Book reservations early before slots fill up. Also, confirm plans with restaurants beforehand, especially as some location hours vary. 

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Atlanta

1. Benihana - Buckhead and Alpharetta

Want to see a performance on Christmas Day? Benihana chefs prepare a delicious meal in front of awed customers on the hibachi grill. The kid’s menu features chicken tenders, chicken tempura, hibachi steak, chicken, or shrimp. The staff can take a photo of your family with the chef. Open 11am-10pm, reservations required.

2. Denny's - Norcross

Open 24 hours, head over to Denny's anytime for the all-day breakfast; lunch and dinner items are available later in the day. Kid's menu choices include anniversary pancakes, chicken tenders, and mac n’ cheese. Those with bigger appetites enjoy the turkey and dressing dinner and more.

Dig into delicious, Brazilian-style steakhouse fare at Fogo de Chão this Christmas.

3. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse - Buckhead and Dunwoody

Try this prix fixe, all-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasco experience. Waiters carve various spit-roasted meats on skewers at the table. Salads, cheeses, and stews accompany side dishes of polenta, cheese bread, and caramelized bananas. For kids 7-12 years old, meals are half the adult price; ages 6 and under dine free. Open 11am-9pm, reservations recommended.

4. Hard Rock Café - Downtown

Beginning at 11am, Hard Rock Cafe offers a holiday menu —the two-course dinner is $36 per person and the three-course dinner is $42. Main course offerings include burgers, grilled salmon, baby back ribs, and New York strip steak, and dessert is a holiday brownie. Reservations suggested.

5. IHOP - Various locations

Who can resist IHOP's seasonal menu with loaded French toast and chocolate peppermint pancakes?! Head to IHOP between 7-10am on weekdays when certain menu items are value priced at $6! For a fun to-go option, take advantage of their Holiday Family Feast for $40.99 which serves four people. Not all IHOPs are open, so confirm opening hours with the location nearest you.

Eat a meal to make Santa proud at Kona Grill -- open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner. 

6. Kona Grill - Alpharetta

Kona Grill is open 11am–11pm on Christmas Day. Features for Christmas include prime rib surf and turf, honey-glazed ham, and macadamia nut turkey. They offer a kids' entree of turkey with gravy, mac and cheese and green beans. Reservations recommended. 

Celebrate the holiday with a dinner at McCormick & Schmick's.

7. McCormick & Schmick's - Downtown 

On Christmas Day guests choose from McCormick & Schmick's regular menu or the prix fixe three-course special holiday menu, which features items such as Chilean sea bass and filet mignon. Open 11:30am-9pm, reservations recommended. 

8. Marietta Diner - Marietta

In addition to serving breakfast 24/7, Marietta Diner offers lunch fare, as well as heavier dinner entrees including seafood, steak, and Greek specialties. Leave room for a slice of the seven-layer desserts made by the owner’s mother!

Dip into fondue for Christmas at the Melting Pot.

9. The Melting Pot – Midtown, Roswell, Duluth, Kennesaw 

From 4-9pm on Christmas day, all four Atlanta-area locations offer a three-course Christmas dinner starting at $59 per person and $26 for kids ages 12 and under. Entrees include rosemary pork, shrimp, filet mignon, and mushroom ravioli. Reservations suggested.

Imagine this pretty appetizer for your Christmas dinner at Nakato!

10. Nakato Japanese Restaurant - Cheshire Bridge

Family-run since 1972, Nakato offers an option to dine at standard tables or the hibachi grill from 4-9pm. Menu options include sushi, seafood, noodles, and hotpot dishes, and entrees on the kid’s menu include a choice of salad or soup, steamed rice, noodles, and vegetables. Reservations suggested.

11. Parkwoods - Perimeter

Head over to Parkwoods for their Christmas Day Elevated Brunch Experience. In addition to a carving station, waffle station, seafood, and plenty of desserts, kids will decorate cookies and take photos with Santa. $75 per person and $37 for kids ages 3 -12 and under. Reservations suggested. 

12. Red Lobster - Multiple locations 

Get the famous, complimentary Cheddar Bay Biscuits on Christmas Day. All Red Lobsters are open and serving familiar favorites plus their recently-launched new menu which includes bacon-wrapped sea scallops, lobster bisque, and parmesan-crusted chicken. Kids feast on mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and popcorn shrimp. 

13. The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta - Downtown

Located inside the Grand Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta offers a Christmas buffet from noon-5pm. The elegant buffet includes multiple stations with holiday favorites, desserts, and a champagne bar. Santa makes an appearance, too! $145 per adult and $65 for kids ages 3-12. Reservations required.

Come to Rumi’s Kitchen for Christmas and enjoy fresh food, Persian hospitality, and a loving atmosphere.

14. Rumi’s Kitchen - Sandy Springs

Experience authentic Persian food at Rumi’s Kitchen 11:30am-10pm, where each meal starts with sabzi (a plate of flatbread with herbs, goat cheese, and walnuts). The restaurant offers various kabobs and other Middle Eastern specialties. Reservations required. 

15. Ruth’s Chris Steak House - Multiple locations

Each location of Ruth's Chris will offer its regular menu of premium steaks and seafood on Christmas day (times will vary). Additionally, guests can order the four-course prix fixe menu; the kid’s menu includes a beverage, entrée, and side. Prices vary. Reservations required.

16. STK - Downtown 

Opening at 11am, STK features a Christmas menu including prime rib, pumpkin ravioli with crab, and wagyu. The regular menu will also be available. Reservations recommended.

The St. Regis Hotel is ready for visitors and diners to enjoy its holiday decor. Photo by Rebecca Leffler

17. St. Regis Hotel - Buckhead

Book the Christmas brunch experience at St. Regis Hotel 11am-3:30pm, where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves are on site. In addition to the holiday buffet, families enjoy live music. The cost is $195 for adults and $85 for children ages 3-10. Prepaid reservations required. This event sells out quickly, so just click "notify" on a reservaiton time and the hotel can you know of any cancellations. 

18. South City Kitchen - Alpharetta

South City Kitchen, located at Avalon, will host a Christmas Day buffet from 11am-7pm. The cost is $85 per person and $42 for kids under age 12. Reservations required.

19. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft - Buckhead

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft is open on Christmas 5-10pm. Plan to share several of the small plates for a sampling of Thai street food, including noodles and curry dishes. Reservations suggested.

20. Waffle House - Various locations

Waffle House is always open! Let your kids indulge in the classic, chocolate, pecan, or peanut butter waffles. Other favorites on the all-day breakfast menu include omelets, hash browns, and bacon. Lunch and dinner menus also available.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants and hotels.