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The 23 Best Bay Area Restaurants That Are Open on Christmas Day

These are the best restaurants to help you ring in the holiday

by Ellen Fort, Janelle Bitker, and Eve Batey Updated
1 comment / new
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by Ellen Fort, Janelle Bitker, and Eve Batey Updated
1 comment / new
Tuba/Facebook

The fantasy of hosting a fabulous Christmas feast is shattered by the limitations of the average San Francisco apartment: as many people live with cramped kitchens, unreliable ovens, and dining rooms that were converted to bedrooms in the 1980s, a restaurant Christmas looks better and better. That’s why Eater SF has created this list of the best 23 restaurants in the Bay Area that will open be on Christmas Day, including spots in San Francisco, the East Bay, and Silicon Valley. Of course, nearly all Chinese restaurants stay open on the holiday, but you don’t need us to tell you that.

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Akemi Japanese Restaurant

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Cover your table in gyoza, tempura, sushi, grilled meats, ramen, and other Japanese dishes this Christmas. Akemi will be serving its usual a la carte menu for a no-stress affair. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reserve here.

1695 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 524-1286
(510) 524-1286
Akemi Japanese Restaurant/Facebook

Saul's Restaurant & Deli

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Christmas day at Saul’s is a bustling, lively event — a mix between a jam session, a holiday bash, and a regular old day at the deli. Dance to the brassy tunes of a ten-piece Klezmer band, chat with the eclectic crowd, and of course, eat plenty of latkes, pastrami, and challah French toast. Details: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

1475 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 848-3354
(510) 848-3354
Saul's/Yelp

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Zino

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Zino, the Mediterranean restaurant inside Hotel Shattuck Plaza, will be open for dinner (regular menu), and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will serve a massive Christmas brunch buffet. Think oysters, charcuterie, cheese, hand-carved prime rib, lobster mac and cheese, and more. Oh, and bottomless mimosas. Details: It costs $79 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under (plus a 20 percent mandatory tip). Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 649-9466
(510) 649-9466
Zino

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Bistro Boudin

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You’ll find Bistro Boudin’s normal menu on Christmas Day, including loads of Dungeness crab dishes, like Dungeness crab mac and cheese and tamale-like crab avocado rolls. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 351-5561
(415) 351-5561
Bistro Boudin

Fior D'Italia

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Opt for Italian this Christmas at Fior D’Italia, where you can feast on Northern Italian specialties like pumpkin stuffed ravioli, tagliatelle alla bolognese, and a rack of lamb dusted with rosemary essence. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reserve here.

2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 986-1886
(415) 986-1886
Fior D’Italia/Facebook

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Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse

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Eat all the grilled meats you can handle on Christmas — Oakland’s Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse is offering its usual churrasco experience for lunch and dinner. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reserve here.

1019 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-9388
(510) 238-9388
Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse/Facebook

Yank Sing

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Yank Sing will be serving its usual medley of dim sum specialties from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, which means there will be plenty of steamed dumplings, tender pork buns, and xiao long bao for the whole family. Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105
415-781-1111
415-781-1111
Yelp/Jennifer C.

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Big 4

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The Huntington Hotel’s Big 4 restaurant promises a prix-fixe Christmas menu that includes locally sourced seasonal ingredients as well as holiday nap inducers like black truffle risotto and an 8 oz. filet mignon. Details: Dinner is $140 per person, the menu is here, and reservations are required, and can be made by calling 415-771-1140.

1075 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 771-1140
(415) 771-1140

Café de la Presse

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French staple Cafe de la Presse is offering a $95 five-course meal, starting with lobster bisque and winding down with a chocolate buche de noel. Details: Served from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and the full menu is here.

352 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-2680
(415) 398-2680
Cafe de la Presse/Facebook

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Zingari

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This Christmas, Zingari will be serving a three-course menu for $85, full of Italian specialties like osso bucco, grilled filet mignon, and crab agnolotti. Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menus are available, too. Details: 1 to 10 p.m. Full menu here.

501 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 885-8850
(415) 885-8850
Zingari/Yelp

MKT Restaurant and Bar

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Expect a three-course feast with special holiday dishes at MKT Restaurant and Bar, the Four Seasons’ elegant steak and seafood restaurant. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. with reservations here.

757 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 633-3838
(415) 633-3838

Also featured in:

Fang

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Upscale House of Nanking spinoff Fang will be serving its usual menu all Christmas Day long, including its traditional wok entrees, soups, and signature cocktails. Details: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., reserve here.

660 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-8568
(415) 777-8568

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

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Nothing says festive like endless grilled meats carved table side, the highlight of a massive churrasco feast at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The San Jose location is also open. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

201 3rd St #100, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 427-0004
(415) 427-0004
Fogo de Chão/Facebook

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Sutro's

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Sutro's window-filled dining room in the Cliff House looks over the Pacific Ocean, making for one of the best views you can hope for on Christmas Day. Sutro's will be serving a special menu for lunch and dinner, and while reservations are recommended, tables are reserved for walk-in customers who are willing to wait. Details: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., menu here.

1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-3330
(415) 386-3330
Yelp/Ed U.

Tuba Restaurant

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Dolmas, dips, kabobs, and other Turkish delights will make for a casual but abundant spread this Christmas at the Mission’s Tuba. Details: 5 to 10 p.m. Reserve here.

1007 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-8822
(415) 826-8822
Tuba/Facebook

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Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen

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Two Wise Sons locations will stay open this Christmas, which means they’ll cook up breakfast for the entire family (so you don’t have to). Swing by in the early a.m. to pick up baked goods, deli treats, and of course, bagels. Details: Wise Sons at 3150 24th St. will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., while its location at the Contemporary Jewish Museum will open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

3150 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 787-3354
(415) 787-3354
Elements Wise Sons Patricia Chang

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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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Downtown San Mateo’s Japanese barbecue spot will be grilling up meats all day. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reserve here.

329 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 343-3255
(650) 343-3255
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ/Facebook

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British Bankers Club

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For Christmas, Menlo Park’s tavern-plus-oyster-bar British Bankers Club will offer a yet-to-be-announced prix-fixe menu for lunch and dinner. Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Reserve here.

555 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 382-3191
(650) 382-3191
British Bankers Club/Facebook

Bevri

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The Bay Area’s only Georgian restaurant will be open on Christmas, serving its usual menu of khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and kebabs. Details: Open 5 to 10 p.m. Reserve here.

530 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 384-6500
(650) 384-6500
Bevri/Facebook

Reposado

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This sit-down Mexican restaurant is offering a special Christmas menu of small plates, entrees, and dessert. Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Menu here, reserve here.

236 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 833-3151
(650) 833-3151
Reposado/Facebook

Madera

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Find a four-course, family-style meal at Michelin-starred Madera for Christmas day or night. Details: It costs $165 for adults and $80 for children ages 12 and under. Reservations available from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2825 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 561-1540
(650) 561-1540
Madera/Facebook

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Scratch

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Scratch is serving a menu of American classics, and also boasts a lengthy wine list. Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Reserve here.

401 Castro St #100, Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 237-3132
(650) 237-3132
Scratch/Facebook

Fairmont San Jose

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Head to the hotel’s grand Imperial Ballroom for a lavish buffet including brunch favorites, Italian dishes, and more typical Christmas fare like roasted turkey and herb-crusted prime rib. Details: Tickets cost $125 per adults, with reservations made on a per-table basis.

170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 998-1900
(408) 998-1900
Fairmont San Jose/Facebook

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Akemi Japanese Restaurant

1695 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707

Cover your table in gyoza, tempura, sushi, grilled meats, ramen, and other Japanese dishes this Christmas. Akemi will be serving its usual a la carte menu for a no-stress affair. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reserve here.

1695 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 524-1286
(510) 524-1286
Akemi Japanese Restaurant/Facebook

Saul's Restaurant & Deli

1475 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

Christmas day at Saul’s is a bustling, lively event — a mix between a jam session, a holiday bash, and a regular old day at the deli. Dance to the brassy tunes of a ten-piece Klezmer band, chat with the eclectic crowd, and of course, eat plenty of latkes, pastrami, and challah French toast. Details: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

1475 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 848-3354
(510) 848-3354
Saul's/Yelp

Zino

2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Zino, the Mediterranean restaurant inside Hotel Shattuck Plaza, will be open for dinner (regular menu), and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will serve a massive Christmas brunch buffet. Think oysters, charcuterie, cheese, hand-carved prime rib, lobster mac and cheese, and more. Oh, and bottomless mimosas. Details: It costs $79 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under (plus a 20 percent mandatory tip). Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 649-9466
(510) 649-9466
Zino

Bistro Boudin

160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

You’ll find Bistro Boudin’s normal menu on Christmas Day, including loads of Dungeness crab dishes, like Dungeness crab mac and cheese and tamale-like crab avocado rolls. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 351-5561
(415) 351-5561
Bistro Boudin

Fior D'Italia

2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Opt for Italian this Christmas at Fior D’Italia, where you can feast on Northern Italian specialties like pumpkin stuffed ravioli, tagliatelle alla bolognese, and a rack of lamb dusted with rosemary essence. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reserve here.

2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 986-1886
(415) 986-1886
Fior D’Italia/Facebook

Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse

1019 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607

Eat all the grilled meats you can handle on Christmas — Oakland’s Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse is offering its usual churrasco experience for lunch and dinner. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reserve here.

1019 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-9388
(510) 238-9388
Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse/Facebook

Yank Sing

101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Yank Sing will be serving its usual medley of dim sum specialties from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, which means there will be plenty of steamed dumplings, tender pork buns, and xiao long bao for the whole family. Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105
415-781-1111
415-781-1111
Yelp/Jennifer C.

Big 4

1075 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108

The Huntington Hotel’s Big 4 restaurant promises a prix-fixe Christmas menu that includes locally sourced seasonal ingredients as well as holiday nap inducers like black truffle risotto and an 8 oz. filet mignon. Details: Dinner is $140 per person, the menu is here, and reservations are required, and can be made by calling 415-771-1140.

1075 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 771-1140
(415) 771-1140

Café de la Presse

352 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

French staple Cafe de la Presse is offering a $95 five-course meal, starting with lobster bisque and winding down with a chocolate buche de noel. Details: Served from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and the full menu is here.

352 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-2680
(415) 398-2680
Cafe de la Presse/Facebook

Zingari

501 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102

This Christmas, Zingari will be serving a three-course menu for $85, full of Italian specialties like osso bucco, grilled filet mignon, and crab agnolotti. Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menus are available, too. Details: 1 to 10 p.m. Full menu here.

501 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 885-8850
(415) 885-8850
Zingari/Yelp

MKT Restaurant and Bar

757 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Expect a three-course feast with special holiday dishes at MKT Restaurant and Bar, the Four Seasons’ elegant steak and seafood restaurant. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. with reservations here.

757 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 633-3838
(415) 633-3838

Fang

660 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Upscale House of Nanking spinoff Fang will be serving its usual menu all Christmas Day long, including its traditional wok entrees, soups, and signature cocktails. Details: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., reserve here.

660 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-8568
(415) 777-8568

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

201 3rd St #100, San Francisco, CA 94103

Nothing says festive like endless grilled meats carved table side, the highlight of a massive churrasco feast at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The San Jose location is also open. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

201 3rd St #100, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 427-0004
(415) 427-0004
Fogo de Chão/Facebook

Sutro's

1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

Sutro's window-filled dining room in the Cliff House looks over the Pacific Ocean, making for one of the best views you can hope for on Christmas Day. Sutro's will be serving a special menu for lunch and dinner, and while reservations are recommended, tables are reserved for walk-in customers who are willing to wait. Details: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., menu here.

1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-3330
(415) 386-3330
Yelp/Ed U.

Tuba Restaurant

1007 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Dolmas, dips, kabobs, and other Turkish delights will make for a casual but abundant spread this Christmas at the Mission’s Tuba. Details: 5 to 10 p.m. Reserve here.

1007 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-8822
(415) 826-8822
Tuba/Facebook

Related Maps

Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen

3150 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Two Wise Sons locations will stay open this Christmas, which means they’ll cook up breakfast for the entire family (so you don’t have to). Swing by in the early a.m. to pick up baked goods, deli treats, and of course, bagels. Details: Wise Sons at 3150 24th St. will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., while its location at the Contemporary Jewish Museum will open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

3150 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 787-3354
(415) 787-3354
Elements Wise Sons Patricia Chang

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

329 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Downtown San Mateo’s Japanese barbecue spot will be grilling up meats all day. Details: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reserve here.

329 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 343-3255
(650) 343-3255