The holiday season is upon us, and South Florida’s finest restaurants are all set to deliver unforgettable Christmas cheer. This year, skip the kitchen chaos and treat your loved ones to a festive feast at some of the most sought-after spots in town. From mouthwatering menus to magical settings, here’s where to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Anthony’s Runway 84
Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Italian-American restaurant and supper club will bring the holiday spirit to life with dazzling festive decorations and timeless dishes. On Christmas Eve, the restaurant will feature its special Feast of Seven Fishes, a two-course, family-style menu with seven delectable options like Stuffed Sicilian Peppers, Seafood Salad, Baked Clams Oreganata and Zuppa Di Pesce Fra Diavolo. For loyal patrons, Anthony’s Runway 84’s à la carte menu will also be available, offering signature pastas, perfectly cooked steaks and irresistible desserts to complete the celebration.
Where: 330 W. State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit runway84.com.
Bulla Gastrobar
If there’s one thing about Spanish culture — aside from world-class cuisine and legendary soccer teams — it’s a deep-rooted love for family, community and celebration. If those values resonate with you, step into Bulla Gastrobar, a Spanish-inspired treasure in Coral Gables where vibrant dishes and an energetic atmosphere come together. For a memorable Christmas, savor tempting tapas like Crispy Calamari, traditional Spanish tortilla, tuna tartare and salmon carpaccio, along with heartier options like Truffle Carbonara, Bulla Burger and two irresistible paellas — the highlight of every meal at Bulla Gastrobar. Choose from the Paella Al Chilindrón or the Paella Mixta, a flavorful mix of calamari, clams, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, sofrito and saffron that’s perfect for sharing.
Where: Doral and Coral Gables
For more information, visit bullagastrobar.com.
Casa Sensei
Get into the holiday spirit at Casa Sensei, Fort Lauderdale’s premier waterfront hotspot serving exquisite pan-Asian Latin Fusion cuisine. Savor dishes like the Tuna Tataki Salad, Crispy Ahi Tuna and sushi rolls such as the Komodo Lobster (lobster, torched scallops, avocado and masago), Tuna Lovers (spicy tuna, scallions, topped with fresh tuna and fish eggs) and the Drunken Roll (tempura-fried salmon, cream cheese and kani topped with dynamite kani mix). For those craving Latin flavors, indulge in Cuban Tostones, Argentinian Beef Empanadas, Wagyu NY Strip and Cashew Chicken with veggies, served with a side of jasmine rice.
Where: 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd. Ste. 101, Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit casasensei.com.
Corsair Kitchen & Bar
Enjoy Corsair Kitchen & Bar’s lighter comfort food crafted with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, while taking in the captivating views of JW Marriot Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa’s stunning golf course. Curated by Executive Chef William “Bill” Gideon, diners will be treated to a sumptuous buffet that includes a raw bar, salad bar and Carving Station, Stone Crab Claws, Mini Lobster Rolls, Smoked Paprika Honey Ham and Lamb Chops. Key Lime Pie and the indulgent Giant Nutella Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie are fan favorite endings.
Where: 19999 W. Country Club Drive, Aventura
For more information, visit marriott.com.
Photo courtesy of Rossetti PR
Elisabetta’s Ristorante, Bar & Pizzeria
Gather your loved ones on Christmas Eve at Elisabetta’s, a refined Italian restaurant with locations in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. Known for its housemade pastas, breads, sauces, baked goods and gelatos, Elisabetta’s is inviting diners to start the memorable feast with its special appetizer, Coccoli Frito — little breads stuffed with creamy ricotta and prosciutto. Choose from classic pastas like Cacio E Pepe, Linguine Con Vongole, Rigatoni and Risotto Al Frutti Di Mare, as well as wood-fired pizzas, including favorites like Margherita, Pepperoni, Tartufo and Capricciosa with truffle honey. Wrap up the celebration with the decadent Budino Ciccolata, a rich chocolate pudding topped with hazelnuts, caramel and a sprinkle of fiore di sale (premium Italian sea salt).
Where: 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
For more information, visit elisabettas.com/delray.
Tagliolini Ala Lemon
Finka Table & Tap
Led by celebrated Chef Eileen Andrade, this Miami hotspot brings together Cuban, Peruvian and Korean flavors, ensuring a dish for every palate. Highlights include appetizers such as Ceviche Nikkei, Salmon Tartare, Green Papaya Salad and Korean-Style Brussels Sprouts. From the wok, options like Lomo Saltado and Vegetable Fried Rice (with shaved Brussels sprouts, seasonal vegetables, peppers, bean sprouts and bok choy) are must-tries. For those who enjoy sharing, “Platos Fuertes” such as the 10-oz. Grilled Picanha, Brisket Wonton Ravioli and Pork Belly Paella are perfect choices. Elevate the festive meal with one of the restaurant’s playful cocktails (each cheekily named to inspire a singalong) like I’m In Love With The Coco or Suavemente Fresame!
Where: 1469 S.W. 26th St., Miami
For more information, visit finkarestaurant.com.
Lefkes Estiatorio
Since its summer debut, Lefkes Estiatorio has quickly become a local favorite, offering Mediterranean staples with a modern twist. For the holiday, the Delray Beach newcomer promises an exquisite lineup of seasonal specials. Start with appetizers like Jumbo Lump Crab Cake or Smoked Salmon Rillets with fresh dill, Greek yogurt, lemon hollandaise, crispy potato curls and micro pea tendrils. For the main course, stand-out choices include Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Ora King Salmon or Half Duckling, a dish that pairs sautéed breast and leg confit with parsnip purée, glazed baby asparagus and juniper berry sauce. End on a sweet note with the Gingerbread Pudding, featuring caramelized apples, eggnog sabayon and ginger-pecan tuiles — a perfect holiday treat.
Where: 33 S.E. 3rd Ave., Delray Beach
For more information, visit lefkesgroup.com.
Photo courtesy of The Buzz Agency
Pink Steak
Known for its top-tier cuts, elegant ambiance and a touch of whimsy, Pink Steak takes holiday dining to the next level with two spectacular specials: a Beef Wellington and a show-stopping 2.5-lb. Whole Lobster. Diners are also welcome to sip on creative cocktails like the For-Evergreen, made with Hendrick’s gin and ginger syrup, or the Pink Flamingo, a refreshing mix of vodka, pomegranate and lime juice. For an extra touch of luxury, choose from the restaurant’s carefully curated selection of fine wines and spirits.
Where: 2777 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
For more information, visit pinksteak.com.
Timpano Las Olas
Create everlasting memories at Timpano Las Olas, a beloved Fort Lauderdale gem where rich emerald hues and golden accents make the ideal stage for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Adding to the allure are the restaurant’s holiday specials such as Fritto Misto — crispy shrimp, calamari, snapper, fennel and zucchini, paired with a zesty lemon-basil aioli and spicy red sauce. Savor the tender Stuffed Leg of Lamb, served with rosemary potatoes, creamed spinach and a flavorful lamb jus, or try Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew made with mussels, clams, shrimp, monkfish and red snapper. The restaurant’s selection of exquisite wines from Tuscany and Sicily is perfect for raising a toast, while sweets like the Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake topped with macerated strawberries and fresh mint are a delightful ending to the meal.
Where: 450 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit timpanolasolas.com.
Photo courtesy of @rmstudiocorp
Zucca
Serving authentic regional Italian cuisine in the heart of Coral Gables, Zucca has earned a loyal following for its crowd-favorite deep-fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with cheese, housemade pasta and an impressive selection of more than 2,000 wines. This Christmas, transport yourself to Italy with Linguine Alle Vongole, featuring sautéed clams, light clam juice and a white wine sauce; Ravioli Di Zucca Burro E Salvia — homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin, sautéed with light butter sauce and sage; and Cotoletta Alla Milanesa Dello Chef, a veal chop Milanese served with arugula, tomato salad and roasted potatoes. Dessert options include Pistacchino (pistachio gelato with prosecco, ground coffee and fresh pistachio) and the classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu Della Casa.
Where: 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables
For more information, visit zuccamiami.com.
