Where To Eat In NYC For The Holidays – That’s Not A Christmas Pop-Up (2025)

Wondering where to eat in NYC for the holidays?

If you’re headed to NYC for the holidays, you’re probably super excited to see all the sites, the city decked out for the season, and maybe to catch the Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular or the Nutcracker.

I’m guessing you’ve also figured out where you plan to eat on Christmas Day, but you haven’t had time to think about all the other meals you’re going to need during your visit.

If this sounds like you, I’ve got you covered. Having learned the hard way, I know that a food plan is an important part of any vacation. Kids need to eat, adults need to eat, and everyone gets cranky if you have to wait.

In New York City, it’s strongly advised to have dinner reservations! And at the very least, know exactly where you plan to have dinner, how long are you willing to wait for a table if you don’t have a reservation, and what time you need to be there.

Please trust me on this! I’ve found that meal time structure works great, especially when visiting a huge city like New York, during a very busy time. NYC offers so many excellent restaurants serving Christmas meals, with Christmas decorations, and festive seasonal cocktails. It can easily become overwhelming.

The Best Christmas Restaurants in New York City

Choose some places from this list, get online, and start reserving tables. You can always change your mind, but it’s really helpful to have a back-up plan.

Most places will be decorated for the season, so not to worry, New Yorkers really embrace the holidays! You’ll see Christmas trees, lights, and decorations galore. NYC is all lit up at night!

While there are many pop-up bars that emerge just for the season and are completely strictly holiday themed, they will be packed and might be a challenge to get into.

As an alternative, I present to you my best list of 6 permanent, not pop-up, places.

They’re all iconic and famous for their good food and fabulous holiday decorations. 

#1 Central Park’s Gem -Tavern on the Green

Tavern on the Green – Upper West Side
Location: Central Park & 67th Street

Tavern on the Green is the iconic restaurant tucked into Central Park. The food at Tavern on the Green is sourced by local and seasonal ingredients and being there at Christmas is esspecially charming.

If reservations in the main dining room don’t work for you, then go to the bar, without a reservation, and you’ll be seated at a small table or a cozy couch. I love sitting at the bar and enjoying their fries and brussel sprouts. Tavern on the Green is a go-to spot at Christmas time because it’s so cozy and festive!

Tavern on the Green has special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve menus. Reservations required.

#2 A Greenwich Village Treasure – The Waverly Inn

The Waverly Inn – Greenwich Village
Location: 16 Bank Street

The Waverly Inn is made for a chilly New York visit. Their holiday decor is lovely, the fireplace and other seating areas are very cozy, and the food is excellent! Its a mixture of elegance and comfort food that we love. They even offer Gluten Free options and have great cocktails. A reservation is best, but I have been known to drop in at a late afternoon time with success! Head to lower Manhattan and make the Waverly a destination.

#3 NYC’s Famous Christmas Spot – Rolf’s 

Rolf’s German Restaurant – Gramercy Park
Location: 281 Third Avenue
212-477-4750 Reservations by Telephone ONLY

Rolf’s is probably the most famous Christmas Restaurant in the city. If you like German – specifically Alsatian/Bavarian food, then check it out. It takes their team three months to decorate with antique ornaments and 200,000 lights. They boast that they keep their Christmas decorations throughout the year! They are going for the cozy, Victorian feel. No reservation is needed for the bar, but you must call to get a lunch or dinner reservation.

#4 NYC’s Oldest Tavern – Pete’s Tavern

Pete’s Tavern – Gramercy Park
Location: 129 East 18th Street & Irving Place 

This 1864 Gramercy Park pub is known for going above and beyond with their decorations at Christmastime. They serve pub style, happy hour food. Pete’s is known as the “oldest, continuously operating” tavern in NYC. Fun Fact – its where O.Henry wrote The Gift of the Magi in 1905. One of the best reasons to visit NYC is to learn about the history, and Pete’s has a lot of it!

#5 A Traditional Christmas  – Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – Times Square & Union Square

Locations: 249 W. 49th St. Times Square
13 E. 17th St. Union Square

Lillie’s are Victorian style restaurants named for the famed Lillie Langtry, a renowned actress of the late 1800’s. The menus are eclectic with a range from things like fish and chips to pasta and duck. Both locations are known for their incredible Christmas decorations, giving even more “umph” to their Victorian decor.

#6 Irish Inspired Christmas – Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde  – NoMad
Location: 45 W. 27th St.

This restaurant is inspired by the famed Irish writer of the same name. It is a remarkable place for its extensive collection of antique arts, and decor and the longest bar at 118.5 feet long. Porcelain and wood from different castles in Europe, antique clocks, carrera marble, Italian stained glass, and on and on. And at Christmas time, well…its over the top!

Where to eat in NYC in December

Now for some more favorites. While these are not famous for their holiday decorations, I guarentee they will be festive and the food superb!

These are the top 8 places that I recommend for really excellent menus, outstanding service, and wonderful atmosphere. 

Check out even more of my favorites here

#7 Dine Among Art – The Whitby Hotel Restaurant

The Whitby Hotel Restaurant- Midtown 
Location: 18 West 56th Street

The Whitby Bar & Restaurant is striking because the artwork and decor is truly unique. This is, hands down, one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York. The food is also amazing!

The Whitby Hotel and its sisters  are all designed by Kit Kemp. I highly recommend this colorful dining experience. Enjoy the beautiful upholstery and decor while having dinner or afternoon tea. You’ll want to sty for a long time!

Check out the Whitby Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve menus and events.

#8 Enjoy Mediterranean – Lola Taverna

Lola Taverna – SoHo
Location: 210 6th Avenue

Lola Taverna is one of my all time favorite restaurants in New York City. I really love Greek and Mediterranean food, so this is always a win for me. It’s a fun colorful atmosphere with a delicious menu. Start with the hummus, move on to the feta salad, and have the chicken souvlaki! I promise you will be a happy holiday traveler at Lola’s.

#9 Go For Sushi – Lure Fishbar

Lure Fishbar – SoHo
Location: 142 Mercer Street

Lure Fishbar has become a staple of our NYC visits. Being a huge Japanese food and suchi fan, I al always hungry for Lure. The whole dining experience is great, in part because the restaurant is designed as a ship with gorgeous wood and lots of space. While always busy, its not too loud to be able to have a conversation and relax with your meal. The food is excellent, and you can’t beat the neighborhood!

Look for Lure’s Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes and New Year’s Eve Yacht Party menus.

#10 Authentic Jewish Cuisine – Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters Cafe   – East Village 
Location: 127 Orchard Street

Russ & Daughters is one of NYC’s oldest Jewish restaurants on the famous Lower East Side neighborhood.  For generations, the Russ family has owned this business. There are now several locations in New York, but I recommend the Orchard Street cafe. Look for traditional Chanukah food. And be sure to try their rugelach! They even have gluten free bagels, and of course all the best Jewish food, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Be sure to check their holiday hours! They close at 4PM for Chanukah and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and at 6PM on New Year’s Eve.

 11. Upscale Italian – La Pecora Bianca

La Pecora Bianca – Midtown
Location: 950 2nd Avenue

La Pecora Bianca is a very popular Italian reataurant with seven locations in NoMad, Midtown, SoHo, Bryant Park, Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side. We’ve been to a couple of their spots and the food is always memorable and special. They have Gluten Free pasta and pizza, and fish, and apps. Be sure to check the menu of the location you want because the menus are not the same in eat spot. Look for their Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve menus.

#12 Mexican Cuisine with a Flare – Rosie’s

Rosie’s – East Village
Location: 29 E 2nd Street 

Rosie’s is a modern Mexican restaurant, but with a hip vibe. It’s a comfortable and casual scene, and the food is really not your average Mexican fare. It’s unique and very excellent. It’s new to my list of “I’ll be returning there!”

#13 Authentic Chinese Food – Tri Dim Shanghai

Tri Dim Shanghai  –  Upper East Side
Location: 1378 3rd Avenue 

Tri Dim Shanghai is one of those special gems of the Upper East Side. Trying to decide where to eat Chinese food in a city with the country’s largest and oldest China Town is daunting! But leave China Town and you’ll still find great Chinese food.

We ate here on New year’s Eve and had an unbelievable meal, great service, and can’t wait to return! They serve Shanghainese, dim sum, and Szechuan cuisine.

#14 A Midtown Favorite – Serra Eataly

Serra at Eataly – Flatiron
Location: 200 5th Avenue

Serra by Birreria is above the phenomenal, gourmet italian markethall Eataly.

This rooftop restaurant has a rustic Italian menu. The space is always decorated expressly for each season. And the Christmas holidays are particularly special.  The greenhouse is transformed into a winter wonderland. The food is always great and the wines and cocktails are divine!

Where is the best place to stay in New York City at Christmas?

Finding an affordable and safe place to stay in New York City can be a challenge, especially at holiday time. Check out my suggestions below  for some great choices.

→ Best Budget Spot – Arlo Soho 

Arlo Soho is in the heart of Greenwich Village, has a rooftop bar, and views of the river. The Village is a really fun and festive neighborhood to explore during the holiday season. And so many great restaurants!!!

 

→ Best Mid-Range Spot – The Hotel Beacon

The Hotel Beacon is a historic building on the Upper West Side with apartment style rooms near Central Park. I am an UWS girl at heart since this was my old neighborhood. I highly recommend staying in this part of town for the more quiet holiday experience and so close to the park!

→ Best Luxury Spot – Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace was formerly the historic Villard Mansion, on Madison Avenue. This grand, 5 star hotel will no doubt be a gorgeous place to stay during the holidays for a special and luxurious visit to the city!

Consider Booking a NYC Vacation Rental from VRBO here!

What is the best way to get around New York City in the winter?

• Bring your best winter walking boots and your warmest coat because walking is the best way to see New York! 
• Taxi and ride apps such as Uber, Lyft, and Revel are also always available. Have these apps loaded on your phone so you can compare prices before you book. The surge and peak time prices can really vary a lot!
• Load ApplePay on your phone and you can scan in at subway station turnstiles, OR Purchase a Metrocard at subway stations and use it on the buses as well.

How to ride public transportation in NYC

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

Now you’ve got a list for where to eat in NYC for the holidays.

In a nutshell…

That’s the roundup of the best spots to grab a bite this Christmas season. Each place has its own vibe and unique dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Christmas dinner or something a bit more out-of-the-box, these restaurants won’t disappoint.

So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to eat, drink, and be merry. I’m sure your taste buds will thank you.

And if you need more suggestions, look here!

Happy holidays and happy eating, everyone!

xx,
Carrie