Christmas Eve Dining Options Abound

Restaurants throughout Morris County are offering special Christmas Eve dinners, complete with visits from Santa Claus and Christmas carolers. Whether buffet or a la carte, many require reservations. Here's a top-10 list, in no particular order, complete with dining options for every style.

• If you are looking to dine out without any festive holiday extras, several local favorites are offering business as usual. Hunan Taste in Denville (reservations required), Sammy's Ye Old Cider Mill in Mendham, Long Valley Pub and Brewery (until 8 p.m.), Valley Restaurant and Pub (until 6 p.m.) and  Splash Seafood and Pasta (until 8 p.m.) in Long Valley.

• Seafood lovers, head to Rod's Steak and Seafood Grill in Morristown. There are two dining options, both featuring strolling carolers and running from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Eve lobster buffet is the main event, with stations serving lobster, entrées, New England seafood, fresh-carved lamb, sirloin and turkey, salad, cheese, pasta and pastries. The buffet is $68.95 for adults, $24.95 for children. Rod's is also offering a la carte dining. The a la carte entrees range from $35.95 to $56.95; children's meals are $15.95 to $21.95.
• Copeland in Morristown will serve a la carte from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The restaurant features New American Cuisine, including an award-winning raw bar. Holiday cocktails from the martini bar are sure to get the Christmas celebration going. Thomas Ciznak is the executive chef of this upscale restaurant, located inside the Westin Governor Morris Hotel. 
• Restaurant Serenade in Chatham will serve an elegant three-course menu from 5 to 9 p.m. Expect refreshing holiday cocktails, such as the Mistletoe and the Poinsettia, to match perfectly with the creations of Nancy and James Laird. $65 for adults, $32 for children ages 10 and younger. The menu includes a vegetarian/vegan appetizer, though there are no vegetarian entrées.
• Have a favorite wine you'd love to enjoy with dinner? Bring it with you to in Parsippany. The BYOB is offering a special holiday pre-fixe, as well as a la carte dining. This is the first Christmas for the restaurant, which opened earlier this year. The owners expect to have the menu complete by Monday morning. Call for further details.
• Another BYOB option is the Garlic Rose in Madison. If you're not afraid of being caught under the mistletoe with garlic on your breath, this may be the perfect place to enjoy a low-key dinner. The restaurant is offering its regular menu but will close for the holiday at 8 p.m.
• Where better to enjoy the Italian seven fishes dinner than a true Italian restaurant? La Baita Cucina Italiano in Butler will be serving its regular menu, with special holiday selections added for Christmas Eve. Reservations are suggested.  
• The Mohawk House in Sparta is worth the trip. With gorgeous views of Lake Mohawk, the large, yet cozy restaurant, complete with three fireplaces, is offering a special holiday a la carte menu starting at noon.
• The Montville Inn will serve an a la carte menu, featuring several specials. This sophisticated country inn is accepting reservations for seatings between 2 and 8:30 p.m.
• The Columbia Inn in Montville will once again offer a la carte Christmas Eve fish specials, a holiday addition to the already expansive menu. Reservations are required to dine at this historic inn, which was constructed in the 1870s. The last seating is at 8 p.m.

Wherever you choose to kick off your Christmas festivities, have a wonderful evening and happy holidays!