We seriously recommend abandoning the kitchen on Christmas Day and eating in one of San Diego's great restaurants. You absolutely have to book for Christmas Day, and of course many restaurants are closed. While some area restaurants will be offering special menus, most will offer their full regular menu. Here's a run-down of some of our favorite restaurants. If you're thinking of dining out on the 24th or 25th, reservations are recommended for all restaurants.

Restaurants offering special menus on Christmas Eve:

Bertrand at Mister A's
On Christmas Eve, Bertrand at Mister A's will feature two seatings. The first, from 4:30 to 6:00, will offer a la carte selections from a special Christmas menu, while the second seating, from 7:00 until close, will offer a three-course meal for $85, with the same selection of dishes. Entrees include Grilled Prime Angus Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola cream, Braised Veal Provencal with house-made spinach gnocchi, and Pan Seared John Dory with chanterelle mushrooms and leek fondue. Please note that a credit card and reservation form are required for reservations for either seating.

Reservations: Book Online or call 1-866-839-1605

NINE-TEN
With a meal this rich, you'll forget about presents all together. Nine-Ten's three-course Christmas Eve prix-fixe will feature Baked Gnocchi & Wild Mushrooms with pearl onions and perigord black truffles, Sous-Vide Duck Breast with parsley faro, orange marmalade, and a fennel-infused duck reduction, and Spiced Tangerine Rice pudding with poached cranberries and citrus tuile. Seatings are available between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m., and the meal is $65 per person, or $85 with wine pairings. A regular menu will also be available.

Reservations: Book Online or call (619)239-5070

The Palm
A meal at the Palm is always a treat, but on Christmas Eve it will be even more so—The Palm will offer a special dish: Prime Rib. Judging by the Palm's reputation for perfectly prepared steaks and seafood, the Prime Rib will be a meal to remember. The regular menu will also be offered, with a stunning array of steaks and seafood, plus the Palm's signature side dishes in family-size portions.

Reservations: Book Online or call 1-877-662-0953


Restaurants open on Christmas Eve with normal hours and regular menus (unless noted):

Aladdin
Aqua Blu
Arterra
Bali Hai (last seating at 9pm)
Bella Luna
Blue Point
Bottega De La Strada
Café Pacifica
Chianti
Coronado Boathouse
Crab Catcher
Donovan's La Jolla
El Agave
Ember's Grill
Gemelli
India Princess
Indigo Grill
Island Prime (last seating 8:00 p.m.)
Jack's La Jolla (all levels open)
Kemo Sabe
La Fiesta
Laurel
Max New York
Mille Fleurs
Ocean Room
Osetra the Fish House
Osteria Panevino
Prado
Primavera
Rainwater's
Roppongi
Sante
Scalini
Trattoria La Strada
Wasabi Sushi


Restaurants offering special menus on Christmas Day:

Arterra
If you ever have the problem of wishing you could order multiple dishes on Arterra's menu, Christmas dinner may be the best present you receive. From 12 noon to 6:00 p.m., Arterra will be offering a Christmas Buffet, featuring Chef de Cuisine Jason Maitland's inventive seasonal fare. For $59.95 per person ($24.95 per child), you can treat yourself to an array of signature Arterra starters, entrees, and desserts.

Reservations: Book Online or call (619)239-5070

Island Prime
If you find yourself thinking, all I want for Christmas is a meal by Chef Deborah Scott, make a reservation at Island Prime immediately. On Christmas Day, the restaurant will offer a three-course Christmas meal for $49.95 per person (just $12.95 for kids 12 & under). A wide range of flavorful entrée choices include Pomegranate Cornish Game Hen, Maple Glazed Pork Chop, Mustard and Herb Crusted Prime Rib, and Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon. Island prime will be open from 1:00-7:00 p.m.

Reservations: Book Online or call 1-877-662-0959

Restaurants open on Christmas Day with normal menus and normal hours (unless noted):

Aqua Blu
Arterra
Bella Luna
Bottega De La Strada (dinner only)
Café Pacifica (limited menu)
Chianti
Coronado Boathouse (4-8 pm only)
El Agave
India Princess
Indigo Grill
La Fiesta
Max New York
Nine Ten (breakfast and lunch only)
Ocean Room
Osteria Panevino (open after 3:00 p.m)
Trattoria La Strada (open after 4:00 p.m.)