Festive Holiday Restaurants

Tis the season for making plans to get together with friends!

We can’t help with the hardest part – finding a date and time that will work with everyone’s schedule! But we can give you some ideas on fabulous restaurants to meet up.

If you’re looking for dreamy spaces decked to the nines with holiday decor, you’ve found the place! If you’re looking for food and drink recommendations, head to Yelp. But we will say that these restaurants are at the top of the list for more than just their looks.

These venues can also be a great place to have a holiday lunch or dinner with co-workers. See our blog post on Office Holiday Party Ideas and Trends for more tips.

Check out our list, and let us know if we missed any of your favorites!

Mission Inn, Riverside

Most people know about the The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa‘s Festival of Lights. It’s one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections, voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today. 

Their actual restaurant is quite Christmasy as well. They have a Sunday Christmas brunch, so this is a great option if you can only meet during the day. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

If you want to a spectacular view inside and out, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a great choice. Not only do they have a giant 40 foot Christmas tree, the resort also has an incredible gingerbread house display that their chefs spend over 500 hours creating.

This place really caters to everyone, with a holiday tea, a happy howl-idays event just for dogs and their companions, storytelling for kids and more. If anyone in your group needs to bring their kids, this is a good option.

Montage Hotel, Laguna Beach

Another stunning resort that pulls out all the stops is the Montage in Laguna Beach. Here you can enjoy afternoon tea, a gingerbread holiday display, and nightly entertainment.

One cool addition – fire pits overlooking the ocean and their gorgeous Christmas tree where you and the girls can enjoy cocktails into the cozy evening.

Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks

Bringing things back to the city, a surprisingly Christmasy wonderland is Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks. The team decorates with Christmas lights from floor-to-ceiling, making it one of the most festive spots in town.

The decor is carried out throughout every inch of the place, including the iconic archway drive thru. There’s also a special holiday menu with mole enchiladas and of course festive drinks, including a Mexican coffee, snowball margarita and hot chocolate in an adorable Santa mug.

Lawry’s Tam o Shanter, Los Feliz

All Lawry’s restaurants are known for having traditional Christmas carolers performing nightly during the holidays.

The Tam o Shanter location is the original Lawry’s restaurant and has an even more festive vibe with their midieval motif. This might be a good option if you’re bringing significant others so you can share one of their famous prime rib dinners.

Can you guess which is the caroler’s most requested Christmas song? If you guessed “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, you’re right!

Dal Rae, Pico Rivera

This hidden gem is a classy nod to yesteryear. The Dal Rae has loyal patrons coming back year after year, especially at Christmas.

The dining room turns into a holiday wonderland and you’ll feel warm and festive after just one or two of their stiff drinks. Ask for a cozy booth, enjoy the live piano music, and laugh the night away with the gals.

Santuari, Toluca Lake

The Mediterranean vibe at Santuari is beautiful on its own. But add in the lovely holiday decor both inside the main dining room and in their outdoor patio, and you will have all the holiday feels.

While their food is good, they are known for great drinks and desserts. Perfect for a girls night when the conversation goes long into the evening.

Enjoy!