San Diego Restaurants Open for the Holidays in 2024
While many look forward to home-cooked feasts come Christmas, the truth is that not everyone will be partaking the same way. Some people live far away from their families, have to work, are not interested with the hassle, or don’t celebrate the holiday, to give a few examples! But since everyone has to eat, some of San Diego’s restaurants are releasing special menus for both Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day – just make sure to read the fine print, as not every restaurant provides service on both days. Here’s the roundup of the best La Jolla and San Diego restaurants open to dine in for the holidays!
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Flemings Prime Steakhouse
8970 University Lane, San Diego 92122
Flemings Steakhouse in La Jolla is hosting several holiday specials this year. Starting now through December 21st, they will be open for a savory $38 three-course holiday lunch every Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm. The menu features entrée favorites, like the tender Filet Mignon with Fleming’s Potatoes; Crab Cakes topped with roasted red pepper and lime butter sauce; and their new vegan California Power Bowl; along with your choice of salad and a dessert.
And for dinner, now through January 6th, indulge in their three-course holiday menu that begins with your choice of indulgent starters: Wild Mushroom Soup or our Seafood Louie Wedge Salad. Then the main event: Filet Mignon and Colossal North Atlantic Lobster Tail, all dressed up for the holidays with cabernet demi-glace, mixed sauteed mushrooms, and merlot salt. View the full menu here, and make your reservations today!
A.R. Valentien
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla 92037
Spend Christmas Day at A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines this year. Enjoy a prix fixe four-course meal prepared by renowned Executive Chef Jeff Jackson in the timbered indoor- outdoor dining room overlooking the 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. Dinner will be held from 5pm to 10pm, and costs $115 per person or $130 with wine pairings. It’s $60 for children under 12. For a less casual dining experience, head to The Grill, where you can indulge in a three-course meal for just $60 a person.
The Marine Room
2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla 92037
The Marine Room in La Jolla will be open for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. Christmas Eve dining begins at 5pm on the 24th, and includes their seasonal dinner menu in addition to several holiday specials: Norwegian Halibut, Spindrift Trilogy (lobster tail, diver scallops, and wild prawn paired with asparagus and a tangerine absinthe infusion), and Colorado Lamb Osso Buco. On Christmas Day from 12pm to 7pm, you can enjoy a festive, holiday-themed a la carte menu featuring items like a Blackberry Cider Brined Mary’s Farm Turkey Breast, Thyme Fleur de Sel Roasted Branzino, and Cervena Farm Elk Medallions.
The Shores Restaurant
8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla 92037
On Christmas Eve from 5pm to 10pm, The Shores Restaurant will be serving up a variety of á la carte Christmas Eve specials in addition to their regular menu: Maine Diver Scallops with Chorizo Risotto and wilted baby kale; Crispy Skin Sea Bass with saffron cauliflower couscous and bacon jam; and an Angus Bone-in Ribeye Steak with herb peewee potatoes, cremini, and arugula salad. On Christmas Day, enjoy a stress-free holiday buffet from 10am to 7pm for $64 per person. The buffet menu will feature a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, including a traditional turkey meal and a bone-in ham option. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
George’s California Modern
1250 Prospect St., La Jolla 92037
Head to George’s California Modern restaurant for a festive menu and glass of wine from 3pm to 8pm on December 25th, which includes a three-course dinner for $62 per person. Enjoy lobster bisque, carrot campanelle pasta with soft egg, Jidori chicken, spinach and artichoke lasagna, swordfish, spiced apple and caramel mousse, plus much more! Vegetarian and vegan options will be available upon request. Their other dining areas, Level2 and Ocean Terrace, will also be open for Christmas serving regular dinner menus. Make your reservation ahead of time, as this will fill up.
Cusp Restaurant
7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla 92037
This year, head to Cusp (inside Hotel La Jolla) on Christmas Day for a delicious three-course meal between 3pm and 8pm for $65 per person. Chef Ingrid Funes has prepared a three-course menu, starting with a selection of starters like Burrata & Serrano Ham and Potato Leek Soup and followed by delicious entrees such as Pan Roasted Filet Mignon and a Duo of Duck: half roasted duck breast and duck raviolo. Seasonal desserts finish off the meal, including White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Chocolate Tart. Dinner is $65 per adult and $35 for kids. Make your reservation here.
Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar
910 Prospect St., La Jolla 92037
This year, Nine-Ten Restaurant will be open for Christmas Eve dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm. Guests will be treated to an amazing three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $70 per person ($105 with wine pairings), featuring festive holiday dishes. On Christmas Day, the restaurant will be serving an a la carte brunch menu from 7:30am to 2:30pm, as well as a full pastry bar and $16 bottomless mimosas and drink specials. They will be closed for dinner on Christmas Day.
Rustic Root
535 5th Ave., San Diego 92101
Rustic Root will offer a a festive, holiday-themed menu from 3pm to 9pm in the downstairs dining room on Christmas Day in downtown San Diego! Menu details will be announced closer to Christmas Day, but the meal will be priced at $55 per person.
Pacifica Del Mar
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 92014
On Christmas Day from 12pm to 9pm, enjoy a special 3-course menu full of holiday classics and Pacifica favorites set to stunning ocean views for $65 per person. This year’s menu features food like oven roasted free-range turkey, braised beef short ribs, pan-roasted sea bass, and sugar-spiced salmon, as well as several appetizer and dessert options. Reservations can be made early online or by phone, and are strongly suggested!
Please note: Dates, times, menus, and prices may have changed without our knowledge. Please check with these restaurants to confirm details. Enjoy & happy holidays!
