‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and feasts galore. Discover the best places to dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Orange County.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
Five Crowns
Dec. 24. Celebrate Christmas Eve like royalty at Five Crowns with world-class seasonal menu offerings, warm hospitality and an unforgettable festive atmosphere complete with crackling fireplaces, holiday decor and strolling Victorian carolers. In addition to the prime ribs of beef, beef steak neptune, seared salmon and prawn and lobster scampi, the menu presents traditional roasted goose served with wild grains, mushroom, cherry and brussels sprout leaves. 1-8 p.m. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, 949.760.0331. lawrysonline.com/five-crowns
Marché Moderne
Dec. 24. Indulge in a decadent, four-course holiday menu at Marché Moderne. Featured menu items include amuse bouche, smoked balik salmon, sauteed foie gras & frisée salade, Dover Sole Off the Bone, passion fruit croustillant Napolean with caramel ganache and more. Call restaurant for reservation times. $125. 7862 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.434.7900. marchemoderne.net
Oak Grill
Dec. 24-25. ‘Tis the time to indulge in the Christmas spirit. Oak Grill is putting out Christmas dinner with all the trimmings from a choice of first course winter harvest salad or seafood platter. Potato leek soup starts the second course and third course choices including slow-roasted prime rib, Mediterranean stuffed branzino, wild mushroom ravioli, Jidori chicken or shrimp and scallop risotto. For a sweet finish, there will be Buche de Noel, pumpkin pie pudding and chocolate molten cake. Su-M 4-9 p.m. $90 adults, $35 ages 5-12. Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Studio at Montage Laguna Beach
Dec. 24-25. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a special five-course tasting menu of seasonal fare will be served, as well as Studio’s customary a la carte menu. Chef Craig Strong’s festive meal will start with ahi tuna poke with smoked eel, avocado, kohlrabi, pickled vegetables and ancho chili. Next, sauteed Hudson Valley foie gras will be served followed by seared Maine scallops with compressed pineapple and cactus pear. The fourth course is braised beef short rib accompanied by potato truffle galette, marinated king trumpet mushrooms, bone marrow crust and cassis jus. Lastly, guests will enjoy Laphroaig smoked whisky baba with banana compote and passion fruit granité. Su 5-10 p.m., M 4-9 p.m. $170 adults or $255 with wine pairings, $50 ages 4-12. 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
A Very Merry Christmas at EATS Kitchen + Bar
Dec. 25. After waking up early to open presents, family and friends can to head to EATS Kitchen + Bar for the most delicious gift of all. Choose from favorites like eggs benedict, shrimp, citrus and avocado salad and $8 bottomless mimosas. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. eatskitchen.com
Brunch of Christmas Cheers
Dec. 25. Fashion Island Hotel is decking the halls and setting the table in the Ballroom for a Christmas brunch full of good cheer. Expect champagne and mimosas accompanying Farmers Market offerings; and from the ranch carving station selections like whole-roasted ribeye and rack of Colorado lamb, as well as roasted chicken breast, plank-roasted salmon and mac and cheese. The seafood station will feature shrimp cocktail, king crab legs and an assortment of nigiri sushi and rolls. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $80 adults, $20 ages 5-12. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4913. fashionislandhotel.com
Christmas Brunch in The Backyard
Dec. 25. Christmastime is here and brunch is coming to town. The Backyard at Hotel Irvine is throwing a spectacular holiday feast packed with food stations including fresh-carved turkey, herb-crusted roasted prime rib, smoked salmon and seafood risotto, decadent crêpe station, plus a build-your-own mimosa bar. There will be family photos with Santa, live music and a photo booth. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $80 adults, $20 ages 5-12. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
Dec. 25. Gather friend and family for a bright and merry experience at The Loft. Chef Michael Campbell and pastry chef Lee Smith’s celebratory meal features a four-course holiday tasting menu starting with a choice of roasted chestnut soup, mixed Radicchio salad or ahi tuna tartare. The main course selections are pan-seared Mediterranean sea bass, slow-cooked short rib, smoked pork loin or Skuna Bay salmon—all served with accompaniments. Next an artisanal cheese bite course will be served followed by holiday dessert options of gingerbread semifreddo with ginger ice cream or blond chocolate financier. 3-9 p.m.. $125 adults, $40 ages 4-12. The Loft, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Christmas Masterpiece Celebration at Montage Laguna Beach
Dec. 25. Spend your Christmas morning at Montage for their Masterpiece Celebration. Expect an extraordinary buffet array of fare to please every palate with live music, complimentary champagne toast, complimentary family photographs and a special gift. Enjoy shrimp and crab claws on ice, sushi and sashimi, as well as charcuterie and artisan cheeses. The soup and salad station will be brimming with roasted cauliflower and cinnamon sweet potato soup, heirloom grilled tomato and burrata parfait, Lobster and persimmon Waldorf and many more selections. Entrees include pan-seared diver scallops, herb-roasted Muscovy duck, all spice slow-cooked ham and roasted prime rib. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $140 adults, $45 ages 4-12. 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
