Top Six in the 6: Christmas Day Feasts
Get out of the house and away from the standard turkey dinner this season with these alternate feasts.
Banjara
796 Bloor St W. and 164 Eglinton Ave. E.
For nearly two decades, lovers of Indian cuisine have headed to Banjara for its extensive vegetarian menu of regional classics. Banjara is one of the few restaurants in the city that has been praised for presenting homestyle Indian hospitality in a restaurant setting. The restaurant maintains its loyal base over the holiday season thanks to its approachable hours and its ability to host groups. We can’t think of a better way to switch up your holiday meal than with a basket of freshly baked naan and home-style curries.
Café Boulud
60 Yorkville Ave
For their annual Christmas Day meal, Café Boulud presents the holiday classics with a French twist. The three-course prix-fixe menu is served throughout the afternoon and evening, providing the opportunity for festive feasting without all the trouble of cooking and cleaning. In addition to Christmas Day, the French brasserie serves dinner on Christmas Eve and a festive brunch on several days throughout the holiday break.
Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse
230 Adelaide St. W and 150 Eglinton Ave. E
Brazilian steakhouse, Copacabana serves its all-you-can-eat menu rodizio-style. The waitstaff bring slabs of grilled meats to your table and carve them right onto your plate. Sides, salads and breads are available buffet-style in the Galleria. From 4pm on Christmas Day, Copacabana’s Adelaide location is open to serve you a meaty feast – whether you’re looking to celebrate the holidays or just chow-down.
The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St W.
Over on West Queen West, the Drake Hotel will be open on Christmas Day for brunch as well as their annual Festivus dinner. Everything on their menu is made from scratch using seasonal, local ingredients. Past Festivus feasts have included a roast turkey, glazed ham and the airing of grievances.
Liuyishou Hotpot
Multiple Locations
Huddling around a bubbling cauldron of soup, chilies and meat is instantly warming to the body and soul, and while there are many options these days, not all are created equal. We love Liuyishou Hotpot in Chinatown because it combines the best elements of the hotpot experience; a menu that presents a variety of broths for the base and an endless myriad of ingredients to create your perfect bowl. Chinatown is a bustling neighbourhood year round, but especially during the holiday season – Liuyishou is the perfect jumping off point for a day of exploration.
Regulars
668 King St W.
This King West spot, from the people who brought you Figures in Yorkville, is open for business this December 25. With an extensive menu that ranges from shareable apps to comfort food classics and light meals, Regulars is sure to service every member of the family. Choose from poutine with crispy waffle fries, Thai chili or teriyaki salmon. Plus, its big-screen TVs tuned to sports channels will give you ample distraction if table talk turns to politics during your holiday feast.
