Celebrate in Style: Where to dine out for the holidays
It’s an unfortunate side effect of the situation we’re in, but the size and number of holiday gatherings this year will likely be a fraction of what they typically are.
And while this does mean you’ll avoid being pinned in the corner by your aunt who just can’t stop talking about the Dolittle reboot with Robert Downey Jr., it means so many of the great feasts many of us normally enjoy are also out for the count in 2020.
But there are still plenty of ways to make holiday dining special. Even though restaurant restrictions affecting capacity and seating are still in place at many Columbus eateries, it’s possible to enjoy a dinner that’s both safe and delicious.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it does represent some of our favorite holiday dining choices. Dig in.
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Open on: Christmas Eve
This Cameron Mitchell eatery has been a consistent presence in the Columbus holiday dining scene, and this year is no different. Diners can enjoy their Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Menu for $55 per person (or $79 each if you opt for wine pairings). The menu features a first course of sunchoke soup of squash salad, entrees of pan seared grouper or bison steak, and ricotta almond cake for dessert.
Open on: Christmas Eve
Who said all holiday meals had to be an extravagant affair? Sometimes, even on the holidays, we just want to stuff our faces with the best cold-cut deli sandwich we can get our hands on. Katzinger’s is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and you can even stock up on artisanal meats, cheeses, and bread at their on-site grocery store.
Open on: Christmas Eve
One of the most lauded restaurants in the city—complete with a world-class wine cellar—operates out of a converted church, so you can tell your grandma you went to church on Christmas Eve. Kind of. Make sure to reserve your table ASAP, because these seats are likely to fill up fast.
Open on: Christmas Eve
For $55/person, their fixed holiday menu offers a first course of shrimp scampi, crab crusted filet, or seared scallops as an entree, and a festive sparkling bourbon cider to top off your holiday dining experience.
Open on: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Sometimes, no matter the time of year, the only thing that will really hit the spot is fare from a classic American steakhouse. If you’re willing to make the trek out to Easton Town Center, you and the family can enjoy enjoy a ribeye or a new york strip on both Christmas Eve or Christmas Day— a surefire way to add a little more merry to your Christmas.
Italian Dining (Multiple Spots)
Open on: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Sometimes it feels right to mix things up during the holidays. And while it’s not likely the three wise men were chowing down on a delectable chicken parm 2,020 years ago, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. A trio of Italian eateries in Columbus, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, Brio Italian Grille, and Buca di Beppo are all open until 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Open on: Christmas Eve, Christmas
Because fine French dining is appropriate no matter the occasion, The Keep is another fantastic option for a festive dinner this year. Entrees such as wine-braised lamb shank and rosemary maple-brined chicken might just have leg up on Mom’s baked ham, whether you like to hear it or not. Holiday pricing includes $70 for two diners or $130 for four.
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