Christmas Dinner Options in Chicago

Time really does fly, I really can’t believe it’s less than three weeks until Christmas. Wasn’t it just Halloween? I blinked and Thanksgiving was gone and now we are rapidly approaching December 25. I know this time of year you have a lot on your plate with making plans for vacation (if you’re lucky enough to avoid this Midwest winter for a couple days), buying gifts and the like, and the last thing you want to think about is cooking a huge meal. As usual, I am looking out for our Chicago readers and have rounded up a few places that would be perfect for anyone who wants to dine out this Christmas. And make sure you visit the site tomorrow for another list that may have you rethinking your NYE plans.

The Florentine

151 W. Adams, (312) 660-8866

For those looking for a twist on the classic Feast of Seven Fishes, Executive Chef Chris Macchia will be offering a $55 3-course menu (served family style), featuring:

Antipasti

Carpaccio di Polpo, octopus carpaccio

Calamari Fritti, fried calamari

Cozze Marinara con Fregola, mussels in marinara with fragile

Capesante alla Griglia, grilled scallops

Secondi

Calamaretti Pasta Con Tuna Ragu, ring shaped pasta with tuna convserva, tomato, olives, capers

Spaghetti Vongole, clams, garlic, white wine

Branzino al Forno, roasted whole sea bass

Dolci

Degustazione di Agrumi,

winter citrus tasting, blood orange mousse, grapefruit sorbetto, citrus salad, kumquat puree

On Christmas, Day, the restaurant will be serving their regular a la carte menu as well as a few seasonal specials including Croquette di Baccala, salt cod fritters ($10), Gnocchi di Patate, potato gnocchi, shaved black truffle, parmesan ($32), Saltimbocca di Vitello, veal chop, prosciutto, braised escarole, sage ($45) and Degustazione di Agrumi, winter citrus tasting- blood orange mousse, grapefruit sorbetto, citrus salad, kumquat puree ($9).

Wine pairings available by course for each day for an additional $25. The restaurant will be serving dinner from 5-9pm on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations can be made by calling (312) 660-8866 or by visiting the restaurant’s website.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House

505 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 321-8823

Michael Jordan’s Steak House will be serving their full menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as seasonal specials. Diners can enjoy signature dishes such as the Prime Delmonico ($48) or the Colossal Crab Cake with Meyer Lemon Oil ($20) Additionally, all children dining during the holiday season will be able to order off the restaurant’s brand new kids menu and receive a free mini-basketball with purchase. On Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, the restaurant will be open during their regular hours from 5pm to 10pm and the first floor bar area is open from 11am to 2am. Please call the restaurant to make reservations, (312) 321-8823.

Sixteen

401 N. Wabash Ave., (312) 588-8030

Christmas Eve Dinner

On this special evening, indulge in either a four or eight course hand-crafted tasting menu, featuring stunning creations from Executive Chef Thomas Lents. This special tasting menu costs $115 per person for four courses or $155 per person for eight courses. All prices are exclusive of alcohol, tax, and gratuity. Christmas Eve dinner will be offered from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Brunch

On Christmas Day, all of the joy and wonder of the holiday season will come to life during a festive brunch at Sixteen. Guests will indulge in a buffet laden with a bounty of offerings, including fresh seafood, artisan breads, carving stations and a lavish dessert station offering nostalgic holiday treats and surprises. Christmas Day brunch at Sixteen is $148 per person and $35 for children eight years and under, exclusive of tax, alcohol and gratuity. Seating times are 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Christmas Dinner

Sixteen will also be serving dinner on Christmas Day from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Chefs Lents will present a hand-crafted tasting menu that celebrates the history and growth of Chicago. Diner costs $115 per person for four courses or $155 per person for eight courses. All prices are exclusive of alcohol, tax, and gratuity.

Reservations are highly recommended and may be made by calling (312) 588-8030.

Urban Belly

1400 W. Randolph, (773) 583-0500

Chef Kim’s modern noodle and dumpling-focused communal dining restaurant will be serving their signature favorites until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Reservations at Urbanbelly are first come, first serve.

Photo: Nuccio DiNuzzo/ Chicago Tribune