Looking for options for Christmas dinner? Miami has top-notch restaurant offerings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you’re not planning to stay home for the holidays, this is the perfect time to experience Miami’s award-winning dining scene. Our restaurants go all out for the most wonderful time of the year, with special seasonal menus and festive decor galore. And there’s something for everyone, whether you’re searching for outdoor seating near the pool on December 24th or a Christmas Day Jazz Brunch on December 25th.
Here’s our (always growing) 2020 guide on where to go for a holiday or Christmas dinner in Miami:
Gianni’s at The Villa Casa Casuarina
Dine in with outdoor seating available
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Day in the lap of luxury at Gianni’s, the iconic restaurant at The Villa Casa Casuarina at the former Versace Mansion. On Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 from 5PM to 11PM, Gianni’s will be offering an a la Carte menu in several extravagant dining areas including the Garden Dining Room, the Roman Room decorated with romantic statues, the iconic courtyard, and the terrace overlooking the mosaic-filled pool and garden. Signature dishes on offer include Gianni’s Spaghetti Pomodoro, home-made pasta with San Marzano tomato, basil and olive oil; Truffle Gnocchi, home-made potato gnocchi with white truffle sauce, pecorino romano and freshly shaved truffle; Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass served with sauteed spinach; Australian Lamb Chops served with roasted potatoes and mixed baby vegetables; and T-Bone Porterhouse for two, served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Full menu can be viewed HERE. Gianni’s is located at 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made on OpenTable; by telephone (786) 385-2200; or email [email protected].
Jaya at The Setai
Dine in with outdoor seating available
Jaya at The Setai, helmed by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, showcases traditional culinary techniques from wok stations to tandoor ovens and offers up bold, unique flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, India, China and Japan. The restaurant will be offering its wildly popular brunch, typically offered on Sundays, on Christmas Day. The brunch will have an updated format in line with safety regulations recommended by the CDC, health officials and local government. Jaya’s Christmas Day Jazz Brunch will offer a lavish Covid-safe buffet of culinary delights. Guests are invited to indulge in limitless Louis Roederer Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Marys while listening to the sounds of live jazz outdoors in the serene courtyard. Stations include a full raw bar filled with fresh oysters, shrimp and more, rotisserie, Indian and Thai specialties, a selection of grilled meats, dim sum, breakfast favorites, charcuterie and full dessert table with homemade rotating selections. Brunch will be offered from 11:30AM to 3PM and is priced at $145 per person. The restaurant will also be open for dinner offering their a la carte menu. Jaya is located at 2001 Collins Avenue inside The Setai, Miami Beach. Reservations are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable or by calling (855) 923-7899. www.thesetaihotel.com.
Le Jardinier Miami
Dine in with outdoor seating available
The vegetable-forward restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroliwill be open for lunch on Christmas Eve with regular menu offerings. For dinner, 5:30PM until 9:30PM, the restaurant will offer a holiday tasting menu priced at $95 per person in addition to their a la carte menu. The specialty 5-course menu includes Sunchoke and Foie Gras Terrine with green apple; Ricotta Agnolottis with caramelized salsify and chestnuts with option to add white truffle; Rapini with poussin with black truffle shavings and polenta au jus OR Maine Lobster with lemongrass emulsion, oil and winter greens with a caviar supplement available; and a Christmas Chocolate Buche with toasted hazelnuts. Le Jardinier is located at 151 NE 41st Street, Suite 135 in the Miami Design District’s Paradise Plaza. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online at www.lejardinier-miami.com.
Lightkeepers
Dine in with outdoor seating available
Enjoy a relaxing Christmas with your loved ones at Lightkeepers located at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. On Christmas Eve from 5PM to 10PM, enjoy entertainment, an extensive a la carte menu and the optional $35 Bottomless Beverage Package (Rosé and house wine by the glass, and draft beer). On Christmas Day guests will enjoy a Family Style Feast with live entertainment from 12:30PM to 8:30PM priced at $125 per adult and $49 per child (ages 5 through 12; excluding tax and gratuity). $35 bottomless beverages (Rosé, Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Draft Beer, Sangria, White Wine, Red Wine and Sparkling Wine). Reservations are required and can be made by calling (305) 365-4185 or (305) 365-4186 or via email at [email protected]. Lightkeepers is located at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami at 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne.
Ariete
To-go and Dine in with outdoor seating available
Celebrate Christmas Eve in true Miami fashion with Ariete’s Noche Buena To Go. Diners can take home succulent Caja China style pork with housemade mojo and onions; mojo yucca; white rice with crispy garlic; camarones enchilado with herb salad; Abuela’s black beans; heirloom tomato and avocado salad; yucca cheese balls; Ariete’s wildly popular candy cap mushroom flan and a decadent tres leches. Servings and pricing are as follows: parties of four (4) for $180; parties of eight (8) for $360; and parties of 12 for $540. Pickup dates Wednesday, December 23rd from noon to 6PM; and Thursday, December 24th from 10AM to 4PM. To place an order visit https://linktr.ee/ArieteHospitality. For more information, call (305) 640-5862.
Chef Michael Beltran is inviting guests to celebrate Chinese Christmas at Ariete on Christmas Day from 5PM – 10PM. Priced at $75 per person and $35 for kids (excluding tax and gratuity), the family-style menu includes charred cucumber salad – fish sauce and kimchi vinaigrette, cilantro, pickled fresnos, marinated red onions; grilled Brussels sprouts – kimchi, peanuts, sesame seeds; kimchi fried rice; honey chicken; turnip cake with trout roe; spare ribs – fish sauce caramel; pork belly bao; scallion pancakes – braised duck bang bang, soy, pickled mushrooms; and miso gingerbread cake. Ariete is located at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable or by calling (305) 640-5862. https://arietemiami.com/.
Bourbon Steak
Dine in
BOURBON STEAK, Chef Michael Mina’s award-winning steakhouse inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, will be offering a three-course prix fixe on Christmas Day. Priced at $110 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), guests will have a choice of an appetizer, entree accompanied by a trio of farm fresh side dishes and a dessert from the restaurant’s coveted menu. Dinner highlights include prime cuts of meat such as 16 oz. Delmonico Ribeye, 14 oz. Veal Chop, Rack of Lamb and 14 oz. New York Strip; Ice Cold Shellfish Tower with oysters, shrimp, lobster and king crab; and Spicy Beef Lettuce Cups with Thai chili & basil, sweet chili sauce and crunchy rice. Supplements at an additional cost for appetizers, entrees and accompaniments are available including caviar, a 32 oz. Porterhouse, butter-poached Maine Lobster and more. For dessert, guests may indulge in Chocolate Molten with raspberry gel, feuilletine crumble, raspberry sorbet; Espresso Panna Cotta with toffee praline, gingerbread clusters, caramel cremeux; and Mille Feuille with roasted pineapple, toasted coconut cream, passionfruit gel. Dinner will be offered from 6PM until 10PM. Reservations are highly recommended. BOURBON STEAK is located at 19999 W Country Club Drive in Aventura. Reservations can be made online at www.bourbonsteakmia.com or by calling (786) 279-6600.
Fireman Derek’s Bakeshop
To Go
Say goodbye to pre-made pie dough and hello to the Magic City’s favorite bake shop. Fireman Derek’s is officially your one-stop shop for all the holiday treats! Sweet seekers can choose from seasonal favorites such as Apple Cheesecake, Apple Pie, Salted Caramel Pie, Pecan Pie, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pecan Pie and more. Preordering opens up online Tuesday, December 1 and closes Sunday, December 20 on the bakery’s website; here, pie purchasers can specify the preferred day/time for pick-up at either the Wynwood or Coconut Grove storefronts. Both shops will also have a limited number of pies available for last-minute purchase through Tuesday, December 24 until 8PM. Both Fireman Derek’s outposts will be closed on Christmas Day. Fireman Derek’s – Wynwood is located at 2818 N. Miami Avenue; Telephone: (786) 703-3623; Fireman Derek’s – Coconut Grove is located at 3435 Main Highway; Telephone: (786) 502-2396. Follow Fireman Derek’s on social media: @fdpies. To order online, click HERE; firemandereks.com
Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar
Dine in with outdoor seating available
Calle Ocho’s modern Cuban culinary gem, Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar, will be open for lunch on Christmas Eve from Noon to 3PM. On Christmas Day, the eatery will be offering Chef Alejandro Porben’s inventive Cuban menu from Noon to 11PM, along with live Latin tunes. Take in the sights and sounds of Miami’s beloved neighborhood while sipping on tableside gin & tonics or one of Sala’os handcrafted signature cocktails. Standout dishes on offer include swordfish carpaccio with ponzu caviar, guava marmalade, celery and foam; Spanish octopus with sofrito, potato, Spanish chorizo; confit smoked pork belly with black bean paste, maduro chimichurri, avocado mousse; sous vide lobster tail in butter and paprika, lobster reduction and sofrito; and chocolate tiramisu among others. Sala’o is located at 1642 SW 8th Street in Miami. Telephone: (305) 642-8989; www.salaorestaurant.com
Wild Fork
Cook at home meal bundle
Wild Fork’s Christmas menu makes holiday preparation easy and stress free. Home chefs need only heat and serve to get dinner on the table. The meal’s centerpiece, a Berkshire ham, boasts beautiful marbling and superb, moist texture. Priced at approximately $87 for the meal, depending on the weight of the ham, Wild Fork’s Christmas Menu for 6 offers the brand’s signature high quality products at an affordable price. Start with Porcini Mushroom Risotto Balls, Spanakopita, and Everything Franks in Blankets, before moving onto a main course of Berkshire Ham with Pork Seasoning and Organic Sliced Peaches; Organic Broccoli Cuts, Organic Sweet Corn and Organic Green Beans, and finish off with Cheesecake Gelato, Sea Salt Caramel Gelato and Hazelnut Gelato. Cutting down on meat this year? Substitute for a seafood option like Sockeye salmon or Branzino. The suggested menu can always be supplemented or changed to create your perfect Christmas Eve or Christmas night feast; with more than 50 a la carte suggested Christmas-centric items offered. Same day delivery or in-store pick up available for those who order online; or shop in-store at one of South Florida’s 8 locations – Boynton Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Doral, Coral Gables, Pinecrest and West Kendall. Please visit www.wildforkfoods.com for more information.
BROWARD
Burlock Coast
To Go and Dine in with outdoor seating available
Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits invites guests to enjoy a very Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the rustic seaside eatery located at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. On Christmas Eve indulge in a Feast of the 7 Fishes available from 6PM to 9PM. Priced at $179 for two people, including a bottle of Veuve de Vernay, the three-course meal includes a Raw Bar Tower with east coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, house-smoked fish dip, tuna poke, ceviche and sashimi; second course is a whole Oven-Roasted Branzino with gnocchi, roasted mushrooms and pesto; and dessert is a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with cranberry and orange. A la carte menu is also available. On Christmas Day enjoy a three-course menu from 12PM to 9PM, priced at $89 per adult and $29 per child (ages 5 through 12; excluding tax and gratuity). The menu includes a Winter Salad with shaved pears, candied pecans, blue cheese, endive, greens and balsamic vinaigrette; Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Brussels sprouts, cippolini onion, mushrooms and horseradish cream; and Vanilla Pavlova with raspberry curd and chocolates. A $25 bottomless package is also available along with the a la carte menu. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 302-6430 or by emailing [email protected].
For diners that want to celebrate the holiday in the comfort and safety of their homes, Burlock Coast is offering a lavish Christmas To Go offering. For $299 (excluding tax and gratuity) this special offering will serve 6-8 people and includes House Smoked and Slow Cooked Local Ham Rubbed with Pineapple Jam; Winter Greens Salad with Blue Cheese and Pecans; Parsnip and Roasted Baby Potatoes; Roasted Peppers and Corn with Aioli and Cotija Cheese; Cippolini Onions and Mushrooms; Homemade Focaccia Bread and Panettone Bread Pudding. For $49 you can add on a Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade with Cranberry Sauce. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 23, 2020. To order, please call (954) 302-6430. Burlock Coast is located at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale at 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. www.burlockcoast.com. Instagram: @BurlockCoast
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Dine in with outdoor seating available
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Day with an oceanside feast at Lona Cocina & Tequileria on Fort Lauderdale Beach. On Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 from 6PM to 11PM, Lona is offering a specialty A La Carte Christmas menu with a Mexican twist, served inside the dining room or outdoors on the oceanside terrace with stunning views of the Atlantic. The featured appetizer dish on offer will be housemade Ham Croquettes served with garlic aioli; the specialty entree will be Braised Short Rib served with smoked peppercorn sauce, kabocha puree and citrus salad. Complete the meal with Lona’s sweet dessert offering, Maple-Glazed Plantains with cinnamon ice cream. Lona’s full dinner menu will also be available. Don’t forget to ask about their specialty margaritas, cocktails, wines and tequila selections. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by phone: (954) 245-3069. Lona is located at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort at 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Discounted valet is available. www.lonarestaurant.com.
MK Takeaways
Delivery and Takeout
Serving made-from-scratch, Chef-prepared meals since opening in July 2020, MK Takeaways (MKT) is South Florida’s newest ghost kitchen concept offering chilled, never-frozen dishes delivered to your doorstep. This Christmas, MK Takeaways will offer an extensive holiday menu to eliminate mealtime stress for friends and families gathering in person or for a virtual celebration. Priced per person or family-style (excluding tax/delivery), families celebrating from a distance can now enjoy the same “heat-at-home” meal. MKT Christmas meals are made-to-order, and divided into four courses. Mains are accompanied by a choice of appetizers, soups & greens, and sides which are included in the main course price along with specialty a la carte items. Entree highlights include Garlic Crusted Roasted Rack of Lamb ($44); Free Range Turkey with cheesy sausage and sage stuffing ($39); Standing Rib Roast with thyme au jus ($45); Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham ($37); and Grouper en Papillote ($39). Customers can access the full menu via the MK Takeaways website – www.mktakeaways.com. Holiday meals can be pre-ordered until Friday, December 18 and will be delivered on Thursday, December 24. In addition to the holiday menu, MK Takeaways regular menu will also be available for purchase. The MK Takeaways commissary kitchen is located at 12691 West Sunrise Blvd in Sunrise, Florida. Takeout orders can be picked up at the commissary during business hours or delivered directly to your home. MK Takeaways is open Monday-Saturday from 10AM to 8:30PM but will be closed on Friday, December 25. Telephone: (954) 669-1366; www.mktakeaways.com.