By Karen Sprinkles
Residents of and visitors to
San Francisco will find Christmas Day the perfect time to get out and explore the outdoor attractions that surround the city. Framed by rolling green mountains, windswept bluffs and scenic trails, San Francisco provides a wonderful, panoramic backdrop for enjoying the holidays in an unparalleled natural setting. Since you'll be spending your day exploring such places as Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin Headlands or Stinson
beach rather than cooking in the kitchen for the family, the city also offers plentiful dining destinations open on Christmas Day. So after you have celebrated your Bay Area holiday in the great outdoors, come to the great indoors for a celebration of the city's bounty of great eats.
Alioto's
One of the most iconic restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf, Alioto's has been serving fresh fish daily since 1925. With menu items that include sea bass, swordfish, scallops, sand dabs and the restaurant's famous Dungeness crab, Alioto's is still owned and operated by the descendants of the original owner, whose Italian seafood creations stand the test of time. The venerable location overlooking the water offers the ideal setting for casual and formal dining, highlighted by the multi-level dining room upstairs with a view of the harbor. Open seven days a week, including on Christmas, Alioto's provides a memorable dining experience year round.
Alioto's
# 8 Fisherman's Wharf at Taylor Street
San Francisco, CA
415-673-0183
First Crush Restaurant, Wine Bar & Lounge
Whether you are looking for a quick snack after a day of trekking the city's scenic vistas, or desire a place to share a bottle of hard-to-find California wine with your bike-riding buddies, First Crush presents a casual getaway that also serves dinner seven nights a week. From sampler plates to full entrées, the First Crush menu presents seasonal dishes and plentiful choices. Located in the center of the theater district, the restaurant offers good-quality cuisine at affordable prices.
First Crush Restaurant, Wine Bar & Lounge
101 Cyril Magnin St. at Ellis
San Francisco, CA
415-982-7874
Campton Place Restaurant, Bistro and Bar
One of San Francisco's premier fine-dining restaurants, Campton Place combines Mediterranean influences with local California cuisine. Consistently voted best breakfast in the city, Campton Place is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner offerings include five-course tasting menus, plus a la carte items and a nine-course degustation menu. Featuring more than 40 wines by the glass, Campton Place showcases an intimate bar and bistro area for late-night dining, after-work gatherings or private parties.
Campton Place Restaurant, Bistro and Bar
340 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-955-5555
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
