Erica Rudnick Macalintal
The Christmas holidays are fast approaching, bringing together family and friends for gatherings and celebrations complete with home cooked food and traditional festivities. However, for some of us, hosting for the holidays isn’t an option, and for others, our regular Christmas destinations can be less than ideal. Circumstances such as frequent travel, smaller living spaces or strained family relations can make hosting or attending home parties a headache rather than a joy. Fortunately, there will be more than a few restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, providing delectable dining and festive ambiance.
Mynt
Mynt in Winter Park is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and offers a full menu of fine Indian cuisine. Located in Hannibal Square off Park Avenue, Mynt is well known for its elegant atmosphere, welcoming hospitality, fresh, local ingredients and savory comfort food. The regular menu is expected to be available, including favorites such as tandoori specialties, chicken tikka, biryani, and a myriad of vegetarian options. Reservations are currently being taken via Opentable or the website. https://www.myntorlando.com/
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse also has their doors open for Christmas, and its location on Orlando Avenue makes it easily accessible. Anyone who has been to Ruth’s Chris knows it’s an incredible fine dining experience, complete with the choicest cuts of steak, seafood, comforting sides, and a wine menu that will make it feel like Christmas should be every day. Holiday offerings will likely include the normal a la carte menu as well as additional, specialized menu items traditional to the holidays. Reserve your spot quickly with the restaurant or Opentable – as of early November, reservations were filling up fast.
BoVine Steakhouse
If you have guests visiting from out of town, consider restaurants situated in local hotels, such as BoVine Steakhouse in the Park Plaza hotel in Winter Park, which is also taking reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. From the same group that brought us 310 Park Avenue and blu on the avenue, BoVine Steakhouse is fine dining at its best, with a sophisticated atmosphere that will have you and your guests swooning.
The Boheme
The Boheme restaurant located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel south of College Park in Downtown Orlando will also be open on Christmas Day hosting their traditional Sunday brunch. Don’t let the “brunch” title fool you – the expansive offering is much more than breakfast, including steak, seafood, pasta, charcuterie as well as bottomless mimosas and an extensive wine list.
Honorable Mentions
Other mentions for Christmas Eve (but not Christmas Day) are Santiago’s Bodega on Virginia Drive, featuring their regular menu offering as well as happy-hour specials, including holiday themed menu items, and Chez Vincent & Hannibal’s on the Square, which serves some of the finest, most authentic French cuisine in the city.
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