We can feel it in the air -- Christmas is almost here! And while we do love a good homemade feast, sometimes it's easier to let the professionals do the cooking, especially on the holidays where all you care about is when you're getting your next glass of egg nog. Oh, and your family and friends and spreading cheer and love, of course. Those things too.
From casual options and brunches to fancy four-course affairs, here is your Christmas 2014 Dining Guide:
Note: Don't forget to make your reservations quickly, as these spots are bound to fill up!
On Christmas Eve:
60 Degrees Mastercrafted 2300 Westheimer, 713-360-7757
Join this upscale grillhouse for an elegant 4-course prix fixe dinner on Chrismas Eve. For $75 per person, enjoy housemade duck prosciutto, lobster bisque, Cajun turkey with giblet gravy, and more. A limited a la carte menu will also be available. Reservations are from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Arturo's Uptown Italiano 1180 Uptown Park, 713-621-1180
This Italian restaurant will be offering their regular menu alongside a lobster tail, filet mignon, and sea scallop Christmas Eve special.
Backstreet Cafe 1103 S. Shepherd, 713-521-2239
Head to this stunning restaurant to indulge in a three-course menu complete with live music, and complimentary amuse bouche and egg nog for $52 per person plus beverage, tax and gratuity. Feast on dishes like sausage-stuffed quail, seafood pot pie, and more.
Bistro Provence 13616 Memorial, 713-827-8008
This cozy French bistro will be open for a special three-course Christmas Eve dinner for $60 per person plus tax and gratuity. With open seating at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., feast on dishes like foie gras terrine, lobster tail à l'orange, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or seared duck breast. For dessert, choose between a lemon meringue tart with red berry coulis or a Christmas flavored chocolate mousse.
The Bird & The Bear 2810 Westheimer, 713-528-2473
Enjoy a festive Christmas Eve meal at this upscale Southern-style restaurant. Dishes will be a la carte.
Brennan's of Houston 3300 Smith St, 713-522-9711
Why not wine and dine NOLA-style this Christmas Eve? Enjoy a three-course dinner with seatings from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Start with dishes like hickory smoked Matagorda oysters, lobster & cognac bisque, or Brenna's famous turtle soup (to name a few) before moving on to the big guns. Choose from seven main entrees, including lamb shank osso bucco, cognac butter based Maine lobster, or creole-style filet mignon. Make sure to save room for Brennan's famous tableside bananas foster, a big slice of Mississippi mud pie, and more.
Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar 3201 Louisiana, 713-491-2222
Holley's will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve serving their menu of fresh seafood, oysters, steaks and more. A full bar and extensive wine list is sure to make thing merry.
Hugo's 1600 Westheimer, 713-524-7744
Enjoy a decadent Buffet de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve buffet) with live music by Viento for $39 per person and $12 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity.
Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands - Market Street Kitchen 9595 Six Pines, 281-203-5005
For those looking to ring in holiday cheer with ease, Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands will offer food and bar service both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from noon until 10 p.m. And if the weather is accommodating, the poolside patio off the bar is the perfect spot to gather over a cocktail while enjoying Market Street's holiday displays, lights and towering Christmas Tree.
Kata Robata Sushi & Grill 3600 Kirby, 713-526-8858
Sushi and sake lovers can head to this swanky Japanese spot from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Kenny & Ziggy's 2327 Post Oak, 713-871-8883
Houston's most authentic New York deli will be serving its famous sky-scraping sandwiches and authentic Eastern European fare until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Khun Kay Thai Cafe 1209 Montrose, 713-524-9614 This casual and delicious Thai restaurant will be open regular hours on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with holiday specials -- including a winter green curry, "holiday heat" soup, and "gift of gold" yellow curry -- running through NYE.
Kiran's 4100 Westheimer Rd, 713-960-8472
This modern an elegant Indian eatery will be open on Christmas Eve, with a live harp starting at 4 p.m.
Line & Lariat 220 Main, 832-667-4470
This Hotel ICON restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.; lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and dinner from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. End the evening with a toast to family, friends and the holidays at L&L Bar, also open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. until midnight.
Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar 1985 Welch St, 713-533-0200
This gorgeous bistro will be open Christmas Eve for lunch and for dinner. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., get a three-course menu for $75 per adult (with optional Sommelier's wine pairing at additional cost) and $35 for children, plus tax & gratuity. Start with dishes like lobster bisque, wild mushroom risotto, and seared foie gras before moving onto bouillabaisse, braised lamb shank, and more. Finally, finish off the decadent meal with some even more decadent sweets.
Ouisie's Table 3939 San Felipe, 713-528-2264
Enjoy live music and a complimentary Red Dress cocktail -- a drink made with Absolute vodka, apricot brandy, and champagne with a splash of grenadine and lemon juice -- alongside an elegant Southern-style Christmas feast. Dishes are a la carte.
Piatto Ristorante 4925 W Alabama St, 713-871-9722 11693 Westheimer Rd, Ste 120, 281-759-7500
Both locations of this family-friendly Italian restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Prego 2520 Amherst, 713-529-2420
This Italian restaurant with an award-winning wine list will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Quattro 1300 Lamar, 713-276-4700
Join Quattro on the evening before for a festive 3-course dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The special menu includes ahi tuna "minute steak" and filet mignon for $85 per person.
RA Sushi Highland Village: 3908 Westheimer, 713-621-5800 CITYCENTRE, 799 Town and Country, 713-331-2792
Both locations of this swanky sushi joint will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with happy hour specials available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Start with a red bellini for a festive spin, then move on to their regular menu featuring things like lobster ceviche, tuna, salmon, and yellowtail rolls, chicken teriyaki udon, and more.
Radio Milano 800 Sorella Court, 713-827-3545
To celebrate the holidays, the new CITYCENTRE restaurant will be offering a festive, four-course menu priced at $65 per person. Indulge in dishes like roasted beet salad with goat cheese fritters, pheasant served with wild seasonal mushrooms, and chestnut soufflé with caramel gelato. The regular lunch menu will be available from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the Christmas Eve menu will be offered from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A children's menu will also be offered for $25.
Rainbow Lodge 2011 Ella Blvd, 713-861-8666
Houston's most romantic restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve starting at 5 p.m.
Rattan Pan Asian Bistro and Wine Bar 1396 Eldridge, 281-556-9888
Don't want to go into the Loop? On the Energy Corridor, Rattan Pan Asian Bistro and Wine Bar will be open Christmas Eve, serving regular menu.
Royal Sonesta 2222 W. Loop S
Royal Sonesta's striking Axis lounge will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from noon until midnight. Enjoy cocktail classics with a festive twist like Mary Rockett's Milk Punch, a mixture of Pierre Ferrand Formula 1840 Cognac, citrus shrub, milk and nutmeg. Or, channel your inner Bond with a Gingerbread or Apple Pie Martini. ARA restaurant's menu will be available in the lounge as well.
Smith & Wollensky 4007 Westheimer, 713-621-7555
This Highland Village steakhouse will be open on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day.
Tea Bar and Organics Fusion 5857 Westheimer, 713-532-2399
This Japanese restaurant and tea bar will be open until midnight on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Look out for holiday specials.
Tierra del Fuego 2110 Town Square, 832-999-4045
This Sugar Land Argentinian restaurant will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
On Christmas Day:
Bistro Provence 13616 Memorial, 713-827-8008
This elegant bistro offers two 2-hr seatings (6 to 6:30 p.m. reservations and 8 to 8:30 p.m. reservations) featuring a three-course menu plus an amuse bouche surprise. Feast on things like foie gras terrine, herb-crusted rack of lamb, chocolate mousse, and more for $60 per person.
Brady's Landing 8505 Cypress, 713-928-9921
Celebrate with an extravagant Christmas Day buffet featuring crisp waffles, made to order omelets, prime rib and pork loin carving stations, fresh shellfish, and traditional holiday fixin's like whole roasted turkey, baked ham, and holiday pies and desserts. There will also be complimentary champagne and a special visit from Santa! The buffet will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $39.95 per adult ($37.95 for seniors/military, $19.95 for kids).
Buca di Beppo 5192 Buffalo Speedway, 713-665-2822 19075 N. Freeway, 936-321-6262
If you're looking for casual and fun, this family-style Italian eatery is the place for you. In addition to their regular menu, the restaurant will be offering a traditional holiday feast, featuring home-style roast turkey with gravy or holiday baked ham, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, spicy Italian sausage stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and apple pie. The family-style meal is available in small (feeds two or more) or large (feeds for or more) for $53.99 and $98.99, respectively.
Carmelo's 14795 Memorial Drive, 281-531-0696
Visit this Italian restaurant on Christmas Day for a special holiday brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. ($39.95/person, $20/ child under 12). Feast on veal osso bucco, mushroom and hazelnut risotto, smoked salmon, crisp polenta, and more. And don't forget about dessert -- there will be mini cannolis, chocolate mousse, and Italian cream cake, among plenty of other delicious sweets.
Charivari 2521 Bagby, 713-521-7231
Enjoy a stunning European-style a la carte menu from Chef Johann Schuster. The Midtown restaurant will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Fusion Taco 801 Congress Ste 1, 713-237-8805
Christmas dinner doesn't have to be fancy, but it should be delicious! The taco shop will be open starting at noon on Christmas Day, but get $2 ho-ho-ho tacos and happy hour priced beer, wine, and margs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Khun Kay Thai Cafe 1209 Montrose, 713-524-9614 This casual and delicious Thai restaurant will be open regular hours on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with holiday specials -- including a winter green curry, "holiday heat" soup, and "gift of gold" yellow curry -- running through NYE.
Kiran's 4100 Westheimer Rd, 713-960-8472
Enjoy an upscale and modern Indian Mistletoe Buffet ($55 per adult) -- featuring spiked hot cocoa, a lamb carving station, bison meatballs, saffron rice, pistachio kheer, and more -- from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas day. Kids will enjoy hot chocolate and donuts, pasta, nuggets, sliders, cupcakes and more for $25.
Line & Lariat 220 Main, 832-667-4470
This Hotel ICON restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.; lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and dinner from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. End the evening with a toast to family, friends and the holidays at L&L Bar, also open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. until midnight.
Luby's Multiple locations
Holidays don't have to break the bank. Luby's will be offering a Christmas Day Special, including your choice of prime rib or porterhouse pork chop plus two sides and bread, for $13.99.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant 1151-01 Uptown Park, 713-840-7900 1201 Fannin, 713-658-8100>
Both locations of this upscale seafood and steak house are serving their regular menu on Christmas Day. The Uptown Park location will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; while the Downtown location will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Palm Restaurant 6100 Westheimer, 713-977-2544
Celebrate Christmas Day with a big, juicy steak at this upscale steakhouse. The restaurant will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Quattro 1300 Lamar, 713-276-4700
This Four Seasons restaurant will be open for both brunch and dinner. Join them for a sumptuous Christmas brunch extravaganza, including mimosas, bloody Marys, a turkey carving station, antipasti table, full raw bar, dessert display, and more ($89 per adult; $39 per child ages 6 - 12). For dinner, enjoy and antipasti and dessert buffet alongside your choice of roasted capone; mussels, sole, and scampi fish stew; or pan-seared Gulf snapper ($68 per adult, $35 per child).
RA Sushi Highland Village: 3908 Westheimer, 713-621-5800 CITYCENTRE, 799 Town and Country, 713-331-2792
Both locations of this swanky sushi joint will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Christmas day, with happy hour specials available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Start with a red bellini for a festive spin, then move on to their regular menu featuring things like lobster ceviche, tuna, salmon, and yellowtail rolls, chicken teriyaki udon, and more.
Radio Milano 800 Sorella Court, 713-827-3545
This new CITYCENTRE restaurant will be offering a special holiday buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day. The price is $35 per person and $17 for children (4-12 years old).
Ristorante Cavour 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, 713-418-1000
This elegant restaurant inside Hotel Granduca will be offering both an extravagant holiday brunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner menu (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) on Christmas Day. At brunch, feast on traditional Xmas fixings alongside breakfast favorites, a seafood bar on ice, made to order pastas, carving stations, arrays of fresh salad and sides, bellinis, sangria, and more ($82 per person). At night, enjoy their regular a la carte dinner menu featuring upscale Italian delights.
Royal Sonesta 2222 W. Loop S
Royal Sonesta's striking Axis lounge will be open on Christmas Day from noon until midnight. Enjoy cocktail classics with a festive twist like Mary Rockett's Milk Punch, a mixture of Pierre Ferrand Formula 1840 Cognac, citrus shrub, milk and nutmeg. Or, channel your inner Bond with a Gingerbread or Apple Pie Martini. ARA restaurant's menu will be available in the lounge as well.
Ruth's Chris Steak House 5433 Westheimer, 713-840-1433
Savor your best Christmas memories over a 500-degree sizzling plate at this upscale steakhouse. The restaurant will be open on from noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Smith & Wollensky 4007 Westheimer, 713-621-7555
This Highland Village steakhouse will be serving up Christmas Day delights from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tea Bar and Organics Fusion 5857 Westheimer, 713-532-2399
This Japanese restaurant and tea bar will be open until midnight on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, they'll be hosting a "Naughty or Nice" all day holiday party. Come dressed in a holiday outfit and receive a free appetizers; and get complimentary beer and sake when you spend $20 or more
Tierra del Fuego 2110 Town Square, 832-999-4045
This Sugar Land Argentinian restaurant will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Turquoise Grill 3701 Kirby Drive, 713-526-3800
This Turkish paradise will be offering a prix fixe menu featuring a mezze platter, roast turkey with all the trimmings, grilled wild salmon, brick oven lamb shank, baklava, and more (prices range from $19.95 to $30.95 depending on entrée). A special kids menu will be offered for children 6 to 12 ($12).
White Oak Kitchen & Drinks 5011 Westheimer, 713-960-6588
Get a 3-course brunch featuring spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken, calamari with miso aioli, fried turkey and more for $28 per person. At dinner, enjoy things like crab salad, dry aged angus ribeye, double cut porkchops, and fruit cobbler for $65 per person.
We will be updating this list throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. Please let us know if you'd like to be included.
