18 California Restaurants Open During the Holidays

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Setting the stage for major Californian festivities, restaurants open on holidays are the joy and blessing of the season. Whether you’re spending time at home with family and friends, you’re not so keen on cooking or are looking for a comforting time outdoors, food is the day’s focal point.

Christmas shopping, unsolicited family visits, and those end-of-year closings can create a busy schedule, leaving you overwhelmed and exhausted. Fortunately, with a myriad of restaurants open on Christmas, the Golden State graces you with the warm meal of your cravings so you can at least keep one thing off your to-do list - cooking. Take a pick from the most common cheeseburger chains to the fanciest Micheline Star restaurants in the Bay Area, and the rest of the state, for a night of respite and satiation.

Feast on Christmas in Los Angeles

1. Casa Vega

Spice up this festive season with culinary blessings from this ethnic Mexican cuisine eatery. Arriving all the way from Tijuana, Mexico with a full appetite for Los Angeles and a loan from his brother’s lottery money, Rafael Vega reached California. Casa Vega serves the best of the cultural platters from its village, starting with appetizers like Taquitos De Juan and the Chile Con Queso – a combination of melted Cheddar and Jack cheese with Ortega chiles and flour chips. Switch things up this holiday season and go for something a little more daring than the traditional holiday feast.

2. The Old Place

From international cuisine to vegan dishes, a multitude of L.A. restaurants are ready to put the freshest food on your table. Yet, The Old Place stands a little more eccentric in style, ethics, and cuisine. Harboring an antique set of an old rodeo-style diner makes this place a decent spot to spend Christmas in Los Angeles.

3. IHOP

Get your full-fledged American breakfast warm and fast at the International House of Pancakes. Omelets, waffles, french toast, and world famous pancakes await to make your Christmas Eve and day a most delicious occasion. Whether you decide to dine in or take out, make sure to take in the comfort of the homey feeling this well-known diner chain offers. 

4. Dan Tana’s

If you’re up for greeting the holidays with some pasta deliziosa, Dan Tana’s Italian vibes will offer you a dining experience that’ll hold you up till NYE. From the inexplicable flavors and the scrumptious pasta to the selections of “Legumi” and “A la Carte Entrees”, this Italian gem is a good option whether you decide to take out and dine at home or linger the entire night. The restaurant’s architecture is beautiful, making it a flawless spot to capture the holiday vibes.

5. Rao’s Hollywood

Considered a Culinary National Treasure, Rao’s Hollywood serves up Italian savory dishes that will be the merriment to your season. Rich flavors representing Italy on a plate are the least of the offerings of this unique California restaurant. So save up your holiday appetite to savor the riches of the festive menu and an amazing setting. 

6. Il Pastaio

Currently considered one of the best kitchens in the city, Il Pastaio works the culinary Sicilian Dynasty of the Drago family in the heart of Beverly Hills. Loosely translated as “The Pasta Maker”, Il Pastaio is one of the restaurants open on holidays waiting to grant you an unforgettable dining experience. Giddy up for celebrity sightings and holiday celebrations in the presence of the mouth-watering palettes prepped by the genius chef – Giacomino Drago.

7. Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Whether it's the luxurious comfort that you’re seeking or an elegant setting to make a sweet holiday memory, this steakhouse has got you covered. Serving 30 years of certified Angus Beef, and home to the world-renowned Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, the diner is an iconic spot in Beverly Hills and is open on Christmas day. Pro tip: Order take out to get the best of Lawry’s in the comfort of your own home and still celebrate the holidays like a pro!

8. Dear John’s

If you’re asking yourself the question “what restaurant is open on Christmas?”, the answer is Dear John’s. Bottled sauces, mouth-watering menus for the holidays, and tailored courses from the DineLA section will make your head spin at this joint. Choose from the fine options of entrees, starters, and sauces, and enjoy this lavishing California experience.

9. The HMS Bounty

If you’re up for some classic American cuisine, The HMS Bounty serves food for the weary sailor. From the tossed green salad to the Famous Baseball Steak, Petit Filet Mignon, and the Porterhouse Steak, this joint is the perfect palace to pick to grant you that festive and warm food, along with the fuzzy holiday vibes.

Restaurants in San Diego

10. Benihana

If the name didn’t give it away, this restaurant in San Diego caters to all your Japanese and Sushi cravings. Whether you want to feast from the comfort of your house or dine amidst its modern interior, Benihana is full of options. Relish the rich menu from a Samurai descendant with its unique creations of sushi and the hot dishes prepared in front of your eyes. Unveil the history of this famous chain as you treasure each bite at America’s first Teppanyaki restaurant in the heart of San Diego.

11. Buffalo Wild Wings

Located in the second largest city in the San Diego Metropolitan area, Buffalo Wild Wings is a quick and yummy holiday restaurant in case you burn your turkey. Take out incredible combos and enjoy the Blazin’ Rewards from this California chain. Although this is the local’s takeout spot, you can still soothe your crumbling tummy by dining in and lingering for some dessert. 

12. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

For a fine dining evening during the holidays in San Diego, consider Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. A gorgeous setting is not the sole offering of this joint. With lavish cuisine, this place offers a menu for vegans, vegetarians, and even California’s celiacs. 

13. Fogo de Chão

As rumors go, a fine chef brings out the taste of their ingredients instead of simply adding more in. This Brazilian Steakhouse grills its meat the Gaucho way with a centuries-old grilling technique to expose the real flavors of the meat. Take a pick from the delectable menu and let the drool-worthy dishes become the highlight of your holiday.

San Francisco Restaurants Open on Christmas

14. Panda Express

One thing you can rely on this holiday season is that Panda Express will Wok for you. Whether you want to order a bigger platter or a bunch of small bowls, this culinary cuisine will serve you the best of Chinese flavors with American flare. Take out your sticks and dig into the savory box as the warm palette of generous seasoning bursts in your mouth.

15. Morton’s - The Steakhouse

“Celebrity Server”, “National Seafood Month”, and Halloween are only the beginning of the events that take place at Morton’s. Sitting in the heart of San Francisco, the steakhouse is one of the rare places that are open on Christmas, and it delivers a unique dining flavor to your palette. Whether you’ve reserved ahead or opted for private dining and catering, this culinary venture will sway you with its delectable flavors.

16. Applebee's

Catering, delivery, take out, and of course dining-in are amongst your options on the big holidays, making Applebee’s one of California’s favorite holiday spots that will never fade out. One of the classic American restaurants open on holidays, this joint will always offer satiating meals that will quench all your cravings with its hearty and generous portions.  

17. Romano's Macaroni Grill

Yearning for healthy food around holiday time can feel overrated, but with restaurants like Romano’s Macaroni Grill, nothing is impossible. Serving up fresh produce from the Bay Area’s farmer’s markets, and a broad selection of salads and fresh appetizers, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is one place to be grateful for this holiday season.

18. Denny’s

Though it’s not necessarily fine dining, Denny’s still deserves to be considered as one of the things to do on Christmas day. When talking about fun things to do in California, that includes diners like Denny’s with traditional American food served with the pink milkshakes that give you the comfort of a holiday - not to mention free refills on coffee to help you get over the glucose intoxication from Christmas treats.

Forget the diet and enjoy the cherishable memories with the warmth of a full belly, friends, family, and your local community. Happy Holidays Everyone!