Best Bets for Dining Out and Celebrating Christmas
BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Cookies & Coquito, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
WHAT: This collaboration with ChatChowTV’s Gio Gutierrez combines a special coquito menu plus gourmet cookies ($18-39).
WHEN: Dec. 1-31
WHERE: The Commodore, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami, 3300 SW 27 Ave.
MORE INFO: Cookies & Coquito
North Pole Breakfast, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
WHAT: Artisanal doughnut wall, fresh-baked holiday pastries, hot chocolate bar, Elf Arts-n-Crafts and more ($80 per adult, $60 per child 2-12).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 17, 9am
WHERE: 3300 SW 27 Ave.
MORE INFO: North Pole Breakfast
Fox’s Lounge, South Miami
WHAT: Holiday-themed menu and playlist all month. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater for a free beer. On Dec. 23 and 24, savor a three-course prix-fixe dinner ($65 per person).
WHEN: Dec. 1-31 (closed on Christmas Day)
WHERE: 6030 S Dixie Hwy.
MORE INFO: Fox’s Lounge
Christmas by the Pool, Joliet Miami Beach
WHAT: Holiday pig roast, oyster shucking station and holiday cocktails ($65 per person).
WHEN: Sat., Dec. 23
WHERE: 1209 17th St.
MORE INFO: Joliet Miami Beach
Fiola Miami’s 12 Days of Christmas, Coral Gables
WHAT: Festive offerings include dishes like Stuffed Calamari & Bucatini and Prime Delmonico Steak Wellington; cocktails such as the Winter's Bliss, Hibiscus-infused Bombay Sapphire, All-Spice Dram Sparkling Wine, Lemon; and decadent desserts including the Bombolini, Ricotta Donuts, Apple Cider and Caramel Budino Fior di Latte Froth, Spiced Sugar.
WHEN: Dec. 14-25
WHERE: 1500 San Ignacio Ave.
MORE INFO: Fiola Miami
Christmas Village Pop-Up at Vivo, Dolphin Mall
WHAT: Sip on the Miami Holiday Ho-Ho-Mojito, featuring Bacardi, Lime, Coconut Milk, Mint, Pomegranate seeds, and soda water, or opt for the Gingerbread Nookie, a tempting blend of Coffee-infused blanco tequila, gingerbread simple syrup, eggnog, whip cream, and grated nutmeg. For the adventurous, the Santa Hit a Palm Tree awaits, with Smirnoff Orange, triple sec, orange juice, and sugar-free Red Bull and other Christmas drinks.
WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm-9pm and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-9pm
WHERE: Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12 St.
MORE INFO: Vivo Dolphin Mall
Elcielo, South Beach
WHAT: Colombian Christmas tradition inspired by Novena de Aguinaldos includes dishes like roasted quail, papa criolla puree and choclo and chorizo stuffing.
WHEN: Dec. 16 through Dec. 24
WHERE: SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins
MORE INFO: Elcielo
CHRISTMAS EVE/NOCHEBUENA
La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Brickell
WHAT: Traditional Peruvian-inspired holiday cuisine includes a family-style pork feast and lavish buffet, including anticucho de corazon, seafood rice, scallops, aji de gallina empanadas, papas y choclo and more ($240 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 500 Brickell Key Dr.
MORE INFO: La Mar
Burlock Coast, Fort Lauderdale
WHAT: Three-course meal includes dishes like pan-roasted local fish with creamy crab sauce, herb-roasted potatoes and green beans ($65 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 5pm-10pm
WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, 1 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
MORE INFO: For reservations call 954-302-6430 or email Steve.mulch@ritzcarlton.com.
Tropezon, South Beach
WHAT: Cochinillo (suckling pig), served with potatoes, Swiss chard and pork jus.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 512 Espanola Way
MORE INFO: Tropezón
Cafe La Trova, Little Havana
WHAT: Family-style, three-course menu featuring contemporary Latin and Cuban-style dishes ($95 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 971 SW 8 St.
MORE INFO: Cafe La Trova
Feast of Seven Steaks at COTE Miami, Design District
WHAT: Take a tour of COTE’s finest plates, including filet mignon, skirt steak, lamb chop, aged ribeye and more )$225 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 3900 NE 2 Ave.
MORE INFO: COTE Miami
Christmas Eve at Casa Isola, Miami Beach
WHAT: Enjoy Casa Isola’s Famous Sunday Sauce – porchetta, balsamic roasted collards, toasted tomato jus and more. Regular menu also available.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 5-10pm
WHERE: 1418 20th St.
MORE INFO: Casa Isola
M’Italia Kitchen + Bar, South Miami
WHAT: Nonna’s Sunday Supper and Seven Fish specials are on the menu for Christmas Eve.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, noon-8pm
WHERE: 5th 958 S Dixie Hwy.
MORE INFO: M'Italia
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, Dinner, Fi’Lia Brickell
WHAT: Festive brunch features homemade holiday porchetta and French toast donuts, live DJ and holiday beverage package. For dinner, look for woodfire grilled whole branzino with two holiday sides, such as Brussels sprouts, woodfire sweet potato, broccolini, asparagus, roasted cauliflower, grilled squash and crispy potatoes.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 11am-4pm (brunch) and 4pm-10pm (dinner)
WHERE: SLS Brickell, 1300 S Miami Ave.
MORE INFO: Fi’Lia Brickell
The Feast of Seven Fishes, La Fuga, Fort Lauderdale
WHAT: Italian-American celebrations kicks off festivities with seven courses of fish and seafood.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 2900 Riomar St.
MORE INFO: La Fuga
Christmas Special, Cantina La Veinte, Brickell
WHAT: Three-course menu includes creamy carrot soup, turkey breast and chocolate mousse acorne ($65) plus live mariachi music.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 495 Brickell Ave.
MORE INFO: Cantina La Veinte
Flavors of Cuba, Social 27 Supper Club, Little Havana
WHAT: Prix-fixe dinner features dishes like chorizo croquetas, short rib vaca frita and coconut caramel flan ($75).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 2555 SW 8 St.
MORE INFO: Social 27 Supper Club
Dinner, Mau Miami
WHAT: Festive prix-fixe dinner features dishes like lobster bisque, prime rib and vanilla tres leches ($65).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 5:30pm-close
WHERE: 3252 NE 1 Ave.
MORE INFO: Mau Miami
Noche Buena Dinner Party, Kuba Cabana, Bayside and Doral
WHAT: Traditional Cuban lechon dinner with ropa vieja croqetas, arroz congrí, yuca con mojo, Copa Lolita ($45).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 3450 NW 83 Ave., Doral; Bayside, 401 Biscayne Blvd.
MORE INFO: Kuba Cabana
Feast of the Seven Fishes, Runway 84, Fort Lauderdale
WHAT: Plates include roasted peppers and Sicilian stuffed peppers, fried calamari, baked clams oreganata, zuppa di pesce fra diavolo ($90 per person). Limited a la carte menu available.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 3pm-10pm
WHERE: 330 W State Road 84
MORE INFO: Runway 84
Lona Cocina and Tequileria, Fort Lauderdale
WHAT: Celebrate Christmas Eve oceanside with a Christmas Eve brunch that includes a guacamole bar, taco station, roast beef and carving station and more ($60 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 11:30am-3pm
WHERE: The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
MORE INFO: Lona Restaurant
Quinto, Brickell
WHAT: Four-course prix-fixe menu includes lengua de res, polenta rellena, fire-roasted prime rib or merluza confitada ($70 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: EAST Miami, 788 Brickell Plaza
MORE INFO: Quinto
R House, Wynwood
WHAT: Hosted by Athena Dion, Miss Ultimate Miami Drag Queen, the family-style menu includes cayenne fried chicken, cinnamon sweet French toast, R Cuban breakfast croissant ($60 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24, 11:30am
WHERE: 2727 NW 2 Ave.
MORE INFO: R House
Jaya at The Setai, Miami Beach
WHAT: Special holiday jazz brunch features endless Roederer Champagne, special holiday dishes and Asian, seafood and dessert stations alongside breakfast classics ($125 adults, $75 child).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24 or Mon., Dec. 25 from 11:15am-3:30pm
WHERE: The Setai, 2001 Collins Ave.
MORE INFO: Jaya at The Setai
Aba Miami, Bal Harbour
WHAT: Christmas Eve offerings include pan-roasted halibut, jumbo shrimp cocktail with harissa cocktail sauce.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24
WHERE: 9ths 700 Collins ave.
MORE INFO: Aba Miami
CHRISTMAS DAY
Ocean Social by Chef Tristan Epps, Miami Beach
WHAT: Four-course holiday feast includes local fish crudo, foie gras ganache tart, lamb and honeynut squash lasagna, Szechwan honey-glazed dry-aged duck and coquito Basque-style cheesecake ($110 per person).
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24 and Mon., Dec. 25 from 5-9om
WHERE: Eden Roc Miami Beach, 4525 Collins Ave.
MORE INFO: Ocean Social
Toro Toro, Miami
WHAT: Celebrate Nochebuena and Christmas with a pan-Latin holiday feast that includes cassava al carbon, beet melange salad, bone-in beef short rib, croquembouche tree and sticky toffee pudding.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24 beginning at 6pm and Mon., Dec. 25 noon-11pm.
WHERE: InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza
MORE INFO: Toro Toro
Zeru Miami, Brickell
WHAT: Christmas dinner features dishes like black cod brandada, wild mushroom cannelloni, Segovia-style suckling pig ($165) with cava.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25
WHERE: 1395 Brickell Ave, Miami
MORE INFO: Zeru
Christmas Brunch, Novotel Miami
WHAT: Savory delights, sweet treats and traditional holiday favorites.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 11am-2pm
WHERE: 1500 SW 1st Ave.
MORE INFO: Novotel Miami
Chinese Takeout Dinner, Broken Shaker, Miami Beach
WHAT: Indulge in your Chinese takeout favorites like krab rangoon, pork dumplings, shrimp shumai, Mongolian beef, dan dan noodles and more.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 6pm-11pm
WHERE: Broken Shaker, Freehand Miami, 2727 Indian Creek Dr.
MORE INFO: Broken Shaker
Christmas Brunch, Italica Midtown
WHAT: Modern Italian brunch features French toast with Nutella, pistachio, mascarpone and housemade marmalade, gnocchi with short rib, pizza and more.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 11am-1pm
WHERE: 3201 NE First Ave.
MORE INFO: Italica Midtown
Italian Feast at IT Italian Trattoria, Lincoln Road
WHAT: Traditional feast includes pastas and three different tiramisu flavors.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 8am-midnight
WHERE: 1014 Lincoln Rd.
MORE INFO: IT Italian Trattoria
Sweet Treats, PAUL, Miami Beach
WHAT: Yule logs, kinds cake and other festive seasonal treats available on Christmas Day.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 8am-8pm
WHERE: 450 Lincoln Rd.
MORE INFO: PAUL, Miami Beach
Holiday Cocktails, Segafredo L’Originale, Miami Beach
WHAT: Try a matchs martini or pumpkin-spiced martini alongside burgers on Christmas Day.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 11am-midnight
WHERE: 1040 Lincoln Rd.
MORE INFO: Segafredo L’originale
Feast of the Seven Dishes, Luca Osteria, Coral Gables
WHAT: Indulge in a special family-style feast for the ages including a variety of Italian delicacies, including Luca’s signature Patate Fritte made with black truffle, parmigiano fonduta and egg yolk, Pasta al Limone made with mafaldine pasta, whole lemon & 24 month-parmigiano Reggiano and Short Rib Bolognese made with pappardelle, mortadella butter and nutmeg ($65 per person).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 5:30pm-10pm
WHERE: 116 Giralda Ave.
MORE INFO: Luca Osteria
Brunch at Isabelle’s, The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, Miami
WHAT: Brunch highlights include freshly baked treats, eggs and omelet station, hot cocoa bar, seafood raw bar, traditional and gingerbread pancakes ($110 adults, $65 kids 5-12).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 11:30am-4pm
WHERE: 3300 SW 27 Ave.
MORE INFO: Isabelle's
Calle Dragones, Little Havana
WHAT: Cuban Nochebuena features dishes like salmon sarpaccio, burrata salad, cream of calabaza soup, mojo roast turkey and roast lechón.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24 and Mon., Dec. 25, 5pm-midnight
WHERE: 1036 SW 8 St.
MORE INFO: Calle Dragones
Christmas Day Feast, Lightkeepers, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
WHAT: Diners can feast on caviar, a sushi and chilled seafood spread, carving stations, a children’s buffet and selection of sweet treats ($185 adults, $69 children).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 12:30pm-4pm
WHERE: 455 Grand Bay Dr.
MORE INFO: Lightkeepers
ADRIFT Mare, Brickell
WHAT: Three-course holiday menu includes lobster roll, oysters, prime rib roast or grilled king crab legs and dessert ($98 per person).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 5:30pm-10:30pm
WHERE: 1395 Brickell Ave.
MORE INFO: ADRIFT Mare
Brasserie Laurel, Downtown Miami
WHAT: Christmas feast includes a seafood plateau, striploin tartare, salmon en croute or prime rib ($90 per person).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 5pm-10pm
WHERE: Miami Worldcenter, 698 NE 1 Ave.
MORE INFO: Brasserie Laurel
Bourbon Steak, Aventura
WHAT: Chef Michael Mina’s acclaimed American steakhouse features dishes like Chef’s oyster selection, Michael’s tuna tartare, foie gras, Delmonico ribeye, miso-glazed sea bass, buche de Noel ($180 per person).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 5pm-11pm
WHERE: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr.
MORE INFO: Bourbon Steak
Eva, Coconut Grove
WHAT: Mediterranean feast from chef/owner Michael Beltran includes baked eggplant, roast chicken with chestnut stuffing, roast lamb and orange pie ($75 per person).
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25, 5pm-10pm
WHERE: CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave.
MORE INFO: Eva, Coconut Grove
Orange Blossom, Miami Beach
WHAT: Wagyu skirt steak, pan-seared scallop with roasted cauliflower, and almond-crusted salmon are among special entrees.
WHEN: Mon., Dec. 25
WHERE: 2000 Collins Ave.
MORE INFO: Orange Blossom
Feast of the Seven Fishes, Mirabella, Miami Beach
WHAT: Enjoy their version of this longtime Italian Christmas traditional meal, accompanied by a wine pairing.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24 6pm-10pm and Mon, Dec. 25 4pm-9pm
WHERE: Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Ave.
MORE INFO: Mirabella
Hutong Miami, Brickell
WHAT: Flaming Peking Turkey presented tableside (available for preorder for $200, feeding 4-6 people), plus a la carte contemporary Chinese dishes.
WHEN: Sun., Dec. 24 and Mon., Dec. 25
WHERE: 600 Brickell Ave.
MORE INFO: Hutong Miami
TO-GO MEALS AND DESSERTS
Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, Fort Lauderdale
WHAT: Pick up holiday treats like Cafecito Pie, Apple Cheesecake, Pecan Pie, Guavaberry Pie, Carrot Cake, Key Lime Pie and Red Velvet Cheesecake.
WHEN: Month of Dec.
WHERE: 2545 N Miami Ave.; 3435 Main Hwy., 250 N. Federal Hwy.
MORE INFO: Fireman Derek's
Chugs, Coconut Grove
WHAT: Cookie tins (prices vary) and pastelito boxes from Pastelito Papi’s ($48).
WHEN: Week of Christmas
WHERE: 3444 Main Hwy.
MORE INFO: Chugs Diner
Casa Mariano, Doral
WHAT: Mediterranean-inspired feast for 10 people ($350) includes short ribs, stuffed turkey breast, chicken roulade, sides and more.
WHEN: Place orders by Fri., Dec. 22
WHERE: 8200 NW 27 St.
MORE INFO: Casa Mariano
Finka Tap and Table, Kendall
WHAT: To-go Holiday Menu includes coquito, whole roasted chicken, roasted pork leg, oirk shoulder, sides and desserts.
WHEN: Order by Fri, Dec. 22
WHERE: 14690 SW 26 St.
MORE INFO: Finka Tap and Table
Omakase To-Go, Uchi Miami
WHAT: Special omakase takeaway package for two ($175) includes ora king crudo with winter squash, zero sen makimono, pork belly, uchi salad and a pint of their all-new ice cream.
WHEN: Throughout December
WHERE: 252 NE 25 St.
MORE INFO: Uchi Miami
