Delicious DTLA Restaurants for a Christmas Day Meal

1. The Palm — DTLA

Prime rib is a classic Christmas dinner and The Palm has you covered for dine-in. The menu is centered around the prime rib and includes delicious side dishes like lobster gnocchi and jumbo-grilled asparagus.

2. Caldo Verde — DTLA

For a unique Christmas dinner, try Caldo Verde's California spin on Portuguese cuisine. Located at the LA Proper hotel, Caldo Verde will have a prix fixe menu on Christmas featuring specialty entrées and desserts paired with seasonal sides and wines.

3. Redbird — DTLA

Sophisticated but unpretentious, Redbird is open on Christmas Eve with a menu that will satisfy grown-ups and children alike. For parents, there is a three-course prix fixe menu with main dishes like prime rib, pithivier, or rabbit with an optional wine pairing. For the kids, there is pizza, pasta, or chicken tenders. 

Canter's Deli is open night and day. Photo by David Liu, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Hollywood Eateries Open on Christmas Day

4. Canter's Deli — West Hollywood

Maybe all you're wanting is a dozen bagels and someone to make you a pastrami sandwich. You're bound to find something delectable on the very extensive menu. Canter's is open 24 hours on Christmas Day, so no matter when you want a nosh, it's here for you.

5. Palms Thai — Hollywood

Thai Elvis has left the building, but you don’t need to! Palm’s Thai has takeout and delivery for their entire, expansive menu which includes everything from kid-friendly Pad Thai to items from their “Wild Things Menu” like Wild Boar in Curry, Frog with Green Peppercorns, or Spicy Chicken Feet Salad. Get a jump on your New Year’s resolution to be a little more adventurous!

6. The Hard Rock Cafe — Hollywood

Who says Christmas has to be fussy? Go have a burger and kick back after the present unwrapping morning chaos.

Order up an assortment of dishes that please even picky kids. Photo courtesy of Hummus Bar & Grill

Venture to a Restaurant in the Valley Open on Christmas Day

7. Castaway — Burbank

Burbank's Castaway has a Christmas special on the 24th and 25th, with a four-course brunch from 11am-3pm on Christmas Eve and 9:30am-5:30pm on Christmas. There is an a la carte dinner menu with specials from 5-9 pm on Christmas Eve and 4:30-9pm on Christmas. This hilltop restaurant offers more than just an incredible view of the Valley — its steak-forward menu is loved by Angelenos.  

8. Odyssey — Granada Hills

Another hilltop Valley restaurant is Odyssey in Granada Hills. Much like Castaway, which is owned by the same restaurant group, Odyssey will have a three-course brunch. The four-course brunch is from 10:30am-2pm on Christmas Eve and 9:30am-3:30pm on Christmas. There is an a la carte dinner menu with specials from 5-8pm on Christmas Eve and 4:30-9pm on Christmas.  

9. Hummus Bar & Grill — Tarzana

Sometimes you just want something simple for Christmas dinner, and that's where Hummus Bar & Grill is perfect. This Israeli-inspired restaurant features entrees like kebabs, shawarma, and skewers, sides you'd expect like falafel, baba ganoush, and of course, hummus, plus beer and wine. The restaurant is open for dine-in on Christmas as well as takeout and delivery.

Eat beachside at the Veranda Restaurant at the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. Photo by the restaurant

Christmas Day Meal Options on the Westside 

10. STK Steakhouse Restaurant — Westwood

Whether you have a hankering for a porterhouse steak, turkey, lobster ravioli, or king salmon, this restaurant has high-end cuisine for parents and mac n cheese for the kids. If your young diner is a more adventurous eater, order them the lobster mac 'n cheese, which is as delicious as it sounds. This year, in addition to the regular menu, they'll also offer a special Holiday Cheers menu and Christmas. 

11. Calabra Restaurant & Bar at Santa Monica Proper Hotel — Santa Monica

How about a rooftop Christmas feast? Take in the views and enjoy a delectable dinner featuring items like Kumamoto oysters, uni toasts, prime rib, and seafood. 

12. Whiskey Red's — Marina Del Rey

Why not take advantage of California's incredible weather and enjoy Christmas brunch on the water? Whiskey Red's in Marina Del Rey has a four-course brunch on Christmas in addition to an a la carte dinner menu.

Head South for Orange County Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

13. McCormick & Schmick's — Anaheim

If Santa catches a tailwind, you might spot him stopping off here to pick up some oysters; decadent seafood is plentiful on the holiday menu here. This year, the restaurant will offer a prixe fix menu on Christmas and Christmas Eve, which includes your choice of salmon, striped bass, lobster, or filet mignon. 

14. Saddle Ranch Chop House — Orange and West Hollywood

There’s surf, turf, salads, wraps, and a kids' menu. Choose from small plates to more substantial steaks and specialties. Both locations are open again with both dine-in and takeout available on Christmas.

 
There's something for everyone at Truxton's. Photo courtesy of Truxton’s American Bistro

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day with Multiple Locations

15. Truxton’s American Bistro — Westchester, Santa Monica, and Torrance

Serving up classic and interesting twists on crowd-pleasing favorites, ordering here means kids can get grilled cheese, parents can order cocktails and disparate dishes like pan-seared salmon or a vegan meal. The restaurant currently plans on serving all menu items & cocktails for dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery.

16. Buca di Beppo — Multiple locations

Mangia, Mangia! Buca di Beppo’s crowd-pleasing family-style Italian dinners are a sure bet on Christmas Day. Check the website for Christmas hours this year.

17. Gaucho Grill — Downey, West Covina, Buena Park and Pasadena

Try something that’s (perhaps) a little different: Argentinian food. Gaucho Grill serves it up with chicken, steak, fish, morcillas, and mollejas. Complement your meal with a glass of boutique Argentine wine. Christmas Day is a busy one at most Gaucho Grill locations, so make your reservations early!

18. Chart House Restaurant — Redondo Beach and Dana Point

Steaks, seafood, and ocean views—what could be better? Take a walk on the beach to work up an appetite before dining in or picking up your order. Yum! 

19. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse — Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, Pasadena and Irvine

Try Brazilian seafood, steaks, and more. All locations are currently open on Christmas Day. If you'd rather enjoy their delicious Brazilian fare from the comfort of your home, the restaurants offer takeout or delivery available for preorder.

20. Ruth’s Chris Steak House — Woodland Hills & Marina Del Rey; Pasadena, Irvine & Anaheim

Order surf, turf, or a combination from the decadent menu. Or, place an order to pick up—the carryout options will be posted on the website soon. The dine-in menu on Christmas is prix fixe with your choice of starter, steak & shrimp or surf & turf as the entree, sides, and dessert. 

21. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ — Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, and Burbank

While you can't cook your food yourself at Gyu-Kaku this year, you can still enjoy the food. Most locations are open on Christmas dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

Cote de Boeuf makes for an impressive Christmas meal you don't have to cook. Photo courtesy of Morton's Restaurant via Facebook

22. Morton's The Steakhouse — Burbank, Beverly Hills, Downtown, Anaheim, Santa Ana

Why not have a decadent Christmas dinner? You deserve it this year. Chateaubriand and a winter salad are on Morton's Christmas menu this year, along with sides like baked corn souffle, sour cream mashed potatoes, and creamed spinach. For dessert? You'll have to make the tough choice between White Chocolate & Pecan Bread Pudding or Bruléed Cheesecake with Dark Cherry Compote. If the Christmas meal doesn't strike your fancy, the full dinner menu will still be offered.

Still haven’t found that perfect place? Check out the Open Table’s listing of area restaurants serving meals on the 25th.

Happy Holidays. We hope you have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Originally published December 11, 2013