HOLIDAY CHEER IS HERE! In a city like Miami, there are a bunch of restaurants to choose from for celebrating the holiday. If you’d prefer to relax instead of cook in the kitchen, then you should plan on going to one of these Miami restaurants that will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day.
CHRISTMAS: Miami
Toro Toro
Toro Toro, the Pan-Latin steakhouse inside the InterContinental hotel, will be offering a four-course prix fixe menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. Priced at $69 for adults and $35 for children (6-12 years old), the menu, served family-style, will feature Toro Toro favorites with wine and champagne upgrades available. Highlights include Asian Pear & Burrata Salad with hazelnut, orage and fennel; Pork Carnitas with boniato, chicharron and furikake; Kabocha Squash Flatbread with wild mushrooms, ricotta and truffle aioli; and the Toro Toro Platter with an assortment of meat options including Bone-in Short Ribs, Chicken Sofrito, Grouper Cheeks and accompanying sides. Holiday desserts include festive Yule Logs in a selection of flavors: Mango Coquito with coconut biscuit, mango compote, coquito mousse and Rumchata glaze; Strawberry Suspiro with almond biscuit, dulce de leche, vanilla mousse and strawberry glaze; and Chocolate & Yema Quemada with chocolate biscuit carmelia cremeux, chocolate mousse and caramelized pastry cream glaze. Beverage packages include two different options featuring bottomless pours of wine for two hours throughout dinner – for $20, guests may choose between Pinot Grigio and Cabarnet Sauvignon; for $35, guests may select pours of Albarino, Tinta de Toro and Champagne. Reservations can be made by calling (305) 372-4710. Toro Toro is located at 100 Chopin Plaza inside the InterContinental in Downtown Miami. www.torotoromiami.com.
Jaya at The Setai
In celebration of all things merry and bright, Jaya at The Setai invites guest to join Executive Chef Vijay Veena for an elaborate, “East meets West” a la carte dinner featuring an array of Asian-inspired plates along with American staple dishes. The East meets West dinner will be available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 6PM – 10:30PM. Menu highlights include Wagyu Enoki Roll – Wagyu striploin, Enoki mushrooms, cauliflower puree, scallions, Daikon radish, truffle crumble and myoga slaw ($36); Wok Lobster – Szechuan sauce, asparagus, bell peppers, water chestnuts, bean sprouts ($52); and the decadent Foie Gras and King Crab – puff pastry, brie, foie terrine, king crab, caviar and apple slaw ($42). Guests are also encouraged to dine at Jaya for a festive Christmas Day Brunch. The lavish brunch buffet will include an impressive culinary spread with traditional and non-traditional selections from the restaurant’s “Festive Menu” as well as several dessert and raw bar selections, displayed on an elaborate ice sculpture. Diners can expect enhanced stations, free-flowing Louis Roederer Champagne and live jazz in the courtyard. The Christmas Brunch is priced at $145 per person and $65 per child (ages 5-12 years old) from 11:30AM – 3PM. Valet costs $17 per car with validation. Jaya is located at 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach at The Setai Hotel. Reservations can be placed on Opentable, or by calling (855) 923-7899.
Le Chick
The Wynwood hotspot, which recently debuted its stylish new outdoor bar & lounge, Le Coqtail, will be open regular hours for Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. On Thursday, December 26th from noon – 4PM, Le Chick will offer up its legendary brunch with all of the favorites including Berry Belgian Waffle, Stuffed French Toast, and Le Chicken and Waffles. For the truly hungry, Get in My Belly – the king of breakfast sandwiches – features dry aged brisket patties, smoked pork belly patty, cheddar, scrambled eggs, arugula and truffle aioli. Add on bottomless Mimosas for $30. Le Chick is located at 310 NW 24th Street in Wynwood. Telephone: (786) 216-7086; www.lechickrotisserie.com.
Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden
The chic Coconut grove eatery is offering a prix fixe menu from 3PM – 9PM with dishes inspired by the season for $65 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Choice of starters include: seared diver scallops with butternut squash, almonds, capers, and sherry or ensalate de pato – bitter greens, turban squash, duck prosciutto, pepitas, and pomegranate with mustard vinaigrette. Entrées options are: branzino accompanied by celery root, white and green asparagus, fine herbs, and meyer lemon; petite filet mignon & king crab – bearnaise and baby vegetables; or pork ossobuco with white polenta, Calabrese chilis, apple gremolata, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Selection of tempting holiday desserts: bûche de noel – flourless sacher, chocolate crème, and cognag Chantilly or eggnog parfait with rum cake and eggnog mousse. Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden is located at 3300 SW 27th Avenue at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. Telephone: (305) 400-0562; www.isabellescoconutgrove.com.
New Year’s Eve and Day in Miami
Toro Toro
Ring in the New Year at Celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval’s acclaimed Pan-Latin steakhouse, Toro Toro, with a buffet spread to remember. On New Year’s Eve, the Downtown Miami restaurant will be offering a generous elevated dinner buffet with an array of holiday favorites, seafood & raw bar and desserts. Prices (excluding tax and gratuity): $225 for adults; $99 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and under. The restaurant’s New Year’s Eve menu includes one bottle of champagne per couple and will be offered from 9PM until 1AM. Guests who dine at Toro Toro will have access to an exclusive firework viewing area with a complimentary glass of champagne and midnight grapes to bring in the New Year. From 9PM until 2AM, guests with pre-paid tickets are invited to join the party in Toro Toro’s lobby bar and lounge featuring live music, a DJ, dancers and party favors. Tickets may be purchased HERE. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seating is limited. Telephone: (305) 372-4710. Toro Toro is located at 100 Chopin Plaza inside the InterContinental in Downtown Miami. www.torotoromiami.com.
Jaya at The Setai
Jaya at the Setai will be ringing in 2020 in style this New Year’s Eve with “Vanderbilt Glory” an over-the-top themed, 5-course culinary experience that marries the exotic flavors of Southeast Asia with the luxurious legacy of the Vanderbilt empire. Upon arrival, diners may first indulge in assorted canapes along with free-flowing Louis Roederer Champagne; available all night long. Menu highlights include Foie Gras and Brie – puff pastry, foie gras torchon, mizuna, fresh figs, toasted almonds; and Wagyu Filet Mignon – fondant potatoes, Wagyu fillet mignon, asparagus, baby carrots, truffle jus, grated truffles. Vegetarian option(s) (and other special diet restrictions) are available upon request. For evening entertainment, guests can feast their eyes on a vibrant Latin cabaret concept featuring dancers, stage acts and Grammy Award winner Marlow Rosado & Band. Indoor and Courtyard seating is available and priced at $695 per adult and $320 for children (12 and under) plus service charge and taxes. Outdoor courtyard seating is priced at $795 per adult plus service charge and taxes. Reservations available between 7PM–9:30PM. Valet costs $17 per car with validation. Jaya at The Setai is located at 2001 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Reservation details be emailed to dining@thesetaihotel.com and kkelly@thesetaihotel.com or by calling (855) 923-7899.
The Betsy-Miami Beach: LT Steak and Seafood and The Alley
Ring in the New Year in style at the historic Betsy Hotel’s LT Steak and Seafood (LTSS) or The Alley. LTSS’s Executive Chef Danny Ganem brings the year to a delectable close with a five-course Chef’s Tasting menu and live music all night long. Guests purchasing a ticket to the second seating will have their own table with midnight access to the rooftop terrace for fireworks viewing on the oceanfront, live band, champagne toast and party favors. New Year’s Eve festivities are from 5PM-2AM with two seatings—First Seating at 5PM: $250 per person; $150 for children 4-12 (excludes tax and gratuity); Second Seating at 8PM (includes champagne toast at midnight): $295 adults; $150 for children 4-12; (excludes tax and gratuity). Reservations are required. For a different vibe, The Alley will be offering an a la carte menu available all evening with pizza, pasta and gelato specials. No reservations required. New Year’s Day “Hangover Brunch” Buffet at The Betsy’s Lobby Bar is the perfect way to recover and celebrate 2020 with a delicious array of brunch specialties. Enjoy all you can eat for $65 per person with a bottomless option of champagne, frosé, mimosa or Bellinis for an additional $30 (excludes tax and gratuity). LT Steak & Seafood is located at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. Telephone: (305) 673-0044; thebetsyhotel.com/dine/lt-steak-seafood. The Alley is located at 1433 Collins Ave in Miami Beach. Telephone: (305) 760-6903; thebetsyhotel.com/dine/the-alley.
Lightkeepers
Lightkeepers located at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is ringing in the 2020 with an unforgettable dinner and New Year’s Eve dining experience along with a much-needed New Year’s Day Recovery Breakfast. On New Year’s Eve from 6PM–10PM indulge in a 5-course dinner, dessert buffet, champagne toast and music priced at $195 per adult and $59 per child (ages 5-12; excludes tax and gratuity). Once the celebration is over, on New Year’s Day, Lightkeepers is offering a Recovery Breakfast from 7AM–2PM priced at $55 per adult and $20 per child (excluding tax and gratuity). Add a bottomless beverage package for $25 per adult. Lightkeepers at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (305) 365-4156 or via email at LKDiningReservations@ritzcarlton.com
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The New Year is here and what better way to celebrate than by indulging at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, offering a variety of casual and upscale options for holiday dining on New Year’s Eve. To ring in the new year, exclusive menus will be available at the iconic resort’s award-winning restaurants including, StripSteak by Michael Mina, Scarpetta by Scott Conant, Hakkasan, Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina and Vida. A la carte Christmas specials will be available at each of these signature restaurants. Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located at 4441 Collins Avenue. All menus and images can be found in this link FBMB New Year’s Eve.
Lure Fishbar
This New Year’s Eve, Lure Fishbar located in the iconic Loews Hotel on South Beach will be offering two seating options for a decadent feast to ring in the New Year Miami-style. The early seating (6PM-8PM) is priced at $105 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for four-course prix fixe dinner. The late seating (8:30PM-10:30PM) is five-course prix fixe dinner priced at $195 per person (plus tax and gratuity) that includes a special sushi course featuring Chef’s selection of assorted rolls served family-style. Lure Fishbar is located at 1601 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (305) 695-4550; http://www.lurefishbar.com.
Rusty Pelican Miami
Travel Back in Time to the Roaring Twenties! This New Year’s Eve, Rusty Pelican Miami invites guests to close out this decade with an unforgettable Prohibition on the Key themed extravaganza. What better way to welcome 2020, than celebrating with a trip back in time at the 3201 Speakeasy, with some of the best waterfront views Miami has to offer? There are two lavish celebrations for guests to partake in: in the ballroom, the Last Call Party will offer a grand buffet and an all-night-long premium open bar for $275++ per person and in the restaurant, the Supper Club Dinner will offer guests a sit-down, five-course meal prepared by Eastern Regional Chef Jim Pastor for $200++ per person. Reservations can be made by emailing rpmmiamicatering@srcmail.com or calling (305) 361-3818. The Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. www.rustypelican.com
