Where to Eat (and Order Takeout) Christmas Dinner in Vancouver

We found nine Vancouver restaurants that’ll help make your holiday meal prep entirely stress-free.

The discussion of Christmas dinner always reveals two different types of people. There are those—me, for example—who will be doing none of the cooking (it’s for the better). But then there’s the latter group, whose kitchens turn into dish-filled war zones, and who secretly dread the thought of having to face-off with another 12-pound turkey.Never fear, there’s a solution for both parties. We’ve compiled a list of restaurants and hotels that will be hosting stellar meals on Christmas day (in other words: kitchen warriors can put down their utensils and recreational eaters can still get a taste of the good stuff—it’s a win-win!).

If You Want to Eat In…

1. The Teahouse in Stanley Park

Located at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, the Teahouse is an easy choice for an intimate, charming Christmas meal. A five-course, prix fixe menu is available for $79 per guest, giving you the choice of slow-roasted prime rib with Dijon rosemary rub, roasted turkey with stuffing or B.C. ling cod crusted with with truffle and panko.

2. Pinnacle at the Pier

The Lobby restaurant and lounge, located within the Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver, will be serving a dinner buffet ($68) on December 24 and 25 from 5 to 10 p.m. Highlights include slow-cooked New Zealand leg of lamb, lobster ravioli, and a prawn, chicken and chorizo paella.

3. Bacchus

This modern French restaurant will be offering a Christmas brunch and dinner on the 25th. The five-course supper ($150) looks to impress with entrees like confit duck rillettes and maple-cured salmon; if turkey doesn’t tickle your fancy, try the sweet-and-savoury apple chestnut ravioli.

4. Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar

Want to avoid turkey altogether? The West Coast-inspired Christmas dinner buffet ($88) at Boulevard—think oysters, smoked steelhead trout and slow-poached salmon—is a seafood lover’s dream, and is sure to take your mind off the usual holiday bird.

5. La Pentola

La Pentola will be offering three- ($45) and five-course ($60) holiday meals. Each includes your choice of an antipasti, pasta and main dish consisting of either peasant, roast beef, fish or veggie risotto—all served with classic Christmas fixings.

If You Want to Order Takeout…

Perhaps you’re still looking to cook and feast within the comforts of your own home this year. If so, why not subtract a few steps from the process and have your turkey prepared for you? Less time in the kitchen means more time in front of the fire, sipping rum and ‘nog.

1. Two Rivers Specialty Meats

Vancouver’s go-to butchery is offering a whole, fresh turkey from Yarrow Meadows Farm ($3.99 per pound), complete with all the fixings: gravy ($15), demi-glaze ($15) and stuffing ($11). Also up for grabs: a holiday charcuterie platter ($70) loaded with elk tipple, soppresseta, sour Tuscan salami, pork rilette, foie gras parfait and pickled onions.

2. Railtown Catering

Railtown will once again be serving up their gourmet “Turkey To-Go” packages ($299). Available for pickup on December 24, 25 and 26, the meals are made to serve eight to 10 people and include a 16-pound sage-roasted turkey with giblet gravy, chestnut and brioche bread stuffing, maple-glazed sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables and classic pecan pie. You can add on extra sides (including vegan-friendly tofu skewers) as needed, too.

3. Sutton Place Vancovuer

You can choose to purchase an entire holiday feast ($395) from Sutton Place, or pick-and-choose your fave individual items to accompany whatever it is you’re already making at home. Turkey, ham, stuffing, vegetable medley and assorted desserts are all available for order.

4. Whole Foods

Whole Foods has a wide range of dishes available to order. From turkey and ham with side dishes (from $139) to a stuffed vegan roast ($89), there’s something for everyone. Once you’ve placed an order online, simply schedule a pickup date and time, and you’re good to go!