Shares

Let’s face it, in today’s busy world, holiday traditions are changing. Even though it is nice to have a homecooked meal with the family, many are adding a twist to their festivities. Many fine dining establishments will be open and are offering to do the cooking for you so we’ve rounded up the best restaurants to dine at in the Houston area on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

FOR STARTERS…….

Hilton Americas-Houston serves as the perfect celebration destination this holiday season. Whether you’re headed downtown to see the city lights displays or to grab a bite to eat, sip and savor at the Hilton’s lobby bar with the “Be Merry Cosmopolitan,” a festive cocktail created with Belvedere Vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau and freshly squeezed lime juice ($16), The “Grand Entrance,” made with Moet & Chandon and Grand Marnier ($16) and their classic French 75, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, lemon juice and simple syrup ($16). Don’t forget to stop for a photo-op in front of their infamous Minion-themed chocolate display made with 1900 pounds of chocolate.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY

Kin Dee
1533 N Shepherd Dr Suite 160
Houston, TX 77008
281.826.2655

Tis’ the season at Kin Dee! The authentic Thai eatery will offer a special menu on Saturday, December 24th. Menu highlights include appetizers such as Thai Flower Dumplings and Money Bags with deep fried minced chicken and shrimp; mains such as Roasted Duck Breast Panang ($25) served with white rice, Pad Thai featuring stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken and tamarind sauce wrapped in a Thai omelette, and an all-new dish curated by Chef Miranda Loetkhamfu – the Tiger Cry Salad (Yum Nue, $25) featuring sliced steak with sliced shallots, green onion, cilantro, fresh basil, and roasted rice served with tamarind sauce and cucumber on the side. Desserts include Mango Sticky Rice and layered Pandan Cake with young coconut. Kin Dee will be open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via Open Table.

[SCROLL BREAK!!! Bayou Beat News can also be found in PRINT at a store near you. Click the link below to check out our E-Edition!]

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE

Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse
4139 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
713.393.7282

Gatsby’s Prime Seafood
1212 Waugh Dr.
Houston, TX 77019
713.485.0039

Cheers to the holiday season in style at the always swinging Gatsby’s restaurants. Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse and Gatsby’s Prime Seafood will both be open on Christmas Eve and serving their full menus with popular items like their famous Seafood Tower that’s built to order, allowing guests to choose from oysters, lobster, cocktail shrimp and crab legs or indulge in their popular 8oz Wagyu Filet that can be served with a variety of sides including guest favorites roasted brussell sprouts, lobster mac & cheese or cream corn brulee.  Enjoy your holiday dinner on the town and leave the cooking to Chef Erick Anaya and his team. For reservations visit, www.gatsbysteakhouse.com or www.gatsbyseafood.com.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE

Le Jardinier
MFAH
5500 Main St, Suite 122
Houston, TX 77004
713-714-3015

Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Bastion Collection’s glittering Le Jardinier restaurant at the Museum of Fine Arts with a decadent, fine-dining experience that is not to forget. Led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli, the modern French restaurant offering seasonal ingredients will feature a special Christmas Eve menu served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. that evening. For $175 a person, the 5-course tasting menu includes Foie Gras Royale with pumpkin emulsion; Murray’s Burrata with spiced red wine poached pears and apple compote; chestnut raviolis with caramelized salsify; poached Maine lobster with smoked potatoes; and braised beef short ribs with black truffle. For dessert, guests can enjoy a celebratory Buche de Noel with chocolate mousse and hazelnut praline. For those feeling extra festive, they can indulge in 1oz or 2oz of Royal Kaluga Caviar for an additional price. Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling the restaurant at 713-714-3015 or directly on Resy. There is a kid’s menu available a-la-carte. The regular weekend brunch menu is available that day as well from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Christmas Day.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE

Rosalie Italian Soul
400 Dallas St.
Houston, Texas 77002
713.351.5790

Celebrate the holiday season at Rosalie on Christmas Eve with a beloved Italian-American holiday tradition: the Feast of Seven Fishes. Available only on Christmas Eve, the special menu features Insalata Di Mare, with marinated scallops, mussels, squid and tuna, Spaghetti Alla Chianti with crawfish and rapini, Monkfish with potato, clams, olives and kumquat and Gianduja Torte with whipped cream and toasted hazelnuts. Dinner hours are from 5 – 10 pm and the menu will be available for $75 per person. Reservations can be made via Open Table.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE

Sorriso Italian Kitchen
2 Waterway Square Pl
The Woodlands, TX 77380
832.839.5436

Make spirits bright this holiday season at Sorriso Italian Kitchen with a beloved Italian-American holiday traditions: the Feast of Seven Fishes. Available only on Christmas Eve, the three-course, family-style dinner experience is priced at $64 per adult and $22 for children ages 13 and under. Menu highlights include Roasted Oysters on the Half Shell with Meyer lemon and ciabatta breadcrumbs, Fritto Misto brimming with scallops, shrimp, calamari, and a spicy marinara sauce, Prosciutto Wrapped Branzino with fennel pollen, arugula and grilled lemon, Lobster Ravioli with spinach, cherry tomato and saffron, Gulf Shrimp Risotto with asparagus, parmesan, and Bottarga, plus Tiramisu and Strawberry Panna Cotta.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE

Wild Oats
2520 Airline Dr Suite C-315
Houston, TX 77009

Wild Oats interior (Photo courtesy: Claudia Casbarian)

Hi ho, Underbelly Hospitality here! Wild Oats, Underbelly Hospitality’s Texas-inspired, family-friendly restaurant in the Houston Farmers Market, will host their Muppet Christmas Carol themed brunch on Christmas Eve! Catch the classic movie at one of two seatings, either at 11 AM or 3 PM. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the Muppet-themed menu including Al-Gonzo’s Texas meat and cheese board, Kermit’s hoppin’ John with crowder peas, and Miss Figgy bread pudding! Make your reservations now ($50 per adult and $35 per child), you won’t want to miss out!

RELATED

Holidays in The Woodlands: Perfect for a staycation or day of family fun

Top places in the Houston area to hear live music while dining

Enjoy a holiday staycation or day trip at Springwoods Village and CityPlace