Where to Get Christmas Dinner in San Diego, 2024

For Christmas, most of us want the extravaganza, a property we can stroll with the family or enjoy the facilities. We want to have space for all the tipsy and pint-sized kin. A true holiday experience with the appropriate elbow room, which is why hotels, resorts, or even restaurants on the water—like Roy’s San Diego—make the most sense for a holiday meal. But, the plucky marrow of our food and drink scene is mom and pops, the indie spots that are waiting to be discovered. So, we picked some smaller places we love as well. From multi-course prix-fixe meals and generous buffets to take-out candied yams, here are local restaurants serving up Christmas dinner in San Diego this year.

Christmas Dinner Specials | Christmas Buffets | Restaurants Open on Christmas

Christmas Dinner Specials in San Diego

The Grill at Torrey Pines

Upgrade your holiday game with a three-course dinner that’s as extra as it sounds. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is serving up seasonal bites like parsnip soup, caramelized scallops, and chocolate peppermint mousse from executive chef Kelli Crosson and chef de cuisine Ryan Dzierzawski. Oh, and did we mention the views? Picture yourself digging into your holiday meal with the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course as your backdrop. 

• Price: $135 for adults | $65 for kids (11 and under) 
• Hours: Dec. 25 | 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
• Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
• Reservations: OpenTable

Solare

Who isn’t up for special Italian holiday dishes? Start your Christmas Eve at Solare, with a prix-fixe menu crafted by Randy and the Solare Team. Family-owned and operated, Solare will be sharing traditional cuisine from Italy including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone-free meats the entire evening.

• Price: $68 + per person | Holiday kids menu will be available 
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 12:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Closed on Dec. 25
• Address: 2820 Roosevelt Road, Point Loma
• Reservations: OpenTable

Provisional Kitchen at the Pendry

Christmas Dinners always come with a twist, so why not make it one with great food and a touch of holiday luxury? At the Pendry San Diego, executive chef Brandon Sloan’s three-course special menu features dishes that are as indulgent as they are memorable. Black truffle french onion soup, glazed duck breast, and bourbon bread pudding—the good kind of holiday twist.

• Price: $105 per adult | $40 per child
• Hours: Dec. 25 | 4:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.
• Address: 550 J St, Gaslamp Quarter
• Reservations: OpenTable

Valle 

If a six-course holiday menu perfectly paired with specially selected wines that complement each dish sounds like your kind of celebration, then Valle is the place to be this Christmas. Chef Roberto Alcocer’s decadent flavors complemented with an optional holiday wine pairing will prove that it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

• Price: $200 per person
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• Address: 222 North Pacific Street, Oceanside
• Reservations: Tock

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

Christmas meets modern coastal cuisine at Gaslamp’s Lionfish. Treat yourself to their Holiday Large Cast Iron featuring a half roasted duck, duck confit stuffing, harvest mashed potatoes, and buttery biscuits all by chef Jojo Ruiz.

• Price: $75 per person
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. 
• Address: 435 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
• Reservations: OpenTable

Mister A’s 

Celebrate Christmas with stunning skyline views and food to match it. Start with appetizers like beet and arugula salad, French onion soup, or black truffle cacio e pepe. For the main course, enjoy A5 Wagyu bavette, lamb osso buco, or Chilean sea bass. You can even indulge in desserts like vanilla crème brûlée or caramel apple cheesecake. 

• Price: Dec. 24 $115 per person and $45 for children (12 and under) | Dec. 25 $105 per person and $45 for children (12 and under)
• Hours: Dec. 24, 4:30–9 p.m. | Dec. 25, 12–7 p.m
• Address: 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, Bankers Hill
• Reservations: OpenTable

Marine Room

The Marine Room brings the Christmas flavors and beauties of the Turks and Caicos lifestyle right to La Jolla. Their holiday curated menu blends seasonal favorites, like chestnut spinach ricotta cannelloni, ferrari island salmon crudo, and roasted whole fresh branzino, paired with the restaurant’s coastal flair.

• Price: $165 per person
• Hours: Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 | 4:30–9:00 p.m.
• Address: 904 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla
• Reservations: OpenTable

Juniper + Ivy

This previously abandoned warehouse turned impressive social dining space invites San Diegans to spend Christmas Eve at theirs! With a four-course prix fixe, crafted by executive chef, Jonathan Kinsella and pastry chef Amanda Santiago, you can have your holiday choosings of Kusshi oysters, pumpkin spiced kabocha squash agnolotti, koa king salmon, and an assortment of mignardise for entire the table.

• Price: $168 per person
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy
• Reservations: OpenTable

Ranch 45 

Don’t worry, take out on Christmas is always an option. A customizable a la carte holiday feast at Ranch 45 offers choices from herb-crusted prime rib, braised short rib, smoked turkey legs, 45-day aged ribeye, and smoked cornish game hen, plus desserts such as pecan pie, pumpkin cheesecake, and apple Crisp. Perfect for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, this pick-up menu offers the flexibility to create your ideal holiday at-home spread.

• Hours: Pre-orders due by Dec. 17 at 4:00 p.m. for pick-up on Dec. 24 
• Address: 437 S. Highway 101, Solana Beach
• Order Online: Ranch 45

Huntress and Lumi

This year, Huntress will be providing holiday dining just as impressive as its steaks. This year, they’ll be serving their traditional menu along chef specials such as beef Wellington with mushroom duxelle, creamy lobster risotto with a hint of preserved lemon, and caviar deviled eggs.

• Hours: Huntress: Dec. 24 | 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m and Dec. 25 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Address: Huntress: 376 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
• Reservations: Huntress OpenTable

Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood combines rustic, wood-fired dishes with Mediterranean flavors, embracing a California feeling of seasonality and sustainability. With just a touch of Southern charm, it feels right at home in Southern California. Chef Adian’s specials like beef tartare, wild boar sausage, creamy mushrooms and whole tiger prawns is the “timeless yet approachable” choice for a Christmas Eve dinner.

• Price: $92 per adult | $37 per child.
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Address: 2210 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy

Roy’s

Marriott Marquis, Roy’s San Diego gives the gift of aloha this season. With picturesque views of San Diego Bay, this restaurant celebrates Christmas with a three-course holiday menu featuring everything from 8 oz. filet mignon to tempura lobster tail. End the holidays blissfully on the bayfront, while indulging in Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

• Hours: Dec. 25 | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
• Address: 333 West Harbor Drive, Downtown
• Reservations: OpenTable

Christmas Dinner Buffets in San Diego

Dockside 1953

Why stress over Christmas dinner when you can escape to lush tropical gardens and miles of sandy beaches? The Bahia Resort provides a dockside three-course Christmas Eve meal at Dockside 1953, and this chef-curated menu is all about options. Think tender beef, bergamot-infused duck, or Mediterranean sea bass—and dessert that melts together with a chocolate and Nutella yule log. And if that wasn’t enough, on Christmas Day the resort has a brunch buffet where seafood lovers can indulge in fresh oysters, while breakfast fans build their ultimate eggs Benedict. 

• Price: Dinner: $79+ per person | Brunch: $150 for adults | $50 for kids (5–12) | Free for kids (4 and under) 
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. & Dec. 25 | 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (last seating at 2:30 p.m.)
• Address: 998 W Mission Bay Dr, Mission Beach
• Reservations: Bahia Hotel Resort

ARLO

Award-winning ARLO restaurant will be open for both a plated dinner and a lively reception-style dinner. Chill indoors or head out to the cozy fireplace patio for stunning resort views. Need a little extra space? Semi-private areas and full buyouts are available for a more intimate gathering. ARLO has options to match any holiday vibe with custom or set menu choices with tasty bites like Wagyu tartare, thyme roasted pork chop, salmon wontons, and even Calabrian chili prawns.

• Price: $90 per person | $38 for children (12 & under)
• Hours: Dec. 25, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Address: 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley
• Reservations: OpenTable

Pony Room

Open Christmas Eve, Rancho Valenci’s signature grand holiday-inspired buffet at the Pony Room allows customers to choose between traditional trimmings, seafood station, carving station, and endless delicious culinary creations like Nueske’s Honey Spiral Cut Ham and 4 oz. Petrossian Caviar. Between live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and cookie decorating it’s the ideal setting for celebrating with friends and family. Plus, this year Pony Room is offering this Christmas buffet to-go!

• Price: $235+ per person | Children ages 4-11 $95+ | Free for children 3 and under
• Hours: Dec. 25 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Address: 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe
• Reservations: Call (858)759-6246

Hotel Del Coronado

Nothing says “quintessential San Diego winter” quite like ice skating at the Hotel del Coronado’s iconic beachfront rink. Perfect for making holiday memories, The Del also hosts a lush Christmas Eve dinner buffet full of traditional favorites as well as a Christmas day brunch. Grab your fur coat because holidays at The Del are a glamorous tribute to Hollywood’s golden age.

• Price: $205 per adult | Children ages 5 – 12: $100 | Children 4 years and under complimentary with a paying adult 
• Hours: Dec. 24 | 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. & Dec. 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado
• Reservations: Hotel Del Coronado

Coasterra

Christmas at Coasterra is a classic. This modern Mexican restaurant, surrounded by a mural-painted main dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, transforms into an expansive Christmas buffet on the solar-heated patio, complete with skyline views of Coronado. While the buffet features holiday classics, Coasterra also serves signature dishes like gluten-free tortilla soup, cheese and rajas tamales, and cauliflower al pastor.

• Price: $94.95 per adult | $24.95 per child (under 6 free) 
• Hours: Dec. 25th, 12:00–7:00 p.m. 
• Address: 880 B Harbor Island Drive, Shelter Island
• Reservations: OpenTable

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Who isn’t up for a Christmas feast alongside 400 acres of nature’s dreamlike scenery? The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is hosting an extravagant dining event at the Manchester Salon with a lavish buffet featuring culinary delights, traditional holiday favorites, and live entertainment. Did I mention the twinkling palm trees and sparkling 25-foot tree to really set the festive season?

• Price: $195 per adult | $85 per child (ages 3-12)
• Hours: Dec. 25 | 10:30 am to 2:00 p.m.
• Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Carmel Valley

San Diego Restaurants Open on Christmas

Echale 

Who says traditional Christmas Eve dinner needs a glazed ham and roasted turkey? Experience a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar serving a mix of California, Mediterranean, and Spanish-style cuisine. This North County Mexican restaurant on the Coast highway serving green chili burgers and tuna crudo might be the present you’ve been waiting for. 

• Hours: Dec. 24.| 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
• Address: 947 S Coast Hwy 101 Suite 103D, Encinitas
• Reservations: OpenTable

Eddie V’s

Ready to trade cookies and milk for prime seafood? Open Christmas Eve with two locations, Eddie V’s dinner menu highlights their iconic shellfish tower featuring wild jumbo gulf shrimp, blue point oysters, royal ossetra petrossian caviar and lobster from Maine on ice. Not the biggest seafood lover? Don’t worry, Eddie V classic appetizers, premium hand-cut steaks, and “cocktails with attitude” are available, too!

• Hours: Dec. 24 | 4:00-9:00 p.m.
• Address: 1270 Prospect St, La Jolla and 789 W Harbor Dr Suite 158, Downtown
• Reservations: La Jolla OpenTable and Downtown OpenTable

VUE

Located just inside the Spanish Mission-style property of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa‘s, sits VUE. Open for Christmas Day, the resort’s renowned restaurant specializes in prime rib with au jus and horseradish cream, buttery potato puree and roast fennel with squash. Holiday desserts like a pear almond tart with cranberry coulis and white chocolate dust will also be available, all while enjoying the Omni’s championship golf courses.

• Hours: Vue will be open on Dec. 25 only | 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Address: 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad
• Reservations: OpenTable

Shan Xi Magic Kitchen

Spice lovers, this is for you. Experience knife-cut noodles and bold, vinegary flavors at this restaurant inspired by the Shanxi region in northern China. For a Christmas dinner that’s both unique and satisfying, try customer favorites like hot and sour soup dumplings, spicy twice-cooked pork, cucumber salad, and cumin lamb biang noodles. Shan Xi Magic Kitchen is proof that the holidays don’t have to mean a dry turkey…

• Hours: Dec 25 | 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
• Address: 4344 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Ciccia Osteria

Cherish Christmas day with a taste of authentic Italian cuisine at Michelin-recognized restaurant Ciccia Osteria. Tucked within the neighborhood of Barrio Logan, chefs Francesca Penoncelli and Mario Casineri have created a cozy osteria and serve up holiday specials and classic Italian menu items such as homemade cappelli and spaghetti pomodoro, accompanied perfectly with a house Cab.

• Hours: Dec. 24, 12:00 p.m.–2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–9:15 p.m. | Dec. 25 4:30–9:15 p.m.
• Address: 2233 Logan Ave, Barrio Logan
• Reservations: OpenTable

YinTang Spicy Hot Pot

This Taiwanese hot pot in Kearny Mesa is the perfect comfort food for the Christmas season. The menu is ingredient rich with choices of beef, fish, tofu, fish balls, and fresh vegetables. Add some heat to the holiday with your choice of bone broth or a dry, spicy mix. Revel in a Christmas dinner that’s just as interactive as it is delicious.

• Hours: Dec. 25 | 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
• Address: 4690 Convoy St #111, Kearny Mesa

Ember & Rye

For a holiday dinner that’s all about smoked prime rib with black truffle au jus, journey to Ember & Rye, where chef Richard Blais brings his exclusive Christmas cuisine. Set overlooking the 18th green, this one-of-a-kind steakhouse combines bold flavors with a more laid-back, vintage clubhouse vibe. Enjoy Ember & Rye classic dinner menu, also still available, of mouth watering steaks, fresh seafood, and dishes inspired by local ingredients.

• Hours: Dec. 25 | 5:30–9:00 p.m.
• Address: 7447 Batiquitos Dr, Carlsbad
• Reservations: OpenTable

Benihana

Craving hibachi steak or yakisoba for Christmas? Benihana is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but you’ll want to secure a reservation early for a spot around their hibachi grill to watch as a personal chef prepares your very own traditional Japanese dinner. Come ready to witness ingredients tossed in the air (or at you), onion towers on fire, and eggs magically appearing.

• Hours: Dec. 24 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Dec. 25 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Address: 477 Camino del Rio S, Mission Valley
• Reservations: OpenTable

Sea & Sky

Dine on a menu that cooks up the rich flavors of the Pacific Ocean. Sea & Sky intertwines their coastal cuisine with the holiday sharpness of slow roasted prime ride roast. It’s surf and turf at its best—start with grilled octopus, then dive into the Kurobuta pork chop topped with miso-squash purée and walnut crumble.

• Hours: Dec. 24 | 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
• Address: 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla
• Reservations: OpenTable

Quixote

If Oaxacan fondue is on your Christmas palette this year, head to Quixote inside the infamous LaFayette Hotel. With rich titled glass windows, dark wood paneling decor and low lit lighting, Quixote makes for an incomparable Christmas dinner. Spoil yourself with chili garlic shrimp tacos, braised lamb belly, fritters, and their one-of-a kind cocktails.

• Hours: Dec. 25 | 12:00 p.m–12:00 a.m.
• Address: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park
• Reservations: OpenTable

Beginners Diner

Now, if you’re seeking out a more nostalgic festive dinner, The LaFayette Hotel’s Beginners Diner will also be open 24 hours on Christmas day. This restaurant is a replica of a traditional diner from the 1940s, with red neon lighting mirroring the diner-esqu bar stools. In addition to reflective chrome walls, Beginners Diner offers classics like corned beef hash, deviled eggs, and banana bread pudding french toast.

• Hours: Dec. 25 | Open 24 hours
• Address: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park

Amalfi Cucina Italiana

Head to Amalfi Cucina Italiana and relish in the joy of twenty pizza options and eight pasta shapes, all paired with your choice of sauce and handmade by chef Marcello. Cap your night with a personally crafted old fashion, negroni cocktails, or even an espresso martini. And, with locations in San Marcos, Carmel Valley, and Oceanside, they’re celebrating the Christmas season all throughout the North County with festive lights and authentic Italian flavors.

• Hours: Dec. 25 | Amalfi Cucina Italiana – Carmel Valley: 4:00 p.m.-9 p.m. | Amalfi Cucina Italiana – San Marcos: 4:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. | Amalfi Cucina Italiana – Oceanside: 12 p.m.-3:00 p.m. and 4:30-9:00 p.m.
• Address: Amalfi Cucina Italiana – Carmel Valley, 5980 Village Way #106, Carmel Valley | Amalfi Cucina Italiana – San Marcos, 1035 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos | Amalfi Cucina Italiana – Oceanside, 221 N Cleveland St, Oceanside
• Reservations: OpenTable Carmvel Valley | OpenTable San Marcos | Open Table Oceanside

Gravity Heights

Even with all the extravagant Christmas meals, sometimes all you really need is some good mac & cheese. At Gravity Heights, you’ll find classic munchies like cheesy pasta, barbecue pulled pork dirty fries, and sweet chili chicken wings. If that doesn’t do it for your taste buds, their wood-fired hot agave pizzas or tikka masala chicken pot pie dinner entrees just might!

• Hours: Dec. 25 | Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley: 11am – 8:30 p.m. | Gravity Heights, Mission Valley: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Address: Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley: 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd, Sorrento Valley | Gravity Heights, Mission valley 525 Camino De La Reina, Mission Valley
• Reservations: OpenTable Sorrento Valley | OpenTable Mission Valley