San Diego Christmas Dining Guide 2023
Prepare for a season of sugar, spice, and everything nice at San Diego's finest restaurants! Whether you're returning to a familiar favorite or branching out, treat your loved ones to a memorable dinner reservation this Christmas. Below, we've curated a selection of San Diego restaurants, each offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals.
Photo Credit: Devin Castañeda
Fork Oak: Tipsy and Toasty Holiday Lunches
San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition is back; Holiday Lunches at Fort Oak are returning for six very special midday services. Not normally open during lunch, Fort Oak is taking the holidays as an excuse to decorate the space and get tipsy and toasty while the sun is still shining. Decked out in their holiday best, the restaurant will be serving up Fort Oak favorites, alongside some new dishes Chef Brad Wise loves to indulge in during the holidays. Chef Brad’s cozy hearth grilled fare feels extra magical this time of year and behind the bar, Bar Manager Jess Stewart is serving up new, festive cocktails, with some special bubbles and bottles brought in just for the occasion. Guests are encouraged to set their out of office messages, leave the car at home, and bring their office pals, friends and family to join Fort Oak in celebrating the best time of year. Holiday lunches will be offered Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from December 14 through December 23. Secure a sought after reservation via Fort Oak’s website.
Photo Credit: James Tran
Herb & Wood: Christmas Eve
Spend a quintessential San Diego Christmas Eve at Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Executive Chef Carlos Anthony has thoughtfully crafted a four-course meal that begins with your choice of a refreshing Scallop Crudo, a nutty Arugula Salad, or Venison Tartare. Guests have the option to choose between standout entrees including Prime Filet with pink peppercorn cognac demi, roasted, mushroom and whipped potatoes, Halibut with carrot tahini, shaved carrot, pomegranate, and toasted pita, Stuffed Pasilla Pepper with saffron rice, walnut “cream”, dried fruit, pomegranate molasses or Roasted Cornish Hen with sourdough herbed stuffed, and california gravy. Stay true to tradition with family style sides like Truffle Mac and Cheese, Braised Kale, and Parker House Rolls Conclude your Christmas Eve dinner with a decadent Date Cake with toffee sauce, black walnut ice cream, and candied walnuts or a fruity Winter Citrus Tart made by Executive Pastry Chef Laura Warren. Book your reservation from 3pm to 8pm via OpenTable to experience a herbaceous feast that’ll bring everyone together.
Photo Credit: Dustin Bailey
Animae: Christmas Eve
Dress to impress and spend your Christmas Eve at San Diego’s captivatingly elegant Animae, where Chef Tara Monsod presents flavorful dishes that draw inspiration from her Filipino-American heritage and a variety of Asian cuisines. This Christmas Eve meal will feature four courses highlighting many of Animae’s beloved dishes alongside new creations fit for the occasion. After bread service of Ube PandeSal with cheddar butter, enjoy light dishes like the Shrimp Cocktail and Beet Salad, followed by comforting favorites like Chicken Congee and Beef Cheek Dinaguan. Entree options include Filet with celery root puree, ginger demi, and roasted carrots, Ginger Barramundi with black soy vinaigrette, scallion oil, and daikon and Mushroom Ragu with korean rice cakes, mozzarella, and kale. After enjoying these savory dishes indulge in Pastry Chef Laura Warren’s Calamansi Mousse with coconut cake and calamansi and prosecco gelee or Chocolate Cremeux with miso sesame foam, chocolate crumble and chili cashews. Priced at $110 per adult and $42 per child, book your reservation from 3pm to 8pm via OpenTable to experience a truly special Christmas Eve dinner.
Photo Courtesy of Herb & Sea
Herb & Sea: A Key West Christmas Eve
Decked out in tropical decor, Herb & Sea invites San Diego to revel in a “Key West Christmas” that is a celebration of laid-back coastal vibes and bright flavors. Australian native, Executive Chef Aidan Owens knows a thing or two about paradise. Owens has created a four course feast full blending holiday favorites and top notch versions of nostalgic island-inspired fare. First courses include Jonah Crab Claws, Poke and Tropical Fruit Salad, followed by second courses like Coconut Shrimp, Firecracker Spareribs and Masubi. Entrees include Pineapple Glazed Ham with achiote, clove and antigua black pineapple, Jidori Chicken, Kalbi Skirt Steak, or Jerk Grilled Cauliflower, alongside family style sides of Mac Salad White Rice, Mushroom Skewers and Hawaiian Rolls. Executive Pastry Chef Laura Warren wraps up the evening on a zesty note with Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Key Lime Pie. Swap the holiday sweaters for Hawaiian shirts and join Herb & Sea for a festive culinary escapade. Held on December 24 and priced at $89 per adult and $38 per child, secure your reservation via OpenTable.
Photo Credit: Chris Costa
Ranch 45, Solana Beach: Christmas at Home
Guests can assemble their own unique Christmas meal from Ranch 45. The Solana Beach restaurant and butchery has got all your at-home feast needs covered. Main course choices include Herb Crusted Prime Rib, Braised Short Rib, Smoke Turkey Legs, 45-Day Aged Ribeye, and Smoked Cornish Game Hen along with a selection of salads, soups and signature sides. Finish off the meal with something sweet such as Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, or Apple Crisp. Pre-orders must be placed before Sunday, December 17 at 4pm for pick-up on Sunday, December 24.
