For many families in Sarasota and Manatee County, Christmas Day means opening gifts, spending time with loved ones… and figuring out who’s cooking.

If you’d prefer to skip the kitchen this year and let a local chef handle the holiday spread, you’re in luck.
From beachfront cafés to elegant holiday brunches, our area has fantastic restaurants open on Christmas Day — offering everything from traditional turkey and ham to seafood dishes that honor our beautiful waterfront lifestyle.

Here’s your 2025 Guide to Restaurants Open on Christmas Day across Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and Anna Maria Island.

(Note: Hours and menus may vary. Reservations strongly recommended where available.)

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Sarasota & Manatee County

Anna Maria Island Beach Café

Holmes Beach
4000 Gulf Drive • 941-778-0784 • amibeachcafe.com

Celebrate Christmas with your toes in the sand.
Anna Maria Island Beach Café serves a holiday dinner featuring ham, turkey, and classic trimmings — right on Manatee Public Beach.

Special Christmas dinner (pre-order recommended)
Breakfast menu also available 8–11 a.m.
Dine-in and to-go options
Seating is first-come, first-served

Perfect for: Families, beach lovers, casual holiday vibes

Café Gabbiano

Siesta Key Village
5104 Ocean Blvd • 941-349-1423 • cafegabbiano.com

This charming Italian favorite will open from 4–8 p.m. Christmas Day, offering a festive menu featuring:

Allen Brothers filet mignon
Osso buco
Lobster ravioli
Meat & cheese plates

Also open Christmas Eve 4–8 p.m.

Perfect for: Romantic dinners, upscale holiday dining

Columbia Restaurant – St. Armands Circle

Sarasota
411 St. Armands Circle • 941-388-3987 • columbiarestaurant.com

A Sarasota icon since 1959, Columbia will open 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Christmas Day with:

Regular full menu (Spanish & Cuban classics)
Christmas specials including roast pork & glazed ham
Children’s portions available
Curbside pickup + family-style takeaway bundle (serves 8–10)

Perfect for: Large families, classic holiday meals, groups exploring St. Armands

Euphemia Haye

Longboat Key
5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr • 941-383-3633 • euphemiahaye.com

Celebrating 50 years, this Longboat Key landmark will be open:

Christmas Day: 2–8 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 4–9 p.m.

Featuring a traditional Bavarian-style roast goose dinner (limited availability), plus their full à la carte menu and nightly specials.

Their famous pies are available for pre-order — but only with early reservation.

Perfect for: Holiday traditionalists, fine dining lovers

Grove

Lakewood Ranch
10670 Boardwalk Loop • 941-893-4321 • grovelwr.com

A Lakewood Ranch go-to, Grove will open 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Christmas Day with:

Prime rib dinner
Filet Oscar
Rack of lamb
Multiple lobster options
Starters, soups, salads & desserts

Perfect for: LWR families and groups looking for upscale comfort food

Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie

Sarasota (Southside Village) & Lakewood Ranch
1917 S. Osprey Ave • 941-236-5826
8445 Lorraine Rd • 941-357-1570 • libbysneighborhoodbrasserie.com

Open 3–9 p.m. Christmas Day (and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Christmas Eve), Libby’s offers:

Dr. Pepper ribs
Signature burger
Grandma Guli’s cast-iron meatballs
Brasserie-style holiday dishes

Perfect for: Casual comfort food lovers & multi-generational families

Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar

Sarasota
5353 S. Tamiami Trail • 941-925-4444 • creekseafood.com

A Sarasota institution since 1978, Phillippi Creek is open every day of the year, including Christmas.

Expect:

Special holiday dinner
Full seafood menu
Grouper, whole snapper, stone crab, oysters & more
Open at 11 a.m.

Perfect for: Waterfront dining + seafood fans

Pier 22

Downtown Bradenton
1200 First Ave W • 941-748-8087 • pier22.com

Open 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Christmas Day with a menu similar to Grove:

Prime rib
Filet Oscar
Maine lobster tails
Roast duck
Soups, salads & appetizers

All served with gorgeous views of the Manatee River.

Perfect for: Scenic holiday dinners with guests

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Sarasota Bayfront
1111 Ritz Carlton Dr • 941-309-2000 • ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz goes all out for Christmas with two options:

🎄 Holiday Grand Ballroom Brunch

10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Chef-attended stations
Kids’ activities
Live entertainment
$175 adults / $60 kids 12 & under
Reservation required

🍽️ Jack Dusty Prix-Fixe Dinner

4:30–9:30 p.m.

Three-course menu
$125 adults / $40 kids 12 & under
Also available Christmas Eve

Perfect for: Luxury holiday celebrations

Rosemary & Thyme

Downtown Sarasota (Rosemary District)
511 N. Orange Ave • 941-955-7600 • therosemarysarasota.com

Open 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Christmas Day with a festive menu including:

Pork osso buco
Beef tenderloin filet
Pistachio-dusted salmon
Mixed seafood pasta
Canard à l’orange
Kids’ menu + desserts

Perfect for: Foodies & neighborhood gem lovers

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Longboat Key
1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr • 941-231-1000 • marriott.com

Celebrate Christmas at Sarasota’s newest ultra-luxury resort:

🎄 Holiday Brunch Buffet

11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Carving stations
Hot & cold selections
Desserts + more
$195 adults / $80 kids 12 & under

🍽️ Christmas Dinner

Riva (Italian – à la carte)
CW Prime (steak & seafood – curated holiday menu)
5–10 p.m.
Reservations required

Perfect for: Upscale family gatherings & luxury travelers

Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay

Siesta Key
8875 Midnight Pass Rd • 941-346-2207 • turtlesrestaurant.com

A beloved local spot open daily, including Christmas.

Their holiday menu features:

Honey-glazed ham
Roast turkey
Eggnog with brandy, cinnamon & nutmeg
Steaks, seafood, appetizers, and kids’ options

Perfect for: Waterfront views, wildlife sightings, relaxed family meals

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront Christmas dinner, a five-star holiday brunch, or a cozy neighborhood celebration, Sarasota and Manatee County have options for every taste and tradition.

If you visit any of these restaurants — tag @srqcoastalliving so we can share your holiday moments! 🎄✨