Five Great Restaurant Choices for Your Houston-Area Christmas Dinner

HOUSTON, TX — The holiday season can be taxing: family gatherings, office parties, shopping for gifts ... too many obligations and never enough time. Plus, there's the issue of Christmas dinner. Have no fear about that, however, because we've got some great recommendations for restaurants in the Houston area that will allow you and your family and friends to celebrate the season and eat and drink in style. Tip: Don't wait to make reservations, because these places fill up fast. While dining out for Christmas is not as popular as Thanksgiving dinners in restaurants, there's no need for you to feel guilty about doing something different this year.

Here, in no particular order, are our picks:

1. The Oceanaire Seafood Room: The Galleria staple will be serving Christmas dinner from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the 25th. Looking for some great shrimp and grits or perfect crab cakes? This is your place. And yes, the steaks here are worthy of attention as well. 837-487-8862

2. Vallone's (Christmas Eve): Some call this steak-centric restaurant "Memorial's Hidden Treasure," and if you like great service, a diverse wine list, and steaks done right, this is where you'll want to be on Christmas Eve. Try "The Tex" — a cheese enchilada paired with a 6-ounce center cut filet — lobster and Gruyere mac n' cheese, or a 55-day dry aged bone-in rib eye. 713-395-6100

3. Brenner's Steakhouse on the Bayou: Looking for a setting that will wow your guests? This treehouse-like sprawling restaurants fits the bill. Beginning at 4 p.m.on Christmas Day you can place your order for things such as pork belly confit, pan-roasted duck breast, and Gulf red snapper. 713-868-4444

4. Fielding's Local Kitchen + Bar: How about a Christmas brunch? This Woodlands-based favorite is putting on the weekend tradition on Christmas Eve (11 a.m. — 11 p.m.) and Christmas Day (9 a.m. — 3 p.m.). Expect eggs in myriad forms, waffles, pot roast hash, and a bloody mary or two. 281-351-2225

5. La Table (Christmas Eve): Take a culinary trip to France and dine on lobster bisque, wild mushroom ravioli, and sea bass. The dining room upstairs is elegant, the chairs are comfortable, and the service impeccable. 713-439-1000

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