Florida is a wonderful place to enjoy Christmas dinner — even if there isn’t snow. With December sunshine, palm trees, and warm breezes, holiday meals feel a little different here. Moderate weather and festive cheer let people walk along beaches, stroll under holiday lights, or simply sit outside while enjoying a delicious dinner.
And in many cities across Florida — from big lively ones to quiet coastal towns — there are top‑notch restaurants that offer special Christmas menus and a warm holiday vibe. That’s why if you’re looking for Best Spots to Have Christmas Dinner in Florida the Sunshine State becomes a truly lovely choice for a festive, memorable meal.
Top 10 Best Spots to Have Christmas Dinner in Florida
Below are ten great Florida cities spot — and for each, a few top restaurants to consider for your Christmas dinner outing.
1. Miami
Miami is often called the “Fine Dining Capital” of Florida during Christmas time. The city brings together lively culture, warm weather, and lots of dining choices — from classy steakhouses to relaxed seafood spots.
- Macchialina — A favorite on Miami Beach. For Christmas Eve, they often serve a special “Feast of the Seven Fishes” with dishes like shrimp, clams, tuna crudo, pasta with seafood, and more. This feels festive and special.
- Toro Toro — For those who enjoy Latin‑inspired dishes and a lively dinner, Toro Toro offers a rich menu with creative mains, perfect for a holiday celebration.
- Tulum Rooftop Bar & Restaurant — If you like views and a relaxed but chic vibe, this rooftop spot offers dishes like seafood and prime rib — a nice choice if you want something festive but easy.
In Miami, you combine good weather, a vibrant city, and delicious food — many restaurants open for Christmas and serve special menus. It’s ideal if you want holiday spirit without heavy coats.
2. Fort Lauderdale
Just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers a slightly more laid‑back vibe but still plenty of quality restaurants. According to dining‑density studies, it’s ranked just after Miami among Florida cities for holiday fine dining.
Some restaurants typically open for holiday dinners include upscale steakhouses or intimate local favorites. For example:
- Casa D’Angelo Ristorante — A classic Italian-style restaurant, great for those who enjoy hearty, comforting dishes in a nice atmosphere.
- Steak 954 — For a more upscale, steakhouse‑style Christmas dinner, Steak 954 can offer a refined atmosphere — good for couples or smaller family dinners.
Fort Lauderdale lets you enjoy the holiday without big‑city bustle. It’s a nice balance between quality dining and relaxed coastal vibes.
3. Orlando
Orlando might be best known for theme parks — but it’s also a great spot for holiday dining. The city ranks high among Florida’s festive dining destinations. If you’re visiting for Christmas, here are some good dinner spots:
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes — A hotel‑restaurant that often decorates for the holidays and serves special Christmas meals. It’s good if you want a calm, comfortable night without too much fuss.
- Santiago’s Bodega — For a more casual or late‑night option, this place has a popular dinner menu that often attracts holiday diners.
- Proper Orlando — Another nice restaurant that stays open late and can be a good choice if you prefer something more relaxed than a high‑end hotel dinner.
In Orlando, the mix of family‑friendly activities, holiday decorations, and a range of dining options makes it a great place to celebrate Christmas dinner.
4. Tampa
If you prefer a gulf‑coast city with a mix of relaxed vibe and good restaurants, Tampa is a solid pick. It ranks among Florida’s top ten for fine‑dining density during Christmas. Some of the top restaurants for Christmas dining include:
- Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar — Offers a decadent three‑course Christmas dinner with dishes like lobster bisque, truffle pasta, halibut, and elegant desserts. Great for a fancy holiday meal.
- SiX Tampa — A rooftop eatery with nice views and a holiday‑friendly menu — good for couples or those wanting a special night out.
- Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Chophouse — If you like hearty steaks or classic comfort food in a cozy restaurant, this chophouse gives good holiday dinner vibes.
Tampa gives a mix of calmness and festive spirit — ideal if you want to avoid crowds but still enjoy a nice Christmas dinner.
5. Clearwater / Madeira Beach (near Tampa)
If you want Christmas dinner with a view of the water, the coast near Tampa — such as Clearwater or Madeira Beach — can be lovely, with some restaurants offering holiday meals by the sea.
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Ocean Hai — For a Christmas brunch or lunch with Gulf views. A nice option if you want a relaxed meal by the water instead of a late dinner.
- Sculley’s Seafood Restaurant — A seafood‑focused venue with a casual, friendly vibe — good for families or groups wanting a laid‑back Christmas dinner near the beach.
If you like sea breeze, coastal views, or want a calm holiday setting — this area offers a peaceful alternative to big city dinners.
6. Hollywood, Florida
If you like a slower, gentler holiday vibe — not too crowded, not too flashy — Hollywood, Florida on the South Florida coast is a lovely pick. This city offers calm ocean or intracoastal views, a relaxed atmosphere, and eateries that mix seafood, grill, and international flavors.
- GG’s Waterfront — A top choice if you want seafood with a view. It sits on the Intracoastal and offers fresh seafood, chops and steaks, cocktails, and a comfortable, upscale-but‑relaxed vibe. Many locals enjoy their crab‑stuffed lobster tail, fresh fish, or raw‑bar offerings.
- Billy’s Stone Crab — Great for classic Florida seafood. Billy’s has its own fishing boats, so fish and crab come fresh — perfect for a genuine seafood Christmas dinner. You can dine indoors or with water views.
- Diplomat Prime Steak & Seafood — This is a more upscale, steak + seafood option if you want a fancy holiday dinner. With quality cuts of meat or seafood and a nice atmosphere, it can feel like a special celebration spot.
7. St. Petersburg / Gulf‑Coast Florida
For a coastal‑city Christmas with charm and slower pace, cities like St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf Coast are worth considering. These places combine beach or bay views, gentle weather, and good restaurants.
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille — This waterfront restaurant sits right at the base of the pier downtown. It’s known for its breezy outdoor seating with views of the bay — ideal for a sunset dinner. The menu mixes Caribbean‑American flavors and fresh Gulf seafood.
- Teak at St. Pete Pier — If you want panoramic water views and a bit more upscale dining, Teak offers floor‑to‑ceiling windows, lots of seafood and steak‑style dishes, and the kind of atmosphere suitable for a special holiday night.
- Sea Salt — For a more refined, seafood‑heavy dinner, Sea Salt offers upscale dishes like oysters, grilled fish, and seafood towers — a nice choice for Christmas dinner if you want a classy yet relaxed place downtown.
8. Gainesville / Smaller Florida Cities
Not every great Christmas dinner needs a big city. Smaller cities like Gainesville — with fewer but still decent fine‑dining options — can give you a comfortable, low‑key holiday. If you live nearby or don’t want to travel far, checking local restaurants there could give you a warm holiday dinner without crowds, travel stress, or fancy‑price tags.
- Embers Wood Grill — A top pick if you want a more upscale dinner. This place is known for its wood‑grilled steaks and seafood, with a cozy dining atmosphere.
- Covey Kitchen + Cocktails — If you prefer something modern and maybe a bit more relaxed but still nice. This restaurant — located in a hotel — offers a globally influenced menu, and the ambience can be good for a calm holiday evening.
9. Tallahassee / Capital‑Region Dining
Even the capital region of Florida offers nice options. Cities like Tallahassee make the top‑ten list for holiday fine dining possibilities. This can be a good option for those living in central or northern Florida who want a festive dinner close to home — especially if you look for cozy, family‑friendly restaurants or smaller fine‑dining spots.
- The Edison Restaurant — Located in a historic old power‑plant building in Cascades Park, The Edison offers upscale regional cuisine, a warm ambiance, and a charming setting with views over the park.
- Black Radish Bar & Restaurant — For a more modern and relaxed dinner, Black Radish serves shareable small plates, handmade pastas, and natural‑wine options.
10. Florida Keys
If you want a Christmas dinner that feels like a mini-vacation, the Florida Keys are unbeatable. Stretching from Key Largo down to Key West, the Keys offer stunning ocean views, warm weather, and a relaxed, island-style atmosphere.
- Louie’s Backyard (Key West) — A classic Key West restaurant with oceanfront dining, Louie’s Backyard offers elegant seafood dishes, tropical cocktails, and a charming, festive ambiance perfect for Christmas dinner.
- Blue Heaven (Key West) — Famous for its laid-back vibe, live music, and delicious island-style food, Blue Heaven is ideal if you want a fun and casual Christmas dinner.
- Latitudes (Sunset Key) — Perfect for a more upscale experience, Latitudes serves fresh seafood and premium steaks with breathtaking sunset views — making it one of the most memorable places to celebrate Christmas in the Keys.
If you want to enjoy Christmas dinner in Florida this year, there are many great places to choose from — whether you like bright city nightlife, warm beaches, or calm coastal towns. From big holiday‑ready restaurants in Miami and Tampa to quiet, charming spots near the water or in smaller cities, there is something for everyone.
And if you prefer staying home, you can still capture the holiday feel: cook a simple but tasty meal, set a nice table, and enjoy the warmth, sunshine, or gentle breeze that only Florida can offer in December.
