Christmas 2020 will feel a little different. What stays the same, though, are the bonds we maintain in the face of any challenge. You've earned a bit of style and extravagance this year, and we can still celebrate togetherness despite the pandemic and recent ban on indoor dining, even if it means treating just yourself.
We searched the crème de la crème of New York City's fine restaurants to see who's offering safe dining and takeout options for Christmas dinner. Cuddle up by the fire, book a private hotel room all for yourself, or enjoy the finest meals in the comfort of your own home.
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1 E 55th St. / Website
Curated by the great Ralph Lauren, The Polo Bar celebrates culinary classics in style. While their indoor seating remains closed, a top-tier take out menu allows families to enjoy the holiday in style. The restaurant will offer its regular menu as well as a large-format holiday option starting at $459. The Polo Bar will be closed on the 25th and 26th but open on Christmas Eve with a final pickup time of 7:30 p.m.
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101 E 19th St. / Website
Union Square Cafe keeps their doors open this year and are ready to serve a holiday spread. Their luxuarious menu is available for pickup and delivery until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and they'll be closed on Christmas. Danny Meyer's iconic American spot will serve food as well as premium cocktails for the occasion.
See also: 6 Ways To Get In The NYC Holiday Spirit This Year
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65 E 55th St. / Website
Boasting two Michelin Stars, Aquavit will turn your Christmas celebration into a lavish feast. Indulge in their avant-guard creations from the comfort of your home. The Christmas To Go package is the perfect treat for a romantic twist on the holiday. Sized for two, the kit will include a wide variety of offerings such as five types of herring, Christmas ham, roasted vegetables, pecan pie and more.
INSIDER TIP: Book as early as December 8th for stress-free planning.
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403 E 12th St. / Website
Known for its paradoxically-healthy yet delectable food, this Italian restaurant is based in the city's Lower East Side. Their takeout menu brings "The Holidays At Home from Hearth to Home" and includes heating instructions so you can serve each delight like a pro. The menu includes a variety of options such as the feast of the seven fishes, a full festive meal for $75 and prime rib au jus for $120. Pickup times are available on Christmas Eve.
Insider tip: Complete you Christmas spread with an order of eggnog or the smoky negroni.
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47 Bond St. / Website
Combining mediterranean flavors with nouvelle cuisine, Il Buco's dining experience is both elegant and ambitious. Swing by the upscale spot in NOHO on Christmas Eve to pick up a meal from their prix fixe menu. Delivery won't be available on Christmas Eve, and the eatery is closed on Christmas Day, so plan accordingly!
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953 2nd Ave. / Website
Feeling chilly this December? Warm your tastebuds with a caliente Christmas. Socarrat is Spanish for the perfectly-cooked crust that forms at the bottom of paella. Give your annual celebration a Spanish twist and indulge in enticing tapas, delicious paella variations and a generous jug of sangría from the à la carte or special holiday menu. Stop by on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to pick up your spread.
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16 W 22nd St. / Website
This Korean Steakhouse is the perfect spot to best indulge your inner carnivor as the season's quintessential turkey gets a grilling. The Michelin-starred restaurant based in the Flatiron district is offering delivery, takeout and shipping across the country this holiday season. Order a Cote x Dom Pérignon Hoiday Feast, which includes one 10-pound Roasted Prime Rib Rack, Sticky Rice "Stuffing" with Dried Shiitakes, Chestnuts and Chinese Sausage, Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts and more. Each package comes with heating instructions as well as a recipe to enjoy your leftovers.
Insider Tip: Cote offers free delivery for drop-off locations within one mile of the restaurant.
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20 Spring St. / Website
Transform this year's Christmas into a unique meal of festivities. Owned by Cedric and Ochi Vongerichten, this elevated restaurant serves high end Indonesian-inspired cuisine. In light of this year's bizarre circumstances, Wayan has created Wayan's Christmas Feast To-Go Boxes. The pack includes caviar, short rib rawon, yellow rice, a bottle of red wine, as well as more food and drink options. Boxes serving 4 to 6 people are $688 while servings for 2 to 3 people are $428. Orders must be placed by Dec. 18
Insider Tip: Wayan is offering delivery to Manhattan for $25 and to Brooklyn for $40.
Photography by: Food Photographer Jennifer Pallian/Unsplash
