A wise person once said that one of your greatest strengths is the ability to accept your own weaknesses.
A humble virtue leading to breakthrough clarity and vital self-improvement.
We’re willing to bet that whoever said that probably couldn’t cook worth a damn. And even further, most likely procured their holiday feasts from a heroic local dining establishment in lieu of messing it up themselves.
Brilliant.
If you’re one of these wise people, join us in letting go of past culinary mishaps and procuring delicious meats, decadent sides and swoon-worthy desserts from one of Tampa Bay’s best locales this Christmas Day. Here are the restaurants offering up Christmas Day pick-up and dining options this year. But act fast—most of these places will need your order by week’s end.
Dine-In Only (Reservations Recommended)
Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar
SoHo Tampa
Epicurean Hotel is hosting a holiday-inspired three-course dinner. The price is $90 for adults, with a special a la carte menu for children 12 and under.
First Course: Potato-wrapped Goat Cheese; Jumbo Lump Crab Cake; Porcini Tartlet or Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Second Course: Stuffed Pheasant Breast; Filet Mignon; Horseradish Crusted Sturgeon or Roasted Beet Risotto
Third Course: Dark Chocolate Brownie; Coquito Crème Brûlée; Fruit Cake Bread Pudding or Chocolate Chip Cookie with Ice Cream
HEW Parlor & Chophouse
The Fenway Hotel, Dunedin
A family-style Christmas Dinner that ups traditional recipes with some more-than-welcome creativity. $75 per adult, $25 for children 6-13 and complimentary for children 5 and under.
First Course: Mesclun Salad with Spiced Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Charred Orange, Cranberry with Champagne Vinaigrette and Assorted Artisanal Rolls with Cider Apple Butter
Main Course: Espresso Chile Glazed Ham, Chophouse Smoked Prime Rib and Herb Roasted Turkey
Sides: Roasted Pumpkin Seed with Sage Butternut Squash; Yukon Gold Mash Potatoes; Root Vegetable Mélange and Brussel Sprouts with Applewood Smoked Bacon
K Club Bar & Bistro
The Karol Hotel, Clearwater
A three-course, prix-fix Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feast for $75 per adult, $40 for children under 12 and a limited menu for those 5 and under. Bonus points for a top-level location and view.
First Course: French Onion & Cider Soup or Holiday Karol Salad
Second Course: Smoked Baby Back Ribs; 14oz Dry Aged New York Strip; 6oz Filet; Crab Raviolo Carbonara or Baked Vegetable Moussaka
Third Course: Gingerbread Cake & Ice Cream or Christmas Trifle
The Rusty Pelican
Tampa
Rusty Pelican’s famous Christmas Experience Brunch comes with three courses and a tough-to-beat view out over old Tampa Bay.
First Course: a festive platter to share with Chilled Seafood, Seasonal Tartines, and Charcuterie
Second Course: your choice of an entrée per person including Pineapple & Cherry Glazed Ham, Steak & Eggs Benedict, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Faroe Island Salmon and more
Third Course: a showstopper Dessert platter for the table with mini Cranberry Tart, Gingerbread Cheesecake and Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Chocolate Sauce
Christmas Day To-Go Feasts
Columbia Restaurant
Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota
The annual Curbside Noche Buena family-style takeout Columbia feeds 8-10 people for $175 (plus tax). And features noted staples along with several seasonal specials:
Roasted Lechon Asado
”1905” Salad®
Yucca con mojo
Moros y Cristianos
Platanos
La Segunda Central Bakery Cuban bread and butter
Key lime pie
Pane Rustica
South Tampa
A can’t-miss assortment of grub from the most trustworthy chefs on MacDill Ave.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Tampa
A glorious prix fixe meal including a starter, entrée, a personal side & dessert awaits at one of Tampa’s longtime steak joints. Also available for dine-in.
Starters:
STEAK HOUSE SALAD | CAESAR SALAD | LOBSTER BISQUE
Entrées:
STEAK & SHRIMP tender 6 oz filet* with three large shrimp
SURF & TURF buttery cold water lobster tail paired with a 6 oz filet*
Sides:
CREAMED SPINACH | GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Dessert:
CHEF’S SEASONAL SELECTION
Catch 23
Tampa
Catch 23’s loaded heat-and-serve menu must be picked up on the 23rd or 24th.