen

If you’re looking for a delectable meal, be sure to order the Christmas Ribeye Dinner for Two. It’s a perfect choice for a festive feast.

Offered every year and dry-aged to perfection, this is a wonderful choice for any couple spending Christmas day together.

The folks here cook these steaks to perfection and it’s such a special choice for restaurants that are open on Christmas day in New York City.

This is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in NYC!

Read more about visiting NYC at Christmas: A guide to seeing the EPIC Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Image credit: www.instagram.com/jgrestaurants/

Marseille

  • Website: https://marseillenyc.com/
  • Address: 630 9th Ave, New York, NY10036, United States
  • Phone: (212) 333 2323
  • Type of cuisine: French food 
  • Closest subway station: Times Sq–42 St

Located near the theatre district and Times Square, this is a great choice for restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC, especially if you’re stopping in central Midtown and want somewhere in easy walking distance.

It has cozy French vibes (as you’d expect) and it’s also really reasonably priced too!

Marseille are offering a three-course ‘Prix Fixe’ menu for $48, which is a great deal – especially if you’re on a budget.

Definitely book ahead for this place (as it will fill up fast) and be aware that you’ll need to place your order beginning Sunday 12/19.

Read more about NYC at Christmas: 12 awesome pizza places open on Christmas Day in NYC

Image credit: https://marseillenyc.com/

Robert NYC

  • Website: https://robertnyc.com/
  • Address: 2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, United States
  • Phone: (212) 299-7730
  • Type of cuisine: American Food & Wine Bar
  • Closest subway station: 59 St-Columbus Circle

This place is located in Columbus Circle, right by Central Park – so it’s a fantastic location and easy to get to.

They offer an elegant Christmas dining experience, that is also reasonably priced (considering it includes entertainment too!).

For $110, you’ll get three courses and some live music to enjoy whilst you eat. Sound pretty good to us!

Another important thing to mention about this place… is the VIEWS!

The views from Robert are simply stunning, and for that reason, we recommend booking a table in the afternoon when it’s still light enough to enjoy them!

Read more about NYC at Christmas: 18 Christmas-themed restaurants in NYC! With festive decor!

Photo credit: https://robertnyc.com/

La Grande Boucherie

We love La Grande Boucherie because it’s one of those really unique and memorable restaurants that looks a bit like a movie set.

Their dining gallery is literally dazzling and has these incredible 40’ glass ceilings, so if you’re wanting restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC with WOW factor – this is the one.

The menu is made up of french classics and bistro food, which will please most people!

Image credit: La Grande Boucherie

The Whitby Bar and Restaurant

Next on my list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC, it’s The Whitby Bar and Restaurant.

This place has all the cosy and romantic vibes you’d want from a festive dinner, and we LOVE it.

This place is super popular and really well frequented – so be sure to book your Christmas Day table ahead of time.

The Whitby Bar and Restaurant promise to take the effort out of Christmas Day for their guests, and spoil them with delicous food and an amazing atmosphere.

Not only will you enjoy a welcome glass of Champagne (yum!) with crudités and a charcuterie board, but you’ll also sit down to a delicious Christmas feast with all the trimmings.

It’s a great choice for restaurants open on Christmas day in NYC.

Image credit: https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/new-york/the-whitby-hotel/the-whitby-bar-restaurant/

Eleven Madison Park

  • Website: https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/
  • Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
  • Phone: +12128890905
  • Type of cuisine: Vegetarian Restaurant
  • Closest subway station: 23 St

Another one of the best restaurants that’s open on Christmas day in NYC is Eleven Madison Park.

If you’re not up for traditional turkey and trimmings this year, then why not opt for this place.

They made the change in 2021 to make their menu plant-based, so this is a great choice for vegetarians.

This is the place to come to if you want to get your money’s worth.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you to take the plunge for Christmas dinner this year, then you may want to know that this restaurant that’s open on Christmas day in NYC also donates 20 meals to those in need for every special dinner purchased.

Read more about NYC: 11 amazing family-friendly hotels in NYC

Image credit: https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/

Wayan

  • Website: https://www.wayan-nyc.com/
  • Address: 20 Spring Street, New York, NY, 10012, United States
  • Phone:  917-261-4388
  • Type of cuisine: Indonesian food
  • Closest subway station: Prince St

Are you looking for a total departure from your usual Christmas dinner fare this year?

Well, buckle up folks, as this is a spot that you’ll want to add to your list of what restaurants are open on Christmas day in NYC.

Serving incredible Indonesian food that is just bursting with flavor, Wayan is quickly becoming one of the go-to spots for New Yorkers who don’t feel like whipping up their own festive feast. 

Read more about visiting NYC at Christmas time: Top 20 restaurants for New Year’s Eve dinner in NYC

Image credit: https://www.wayan-nyc.com/

Leuca

  • Website: https://www.leuca.com/
  • Address: 111 North 12th, St Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
  • Phone: +1 718-581-5900
  • Type of cuisine: Italian food
  • Closest subway station: Bedford Av

Those on the hunt for restaurants that are open on Christmas day should consider heading to Leuca.

Located in Brooklyn, this wonderful Italian restaurant offers beautifully seasoned food that won’t break the bank.

This place is delicious, hearty, wholesome food. The kind that tastes amazing, and leaves you feeling full and satisfied too. We highly recommend it!

Read more NYC food recommendations: 20 of the best cheap lunches in NYC

Image credit: https://www.leuca.com/gallery/leuca/

Restaurant Daniel

  • Website: https://www.danielnyc.com/
  • Address: 60 E 65th Street New York, NY 10065, United States
  • Phone: (212) 288-0033
  • Type of cuisine: American Food
  • Closest subway station: 77 St

Are you looking for restaurants that are open on Christmas day that also happens to be swanky and luxurious?

If so, you should absolutely make Restaurant Daniel your first port of call.

Before we go into the food that’s on offer at this restaurant, we thought we’d get the price out of the way first.

Costing a minimum of $1800, this is one of the restaurants open on Christmas day in NYC that’s probably best reserved for high rollers. 

With incredibly fancy dishes on offer, as well as breads, cheeses, desserts, and lobster thermidor, it’s unsurprising that Restaurant Daniel is one of the best restaurants that you can visit on Christmas day.

Read more about visiting NYC in winter: My guide for when to expect snow in NYC!

Image credit: https://www.danielnyc.com/

Carmine’s

  • Website: https://www.carminesnyc.com/
  • Address: 200 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, United States
  • Phone: 212-221-3800
  • Type of cuisine: Italian food
  • Closest subway station: Times Sq–42 St

If you’re wondering ‘what restaurants are open on Christmas Day in NYC?’ then Carmine’s is a great pick.

Carmine’s is a family-style restaurant, so you can imagine that their Christmas Day offerings are pretty impressive (and delicious!).

Their food is good value, which makes this another great choice for restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC.

Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best hot chocolate in NYC20 locations!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/carminesnyc/

Gyu-Kaku

  • Website: https://www.gyu-kaku.com/
  • Address: 805 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10022
  • Phone: (212) 702-8816
  • Type of cuisine: Japanese Food
  • Closest subway station: 51 St

If you’re looking for a slightly more unique dining experience on Christmas Day in NYC, then Gyu-Kaku is a really great option.

Gyu-Kaku is Japanese BBQ, and they offer table BBQ set-ups, so you can cook your food at your table.

Overall, we love this place and it’s a great option for a quirky Christmas dinner in NYC!

Definitely one of the most interesting restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC!


The Leopard at des Artistes

  • Website: https://www.theleopardnyc.com/
  • Address: 1 W 67th Street, New York, NY, United States
  • Phone: (212) 787-8767
  • Type of cuisine:Italian food
  • Closest subway station: 66 St-Lincoln Center

Next up on our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC, it’s The Leopard at des Artistes.

This gorgeous restaurant is located in the landmarked Hotel Des Artistes, so it’s a delicious option for Christmas day, and an iconic one too!

This place is all about the amazing flavors and ingredients, so you can expect some pretty delicious food to be served up some wonderful food here. Perfect for celebrating Christmas Day!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/theleopardnyc/

Le Monde

  • Website: https://lemondenyc.com/
  • Address: 2885 Broadway, NY10025, United States
  • Phone: 212-531-3939
  • Type of cuisine: French food
  • Closest subway station: 96 St

Le Monde is our next suggestion for restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC.

Le Monde is a classic choice for people stopping on the Upper West Side, so if you’re hotel is located in that area, it’s a fantastic choice.

The food here is inspired by Loire Valley cuisine in France, and some of their key dishes include onion soup, and coq au vin. Yum!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/lemondenyc/

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

Smith & Wollensky is next on my list of restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC!

This place is a New York City classic and it’s an icon in it’s own right!

If you want to spend NYCsoaking in some NYC history, then we can’t recommend Smith & Wollensky enough! It’s simply wonderful!

Smith & Wollensky is a steak place, and it’s absolutely wonderful.

Image credit: https://www.smithandwollensky.co.uk/