The holiday season brings an abundance of joy and festive dining opportunities across Washington, DC. Whether you’re spending Christmas Eve and Day surrounded by loved ones or taking time to relax, there’s no need to stress about cooking. Let the city’s vibrant culinary scene host your holiday meals. Here are standout restaurants offering special Christmas experiences on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25.
Opal
Location: 5534 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
Experience: On Christmas Eve, chef Colin McClimans presents a three-course tasting menu for $75 per person. The seafood-focused lineup features bouillabaisse with polenta fritters, roasted rack of lamb, and chablis-poached bosc pears for dessert.
Reservations: Visit Opal’s Website.
Elena James
Location: 8551 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Experience: Chef Colin McClimans’ newest spot offers its regular menu alongside a prime rib dinner. Enjoy herb and cheese popovers, rosemary potatoes au gratin, and creamed Swiss chard.
Reservations: Visit Elena James’ Website.
Rosedale
Location: 4465 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Experience: This rotisserie-inspired restaurant serves special holiday platters on Christmas Eve, including fried kabocha squash, New York strip steak, and black walnut cake. Open from 5 to 9:30 PM.
Reservations: Visit Rosedale’s Website.
Ellē
Location: 3221 Mount Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Experience: Host a Christmas feast at home with Ellē’s take-home holiday menu. Highlights include prime rib with miso jus, vegetarian-friendly stuffed squash, and decadent desserts like chocolate hazelnut layer cake. Preorders are accepted through December 17.
Pickup: Christmas Eve, 10 AM–2 PM. Preorder Here.
Bresca
Location: 1906 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Experience: From 2 to 8 PM on Christmas Eve, chef Ryan Ratino offers a playful tasting menu for $195 per person. Seasonal ingredients and innovative twists on holiday favorites make this a must-visit.
Reservations: Reserve via OpenTable.
Gravitas
Location: 1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Experience: Chef Matt Baker offers customizable prix fixe menus for Christmas Eve, priced at $140 per adult and $35 for kids under eight. Dining is available from 2 to 9 PM.
Reservations: Reserve Here.
Le Diplomate
Location: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Experience: Open on both Christmas Eve and Day, this French brasserie features a la carte menu items and holiday specials. Hours range from 9:30 AM to 10 PM on Christmas Eve and 12 to 9 PM on Christmas Day.
Reservations: Visit Le Diplomate’s Website.
Pastis
Location: 1323 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Experience: This Union Market bistro offers French holiday favorites like veal osso buco on Christmas Eve and beef Wellington on Christmas Day. Festive cookie tins are available for $25.
Reservations: Visit Pastis’ Website.
Enjoy a stress-free holiday season by indulging in DC’s finest dining options. Whether you’re craving seafood, hearty roasts, or vegetarian-friendly dishes, these restaurants promise memorable meals to celebrate Christmas Eve and Day.