On December 25, when much of New York City retreats into quiet, Ai Fiori offers guests an opportunity to step into a space of warmth, culinary precision, and seasonal beauty. This year, the restaurant invites diners to enjoy a four-course prix-fixe Christmas Day menu that balances holiday comfort with the sophistication of Riviera-inspired cuisine.
The Christmas Day dinner is designed by Executive Chef Lauren DeSteno and reflects Ai Fiori’s philosophy of seasonal expression through technique and regional flavor. Set within The Langham on Fifth Avenue, this Midtown location provides a rare blend of tranquility and access, appealing to both visitors and New Yorkers seeking a more elegant take on holiday dining in Manhattan.
The four-course structure offers flexibility, allowing guests to shape their experience based on preference while remaining within a cohesive culinary narrative. The first course typically opens with refined vegetable-forward options, such as Fall Market Squash accompanied by labneh, hazelnut, and dill, or the Petite Chou Farci, a dish of cabbage, cauliflower, and potato elevated by the richness of black truffle.
Guests may then select from handmade pastas such as the Epaulettes, which feature veal breast and Reblochon cheese encased in delicate ravioli and served with brown butter and hazelnuts. Those leaning toward seafood will find the Trofie Nero, squid ink spirals layered in a Ligurian crustacean ragù, to be a standout option that reflects the coastal inspiration of the menu.
For the main course, the choices move into heartier territory, with options such as Roasted Lamb with shelling beans and fig, Chicken Roulade paired with chanterelles and marjoram, or Atlantic Halibut prepared with seasonal vegetables and citrus accents. Each dish maintains a balance between richness and restraint, inviting guests to savor without excess.
Desserts close the meal on a classic note, with refined versions of Tiramisu, Pumpkin Mousse, or Chocolate Hazelnut Crémeux, each presented with the same attention to texture, flavor, and visual clarity that defines the savory courses.
The full experience is priced at $165 per person, with a separate children’s menu available for $55. Guests also have the option to enhance their meal with wine pairings selected from Ai Fiori’s Grand Award–winning wine list, which includes over 1,000 labels curated for both breadth and harmony.
Ai Fiori is known for its modern Riviera style, and during the holiday season, its interiors reflect a refined take on festivity. There are no overwhelming decorations or theatrical displays, but rather a quiet celebration conveyed through soft lighting, elegant place settings, and the polished service of a seasoned team.
The main dining room offers ample space between tables, allowing for private conversation and an unhurried pace. Guests may also begin or conclude their experience at Bar Fiori, a cocktail lounge adjacent to the dining room that serves curated drinks in a setting that feels both contemporary and relaxed.
The restaurant’s location on Fifth Avenue makes it especially convenient for guests staying in Midtown hotels, attending holiday performances, or spending the day exploring nearby landmarks like Bryant Park, Grand Central, or Rockefeller Center. Yet it also serves as a seasonal refuge for locals who wish to dine out on Christmas Day without sacrificing comfort or quality.
This Christmas Day dinner in NYC is designed for those who appreciate detail and value the kind of hospitality that is quietly attentive rather than overly formal.
To discover other holiday experiences at Ai Fiori, including Christmas Eve and New Year’s menus, visit the holiday overview page.
