Where to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas in Miami in 2019
It’s almost Christmas, which means you’re probably super tired. During first week of December, you hit far too many Basel events and got way too little sleep.
You probably spent the following week trying to recover while checking names off your growing gift list (you made a lot of new friends during Art Basel).
And while Christmas should be about relaxing and reconnecting with family, it rarely ever is — especially if you’re expected to cook something (and you’re always expected to cook something).
So this year, treat yourself to a break and let one of these Miami restaurants do the heavy lifting for you. Besides, you’re going to need your energy when New Year’s Eve rolls around.
Ariete
The dinner: If you’re in the Grove on Christmas Day, head to Ariete for a Chinese Christmas from 4-10 p.m. Chef Michael Beltran has curated a family-style menu full of Chinese favorites with a twist, like egg drop soup, Green Circle honey chicken, General Tso’s chicken with Thai chili, and a riff on classic beef and broccoli made with Ariete short rib. The menu is $55 per person.
The details: 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove. Reservations are required — call 305-640-5862.
Bellini Restaurant & Bar
The dinner: On Dec. 24 and 25, Bellini Restaurant & Bar at the new Mr. C hotel in Coconut Grove will host guests with a special menu spotlighting contemporary Italian flavors, including signature dishes like lobster ravioli armoricaine, thin-sliced octopus carpaccio, roasted turbot, and of course, a traditional Italian panettone. Prices range from $15 to $40.
The details: 2988 McFarlane Rd., Miami. For reservations, call 305-800-7672.
BALEENkitchen at Sole Miami
The dinner: Go for globally-inspired, locally-sourced eats this holiday season at BALEENkitchen at Sole Miami, where dinner on the 24th and 25th of December includes exotic a la carte flavors like a spiced rubbed ribeye with honey-glazed carrots and chorizo demi-glace, a traditional honey-glazed ham served with thyme gravy and crispy onions, a decadent chocolate ganache made with sea salt and olive oil, and plenty of Nicolas Feuillatte brut champagne. There will also be Christmas crafts and gingerbread decoration for little ones.
Details: 17315 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach. For reservations, call 786-923-9305.
Boia De
The dinner: This gem in Buena Vista has wowed visitors since opening its doors this past summer. It’ll be closed on Christmas Eve, but the following day chef couple Luciana GIangrandi and Alex Meyer will cook up a holiday brunch in collaboration with El Bagel from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. No reservations are needed, as service will be ventanita-style at the counter.
The details: 5205 NE 2nd Ave., Miami. For more information, visit www.boiaderestaurant.com.
Boulud Sud
The dinner: Celebrate Chrismas Eve in the Med with a three-course prix-fixe holiday menu at Boulud Sud. Dishes include a selection of fan favorites, like chicken tagine, pumpkin agnolotti, shrimp al ajillo and more. Save room for dessert — the restaurant’s famous chocolate fondant and pear zalabia are on the menu, priced at $85 per person with an optional $55 wine pairing.
The details: 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami. For reservations, call 305-421-8800
Cecconi’s
The dinner: This Miami Beach hotspot will serving a decadent spread of Italian holiday favorites on Christmas Day. Reservations will be offered for $75 per person from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., so you can make it a brunch, lunch or an early dinner.
The details: 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.
Habitat
The dinner: Taste your way around the world this Christmas Eve with an exclusive four-course prix-fixe menu at Habitat. Priced at $85, the dinner will feature international specialties like Spanish patatas bravas, bucatini pasta, braised short ribs, and a caramelized pear creme brulee.
The details: 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call 305-604-6700.
Icebox Cafe
The dinner: Locally-loved Icebox Cafe will serve a three-course prix-fixe Christmas dinner menu on Christmas day priced at $42 per person. You can look forward to yummy dishes like creamy polenta and wild mushroom ragout, filet mignon served with creamed spinach gratin, and oven-roasted Branzino stuffed with grilled fennel. The regular menu will also be available.
The details: 1855 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call 305-538-8448.
Katsuya Brickell
The dinner: Katsuya’s Brickell outpost has planned a Japanese-inspired prix-fixe family-style Christmas menu that includes robata Christmas ham with pumpkin puree, cedar wood-grilled salmon with caper brown buttercream and cauliflower puree, a mushroom gyoza with ponzu espuma and black winter truffle, and the restaurant’s signature sweet bread pudding over salted caramel sauce. This Far East feast is $45 per person.
The details: 8 SE 8th St., Miami. For reservations, call 305-859-0200.
La Mar at Mandarin Oriental
The dinner: Brickell Key’s most luxurious hotel will serve a holiday entree special for two on Christmas Eve priced at $59 per couple. The next day, they’re inviting guests to join for a Christmas Day brunch spotlighting Peruvian-inspired cuisine by Executive Chef Diego Oka. Priced at $125 per person, the culinary experience will feature an a la carte menu and a sumptuous buffet — plus several signature brunch cocktails.
Details: 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami. For reservations, please visit www.opentable.com/la-mar-by-gaston-acurio.
Le Chick
The dinner: If you’re craving fried chicken on Christmas Eve, you’re in luck — Wynwood’s Le Chick will be open for regular hours. And on Dec. 26, it’ll host its legendary brunch complete with guest favorites like berry Belgian waffles, stuffed French toast, and Le Chicken and Waffles. Upgrade with bottomless mimosas for $30.
Details: 310 NW 24th Street, Miami
Lightkeepers
The dinner: At The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Lightkeepers invites guests to indulge in a lavish Christmas Day brunch served from 12:30-4 p.m. Save room for holiday classics, a seafood raw bar, sweet treats, bottomless drinks and more for $145 per adult and $49 per child. An a la carte dinner menu will be offered on Christmas Eve from 6-10 p.m. and Christmas Day from 6:30-10 p.m.
Details: 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne. For reservations, call 305-365-4156.
Nautilus by Arlo
The dinner: Looking for a bougie Christmas dinner that won’t break the bank? The Cabana Club at Nautilus by Arlo will serve an exclusive menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for just $65 per person. You’ll be feasting on specialties like seared snapper, mushroom and Milanese risotto, and roasted whole pig (because this is Miami, after all).
Details: 825 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. For reservations, visit here.
Novecento
The dinner: Hit up any of Novencento’s three Florida locations (Aventura, Brickell and Doral) on Christmas Eve and sit down to a delicious three-course meal curated by the executive chef and priced at $55 per person. Then, come back for seconds on Christmas Day, when the restaurants will serve an Argentine brunch plus offer the previous night’s dinner menu.
The details: www.novecento.com
Peacock Garden Bistro
The dinner: Spend Christmas Day surrounded by beauty at Peacock Garden Bistro. The iconic Coconut Grove restaurant will offer signature a la carte items plus a few Christmas Day specials — like the Peacock Porterhouse for two served with double sides and a bottle of Hess Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon for $100. Or the Peacock Paella for two served with a bottle of Albarino for $72.
Details: 2889 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove. For more information, visit www.peacockspot.com.
Talavera Mexicana Cocina
The dinner: Enjoy a taste of “Noche Buena” Mexican-style at Talavera Mexicana Cocina, which will serve authentic Mexican chef’s dinner specials on Christmas Day like arroz con mariscos and their signature Lava Rock ribeye bowl. Guests will also get to enjoy a seasonally-inspired specialty cocktail, Elderflower Champagne.
Details: 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. For reservations, call 305-444-2955.
Three
The dinner: If you like seafood, head to Three in Wynwood. The popular eatery will celebrate Christmas Eve with a “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” Think East Coast oysters, fritto misto, flounder crudo and grilled local catches. Dessert is a must — try the dulce de leche budino. The prix-fixe menu is $85 per person. You can add a wine pairing for an additional $45.
The details: 50 NW 24th Street, Suite 101, Miami. For reservations, call 305-748-4540.
Toscana Divino
The dinner: For Brickellites wanting to celebrate the season close to home, Italian eatery Toscana Divino has curated a Christmas tasting menu priced at $65 per person. The menu will be served on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring signature dishes like Tagliere, Tortellini in Brodo, and Arrosto di Manzo, plus a traditional Italian Tronchetto Natalizio for dessert.
Details: 900 South Miami Avenue, Miami. For reservations, visit www.toscanadivino.com.
This story was originally published December 16, 2019 at 6:00 AM.