The calendars have turned and we’ve entered December, and officially entered the winter season now that Thanksgiving is behind us. And with that we can turn our focus to the upcoming holiday season. Cooking during this time of year can sometimes become an overwhelming burden that manages to turn what should be a fun and enjoyable time spent with family and friends into a stressful and even unenjoyable nightmare. Luckily, for those that aren’t keen holiday cooks, there are other options when people come visit you this holiday season.

While it’s true that many restaurants close on Christmas Day, there are still many others across Chicago's vibrant food scene that offer an escape and out of the house dining experience. This article will help guide you through the different options available across Chicago organized roughly by area.

Don't let cooking keep you from enjoying the holidays this year. Remember FoodBoss always lets you know if a restaurant is open/closed by allowing you to call the restaurant directly and see whether delivery/pickup is available. Without further ado, here are some great restaurants in Chicago open on Christmas.

Near North

  • The Purple Pig
  • Siena Tavern
  • Quartino Ristorante
  • Avec Restaurant
  • Boka

North Side

South Side

Near South

Downtown

West Town

  • Girl & The Goat
  • Cira
  • Nobu Chicago
  • Gyu-Kaku

Near North

The Purple Pig

Great interior atmosphere with an open kitchen and airy space. Amazing charcuterie options and as the name suggests, awesome succulent roast pig and plenty of great wine options to pair with your meal.

Siena Tavern

Upscale spot for pizza - specializing in Neapolitan pizzas and also has great fresh pastas and a mozzarella bar. Good bar as well if you’re just looking for a drink.

Quartino Ristorante

Always a bustling and busy atmosphere at Quartino. Perfect for small or large groups, with two stories they’ll definitely make you comfortable. Perfect for family style Italian dining with both small & large plates and of course an amazing wine list.

Avec Restaurant

One of the few Michelin star restaurants open on Christmas day in Chicago, Avec boasts an inventive and constantly evolving menu. Communal seating with a minimalist design you can order both small & large plates that are sure to be delicious.

Boka

Known for its exceptional American cuisine, Boka is another Michelin star restaurant open on Christmas day. Eclectically designed on the inside, the menu is sure to provide plenty of options to make for a great dinner.

North Side

Santa Baby Bar at Bamboo Club

This pop-up bar decked out in holiday cheer is right in the heart of Wrigleyville. Just steps from Wrigley Field, you can come hang out and enjoy this bar with its incredible display of lights that totally and fully touches every single possible spot. There will be a limited food menu available Christmas day as well as the full bar with whimsical cocktails.

Royal Highness Zhu

You will find both amazing service and opulent decor when entering Royal Highness Zhu - as well as innovative takes on traditional Chinese dishes. Some of the most popular dishes are the Peking duck, hand-pulled noodles, and modern dim sum.

Andies Restaurant

One of the more unique dining experiences on this list, Andes offers American dishes but with global twists. For instance, jerk-spiced lamb skewers or Korean BBQ tacos. New and bold flavor combinations fill the menu  and you can be sure they’re using the freshest ingredients possible.

Noon O Kabab

You’ll find authentic Persian flavors at this low key casual restaurant. Hot sellers include the succulent kabobs, filling stews, and of course the basmati rice.

Soul & Smoke

While Chicago might not be as well known for its BBQ as some other cities, Soul & Smoke dishes up some of the best and most mouthwatering BBQ around. Smoked meats, classic sides, and tons of craft beers make this a crowd pleaser.

South Side

Daley's Restaurant

You’ll find everyday classics but with a soul food twist on the menu at Daley’s restaurant. The old school diner serves waffles, pork chops, and other typical American comforting food and has been doing so since 1927 when it opened.

Fox’s Pizza

This Irish American restaurant serves some of the best pizza around ranging from traditional slices to some of the most creative pizzas imaginable. It’s a great family friendly atmosphere you’re sure to enjoy. 

Franconello Italian Restaurant

Franconello’s is an old-school Chicago Italian restaurant that makes dining more than a meal - it’s a celebration of flavor. Traditional Italian dinners are a staple here, but they also have a great brunch that is well worth checking out.

Horse Thief Hollow

Horse Thief Hollow is an award-winning craft brewery & restaurant in Beverly on Chicago's South Side. A creative and innovative menu awaits you at this awesome eatery. Make sure you try some of their unique craft brews along with your meal!

Near South

Mercat a La Planxa

If you’re looking for a taste of Spain this Christmas then Mercat a La Planxa might be the restaurant for you. This bustling place serves up incredible grilled tapas, paella, seafood, and jamón that will leave you feeling you just got a truly authentic Catalan experience.

Daebak Korean BBQ

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ on Christmas. Need we say anymore? Tasty marinated meats, banchan and lots and lots of kimchi will have you leaving here full and happy.

Holu

Looking for a bit more of a tropical vibe this Christmas? Then Holu might be the restaurant for you. This Hawaiian spot features awesome vibes and fresh, healthy bowls.

Downtown

The Florentine

Simple and classic Italian dining with fresh and seasonal ingredients.You can’t go wrong with any of their pasta dishes or wood fired pizzas.

The Palm Chicago

An incredibly well known steakhouse, obviously at The Palm you’ll find some of the best available USDA Prime cuts, but don’t miss out on their great seafood and classic sides.

Terra E Mare

Fresh seafood and Italian specialties abound in this Lincoln Park gem. Pair the great food and atmosphere with some incredible lake views and you’ll melt away into one of the best meals possible on Christmas. 

Morton's The Steakhouse

Perhaps even more famous than The Palm, Morton’s The Steakhouse is world renowned for the prime aged steaks and delectable seafood. Whatever you do just make sure you don’t skip on a dessert here.

West Town

Girl & The Goat

From Stephanie Izard, Girl & The Goat has been one of the more popular restaurants in Chicago since it opened. Innovative small plates served from an impressive open kitchen make this experience about more than just the food.

Cira

Modern American food but with clear French influences are available at Circa, along with spectacular views of Chicago. Open on Christmas, they describe it on their website as “a gathering place for small plates and shared feasts.”

Nobu

World famous for their Japanese fusion cuisine - specifically the sushi, try Nobu this Christmas and you’ll enjoy the sleek setting. The Signature dish is the black cod.

Gyu-Kaku

All you can eat Japanese BBQ makes Gyu-Kaku a great option this Christmas. With a wide variety of sauces, sides and meats available your meal will truly be what you make of it.

The Holidays are a time to spend time with family and friends. While often cooking at home on these occasions can be great fun, here and there it’s also nice to go out and let others do the cooking for you. This Christmas as you’ve just read, there is no shortage of restaurants in Chicago open on Christmas that you can pico from to dine at.

Don’t let the stress of cooking impact your Holiday spirit!