Your Guide to the Best of What's Open on Christmas Day

Here in New Orleans, we've got a holiday eating tradition unlike any other in the country?Réveillon. By tradition, Réveillon is the big, long, celebratory meal after midnight mass on Christmas Eve in Francophone regions, though for the last 23 years it's become a more organized "food event," to quote Tom Fitzmorris (subscription required). This year, under the banner of New Orleans Online's "Christmas New Orleans Style," 49 restaurants are offering special seasonal meals. And almost just as many people have put out a guide to Réveillon: Tom Fitzmorris, linked above; NewOrleans.com here; recommendations from Fleurdelicious here; and of course the official site here.

But again, Réveillon is a Christmas Eve thing. Though it runs through most of the month, very few restaurants will actually be open on Christmas Day. And those that are open, generally speaking, will offer a separate special menu. So if you're the type that prefers going to a restaurant over cooking for the fam and friends, here's a guide to the best of what's open on Christmas Day. As of this writing, all of the restaurants listed here have reservations available. Just call to make 'em.

1) The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel
Where: 300 Gravier St., CBD
What: Four course prix fixe menu, $95 per person
Call: (504) 522-1994

2) Lüke
Where: 333 St. Charles Ave., CBD
What: Special Christmas buffet from 11AM to 9PM. $42 per person, reservations required.
Call: (504) 378-2840

3) 5 Fifty 5
Where: 555 Canal St., CBD
What: Brunch buffet, $45 per person. Reservations required.
Call: (504) 553-5555

4) Café Adelaide
Where: 300 Poydras St., CBD
What: Open from 11:30AM to 7PM with an a la carte menu. Reservations required.
Call: (504) 595-3305

5) The Bombay Club
Where: 830 Conti St., French Quarter
What: Special a la carte Christmas menu, available on their website. Open 1-8PM, reservations required.
Call: (504) 586-0972

6) Galvez
Where: 914 North Peters St., French Quarter
What: Running the Réveillon menu on Christmas Day, 4 courses for $45, with tapas and paella also available. Reservations required.
Call: (504) 595-3400

7) Besh Steakhouse at Harrah's Casino
Where: 4 Canal St., CBD
What: Open regular hours. Reservations required.
Call: (504) 533-6111

8) Tujague's
Where: 823 Decatur St., French Quarter
What: A $39 prix fixe menu that includes shrimp remoulade, sweet potato crab bisque and roast turkey with oyster dressing.
Call: (504) 525-8676

9) Domenica
Where: 123 Baronne St., CBD
What: Open, reservations recommended
Call: (504) 648-6020

10) 7 on Fulton
Where: 700 Fulton St.
What: Lunch buffet, $45 for adults, $22 for children. Available 11AM to 3PM. Reservations required.
Call: (504) 525-7555

11) 8 Block Kitchen & Bar at the Hyatt Regency
Where: 601 Loyola Ave., CBD
What: Breakfast buffet from 6:30 to 10AM and brunch from 10AM to 6PM.
Call: (504) 561-1234

12) Royal House Oyster Bar
Where: 441 Royal St., French Quarter
What: Four course Réveillon menu, $42.
Call: (504) 528-2601

13) La Cote Brasserie
Where: 700 Tchoupitoulas St., Warehouse District
What: Christmas morning brunch, reservations currently available from 6:30AM to 11AM.
Call: (504) 613-2350

14) Roux on Orleans
Where: 717 Orleans St., French Quarter
What: 4 course prix fixe menu, $58. Open noon to 8PM.
Call: (504) 571-4604