Christmas is enough work already, so let the experts take care of the cooking (and serving, and cleaning). Book a table at one of these restaurants for a stress-free holiday meal.
1606 Restaurant at the Beauport Hotel, Gloucester
Celebrate Christmas by the Sea at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar. On December 25th, reservations are available from 11:30AM – 6:30PM. Enjoy À La Carte Christmas Specials, including mushroom bisque, pan seared duck breast, queen-cut prime rib, and peppermint cheesecake. Check out the menu and make a reservation online.
55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-491-5090, 1606restaurant.com
Hawthorne Hotel, Salem
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the historic and charming Hawthorne Hotel will serve its traditional grand Christmas buffet, with a menu featuring a variety of brunch and dinner options ranging from vegetable frittata and apple streusel French toast bake to chicken with prunes, olives, capers, madeira jus and brown sugar baked ham. Seating will be in the Tavern, Ballroom, Nathaniel’s, and Sophia’s. Call 978.825.4360 to leave a message with your name, time, number of guests, allergies, and return phone number and they will confirm your reservations within a few days.
18 Washington Square W., Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com
Fogo de Chão, Burlington
If traditional is not your thing, visit Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão for a nearly never-ending feast of savory seasoned meats sliced directly at your table. A buffet of Brazilian sides, salads, and soups, and the bold cocktail list complete the effect, for the perfect out-of-the-box holiday meal.
Burlington Mall, Burlington, 781-382-0222, fogo.com/Burlington
Karma, Andover, Burlington, and Winchester
Or explore yet other flavors and try the Asian fusion menu at Karma’s locations in Andover, Burlington, or Winchester. Stick with the a la carte menu for delights like duck bao buns, garlic chicken in a hot clay pot, and ocean-fresh sashimi, or book an omakase meal, six or 15 courses of food impeccably curated by the chef. Complement your meal with a cocktail from the creative and extensive drink list (perhaps a lychee-infused martini?).
209 North Main St., Andover, 978-809-3075, karmaandover.com
75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, 781-365-0660, burlington.karmaasianfusion.com
16 Thompson St., Winchester, 781-570-2207, winchester.karmaasianfusion.com
Encore Boston Harbor, Everett
If you are looking to try your luck on Christmas this year, the Encore Boston Harbor has three restaurants to choose from. Rare Steakhouse will be open from 5p.m. to 9p.m. serving a prime rib dinner along with their full à la carte menu. Red 8 will be open from 12p.m. to 12a.m. serving a Peking Duck Holiday Special along with their full à la carte menu. Seamark Seafood & Cocktails will be open on Christmas Day serving specials including hubbard squash sisque, seaweed roasted halibut, bone in short rib, and old fashioned apple crisp. Reservations are strongly recommended.
One Broadway, Everett, 857-770-7000, encorebostonharbor.com