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Holiday spread at Fort Oak — Holiday spread at Fort Oak.

Where to Dine In or Get Takeout for Christmas and Christmas Eve in San Diego

Toast the holidays with a festive cocktail and splendid dishes

by Helen I. Hwang Updated Dec 12, 2022, 9:03am PST

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Holiday spread at Fort Oak.

| Devin Castañeda

by Helen I. Hwang Updated Dec 12, 2022, 9:03am PST

There’s even more reason to cheer as Christmas is beginning to feel a lot like ... well, Christmas. Holiday dining is almost back in full swing and fantastic restaurants all over San Diego are here to host guests for sumptuous dinner or provide provisions for wonderful take-home feasts with easy-to-follow instructions. Make up for lost time by celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Here are 20 dining options to consider.

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The Plot

For a vegetarian alternative to the traditionally meat-heavy holiday, the Plot in Oceanside is offering tasty options like wild rice and lentil roast, house-made tofurkey, and braised Southern-style garden greens with ingredients from their garden space. Pre-order by December 22 for Christmas Eve pickup. The cost is $40 per person.

1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

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A post shared by Helen I. Hwang (@helenihwang)

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Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

The Omni La Costa is offering many festive options. While you can sit down for Christmas Eve dinner at Bob’s Steak and Chop House and a three-course prix fixe dinner at the Vue, you can also be dazzled by the “snowfall” that flurries over peppermint bark s’mores platters around firepits. The take-home Christmas meal boxes serves four, and feature New York strip loin, whipped yams, and a New York cheesecake.

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009

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A post shared by Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (@omnilacosta)

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Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

The Rancho Santa Fe enclave is going all out with horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, and live music. The restaurant is laying out a luxurious buffet on Christmas Day with an expansive seafood station, traditional carving tables, and homemade rigatoni as well as a kid-friendly buffet with mini quesadillas. Priced at $195 per adult and $55 per child, the menu can be found here. If you must host at home, their Christmas-to-go option is customizable.

5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Visit Website

Festive cocktails — Festive cocktails.

Also featured in:

Ranch 45 Local Provisions

For a pickup in North County, consider the moveable feast at Ranch 45 for its take-home a la carte menu. Choices include Cornish game hen, smoked turkey legs, and gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake. Orders need to be placed by December 18 for Christmas Eve pickup. While you’re there, check out the butchery display, offering meat cuts dry-aged on the premises.

512 Via De La Valle Ste 102, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Visit Website

Festive spread at Ranch 45 — Festive spread at Ranch 45.

Also featured in:

Adelaide

If you’re looking for a Christmas Day brunch idea, the buffet at this Del Mar restaurant is featuring seafood-forward highlights, along with traditional Christmas ham. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’ll find a raw bar station with West Coast oysters, as well as other delectable entrees. Afterwards, walk off your meal with a jaunt to the nearby Powerhouse Park.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

Visit Website

Oysters, fish, and other dishes. — Oysters on a half shell, fish, and other dishes.

Also featured in:

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

The luxury resort transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday teas, ice skating, and dining options at the Amaya restaurant. While the on-site Michelin three-starred Addison restaurant is already fully booked, guests can choose to dine on feasts featuring San Diego tuna crudo and strip loin and short rib or a Christmas Day buffet in the Manchester Salon.

Open in Google Maps

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fairmont Grand Del Mar (@fairmontgranddelmar)

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A.R. Valentien

Executive Chef Kelli Crosson leads the flagship restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines into the holidays with panache. Themed libations from Christmas cocktails to root beer floats are on offer, along with holiday cookies and fruitcakes. There will be a Hanukkah menu from December 18 to 25, along with prix fixe menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring brown butter angel hair pasta, roasted New York Strip loin, and tiramisu Buche de Noel.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Craftsman-style dining room.

Also featured in:

George's at the Cove

Celebrate the winter feast with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The five-course prix fixe menu, priced at $125 per person, features clams casino, crispy pork belly, and peppermint Buche de Noel. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The dining room at George’s at the Cove — The dining room at George’s at the Cove.

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La Valencia Hotel

There’s a plethora of possibilities at the Pink Lady in La Jolla. For the first time, Patio Sol is hosting a cozy light bite experience with blankets and firepits. Throughout the month, holiday teas at the Med feature French Mariage Freres teas paired with tea sandwiches. The Christmas menus provide options like seared Spanish turbot, New York strip, and vanilla brioche bread pudding.

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Charcuterie board — Charcuterie board.

Also featured in:

Ambrogio by Acquerello

With the Michelin team flying in from Italy to amp up the La Jolla restaurant, the Christmas Eve seven-course tasting menu is offering a medley of flavors, including vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Plates include crepes tagliolini, truffles, and ora king salmon. The chef’s signature tasting menu is $179 per person and the vegetarian option is $149 per person.

7556 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA 92037

Visit Website

Grapefruit sorbet, white chocolate, caviar, and gentian — Grapefruit sorbet, white chocolate, caviar, and gentian.

Also featured in:

Giuseppe Restaurants and Catering

Once again, Giuseppe Fine Catering comes to the rescue with prepared holiday dishes to be served at home. The group behind Caroline’s Seaside Café and Candor by Giuseppe will do the hard work for you, preparing dishes like honey-baked ham, cured salumi, quiches, and pies. The order deadline is Monday, December 19th, for pickup or delivery on Saturday, December 24th.

4901 Morena Blvd suite 804, San Diego, CA 92117

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giuseppe Restaurants+Catering (@giuseppernfc)

JRDN Restaurant

Head down to the beach to Tower 23’s anchor restaurant, JRDN, for a Christmas Day feast served between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Featured entrees include roasted pork belly, prime rib, and hashbrown gratin. Costs range between $46 and $68 per person. Pair with an eggnog martini for an even merrier twist.

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

A slice of apple miso cheesecake.

Also featured in:

ARLO

Chef Josh Mouzakes loves to put his own spin on holiday fare, adding to the cheer with live music to accompany the meals. Guests can order from the a la carte menu or prix fixe menus that range from $65 to $80. Options include pumpkin-spiced gnocchi, duck two ways, and cheesecake s’mores.

Open in Google Maps

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

Visit Website

Pork belly roll — Pork belly roll.

Also featured in:

Et Voilà! French Bistro

One of the best French restaurants in San Diego is hosting a three-course prix fixe Christmas Eve dinner with options like smoked salmon with shaved cured egg yolks, Mary’s Farm turkey breast, and decadent opera cake. The cost is $70 for adults and $25 for children.

3015 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

A photo of dark chocolate mousse with ginger-cinnamon cookie and raspberry coulis — Dark chocolate mousse with ginger-cinnamon cookie and raspberry coulis.

Also featured in:

Fort Oak

The Trust Restaurant Group is offering a few special choices for the holidays. Fort Oak, usually open for dinner only, throws its doors open for the holiday lunch tradition with favorite dishes paired with holiday cocktails from guest bartenders while its retail store, the Wise Ox, is offering a Butcher’s Holiday Box that includes chef Brad Wise’s five favorite types of meat, including the gochujang-glazed bacon served at Rare Society steakhouse.

1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

Holiday spread at Fort Oak.

Also featured in:

CUCINA urbana

Leading up to Christmas, Cucina Urbana and its North County counterpart Cucina Enoteca Del Mar will offer a traditional Feast of the 7 Fishes plate that includes fried smelts and mussels escabeche for a riff on the Italian tradition. Their catering arm, Morena Provisions, will also be providing Hanukkah-to-go with dishes from their modern Jewish deli, Gold Finch, as well as Christmas entrees like beef Wellington.

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

dining room — Dining room.

Also featured in:

Juniper & Ivy

James Beard-nominated chef Anthony Wells is serving a lavish four-course, choose-your-own-adventure menu on December 23 and 24. Course options include venison tartare, egg yolk ravioli, and beef fillet with pot roast steak sauce as well as vanilla bean pavlova. Upgrade your meal with caviar and wine pairings. Costs start at $110 per guest.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

An elegant dining room with brightly colored art on the walls.

Also featured in:

Herb & Wood

Head over to Little Italy to treat yourself to the lively atmosphere at Herb and Wood. Their Christmas Eve four-course meal features executive chef Carlos Anthony’s creative favorites including dishes like prime filet with pink peppercorn cognac demi, poached persimmon, and tiramisu. Adults are $92 and kids are $37.

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Roasted branzino.

Also featured in:

Animae

Indulge in a flavorful twist on Christmas dinner with chef Tara Monsod’s menu that features her prowess with Filipino cuisine as well as the restaurant’s wagyu steak program. The four-course menu includes their famous shrimp toast and kare kare short rib and ends with sweet treats like pear and hojicha roll cake.

969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Variety of dishes spread around a circle.

Also featured in:

Serea Coastal Cuisine

Crown City is home to the iconic Hotel Del, which gets all decked out for the holidays with ice skating and towering Christmas trees. Anchoring the hotel is Serea, helmed by executive chef JoJo Ruiz who’s offering a prix fixe menu for $155 per person with choices from surf (seafood), turf (meat), and land (vegetarian) for each course.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Visit Website

Seared fish — Seared fish.

Also featured in:

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The Plot

1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

For a vegetarian alternative to the traditionally meat-heavy holiday, the Plot in Oceanside is offering tasty options like wild rice and lentil roast, house-made tofurkey, and braised Southern-style garden greens with ingredients from their garden space. Pre-order by December 22 for Christmas Eve pickup. The cost is $40 per person.

1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Helen I. Hwang (@helenihwang)

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009

The Omni La Costa is offering many festive options. While you can sit down for Christmas Eve dinner at Bob’s Steak and Chop House and a three-course prix fixe dinner at the Vue, you can also be dazzled by the “snowfall” that flurries over peppermint bark s’mores platters around firepits. The take-home Christmas meal boxes serves four, and feature New York strip loin, whipped yams, and a New York cheesecake.

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (@omnilacosta)

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

The Rancho Santa Fe enclave is going all out with horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, and live music. The restaurant is laying out a luxurious buffet on Christmas Day with an expansive seafood station, traditional carving tables, and homemade rigatoni as well as a kid-friendly buffet with mini quesadillas. Priced at $195 per adult and $55 per child, the menu can be found here. If you must host at home, their Christmas-to-go option is customizable.

5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Visit Website

Festive cocktails — Festive cocktails.

Ranch 45 Local Provisions

512 Via De La Valle Ste 102, Solana Beach, CA 92075

For a pickup in North County, consider the moveable feast at Ranch 45 for its take-home a la carte menu. Choices include Cornish game hen, smoked turkey legs, and gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake. Orders need to be placed by December 18 for Christmas Eve pickup. While you’re there, check out the butchery display, offering meat cuts dry-aged on the premises.

512 Via De La Valle Ste 102, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Visit Website

Festive spread at Ranch 45 — Festive spread at Ranch 45.

Adelaide

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

If you’re looking for a Christmas Day brunch idea, the buffet at this Del Mar restaurant is featuring seafood-forward highlights, along with traditional Christmas ham. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’ll find a raw bar station with West Coast oysters, as well as other delectable entrees. Afterwards, walk off your meal with a jaunt to the nearby Powerhouse Park.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

Visit Website

Oysters, fish, and other dishes. — Oysters on a half shell, fish, and other dishes.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130

The luxury resort transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday teas, ice skating, and dining options at the Amaya restaurant. While the on-site Michelin three-starred Addison restaurant is already fully booked, guests can choose to dine on feasts featuring San Diego tuna crudo and strip loin and short rib or a Christmas Day buffet in the Manchester Salon.

Open in Google Maps

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fairmont Grand Del Mar (@fairmontgranddelmar)

A.R. Valentien

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Executive Chef Kelli Crosson leads the flagship restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines into the holidays with panache. Themed libations from Christmas cocktails to root beer floats are on offer, along with holiday cookies and fruitcakes. There will be a Hanukkah menu from December 18 to 25, along with prix fixe menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring brown butter angel hair pasta, roasted New York Strip loin, and tiramisu Buche de Noel.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Craftsman-style dining room.

George's at the Cove

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Celebrate the winter feast with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The five-course prix fixe menu, priced at $125 per person, features clams casino, crispy pork belly, and peppermint Buche de Noel. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The dining room at George’s at the Cove — The dining room at George’s at the Cove.

La Valencia Hotel

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

There’s a plethora of possibilities at the Pink Lady in La Jolla. For the first time, Patio Sol is hosting a cozy light bite experience with blankets and firepits. Throughout the month, holiday teas at the Med feature French Mariage Freres teas paired with tea sandwiches. The Christmas menus provide options like seared Spanish turbot, New York strip, and vanilla brioche bread pudding.

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Charcuterie board — Charcuterie board.

Ambrogio by Acquerello

7556 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA 92037

With the Michelin team flying in from Italy to amp up the La Jolla restaurant, the Christmas Eve seven-course tasting menu is offering a medley of flavors, including vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Plates include crepes tagliolini, truffles, and ora king salmon. The chef’s signature tasting menu is $179 per person and the vegetarian option is $149 per person.

7556 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA 92037

Visit Website

Grapefruit sorbet, white chocolate, caviar, and gentian — Grapefruit sorbet, white chocolate, caviar, and gentian.

Giuseppe Restaurants and Catering

4901 Morena Blvd suite 804, San Diego, CA 92117

Once again, Giuseppe Fine Catering comes to the rescue with prepared holiday dishes to be served at home. The group behind Caroline’s Seaside Café and Candor by Giuseppe will do the hard work for you, preparing dishes like honey-baked ham, cured salumi, quiches, and pies. The order deadline is Monday, December 19th, for pickup or delivery on Saturday, December 24th.

4901 Morena Blvd suite 804, San Diego, CA 92117

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giuseppe Restaurants+Catering (@giuseppernfc)

JRDN Restaurant

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Head down to the beach to Tower 23’s anchor restaurant, JRDN, for a Christmas Day feast served between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Featured entrees include roasted pork belly, prime rib, and hashbrown gratin. Costs range between $46 and $68 per person. Pair with an eggnog martini for an even merrier twist.

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

A slice of apple miso cheesecake.

ARLO

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

Chef Josh Mouzakes loves to put his own spin on holiday fare, adding to the cheer with live music to accompany the meals. Guests can order from the a la carte menu or prix fixe menus that range from $65 to $80. Options include pumpkin-spiced gnocchi, duck two ways, and cheesecake s’mores.

Open in Google Maps

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

Visit Website

Pork belly roll — Pork belly roll.

Et Voilà! French Bistro

3015 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

One of the best French restaurants in San Diego is hosting a three-course prix fixe Christmas Eve dinner with options like smoked salmon with shaved cured egg yolks, Mary’s Farm turkey breast, and decadent opera cake. The cost is $70 for adults and $25 for children.

3015 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

A photo of dark chocolate mousse with ginger-cinnamon cookie and raspberry coulis — Dark chocolate mousse with ginger-cinnamon cookie and raspberry coulis.

Fort Oak

1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

The Trust Restaurant Group is offering a few special choices for the holidays. Fort Oak, usually open for dinner only, throws its doors open for the holiday lunch tradition with favorite dishes paired with holiday cocktails from guest bartenders while its retail store, the Wise Ox, is offering a Butcher’s Holiday Box that includes chef Brad Wise’s five favorite types of meat, including the gochujang-glazed bacon served at Rare Society steakhouse.

1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

Holiday spread at Fort Oak.

Related Maps

CUCINA urbana

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

Leading up to Christmas, Cucina Urbana and its North County counterpart Cucina Enoteca Del Mar will offer a traditional Feast of the 7 Fishes plate that includes fried smelts and mussels escabeche for a riff on the Italian tradition. Their catering arm, Morena Provisions, will also be providing Hanukkah-to-go with dishes from their modern Jewish deli, Gold Finch, as well as Christmas entrees like beef Wellington.

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

dining room — Dining room.

Juniper & Ivy

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

James Beard-nominated chef Anthony Wells is serving a lavish four-course, choose-your-own-adventure menu on December 23 and 24. Course options include venison tartare, egg yolk ravioli, and beef fillet with pot roast steak sauce as well as vanilla bean pavlova. Upgrade your meal with caviar and wine pairings. Costs start at $110 per guest.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

An elegant dining room with brightly colored art on the walls.

Herb & Wood

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Head over to Little Italy to treat yourself to the lively atmosphere at Herb and Wood. Their Christmas Eve four-course meal features executive chef Carlos Anthony’s creative favorites including dishes like prime filet with pink peppercorn cognac demi, poached persimmon, and tiramisu. Adults are $92 and kids are $37.

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Roasted branzino.

Animae

969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

Indulge in a flavorful twist on Christmas dinner with chef Tara Monsod’s menu that features her prowess with Filipino cuisine as well as the restaurant’s wagyu steak program. The four-course menu includes their famous shrimp toast and kare kare short rib and ends with sweet treats like pear and hojicha roll cake.

969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Variety of dishes spread around a circle.

Serea Coastal Cuisine

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Crown City is home to the iconic Hotel Del, which gets all decked out for the holidays with ice skating and towering Christmas trees. Anchoring the hotel is Serea, helmed by executive chef JoJo Ruiz who’s offering a prix fixe menu for $155 per person with choices from surf (seafood), turf (meat), and land (vegetarian) for each course.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Visit Website