Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day, this Pier 39 seafood restaurant is here to keep the views and food flowing. There’s all kinds of decadent seafood for sale, of course, but seasonal drinks are on the menu, too. Reservations are welcomed, but the restaurant saves some seats for walk-ins.
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa — perhaps making Sandra Lee’s infamous cake — finding restaurants open on December 25 is just plain critical.
Fog Harbor Fish House
House of Nanking
This is the kind of San Francisco institution so beloved it earned itself a TV show on the Food Network. The restaurant is open for its typical hours on Christmas Day which means pork confit eggrolls, baby pea shoot salads, kung pao shrimp, and so much more for all those looking to head out rather than cook at home.
Hang Ah Tea Room
This is as old school a San Francisco Chinese restaurant as they come. SFGATE found it the oldest dim sum parlor in the country at 103 years in service. Drop by on Christmas if you can find a seat, as the parlor fills up quickly for those pan-friend dumplings.
Yank Sing
Yank Sing will be serving its usual medley of dim sum specialties from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, which means there will be plenty of steamed dumplings, tender pork buns, and xiao long bao for the whole family. Reservations are recommended, as the restaurant does get busy.
The Post Room at Beacon Grand
The Beacon Grand Hotel’s Post Room will serve a lunchtime brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day starting at $98 per adult and $45 per child under the age of 12. Expect items like shakshuka, plus an omelet and carving stations. At night, a Christmas dinner is also available, with staples such as maple-glazed ham and rib roast, or seared branzino with citrus chimichurri. Tickets are $105 for adults and $75 for kids under 12. You'll need reservations for both dining options which can be made in advance online.
Zingari
This Christmas, Zingari will be serving a four-course menu for $110, full of Italian specialties like herbed lamb chops, eggplant parmigiana, and crab agnolotti. Service starts at noon and runs until 10 p.m. with wine, holiday-themed cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, plus beer and cider.
Presidio Kebabs & Gyro
From 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. this Sacramento Street go-to for rich meat gyro and crunchy falafel will keep the Christmas meals coming. Fans of seafood will adore the swordfish kebabs and vegetarian options include dolmas and baba ghanoush, ensuring everyone will have a merry time here.
John's Grill
For a touch of old-school charm on your Christmas Day, head to John’s Grill for a holiday dinner that spans prime rib, Sam Spade’s lamb chops, and the classic Jack LaLanne’s Favorite Salad. Feel free to order a la carte from the holiday menu, or select the restaurant’s prix fixe menu for $95 per person, featuring lobster bisque, filet mignon and Maine lobster tail, and a choice of dessert. Reservations are recommended.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Nothing says festive like endless grilled meats carved table side, the highlight of a massive churrasco feast at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The San Jose and Emeryville locations are also open.
Dragon Beaux
From the same Ng brothers behind Daly City’s legendary Koi Palace comes this Richmond District dumpling destination. The restaurant’s hours remain unchanged for Christmas Day, which means it’s as good a time as any for colorful xiao long bao and lovely chicken feet. Reservations are recommended.
Che Fico Pizzeria
If you’re lucky enough to score Christmas Day game tickets to see the Warriors take on the Lakers — or, even if you’re not attending, and just want a pizza — Che Fico Pizzeria is turning on the pizza ovens for the holiday occasion. Cozy up to a whole pie and sip on a cocktail or glass of wine, game tickets or not (although there will be plenty of TVs to watch the game).
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
Two Wise Sons locations will stay open this Christmas, the 24th Street outpost and the Hayes Valley shop, which means they’ll cook up breakfast for the entire family (so you don’t have to). Swing by in the early a.m. to pick up baked goods, deli treats, and of course, bagels.
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant
More than 30 years on San Francisco’s west side hasn’t dinged the phenomenal fare at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant. Sure, it’s the only destination for halal-friendly Chinese food in the city. But heading here on Christmas Day is also smart since the well-spiced cumin lamb and sugary warm mochi feel like it was made by an old friend, just for you.
Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant
As this classic Bayview Chinese restaurant ramps up its offerings — including vegan dim sum — the San Bruno Avenue restaurant will keep its doors open on Christmas like it’s any other day. Open since 1995, fans keep coming back for rich siu mai and seafood congee.
