Planning Christmas dinner? These Daytona-area restaurants are open for dining in and takeout
With the holiday season officially upon us, families and restaurants alike are beginning to plan their decadent Christmas dinners. Whether pre-ordering a tasty meal to go or sitting down with loved ones for a festive feast, there's always an abundance of restaurant options here in the Daytona Beach area.
When it comes time to make your holiday dinner plans, check out this list of Volusia-Flagler restaurants that will be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, ready to make your season bright.
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Dalmare Italian Chophouse
814 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach; 386-265-0094, dalmareitalianchophouse.com
This local Ormond Beach gem is known for its vast menu of classic Italian favorites, like the house-made lasagna, eggplant parmesan and creamy pesto chicken alfredo, accompanied by a range of steak, sandwich, burger and seafood plates, like the Coastal Clams Linguini, house-made meatball sandwich and 30-ounce hand-cut, bone-in ribeye. Dalmare Italian Chophouse also has a full bar and will be open 4 – 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Ammrit Indian Cuisine
2055 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona; 386-492-4891, ammrit.com
Ammrit Indian Cuisine opened its doors earlier this year and has grown in popularity for its extensive menu of authentic Indian cuisine, ranging from its lamb kebobs, various curry dishes, and traditional chicken plates like the chicken tikka masala to its shrimp, salmon and other seafood dinners, fried rice, and plethora of vegetarian options. Ammrit Indian Cuisine will be open during its regular business hours of 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 5 - 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Webber’s Steakhouse
2017 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona; 386-761-5982; webberssteakhouse.com
A meat-lover’s Christmas miracle, this family-owned South Daytona steakhouse will be open 3 – 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. The local eatery is frequented for its surf and turf, sandwich and comfort food menu ranging from king cut prime rib, filet mignon and New York strip to the seafood platter, fish sandwich, mac and cheese and fried okra. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for holiday menu updates.
Riptides Raw Bar and Grill
869 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach; 386-256-4799, riptidesrawbar.com
This popular Ormond Beach restaurant is known for its mainly seafood menu and beachy atmosphere — a go-to spot for those looking to enjoy a few drinks, live music and a casual holiday meal. The eatery’s menu ranges from the all-you-can-eat snow crab platter, stuffed grouper and Mayport garlic shrimp to the Big Wave shareable seafood platter, Jerk Burger and Hurricane Mac and Cheese. Riptides Raw Bar and Grill will be open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Christmas Day with live music from 5 – 9 p.m.
Top of Daytona
2625 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores; 386-310-7849, topofdaytona29.com
Top of Daytona, priding itself on its high-quality menu, breathtaking views and elegant ambiance, will be open 4 – 9p.m. on Christmas Eve and 2 – 7 p.m. on Christmas Day. The popular restaurant's menu ranges from beef stroganoff and grilled teriyaki shrimp to baked salmon and penne alfredo. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant.
CorkScrew Bar and Grille
235 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-3955, corkscrewbarandgrille.com
CorkScrew Bar and Grille will be open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Christmas Day and will offer a special holiday menu and ham dinner. Whether stopping in with friends for one of the eatery’s decadent cocktails or mocktails, or enjoying a sit-down Christmas dinner with someone special, the frequented New Smyrna Beach restaurant is a go-to holiday favorite, known for its vibrant menu that ranges from the Southern smothered chicken and parmesan encrusted mahi and the candied pork belly and pineapple Corkscrew burger to the Swamp Pasta and 16-ounce hand-cut ribeye. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for hours and menu updates.
Chart House
1100 Marina Point Drive, Daytona Beach; 386-255-9022, chart-house.com
The Chart House will be open 3 – 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. The local favorite is known for its fresh seafood selections and waterfront views, and will have a special three-course menu available for dine-in only during the holiday. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for holiday menu updates.
Flagler Tavern
414 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-8861, flaglertavern.com.
Flagler Tavern, located on New Smyrna Beach’s Flagler Avenue, is a lively, community staple known for its fresh-caught seafood, nautical atmosphere and extensive menu of classic American favorites. The local favorite’s menu ranges from seafood, soups and sandwiches, to burgers, wings and more. Flagler Tavern will open on Christmas Eve at 10 a.m. and Christmas Day at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner — not to mention of plethora of holiday cocktails. A special holiday menu will be served beginning at 2 p.m., alongside the eatery's usual menu, that will feature she crab soup, a winter salad— pears, walnuts, arugula, frisee, gorgonzola, prosciutto chips and champagne vinaigrette — a pan seared Chilean sea bass, beef Wellington hand-cut filet mignon, white chocolate bread pudding, and Christmas crème brûlée. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant.
Fysh Bar and Grill
3633 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange; 386-492-5252, fyshbg.com
Fysh Bar and Grill will be open regular hours 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, staff noted in a phone call. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for hours and holiday menu updates. This popular vacation-like restaurant is known for its vast menu of seafood selections, pasta, pizza and casual bites, ranging from the Mahi Mahi Stix, Ragin' Cajun Mussels, and Italian sliders to the Jamaican Jerk Mahi Salad, Tennessee Whiskey Wings and Crunchy Calamari.
Cook’s Buffet
704 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand; 386-734-4339, cooksbuffetdeland.com
Cook’s Buffet will be open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Christmas Eve and 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Christmas Day. This popular buffet-style eatery is known for its Southern comfort food and homemade holiday menu favorites, served all year long. Cook’s dinner buffet is priced at $13.29, the children’s buffet for kids 3-9 old is $5.99. The soup and salad buffet and vegetarian buffet is priced at $11.49. Cook’s will also be accepting pre-orders for meals to-go until 5 p.m. on Dec. 16. Items available include cakes, pies, salads, meats, veggies and gravies, and all orders must be picked up by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24.
Merk’s Bar and Grill
193 N. Causeway, New Smyrna Beach; 386-427-1177, merksbarandgrill.com
This local sports bar is known for its casual atmosphere and tempting menu of burgers, wings, wraps and more, ranging from the hand-breaded fried chicken club, Caribbean redfish sandwich and Cajun chicken pasta to the chicken, spinach and artichoke flatbread, Angus patty melt and Famous Frankenstein Wings. Merk’s Bar and Grill will be open normal hours on Christmas Eve and open 4 p.m. – tentatively midnight on Christmas Day.
Lan Lamoon Authentic Thai Bistro
2900 S. Nova Road, South Daytona; 386-944-9644, lanlamoonthai.com
Located in South Daytona, this local eatery is known for its authentic menu of curry, stir-fried and noodle favorites, ranging from the pad Thai, pork jerky fried rice, and basil duck to the yellow curry, mixed vegetables and pineapple fried rice. Lan Lamoon offers pickup and delivery and will be open 3 – 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and open noon – 3 p.m. and 4:30 – 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Daytona’s Original First Turn / Daytona’s Steakhouse and Gastro Pub
5218 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange; 386-788-5434, firstturnsteakhouse.com
First Turn will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving its usual menu of casual favorites, ranging from the New York strip steak, grilled Reuben and Philly cheesesteak to the loaded nachos, wings, Grilled “3” Cheese, and chicken alfredo. The popular Port Orange favorite will be close early, around 7 or 8 p.m. depending on foot traffic, and will open at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for hours and holiday menu updates.
Ciao Bella
103 S. Pine St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-410-5001, ciaobellanewsmyrna.com; 737 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-444-3716, limoncellosouth.com
Ciao Bella, as well as its sister restaurant Limoncello South, will be open regular hours of 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This New Smyrna Beach gem is known for its array of pizza, pasta, soup, salad and stromboli offerings, ranging from the prosciutto arugula pizza, lasagna Bolognese, and penne alfredo to the calzone, spaghetti with meatballs, and gnocchi Sorrentina. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for holiday menu updates.
Tiano's at One Daytona
1860 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach; 386-492-9240, tianosdaytonamenu.com
Tiano's Cucina Italiana will be open on Christmas Eve and will close early that evening — likely by 7 p.m. depending on how busy the restaurant is during the day. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for updates. The popular Italian staple invited customers to keep it casual or dress things up and enjoy a vast menu pasta, seafood and pizza favorites ranging from the chicken parmigiana, pasta puttanesca, and lobster ravioli to the meat lovers pizza, fried calamari and spaghetti with meatballs.
San Diego Grill
5535 S. Williamson Blvd., unit 656, Port Orange; 386-256-3521
San Diego Grill will be open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant. This local Port Orange eatery will offer a special holiday dinner, featuring prime rib accompanied by one side and a house salad for $26.99. San Diego Grill will also offer $5 off a bottle of wine, as well as $10.99 holiday drink specials.
Little Italy’s Ristorante
240 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach; 386-265-4778, littleitalysrestaurantandpizzeria.com
Little Italy’s Ristorante will be open until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The frequented Daytona Beach eatery offers a packed menu of homemade, sauce-smothered and cheese-coated plates and pies, from the Lasagna Della Nonna and filet mignon-topped Rague Della Domenica, to the prosciutto arugula, chicken bacon BBQ and broccoli rabe pizzas — not to mention a full bar, plethora of desserts and other tempting pasta plates. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for hours and menu updates.
The Cellar
220 Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach; 386-258-0011, thecellarrestaurant.com
This elegant Italian restaurant will be open from 4 – 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The local favorite will offer a special holiday menu that will be priced at $150 per person for those looking for a fine-dining Christmas Eve dinner. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant.
Millie’s Restaurant and Catering
3218 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores; 386-275-1492, milliesrestaurant.com
This Guy Fieri-approved Daytona Beach Shores eatery serves a full menu of locally sourced fish dinners and juicy handhelds, ranging from the grilled local fish collars, Millie’s burger, and BBQ smoked alligator ribs to the shrimp and grits, scallop pasta and the lettuce, tomato, pickle and house tartar-topped fish sandwich, served blackened, grilled or fried. Millie’s Restaurant will be open regular hours 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for hours and holiday menu updates.
386 Palm Coast
5949 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast; 386-246-0070, threeeightsix.com
386, a Fusion of Fine Dining, will be open from 5 – 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The charming hidden gem is known for its flavorful menu of steak, seafood and beer and wine selections, ranging from the Maine lobster pasta and prime filet mignon to the crab encrusted flounder and grouper puttanesca. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant.
Nonne’s Italian Restaurant and Sports Bar
5901 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange; 386-675-6066, Facebook.com
Nonne’s Italian Restaurant and Sports bar will be open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. No reservations are necessary. The popular new Italian restaurant has become a Port Orange favorite, frequented for its casual atmosphere and menu of Italian classics, ranging from the bruschetta toast points, Supreme Pizza — pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives and extra cheese — and the Huge Stromboli to the chicken parmigiana sub, alfredo fettucine and lobster ravioli.
Our Deck Down Under
78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange; 386-767-1881, ourdeckdownunder.com
Our Deck Down Under will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This frequented Port Orange seafood restaurant is known for its waterfront views and fresh menu of seafood, salad and sandwich selections ranging from the yellow fin tuna sandwich, shrimp and grits, and fried seafood platter, to the crab cakes, veggie burger and Deck-a-Dent Key Lime Pie.
Norwood’s Restaurant and Treehouse Bar
400 E. Second Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-4621, norwoods.com
Norwood’s Restaurant and Treehouse Bar will be open 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant. A special holiday menu is currently in the works and will be released in the coming days. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for menu updates.
Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar
127 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach; 386-253-5224, oceandeck.com
Ocean Deck’s vibrant atmosphere is the perfect vacation-like dinner destination for a small party of two or three or when bringing along the whole family this holiday season. The beachfront eatery offers a full bar and an extensive menu — consisting mostly of seafood dishes — ranging from the Crab Cake Dinner, The Rodeo Burger and fresh Atlantic salmon to the grilled grouper, slow-cooked ribs, and Cajun Mahi Fish Tacos. Ocean Deck will be open from 2 p.m. – midnight on Christmas Day and will have live music.
This list will be updated as more holiday menus and hours are released by local restaurants.
Did we miss any? If your restaurant will be offering a holiday meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, email us at hperray@gannett.com to be added to the list!
Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at hperray@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Restaurants open on Christmas in Daytona Beach, NSB, Ormond Beach, more
