Fave Five: Where to eat on Christmas

(c) My Scandinavian Home
There’s a number of reasons you may want to go out to eat on Christmas Eve/Day, instead of stuffing your face at home: No cleanup after the big meal, less family drama, you didn’t defrost the turkey in time… No matter the reason, they’re all valid, and I fully support a holiday restaurant outing. 

If dining out is your holiday plan this year, try one of these eateries — they’re some of my very favorite in Atlanta and are all open on December 24 & 25:

When you want a nice holiday meal without the pretentiousness of a fancy restaurant, head to MAYA. Even though it’s a white table cloth restaurant, this classic steakhouse has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family gathering. You have a wide range of prime steak cuts and seafood dishes to choose from, as well as a list of 40+ wines by the glass, all served to you in a welcoming, cozy environment. It’s worth the short trip to Sandy Springs, I promise!
(c) CWPR

Located inside the Loews Hotel in midtown, this restaurant is serving a family-style dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The menu includes smoked chestnut with ham hock, crunchy arugula and shaved asparagus salad, a selection of oysters, crab claws and steamed Georgia white shrimp; plus, braised lamb shank, roasted Cornish hen, baked and stuffed flounder, and assorted macaroons for dessert. Each dinner is served from 5:30-10 p.m. and costs $65/person.  
(c) Anna Lanfreschi

This neighborhood eatery is the perfect place to get away from all the family drama. Come enjoy a craft beer by the fire pit on the patio or warm up with a hearty meal inside. The food is simple but creative, the beer list is extensive, and the music is always on point. 
(c) CWPR

Head here on Christmas Eve for a dinner party that includes lobster bisque, cranberry and Camembert salad, seared coffee-dusted duck breast, almond pesto-crusted Scottish salmon, and red velvet cake. The special menu is $29.95/person and is available from 5 to 10 p.m. on December 24.
(c) Anna Lanfreschi


If you’re looking for something a little out of the box around Christmas time, check out the amazing Mexican food at Red Pepper. I am blown away by the quality of the ingredients every time I dine here! Plus, they’re offering lots of holiday specials: $2 shots of MB Blanco Tequila, $3 Tecates, and $6 House Margaritas, to name a few. Both the Buckhead and Briarcliff locations are open on Christmas Eve and Day. 
(c) CWPR