The holidays are speedily approaching! While you’re likely still reeling from the stress of Thanksgiving festivities, take the upcoming season off from cooking and leave it to Orange County’s numerous luxe restaurants. We’ve rounded up the absolute best restaurants for dining out this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and will continue to update this list as the holiday approaches.
See Also: The Best Bottles Of Bubbly For The Holidays According To Sommelier Rebecca Phillips
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1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach / Website
Head to this luxe resort for a brunch buffet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Held in the indoor-outdoor Lighthouse Room, take in the views as you enjoy unlimited sparkling wine and mimosas. Tickets are priced at $145 for adults and $75 for kids. Reservations can be made here.
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900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach / Website
Visit Bayside Restaurant for a special three-course prix fixe dinner on Christmas Eve. Available from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guests will be treated to live music for a portion of the evening.
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19100 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine / Website
Head to Irvine for a tasty holiday prix fixe menu on Christmas Eve. There will be live music throughout the restaurant and guests can be seated indoors or on the heated patios in the company of towering palm trees. Reservations can be made here.
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7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine / Website
On Christmas Eve, enjoy live music and a holiday buffet from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen. Then, on Christmas Day, the restaurant will offer an expanded dinner buffet featuring a macaroni and cheese bar, racks of lamb and a bread display. Dinner will start at 4 p.m. The dinner is priced at $89 per adult and $29 per child. Reservations can be made here.
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1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point / Website
Visit the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel for a variety of festive Christmas meals this season. On Christmas Day, there will be an elevated brunch buffet complete with holiday breakfast classics and seasonal pies. For Christmas dinner, both of the hotel’s onsite restaurants, RAYA and enoSTEAK will have special menus. RAYA will have a three-course feast priced at $175 per person. Brunch is priced at $250 per person and $125 per child aged three to nine. Reservations for all of the holiday events can be made here.
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30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach / Website
Enjoy a seasonal four-course tasting menu at this luxe spot on Christmas Eve. The special menu will feature filet mignon, roasted duck breast, and squash risotto, among other unique dishes. Available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the tasting menu is priced at $180 per adult. Reservations can be made here.
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3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach / Website
For a divine, seasonal four-course menu with curated wine pairings and live music, head to The Mayor’s Table for dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The menu is set to feature chicory salad, the eye of the rib, pineapple-glazed Japanese Kurobuta pork, ‘beet’ Wellington, and black truffle honey nut squash. The meal is priced at $110 per person and an additional $60 per person for wine pairings. Kids' dinners are priced at $55 per guest aged five to 12 years old, and kids under four eat for free. Reservations for Christmas Eve can be made here and reservations for Christmas Day can be made here.
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1601 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim / Website
Enjoy a rooftop meal with stellar views of the city. The five-course holiday tasting menu will be available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Menu highlights include chilled scallopini with sea beans, lamb loin confit with stewed lentils and date puree, and bread pudding with dried fruit for dessert. Reservations can be made here.
Looking for more luxe stops in the OC? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Laguna Beach.
Photography by: Foxys_forest_manufacture
