Although Los Angeles doesn’t exactly turn into a winter wonderland once the holiday season comes around, there are plenty of places in town to get into the spirit. From live carolers to twinkling lights to garlands as far as the eye can see, these six restaurants go all out with holiday cheer. Here’s where to soak up the festive vibes—even if it’s still in the 70s outside.
Dal Rae (Pico Rivera)
This Los Angeles Times hall of famer turns up the holiday spirit in December. The upscale steak-and-seafood spot decks out its dining room with a Christmas tree and classy ornaments that hang from the ceiling. Thanks to the restaurant’s multiple private rooms in varying sizes, this is the kind of place you want to book for an intimate celebration or a holiday party for family and friends.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib (Beverly Hills)
This Beverly Hills prime rib institution celebrated its 85th birthday this past August. Over those decades it’s become known for its festive decorations as well as special events—think a live performance of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol or a December 23 lunch with Santa singing “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” and tableside-carved prime rib, of course.
The Tam O’Shanter (Atwater Village)
LA’s resident Scottish steakhouse serves up a hearty dose of holiday cheer alongside its turkey and prime rib dinners. That includes strolling Victorian carolers throughout the month of December, strung garlands, decorated Christmas trees, and an outdoor fireplace that adds to the cozy vibes.
Il Pastaio (Beverly Hills)
This upscale Italian restaurant is the go-to place for housemade pasta and luxurious risotto once the holidays roll around. The simple and chic dining room is all done up with multiple oversized wreaths tied with red ribbons, classic white lights, and garlands that keep on going.
Casa Vega (Sherman Oaks)
The iconic Sherman Oaks Mexican restaurant takes things to an 11 come holiday season. Sure, string lights are on year-round, but come December, there’s garlands galore, tinsel everywhere, and lit Santas to ogle while enjoying a seasonal margarita and house-favorite lobster enchiladas.
The Smoke House (Burbank)
A Burbank staple since 1946, the Smoke House is known for its curved red-leather booths, black-and-white celebrity photos, and live music. During the holiday season, be greeted by two nutcrackers and an inflatable Santa at the restaurant’s door before going inside to down a well-mixed martini and a steak while soaking in the retro vibes.
Karen Palmer is a pizza- and pasta-obsessed food writer based in Los Angeles. She is the former editorial director of Tasting Table, and her work has appeared in Eater, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and many other publications. Follow her on Instagram at @karenlpalmer.
