dining

Here Are Your Best Bets for Christmas Eve Dining

Here Are Your Best Bets for Christmas Eve Dining

B&B Butchers

AFTER LAST-MINUTE shopping, wrapping gifts, mailing cards, and playing Santa, are you feeling too exhausted to cook this holiday weekend? We’ve got delicious dining-out ideas ranging from French cuisine to Thai, Indian, a top-notch Israeli steakhouse, and fare as American as apple (or pecan) pie. Anything goes in H-Town!

The Annie Cafe & Bar

The Annie (photo by Jenn Duncan)

Score reservations for Christmas Eve brunch or dinner service, with the regular brunch and dinner menus available along and a few chef specials. Christmas carolers will be spreading cheer at the restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant

Join the steakhouse for a Christmas Eve brunch or dinner, featuring Christmas carolers as well as a festive reindeer for photos with the kiddos.

Brennan's of Houston

Brennan's of Houston

Join Houston’s legendary Creole house for a fine and festive Christmas Eve meal. Seatings are available 11am-2pm, and 5-8:30pm for the three-course prix fixe menu of Texas-Creole classics and seasonal specials. Call 713-522-9711 for reservations. Details here.

Backstreet Cafe

Serving a three-course menu ($55; $15 per child), Backstreet’s dinner highlights include lobster risotto, roasted tenderloin in red wine reduction, and chocolate tart with raspberry marmalade and pistachio cream. Complimentary eggnog is included. Cheers!

Doris Metropolitan

The polished Israeli steakhouse will be open with its full menu from 5-9pm Customers can partake in the menorah lighting every night at sundown during the holiday.

Etoile

This chic French haunt in Uptown Park will serve Christmas Eve dinner from 5-9pm; a three-course menu runs $82 per adult and $28 per child (10 and under). Expect options such as duck foie gras au torchon, Chilean sea bass in lemongrass beurre blanc, duo de boeuf in Bordelaise, and bûche de Noël for the finale.

Numero28

Numero28

In Highland Village, indulge in the Feast of the Seven Fishes with fritto misto with spicy marinara or the Insalata Siciliana of mixed greens, albacore tuna and navy beans with pepperoncini vinaigrette. Order a pizza for the whole family, and don’t forget the signature Cacio e Pepe — tossed and served table-side in a pecorino cheese wheel. Open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Walk-ins are welcome; parties of 5-plus, call 713-485-5248 to reserve. Click here for menus.

Hugo's

Hugo's brunch

Guests can feast on the Buffet de Noche Buena, a special Christmas Eve buffet ($55 per person) from 5-9pm. Optionally, there is a full holiday take-out menu available for pre-order.

Le Jardinier

Celebrate at the MFAH with a fine-dining experience. Led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli, the modern French restaurant will offer a fiv-course Christmas Eve dinner menu ($175 per person). Anticipate Foie Gras Royale; Murray’s burrata with spiced red wine poached pears and apple compote; chestnut ravioli; poached Maine lobster; braised beef short ribs, and bûche de Noël. Reserve by calling 713.714.3015 or on Resy. Kid’s a-la-carte menu and the regular weekend brunch menus are on offer. The restaurant is closed Christmas Day.

Rosalie Italian Soul

Rosalie

Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Italian-American holiday tradition the Feast of Seven Fishes. The special menu features Insalata Di Mare with marinated scallops, mussels, squid and tuna; Spaghetti alla Chianti with crawfish and rapini; Monkfish with potato, clams and olives; and kumquat-Gianduja Torte for dessert. Dinner runs from 5-10pm ($75 per person). Reservations can be made via Open Table.

Karne Korean Steakhouse

Karne (photo by Jenn Duncan)

Gather around the grills for a Christmas Eve feast featuring a six-course pre-fixe dinner menu crafted by chef “KP” Nam ($125 per person). The menu includes a cold oyster app and a hot appetizer of chili shrimp on spicy ratatouille. The main course is a “karnivore’s” delight with high-end select cuts of beef. The regular dinner menu is available as well. Visit Resy to make reservations.

Sorriso

Sorriso

Catch the Feast of Seven Fishes available only on Christmas Eve: a three-course, family-style dinner ($64 per adult, and $22 for children ages 13 and under). Menu highlights include roasted oysters on the half shell with Meyer lemon and ciabatta breadcrumbs; fritto misto brimming with scallops, shrimp, calamari and spicy marinara; prosciutto-wrapped branzino with fennel pollen; lobster ravioli; and Gulf shrimp risotto. Tiramisu and strawberry panna cotta for dessert. Yum!

Traveler's Table

Traveler's Table (photo by Becca Wright)

This Montrose mainstay is offering its regular dinner menu from 5pm-11pm, along with Christmas Eve-only specials like sweetbreads and dirty rice, and pistachio-crusted lamb chops — plus spiked eggnog and a tasty "fig and walnut" old fashioned. We'll toast to that!

Wild Oats

Underbelly Hospitality’s Texas-inspired, family-friendly restaurant in the Houston Farmers Market hosts a Muppet Christmas Carol-themed brunch on Christmas Eve. Catch the classic movie at one of two seatings, 11am and 3pm. Bring your family for the Muppet-themed menu — including Al-Gonzo's Texas meat and cheese board, Kermit’s hoppin’ John, and Miss Figgy bread pudding ($50 per adult, $35 per child).

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