Tampa Bay eateries providing festive Christmas dining options, beverages, and gourmet gift bundles

Tampa Bay area restaurants present enticing Christmas offers for festive dining experiences.

The Don CeSar: Indulge in a Christmas brunch buffet at the iconic “pink palace” in the King Charles Grand Ballroom. The spread includes carving stations, cold seafood, artisan cheeses, winter harvest-inspired sides, and decadent desserts. Available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 25. Visit 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, or call 844-959-0071.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Enjoy a limited-time festive holiday menu at Carrabba’s until Jan. 15. Delight in offerings such as short rib marsala, mezzaluna fritte, rigatoni al forno, cannoli cake, and an Italian cookie martini. Note that all locations will be closed on Dec. 25, but take-home and reheat meals are available in advance. Find a location near you at carrabbas.com.

Ocean Hai: The Wyndham Grand’s Asian restaurant invites you to savor a brunch buffet on Dec. 25, featuring a bakery station, cold seafood, sushi, salads, carving station, hot mains, sides, and desserts. Pricing: $75, $25 for ages 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Location: 100 Coronado Drive, Clearwater Beach. Contact: 727-281-9544.

Outback Steakhouse: Experience the joy of “Steakmas Season” at Outback with special menu items including a bone-in ribeye with bourbon onion, Bloomin’ French onion sirloin, and a chocolate tower. All locations closed on Dec. 25. Find a location near you at outback.com.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach: Celebrate with “Christmas Cookies and Cocktails” every Sunday in December. Decorate holiday cookies for all ages while adults enjoy cocktails from Offshor ($30, hotel guests free). Additionally, Santa leads a holiday cocktail class every Friday ($25, hotel guests free). Location: 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. Contact: 727-373-1234.

Tiff’s Treats: Preorder your holiday gift packs, including Sweet Holidays (12 cookies, two frosting cups, and four truffles), Santa Pack (six cookies, milk, and a blank note for Santa), and Holiday Cookies (12 cookies and a balloon, all gift-wrapped). Location: 2121 N. Massachusetts Ave., Tampa. Contact: 813-934-7900.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery: Celebrate the holidays with Perkins’ breakfast, lunch, and dinner prime rib menu, cinnamon roll French toast platter, turkey dinner, and Oreo cookie silk pie. Check hours and find a location near you at perkinsrestaurants.com.

Stillwaters: Explore a seasonal menu featuring NOLA barbecued shrimp, sponge dock Greek salad, roasted butternut salad, chicken Jager schnitzel, and coconut tres leche, available until Jan. 31. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Dec. 24, closed on Dec. 25. Location: 224 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Contact: 727-350-1019.

BellaBrava: Embrace the season with agrodolce wings, talegio fonduta, chicken marsala pasta, and a chocolate red wine tart available until Jan. 31 at BellaBrava locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Both locations open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Dec. 24 and closed on Dec. 25. Find a location near you at bellabrava.com.

Latitude 28: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a three-course dinner from 3-10 p.m. ($110 ages 13 and older, $10 to $20 a la carte children’s menu available). On Christmas Day, enjoy a brunch buffet ($75, $50 ages 12 and younger) from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., with an option to add bottomless mimosas for $25 (21 and older only). If you miss brunch, savor a three-course dinner from 3-10 p.m. on Dec. 25 ($110). Also, enjoy a holiday-inspired 12 Days of Christmas cocktail menu every Friday and Saturday evening through Dec. 25. Location: JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, 691 S. Gulfview Blvd. Contact: 727-677-6000.

Miller’s Ale House: Regular locations open until 11 p.m. on Dec. 24, closed on Dec. 25, while the airport location will be open from 12:30-11 p.m. on Dec. 25. Explore holiday menu items such as surf and turf, strip steak, steak and lobster ravioli, lobster ravioli, and a brownie sundae ($9.99). The holiday menu is available through Jan. 7. Find a location near you at millersalehouse.com.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop: Fuzzy’s locations open until 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and closed on Dec. 25. Catering options are available for build-your-own-taco bars, nacho bars, fajita bars, and party trays. Find a location near you at fuzzystacoshop.com.

Bern’s Steakhouse: Explore Bern’s winter cocktail menu featuring unique options like the gin and tomato juice Girl Dinner, vodka, coffee liqueur, and walnut liqueur I Don’t Mind, and tequila and white grape juice Staff Meal. Enjoy stone crab season with cooked, cold, and cracked claws served with key lime mustard through mid-May. Location: 1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Contact: 813-251-2421.

4 Rivers Smokehouse: Dive into the holiday spirit with festive desserts from 4 Rivers Smokehouse bakery, featuring Christmas Tree (birthday cake), Reindeer (chocolate), and Santa (red velvet) cupcakes, Snowman Bombs, chocolate chip cookies, and cake balls. Elevate your celebrations with deluxe meat gift or party packages, offering a beef brisket serving 16 to 18 ($229) or prime rib serving six to 32 ($219-$399 depending on size). Location: 14330 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Contact: 844-474-8377.

Seasons 52 Wine Bar and Grill: Indulge in the joy of the season with a variety of “mini indulgences” perfect for party trays or gifting. Choose from selections like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, key lime pie, raspberry chocolate chip cannoli, and Belgian chocolate s’mores, priced at $4.50 each or enjoy a flight of six for $24. Location: 204 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. Contact: 813-286-1152.

Bon Appetit: Elevate your Christmas Day with a four-course meal at Bon Appetit, featuring a welcome glass of house champagne. Choose from options like lobster bisque, ahi tuna, or hummus for starters, followed by a refreshing salad. The main course offers a selection of roast duck, veal medallions, filet mignon, rack of lamb, eggplant rollotini, or sea bass. Conclude your festive feast with a choice of dessert, accompanied by coffee or tea, all for $99. A special kids’ menu is available for those aged 10 and younger. The dining experience is available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 25. Additionally, a lavish buffet will be served in the upstairs ballroom, featuring a welcome glass of house champagne, charcuterie, salads, carving station, sides, pastas, and a dessert station, all for $99, with a discounted rate of $25 for ages 9 and younger. The buffet is available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 25. Location: 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin. Contact: 727-733-2151.

Melting Pot: Immerse yourself in the ultimate five-course experience at Melting Pot, engaging all your senses. From the sight and sound of sparklers to the smell of flowers and the taste and feel of your food, each course is thoughtfully designed. The journey begins with a Green Goddess and bacon-stuffed tomato appetizer, followed by cheese fondue, a choice of salad, a fondue entree, and a chocolate fondue finale with sparklers ($93-$100 per person). This tantalizing experience is available daily through, and including, New Year’s Eve. Reservations are required. Location: 13164 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Contact: 813-962-6936.

Noble Crust: While closed on Dec. 25, Noble Crust invites you to savor brunch (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and dinner (3-8 p.m.) on Dec. 24. Find a location near you at noble-crust.com.

Aussie Grill: Delight your taste buds with hand-spun gingerbread- and peppermint-flavored milkshakes ($4.99) at Aussie Grill, creating a winter wonderland experience. Available throughout the holidays. Find a location near you at aussiegrill.com.

The Dan: Hotel Flor’s restaurant, The Dan, presents a limited-time holiday dinner with a unique twist on traditional dishes. Choices include sausage-stuffed turkey, whole branzino, prime rib, butternut squash Bolognese, oysters on the half-shell, and more. Available from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 24-25. Reservations are recommended. Location: 905 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. Contact: 813-318-9719.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar: Join in the holiday festivities at Fleming’s with a special menu and a new shellfish tower. The menu highlights salmon poke wonton, citrus frisee salad, filet mignon and lobster tail, and chocolate mousse. The shellfish tower offers a choice of two or three tiers, featuring oysters, king crab legs, lobster tails/claws, and shrimp. Available through Jan. 4, with hours from noon to 10 p.m. on Dec. 24. Fleming’s will be closed on Dec. 25. Location: 4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa. Contact: 813-874-9463.

Parasol: Experience a Latin-style Christmas celebration at Parasol, the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club’s poolside restaurant. Indulge in an open-air roast pig with Cuban rice, plantains, and cassava, starting at $29. Available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. Location: 450 Seventh Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Contact: 813-618-4044.

Paul’s Landing: Enjoy a holiday feast at Paul’s Landing featuring grilled lamb chops served with lentils, a root vegetable blend, and rosemary jus, starting at $45. Available from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. Location: 502 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Contact: 727-824-8007.

Boulon Brasserie and Bakery: Bring your kids for a special meal or sweet treat between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 16-17, where they can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Location: 1001 Water St., Tampa. Contact: 813-768-9988.

Union New American: Celebrate the holidays at Union New American with a happy hour featuring $10 cocktails, $9 wines, and $8-$12 light bites from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, accompanied by live music on Thursday and Friday. Location: 1111 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. Contact: 813-768-9989.

Haven: Savor the festive flavors at Haven with their holiday creations, including the Hog Nog made with whisky, cognac, spiced rum, allspice dram, cream, milk, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Additionally, indulge in mulled wine throughout the holidays. Location: 2208 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa. Contact: 813-258-2233.

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval: From Dec. 21 to Jan. 2, immerse yourself in a culinary delight with Lona’s three-course prix fixe menu priced at $72. Location: 505 Water St., Tampa. Contact: 813-204-6390.

Duffy’s Sports Grill: Duffy’s Sports Grill invites you to celebrate the holidays with special additions to the menu, including crab-stuffed mushrooms, a crab cake sandwich, crab cakes, surf and turf burger, surf and turf, and twin tails. Enjoy festive drink specials such as the Jack Apple New Fashioned, peppermint martini, and double eggnog. Available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Dec. 31, closed on Dec. 25. Location: 1580 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Contact: 813-875-7340.

Bonefish Grill: Embrace the winter season with Bonefish Grill’s holiday menu featuring Bang artichokes, linguini Del Mar, cedar-planked salmon, smoky tomato grouper, smoky tomato pork chop, and smoky tomato filet. Enjoy drink specials including a smoked old-fashioned and a winter white cosmo ($7 during social hour). Additionally, receive $50 off catering with a minimum order of $250 through Dec. 31. The restaurant closes at 9 p.m. on Dec. 24 and is closed on Dec. 25. Find a location near you at bonefishgrill.com.

True Food Kitchen: Share a festive meal with True Food Kitchen’s prix fixe menu for two priced at $75. The menu includes a holiday appetizer tower, a choice of meatloaf, salmon, or Cacio e Pepe, and a delectable dessert. Available through Dec. 31, closed on Dec. 25. Location: 3645 Midtown Drive, Tampa. Contact: 813-327-445

Apres Sea: Experience the festive vibes at Apres Sea, a holiday pop-up bar at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. Enjoy a variety of holiday-themed beverages, including a sugar cookie martini, gingerbread old-fashioned, and mistletoe mimosa, along with additional cocktail and mocktail selections. A portion of proceeds from the holiday cocktail menu benefits Hope Villages of America. The pop-up bar is open from 5-7 p.m. every Thursday and Friday through Dec. 25. Location: 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. Contact: 727-373-1234.

American Social: Revel in the holiday spirit with special cocktail offerings at American Social, featuring drinks like Letter to Santa ($14), Sleigh My Name ($14), Tiki Santa ($15), Santa Claus Mo ($14), and Partridge in a Claus Mo Tree ($100-$140, serves 8-12). Join the Santa Social event from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 23, where dressing in a Santa costume gives you a chance to participate in a “Sexy Santa” contest. Location: 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. Contact: 813-605-3333.

Palm Court Italian Grill: At Palm Court Italian Grill, in addition to the regular menu, enjoy special offerings like prime rib ($58) and crab-stuffed swordfish ($48). Available from 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 25. Location: 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Contact: 727-363-2358.

Grand Palm Colonnade: The lobby of the TradeWinds Island Grand transforms into the Grand Palm Colonnade for a holiday buffet experience priced at $93 for adults, $80 for seniors, $48.50 for ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Indulge in an array of offerings, including cold seafood, an omelet bar, lobster bisque, salad bar, carving station, pasta bar, sides, desserts, and assorted pastries. The buffet is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 25. Location: 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Contact: 800-249-1667.

Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar: Simplify your holiday meal with a prime rib kit from Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar. Designed to feed up to six people, the kit includes prime rib, au jus, horseradish sauce, baby potatoes and mushrooms, white bean ragout, salad, and rolls, starting at $195. Note that the kit is not fully cooked, so allow a few hours before serving time. Location: 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. Contact: 813-535-9955.

Rumfish Grill: In addition to the regular menu, Rumfish Grill at Rumfish Beach Resorts is offering special holiday selections such as braised short ribs ($48), sea bass and lobster tail ($75), and peppermint cheesecake mousse ($14). Available from 4 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 25. Location: 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Contact: 727-329-1428.

Blitzen Bar: Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at Blitzen Bar, a pop-up experience featuring holiday-themed food, drinks, shots, and non-alcoholic beverages. Open from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday-Wednesday and 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday-Sunday. The experience continues through Dec. 31. Location: 249 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Maggiano’s Little Italy: Order a carry-out bundle from Maggiano’s Little Italy to feed up to six people. The bundle includes Caesar salad, a choice of Momma’s Lasagna, fettuccini alfredo, or chicken piccata, and dessert. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance and picked up between Dec. 15-24. Location: 203 WestShore Plaza, Tampa. Contact: 813-288-9000.

Columbia Restaurant: Celebrate at Columbia Restaurant in Sand Key and Ybor City, open regular hours on Dec. 25 for dine-in and takeout specials. Specials include lechon asado (marinated pork, $29.95) and glazed ham ($29.95). Mini portions are available for children 9 and younger ($8). Enjoy a pitcher of sparkling white wine sangria ($30) or take out a curbside family-style meal serving up to 10 people ($195). The deadline for ordering is 2 p.m. on Dec. 20, with pickup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24. Find a location near you at columbiarestaurant.com.

Lilac: The Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant at the Tampa Edition, Lilac, will be open on Dec. 25, offering a four-course prix fixe menu that includes Buche de Noel for dessert. Location: 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Contact: 813-771-8022.

Market: Market at the Tampa Edition is offering pies to go until Dec. 19. Choose from apple, pumpkin, pecan, or key lime. Location: 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Contact: 813-771-8022.

Cipresso: For Christmas, Cipresso, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa’s Italian-American restaurant, will serve Zuppa di Pesce alla Siciliana ($55). This traditional seafood stew features black cod, tiger prawns, shrimp, calamari, mussels, tomato fish broth, and crostini. Available from 4 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 25. Location: 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Contact: 813-627-8130.

Council Oak Steaks and Seafood: Enjoy a Christmas Eve special from 5 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 24 and a Christmas Day menu selection from 5 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 25 ($70). The special features a braised lamb shank served with smoked Gouda polenta, grilled broccolini, lamb jus, and mint pesto. Brunch will also be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 ($95). Location: 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Contact: 813-627-7600.

Hard Rock Cafe: The American fare restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, is serving prime rib with mashed potatoes, green beans, horseradish cream, and au jus ($40.99). For dessert, enjoy a New York-style caramel apple cheesecake ($10.99). Available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 25. Location: 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Contact: 813-627-7757.

Rise Kitchen and Bakery: Indulge in a pear and Gorgonzola salad alongside cherry barbecue brisket and black forest cake ($39). Available from noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 25. Additionally, take home an apple, cherry, pecan, or pumpkin pie ($20) through Dec. 25. Location: 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Contact: 813-627-7625.

The Rez Grill: The American grill, The Rez Grill, will offer prime rib with grilled asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and horseradish cream ($75). Available from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 25. Brunch will also be served ($55) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24. Location: 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Contact: 813-627-8120.

Kona Grill: Enjoy a Christmas Eve brunch buffet and an all-day menu available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 24. Selections include smoked salmon lox, roast turkey, ham, prime rib surf and turf, and pumpkin pie. The all-day menu will also be available from 11 a.m. to midnight on Dec. 25. Location: 4134 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa. Contact: 813-877-5938.

Nueva Cantina: Nueva Cantina, the popular Mexican restaurant, presents a special holiday drink menu featuring the Poinsettia Paloma, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Santa’s Santo Margarita Cocktail, available throughout the month. Open from 11 a.m.