‘Tis the season to wine, dine and not spend the entire holiday cleaning dishes. With that in mind, we’ve put together a 2017 Christmas Dining Guide. From splurge-worthy holiday feasts to family-friendly brunches, here is where to dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Houston:
Note: Don’t forget to make your reservations quickly, as these spots are bound to fill up!
Christmas Eve
Artisans Restaurant, 3201 Louisiana, 713-529-9111
Celebrate the Christmas Eve with a four-course menu ($80 per person) from 5 to 9 p.m. Highlights include foie gras and duck terrine, sweetbread in puff pastry, poached lobster tail and buche de noel au chocolat.
Avenida Brazil Churrscaria Steakhouse, 12000 Southwest Freeway, 281-277-9292; 201 West Bay Area, 281-557-9999; 1400 Reasearch Forest, 281-651-5369
The Brazilian steakhouses will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving a high energy, Brazilian-style menus. Christmas Eve brunch hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cost is $39 for the full experience (salad/side, seafood/salad/side and kids options available); Christmas Eve dinner hoursare 5 to 9 p.m. and cost is $49 for the full experience with 15 cuts of meat (salad/side, seafood/salad/side and kids options available).
B&B Butchers & Restaurant, 1814 Washington, 713-862-1814
The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner and guests can order from the regular dinner menu of steakhouse favorites. In addition, Christmas carolers decked in Victorian attire will be performing at the restaurant from 8 to 9 p.m.
Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd, 713-521-2239
This River Oaks favorite will be serving Christmas Eve Dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Start with complimentary eggnog, then enjoy Parker House rolls with herb butter and sea salt and appetizers like jalapeño sausage-stuffed quail with stone-ground cheese grits and baked oysters with parm-breadcrumbs and crisp tasso. Entrée options include grilled beef tenderloin with hasselback Yukon potato, asparagus and maple bourbon sauce; braised lamb shank with creamy mushroom risotto; and pan-seared grouper with roasted hashed root vegetables and kale. Finish with your choice of dessert, from Golden Delicious apple tart with bourbon maple ice cream to a sticky English pudding with smoke-salted caramel ice cream. Cost is $52 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Benjy’s, 2424 Dunstan, 5922 Washington
Benjy’s in the Village will be open for brunch and dinner service. Reserve your seat by calling 713-522-7602. Benjy’s on Washington will be seating brunch until 3 p.m. Reserve your seat by calling 713-868-1131.
Bistro Provence, 13616 Memorial, 713-827-8008
The French bistro will be offering a special dinner menu this Christmas Eve, with three-courses created to give diners a taste of the season as it is in one of France’s most picturesque regions. With open seating at 6 to 6:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m., Christmas Eve can be savored with a choice of starters like foie gras terrine, onion soup or homemade smoked salmon with potato galette. Main course options include boeuf Wellington, duck à l’orange and wild red snapper; while desserts include bûche de noel and lemon meringue tart. Cost is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A $30 deposit via PayPal confirms the reservations.
Brenner’s Steakhouse, 10911 Katy, 713-465-2901
The classic steakhouse will be open on both Christmas Eve (11 a.m to 9 p.m.) and Christmas Day (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, 713-622-9996
Caracol will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve.
Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse, 5865 Westheimer, 713-244-9500
The authentic Brazilian steakhouse will be open on Christmas Eve from noon to 9 p.m., serving its traditional rodizio menu for $52.50 all day alongside festive, live music.
Charivari, 2521 Bagby, 713-521-7231
This elegant European-style restaurant will be open both Christmas Eve (4 to 9 p.m.) and Christmas Day (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Enjoy Christmas Eve specials like filet mignon with truffle potato gratin at CRU.
Photo courtesy of CRU
Guests can toast the holidays and enjoy a festive three-course prix fixe or a la carte meal on Christmas Eve. The restaurant will be open from noon to 10 p.m. and the three-course menu costs $40 per person, including dishes such as pumpkin mascarpone ravioli, filet mignon with truffle potato gratin and molten chocolate lava cake. The regular menu will also be available.
D’Amico’s Italian Market Café, 5510 Morningside, 713-526-3400
In addition to a being a one-stop-shop for Italian holiday must-haves like giugiuleni and cucidati cookies, the restaurant will be open with its a la carte menu on Christmas Eve.
Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, 713-223-3474
The Downtown Aquarium will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park, 832-668-5808
The French eatery will be offering pre-fixed Christmas Eve menu for $65 per person. Enjoy dishes such as duck foie gras au torchon, Maine lobster bisque with lobster flan, Maine diver scallops saint Jacques, and a duo of beef tenderloin and braised short rib, finishing with a bûche de Noël or crêpe soufflée for dessert.
Fielding’s local kitchen + bar, 26400 Kuykendahl, 281-351-2225
This Woodlands favorite will be open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m, for brunch, lunch and dinner. It will also be open Christmas Day from 11 am for lunch and dinner, with a full dinner menu and special Christmas features both days.
FM Kitchen & Bar, 1112 Shepherd, 832-804-6006
Chef Ryan Hildebrand will offer a special Christmas Eve brunch menu all day beginning at 11 a.m. Features include Steak and Ale Soup, Egg Nog Pancakes, Christmas Pork Belly & Eggs, Bagel and Lox, FM Wellington and a Snickerdoodle Shake.
Fogo de Chão, 8250 Westheimer, 713-978-6500
Enjoy a holiday feast featuring the full churrasco dinner menu and new seasonal items, including Vegas-cut New York strip and sweet potato casserole. Christmas Eve hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (and the restaurant will also be open on Christmas Day). Children under six are complimentary and children ages seven to 12 are half-price.
Hugo’s 1600 Westheimer, 713-524-7744
Guests can enjoy a Christmas Eve Buffet with live music by Viento. Cost is $45 per adult & $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
Izakaya, 318 Gray; 713-527-8988
Izakaya will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with its full menu.
Kata Robata, 3600 Kirby, 713-526-8858
On Christmas Eve, Kata Robata will be open from noon to 5 p.m. with its regular menu and happy hour menu.
Kenny & Ziggy’s, 2327 Post Oak, 713-871-8883; 5172 Buffalo, 832-767-1136
Kenny & Ziggy’s will be serving its sky-scraping sandwiches, sizable salads and authentic Eastern European entrees on Christmas Eve until 8 p.m.
La Table, 1800 Post Oak, 713-439-1000
The chic French restaurant will be celebrating the holiday with an la carte menu and Christmas Eve specials, featuring standouts like the wild-caught striped bass served with asparagus and topped with Black Royal Siberian Ossetra caviar and Champagne sauce; La Table’s signature heritage chicken for two, served with mushrooms, winter vegetables and potato purée; and a festive Buche de Noel au chocolate for dessert. Reservations begin at 5 p.m.
Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts, 601 Heights, 713-880-3550
The chicken and doughnut shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Lucienne, 1070 Dallas, 713-242-8555
At this newly christened Downtown spot, executive chef Jose Hernandez will be whipping up a four-course Christmas Eve dinner, featuring dishes like gravlax with horseradish mustard, capers and bread; oven-roasted duck, served with roasted chestnuts, potato cake and lavender sauce; and sweet treats like a fig crepe soufflé. The festive meal is available from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is $80 per person or $105 with a wine pairing. The restaurant will also be serving brunch on Christmas Day (see more below).
MAX’s Wine Dive, 4720 Washington, 713-880-8737; 214 Fairview, 713-528-9200
The Tasting Room, 1101 Uptown Park, 713-993-9800; 818 Town and Country, 281-822-1500
LASCO Enterprises is offering special holiday pricing on select bottles of wines all day on Christmas Eve at its Houston restaurants, Max’s Wine Dive and The Tasting Room. Guests will receive a free appetizer with every bottle of wine purchased from 6 to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve brunch Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Morton’s The Steakhouse, 5000 Westheimer, 713-629-1946; 1001 McKinney, 713-659-3700
Morton’s The Steakhouse will be open on Christmas Eve from 4 to 9 p.m. Now through January 31, the restaurant is featuring Côte de Bouef – a 36 ounce bone-in USDA Prime Ribeye brushed with garlic-herb butter for $110. The famed steakhouse will also offer a Steak & Lobster special for $56. Pair either dish with a Partridge in a Pear Tree, the restaurant’s signature holiday cocktail – a blend of Grey Goose, “La Poire”, Vodka, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup topped with La Marca Prosecco and served with a cinnamon sugar rim – all for $17. The regular menu will be available as well.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer, 832-487-8862
The Oceanaire Seafood Room will be open on Christmas Eve from 1 to 9 p.m. The restaurant will serve its curated menu of daily seafood offerings along with festive holiday season cocktails.
Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, 713-528-2264
The River Oaks restaurant will have its well-decorated dining rooms open and its kitchen serving a fitting feast from a special Christmas Eve a la carte menu, available from 5 to 10 p.m. (the restaurant will close at 11 p.m.). Get dishes such as lobster bisque, crispy Gulf oysters, fresh pomegranate and pear salad, bacon-crusted chicken, shrimp and cheese grits, braised osso bucco and lamb chops Provençal.
Get your Christmas Eve seafood fix at Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen
Both the Downtown and Galleria locations will be open and serving dinner from 5 to 9 p.m on Christmas Eve.
The Pass & Provisions, 807 Taft, 713-628-9020
Treat yourself to an extravagant Feast of the Seven Fishes at The Pass, where seven-courses will run $125 per person ($200 with pairings), plus tax and gratuity. Note: Provisions is also open on Christmas Eve for regular dinner service.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, multiple locations
Perry’s will be open on Christmas Eve, with both the restaurant and Bar 79 open from 4 to 10 p.m. The regular Pork Chop Sunday Supper Special will not be available. The restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day.
Pi Pizza, 181 Heights, 832-767-2433
Pi Pizza will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prego 2520 Amherst, 713-529-2420
The Rice Village restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Quattro at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar, 713-650-1300
Join the Four Seasons Hotel Houston for a special Christmas Even dinner, offered from 6 to 10 p.m. The dinner will be served on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner, with a special holiday menu, buffet stations and wine pairing options. Cost is $68 per person and an additional $40 per person for the optional wine pairing.
Radio Milano, 800 Sorella, 713-827-3545
Radio Milano is offering three-course prix fixe brunch menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Christmas Eve brunch offers dishes such as chicken wings and waffles, crab cakes benedict and dulce de leche crepes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for $30 per adult and $15 per child.
Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella, 713-861-8666
Rainbow Lodge will be open on Christmas Eve serving brunch menu from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m . and full dinner menu from 5 to 9 p.m.
Red Lion Pub, 2316 Shepherd, 713-782-3030
Red Lion Pub will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day serving a special Christmas menu.
Regal Seafood, 12350 Southwest Freeway, 281-494-8888
Offering a twist on the traditional holiday fare with Hong Kong style Cantonese fusion, Regal Seafood will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Guests can order a la carte from the regular menu, which include dishes such as Peking duck that is carved tableside, live King or Dungeness crab and a variety of dim sum.
Roka Akor, 2929 Weslayan, 713-622-1777
The acclaimed Japanese steakhouse and sushi concept is tackling its first holiday season with a special Christmas Eve tasting menu in addition to its regular menu. Guests can enjoy five-courses ($95 per person) featuring everything from robata grilled pork belly with tarragon miso to Japanese mushroom rice hot pot with shaved black truffle and grilled bone marrow with spicy garlic soy.
Royal Sonesta - ARA and Axis Lounge, 2222 West Loop South, 713-627-7600
Both the ARA and Axis Lounge are celebrating both Christmas Eve and Christmas with special entrees. In addition to the regular menu, Christmas Eve will feature Prime Rib, served with Yukon mashed potatoes, glazed veggies and natural jus ($32). A warm apple cider station will also be available in the lobby on December 24 and 25.
Smith & Wollensky, 4007 Westheimer, 713-621-7555
Smith & Wollensky’s Highland Village location will be open and serving its chophouse classics on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Star Fish, 191 Heights, 832-831-9820
The popular seafood spot will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Steak 48, 4444 Westheimer, 713-322-7448
Steak 48 will be open on Christmas Eve and serving its regular menu.
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, 6401 Woodway, 713-334-7295; 1140 Eldridge, 832-230-3842
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen will be open Christmas Eve 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen, 1212 Waugh, 713-528-3474
Phyllis and Tony Mandola will open Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen on Christmas Eve, serving its regular Sunday Brunch Menu from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and its regular dinner menu from 3 to 8 pm. Start your meal with $1 oysters and either a rosé or blanc sparking wine for $8.
Toulouse, 4444 Westheimer, 713-871-0768
Located in the magnificently lit and decorated courtyard of River Oaks District, this stylish French cafe will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Guests can order from a a special dinner menu consisting of lobster tail tournedos (lobster tail wrapped in bacon served with a devil sauce green peas and goat cheese ravioli), diver scallops and sweet breads vol au vent (served with a creamy truffle sauce and sautéed spinach), dover sole meuniere gratinee (with homemade gnocchi and champagne truffle sauce), Australian rack of lamb (served with grand veneur sauce, sweet potato puree, crispy lardon and wild mushrooms), a praline chocolate cake alongside ice cream.
Underbelly, 1100 Westheimer, 713-528-9800
For its third annual Christmas Eve theme dinner, Underbelly is channeling the Griswolds to serve a holiday meal that's fit for the newest member of the Jelly of the Month club. Guests can expect three courses, including turkey (they promise it won’t be as dry as Clark's), plenty of eggnog and, of course, a Jello mold. The Christmas Vacation feast will be offered in two seatings (1 and 5 p.m.) and cost is $75 for adults and $35 for kids, plus tax and gratuity.
Xochi, 1777 Walker, 713-300-4440
From award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, Xochi will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner. At dinner, from 5 to 9 p.m., the restaurant will also have like music from Media Luna. Guests can dine a la carte.
Because Christmas isn't Christmas without dessert.
Photo by Troy Fields
Avenida Brazil Churrscaria Steakhouse, 12000 Southwest Freeway, 281-277-9292; 201 West Bay Area, 281-557-9999; 1400 Reasearch Forest, 281-651-5369
The Brazilian steakhouses will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving a high energy, Brazilian-style menus. Christmas Day hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and cost is $49 for the full experience with 15 cuts of meat (salad/side, seafood/salad/side and kids options available).
Babin’s Seafood House, 19529 I-45, 17485 Tomball, 21851 Katy
The seafood houses will be open from 3 to 9 p.m., featuring a special of slow-roasted Cajun prime rib with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts for $24.99.
Brenner’s on the Bayou, 1 Birdsall, 713-868-4444
The classic steakhouse will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Brenner’s Steakhouse, 10911 Katy, 713-465-2901
The classic steakhouse will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Cadillac Bar, 1802 Shepherd, 713-862-2020
Cadillac Bar will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Charivari, 2521 Bagby, 713-521-7231
This elegant European-style restaurant will be open both Christmas Eve (4 to 9 p.m.) and Christmas Day (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, 713-223-3474
The Downtown Aquarium will be open on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Edgar’s Hermano, 1700 Smith, 713-739-8800
The Whitehall Hotel restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Christmas Day.
Fielding’s local kitchen + bar, 26400 Kuykendahl, 281-351-2225
This Woodlands favorite will be open Christmas Day from 11 am for lunch and dinner, with a full dinner menu and special Christmas features.
Fish Tales, 2502 Seawall, 409-762-8545
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fogo de Chão, 8250 Westheimer, 713-978-6500
Enjoy a holiday feast featuring the full churrasco dinner menu and new seasonal items, including Vegas-cut New York strip and sweet potato casserole. Christmas Day hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Children under six are complimentary and children ages seven to 12 are half-price.
Grotto, 4715 Westheimer, 5222 Seawall, 9595 Six Pines
The Westheimer location will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the Galveston location will be open from 5 to 10 p.m.; and the Woodlands location will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park, 713-418-1000
Hotel Granduca’s annual holiday brunch is back. The extravagant buffet — priced at $75 per person (adults) and $25 per child — will showcase nearly ten fully-stocked buffet stations including an array of salads, smoked seafood, breakfast favorites, carving stations, children’s treats, and decadent desserts. Ristorante Cavour at Hotel Granduca will also be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Lucienne, 1070 Dallas, 713-242-8555
At this newly christened Downtown spot, executive chef Jose Hernandez will be whipping up a three-course Christmas Day brunch and a la carte kids menu. The brunch ($55 per person, plus tax and gratuity) features choices including crab cake with roasted red pepper coulis, mushroom cappuccino, beef wellington, oven-roasted chicken in morel sauce, pistachio napoleon and caramel chocolate mousse. Reservations can be made from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
McCormick & Schmick’s, multiple locations
The restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with menus featuring Hawaiian bigeye ahi tuna, steak and twin lobster tails.
Morton’s The Steakhouse, 5000 Westheimer, 713-629-1946; 1001 McKinney, 713-659-3700
Morton’s The Steakhouse will be open on Christmas Day from 2 to 9 p.m. Now through January 31, the restaurant is featuring Côte de Bouef – a 36 ounce bone-in USDA Prime Ribeye brushed with garlic-herb butter for $110. The famed steakhouse will also offer a Steak & Lobster special for $56. Pair either dish with a Partridge in a Pear Tree, the restaurant’s signature holiday cocktail – a blend of Grey Goose, “La Poire”, Vodka, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup topped with La Marca Prosecco and served with a cinnamon sugar rim – all for $17. The regular menu will be available as well.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer, 832-487-8862
The Oceanaire Seafood Room will be open on Christmas Day from 1 to 8 p.m. The restaurant will serve its curated menu of daily seafood offerings along with festive holiday season cocktails.
Quattro at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar, 713-650-1300
Join the Four Seasons Hotel Houston for a special Christmas Day meal, with brunch offered from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. The brunch features holiday favorites such as carved beef, sushi, raw bar, charcuterie, lamb and fish along with a buffet of desserts and costs $105 for adults and $49 for children ages six to 12. For those who can't make brunch, there will be a Christmas Eve Dinner and a Christmas Day Dinner with a special holiday menu, buffet stations and wine pairing options. Cost is $68 per person and an additional $40 per person for the optional wine pairing.
Radio Milano, 800 Sorella, 713-827-3545
Radio Milano is offering three-course prix fixe brunch menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Christmas Day brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features items like Hong Kong fried toast, Chilean sea bass, frittata and a chocolate bomb. Pricing is $45 for adults and $20 for children.
Rainforest Café, 5310 Seawall, 409-744-6000
The Galveston location is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Red Lion Pub, 2316 Shepherd, 713-782-3030
Red Lion Pub will be open on Christmas Day serving a special Christmas menu.
Regal Seafood, 12350 Southwest Freeway, 281-494-8888
Offering a twist on the traditional holiday fare with Hong Kong style Cantonese fusion, Regal Seafood will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Day (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Guests can order a la carte from the regular menu, which include dishes such as Peking duck that is carved tableside, live King or Dungeness crab and a variety of dim sum.
Royal Sonesta - ARA and Axis Lounge, 2222 West Loop South, 713-627-7600
Both the ARA and Axis Lounge are celebrating both Christmas Eve and Christmas with special entrees. In addition to the regular menu, Christmas Day will feature Tournedos Rossini, with brioche, seared foie gras and perigourdine sauce ($45). A warm apple cider station will also be available in the lobby on December 24 and 25. Reservations can be made from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Saltgrass Steak House, 215 Kipp Ave, 20090 Hwy 59 North, 8943 Katy
The Kemah location will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the Humble location will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the Houston location will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Smith & Wollensky, 4007 Westheimer, 713-621-7555
Smith & Wollensky’s Highland Village location will be open and serving its chophouse classics on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Toulouse, 4444 Westheimer, 713-871-0768
Located in the magnificently lit and decorated courtyard of River Oaks District, this stylish French cafe will be open regular hours on Christmas Day. Guests can order from a special dinner menu consisting of lobster tail tournedos (lobster tail wrapped in bacon served with a devil sauce green peas and goat cheese ravioli), diver scallops and sweet breads vol au vent (served with a creamy truffle sauce and sautéed spinach), dover sole meuniere gratinee (with homemade gnocchi and champagne truffle sauce), Australian rack of lamb (served with grand venuer sauce, sweet potato puree, crispy lardon and wild mushrooms), a praline chocolate cake alongside ice cream.
We will be updating this list throughout the weeks leading up to the holidays. Restaurants can send opening details to [email protected].
