The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, (941) 309-2000, ritzcarlton.com

Jack Dusty at The Ritz-Carlton will be serving a prix fixe menu on Christmas Day this year, but the real fun is farther down the hotel inside. Grand Ballroom. guests are invited to enjoy a buffet fit for a king—or Santa Claus—with crab, caviar and loads of carving stations. Reservations are available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom and 4:30-9:30 p.m. at Jack Dusty.

Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar

5353 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 925-4444, creekseafood.com

Are you even in Florida if you don't celebrate Christmas on the water? Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar will offer its standard menu on Christmas, which is an excellent way to create your own Feast of the Seven Fishes. Or opt for roasted prime rib for a more traditional meal. Reservations are available beginning at 11 a.m.

Café Gabbiano

5104 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, (941) 349-1423, cafegabbiano.com

Italian offerings abound on Christmas Day at Café Gabbiano. Guests can anticipate a 14-ounce veal chop with a brandy mushroom cream sauce, honey truffle salmon and lobster ravioli, to name a few. Reservations are available beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Columbia Restaurant

411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, (941) 388-3987, columbiarestaurant.com

Start your own Christmas tradition with Cuban sandwiches and frijoles negros (black bean soup) at one of Sarasota's most iconic restaurants. St. Armands Circle is bound to be less busy than usual but the people-watching will likely still be sublime. Reservations are available beginning at 11 a.m.

Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie

1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 236-5826; 8445 Lorraine Road, Sarasota, (941) 257-1570; libbysneighborhoodbrassierie.com

Both Libby's locations will be open on Christmas Day this year. In addition to the restaurant's regular menu, guests can also choose from 24-hour short ribs or grouper Frangelico on Libby's holiday menu. Each location is open from 3-9 p.m.

GROVE

10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, (941) 893-4321, grovelwr.com

You can always depend on GROVE to take care of you during any holiday. This year's extensive holiday menu includes crab cakes, lamb lollipops, stuffed lobster and more. Reservations are available beginning at 11 a.m.