Florida is an exciting destination for a Christmas holiday, offering beautiful beaches, festive waterfront dining, luxury resorts, lively entertainment districts, and some of the best seafood and steakhouse experiences in the United States. From fresh Florida stone crab and grilled lobster to juicy steaks, roasted turkey, barbecue ribs, and Southern-style fried chicken, the Sunshine State has something for every non-vegetarian food lover.
If you are planning a festive getaway with family, friends, or your partner, choosing the right restaurant can make your Christmas vacation even more memorable. Cities such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale feature restaurants that combine delicious meat and seafood dishes with stylish interiors, waterfront views, and special-occasion dining experiences.
In this guide, we explore the best non-vegetarian restaurants in Florida for Christmas Holiday 2026, highlighting popular dining destinations for travelers who want to enjoy exceptional food during the festive season. Whether you prefer an upscale steakhouse, a classic seafood restaurant, or a relaxed Southern barbecue spot, these restaurants are worth considering for your holiday itinerary.
Planning tip: Christmas Day menus, opening hours, and special holiday events for December 2026 may not be confirmed yet. Check each restaurant’s official website and make reservations in advance, particularly for December 24 and 25.
Top 10 Non-Vegetarian Restaurants in Florida for Christmas Holiday 2026
1. Bern’s Steak House
Tampa, Florida • Fine dining steakhouse
Bern’s Steak House is a well-known destination for travelers who want a sophisticated dinner during the festive season. Its focus on carefully prepared steaks and an elaborate dining experience makes it suitable for a special Christmas Eve dinner or a celebratory meal during a Florida holiday.
What to try: Dry-aged steaks, classic steakhouse sides, and a dessert selection.
Best for: Couples, food enthusiasts, and special-occasion dining.
2. Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster
Orlando, Florida • Premium steaks and seafood
Christner’s is an excellent option for visitors seeking an upscale restaurant in Orlando. The restaurant combines classic steakhouse hospitality with prime beef and seafood, making it a strong choice for a festive dinner after a day exploring the city’s theme parks and holiday attractions.
What to try: Filet mignon, prime steak cuts, and lobster specialties.
Best for: Luxury Christmas dinners and family celebrations.
3. Chima Steakhouse Orlando
Orlando, Florida • Brazilian rodizio
Chima Steakhouse offers a Brazilian-style dining experience centered on continuously served grilled meats. This format works particularly well for groups with hearty appetites who want to sample different cuts rather than choose just one entrée.
What to try: Fire-roasted beef, lamb, chicken, and traditional Brazilian side dishes.
Best for: Large families, groups of friends, and meat lovers.
4. Joe’s Stone Crab
Miami Beach, Florida • Iconic seafood
For travelers who prefer seafood to red meat, Joe’s Stone Crab is a famous Miami Beach dining destination. Stone crab is a seasonal Florida specialty, making a visit during the Christmas period particularly appealing when the seasonal catch is available.
What to try: Stone crab claws when in season, seafood dishes, and classic key lime pie.
Best for: Seafood enthusiasts and visitors exploring Miami Beach.
5. Charley’s Steak House
Orlando, Florida • Wood-fired steaks
Charley’s Steak House is a strong option for visitors looking for bold, smoky flavors. Its signature approach uses high-temperature wood-fired cooking to develop the flavor of steaks and seafood. The restaurant is convenient for travelers staying around International Drive.
What to try: Wood-fired steak, beef cuts, and grilled seafood.
Best for: Steak enthusiasts and upscale holiday meals.
6. Mastro’s Ocean Club
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Luxury steak and seafood
Mastro’s Ocean Club offers a polished setting for a Christmas celebration, pairing premium steakhouse dishes with seafood and an upscale atmosphere. Its Fort Lauderdale location is especially attractive for visitors planning a coastal holiday.
What to try: Prime steaks, seafood entrées, and shellfish specialties.
Best for: Romantic dinners, celebrations, and luxury travelers.
Holiday note: The restaurant lists December 24 and 25, 2026, hours on its official page. Confirm reservation availability and the menu directly.
7. The Bearded Pig
Jacksonville, Florida • Southern barbecue
If you want a relaxed meal instead of formal fine dining, The Bearded Pig is worth considering. This Jacksonville barbecue destination is suited to travelers who enjoy slow-smoked meat, generous portions, and a casual atmosphere during their winter vacation.
What to try: Smoked brisket, pulled pork, barbecue ribs, and classic sides.
Best for: Casual family meals and barbecue enthusiasts.
8. 15th Street Fisheries
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Waterfront seafood
For a memorable meal beside the water, 15th Street Fisheries offers a classic South Florida seafood experience. Its waterfront setting adds to the appeal for visitors who want to combine fresh seafood with the region’s boating and coastal atmosphere.
What to try: Fresh fish, shrimp, lobster, and other seafood specialties.
Best for: Waterfront dining, seafood fans, and family outings.
9. Adega Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
Orlando, Florida • Brazilian churrasco
Adega Gaucha is another option for a meat-focused festive meal. Its Brazilian churrasco style features grilled cuts served in a traditional rodizio format, allowing diners to experience a variety of flavors in one sitting.
What to try: Picanha, grilled beef, lamb, chicken, and Brazilian accompaniments.
Best for: Families, groups, and travelers seeking a hearty dining experience.
10. Columbia Restaurant
Tampa, Florida • Spanish and Cuban-inspired cuisine
Columbia Restaurant brings a different style of non-vegetarian dining to this list. Its historic setting and Spanish-Cuban culinary influences offer an alternative to conventional steakhouses, particularly for visitors interested in regional history and distinctive flavors.
What to try: Paella, roast pork dishes, seafood, and traditional Spanish-inspired specialties.
Best for: Cultural dining, family gatherings, and travelers exploring historic Tampa.
Best Florida Restaurants for Different Christmas Dining Experiences
| Dining preference | Restaurant to consider | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury steak dinner | Bern’s Steak House | Tampa |
| Steak and lobster | Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster | Orlando |
| Brazilian grilled meats | Chima Steakhouse Orlando | Orlando |
| Seasonal seafood | Joe’s Stone Crab | Miami Beach |
| Waterfront seafood | 15th Street Fisheries | Fort Lauderdale |
| Casual barbecue | The Bearded Pig | Jacksonville |
What to Eat at Florida Restaurants During Christmas 2026
Christmas dining in Florida is an opportunity to explore more than traditional holiday turkey. Seafood is a major attraction, with stone crab, shrimp, lobster, and fresh Gulf or Atlantic fish featured at many coastal restaurants. Seasonal availability varies, so check menus before visiting.
Steakhouses are ideal for diners who prefer prime beef, filet mignon, ribeye, or slow-roasted prime rib. Brazilian steakhouses provide another option, serving several varieties of grilled meat in one meal. Meanwhile, barbecue restaurants offer smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and Southern-style sides for a more relaxed holiday lunch or dinner.
Travelers should also look for restaurants offering Christmas Eve prix fixe menus, Christmas Day brunches, or special holiday dinners. These offerings can change each year, and not every restaurant opens on Christmas Day.
Tips for Booking Non-Vegetarian Restaurants in Florida for Christmas Holiday 2026
Planning ahead will help you enjoy a smoother festive dining experience.
-
Book early: Reserve popular steakhouses and seafood restaurants as soon as holiday reservations become available.
-
Confirm Christmas Day hours: Regular opening hours do not guarantee service on December 25.
-
Check special menus: Ask whether the restaurant will serve its regular menu or a fixed-price holiday menu.
-
Review the budget: Premium steakhouses and seafood restaurants can cost considerably more than casual barbecue spots.
-
Consider location: Choose a restaurant close to your hotel or planned attractions to avoid unnecessary holiday traffic.
-
Ask about dietary requirements: If your group includes vegetarians or guests with allergies, confirm suitable options and preparation procedures before booking.
Final Thoughts
Top Non-Vegetarian Restaurants in Florida for Christmas Holiday, Florida offers a wide variety of restaurants for meat and seafood lovers planning a Christmas vacation in 2026. From the elegant steakhouse experience at Bern’s Steak House and Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster to the seafood traditions of Joe’s Stone Crab and the relaxed barbecue atmosphere of The Bearded Pig, there are options for different budgets, tastes, and travel styles.
For an upscale festive dinner, consider a premium steakhouse. For a coastal holiday experience, choose a seafood restaurant with waterfront seating. If you are traveling with a large family or a group of friends, Brazilian rodizio or casual barbecue can be a satisfying alternative.
Ultimately, the best non-vegetarian restaurant in Florida for Christmas Holiday 2026 depends on your destination, preferred cuisine, and budget. Verify the latest holiday hours, menus, and reservation policies directly with the restaurant before finalizing your plans.
Leave a Reply