What To Wear To NYC’s Hottest Holiday Restaurants

The Kate's Paperie-wrapped presents. Miu Miu glitter shoes. Diptyque Tubéreuse Rouge burning in the living room. Love Actually. There's just so much we love about this season. But, perhaps the top reason to heart the holidays is the same reason Santa's suit fits so snugly—starts with an "f," ends with a "d." Yes, food (just in case you're online shopping and R29-ing in tandem). Everyone knows that calories don't count until January 1, so the Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/Festivus marathon is the time to dine like you're dying. Of course, no place beats the Big Apple when it comes to eating out 'round Yuletide… And because we know you're so busy buying us mom, dad, and co. gifts, we've put together a mini-guide with the very best restos to feast festively in the city. Whether you're craving some carpaccio with a major side of glam, or some baked french toast with your brunch, we've picked four hot-spots where you can get into the spirit no matter your scene. And, don't you dare think you have to fret over an outfit, either—we chose an ensemble for every single eatery, from a Billyburg badass get-up to an U.E.S.-approved dress (with all the trimmings). That's right. We just gave you permission to eat and shop.

When avant-guard meets classic taste, the outcome is an amazing symphony of flavors and a palette-pleasing experiences. Armani Risorante, located in the heart of all the hot-hot-hot Fifth Avenue shopping, is (no surprise!) a refined and sleek foodie destination that allows eaters to stylishly savor their polpetti, ravioli, or risotto with their Armani Martini. For this uptown-chic rooftop spot, we recommend bold glamor punctuated by (what else) Armani.

If you're feeling like a side order of retro with your meal, head over to Cafe Colette in Williamsburg. This hipster-cool, diner-esque spot has excellent food and a decor to match, with checkered floor tiles and comfy cushioned booths that'll make you forget which era you're actually eating in. We recommend going for a laid-back brunch look, but keeping the impact, of course. Try a daytime maxi dress with a chunky coat and scarf.

Known for its rustic and (occasionally) odd takes on classic dishes, Isa is a warm and inviting haven among the blossoming food-and-wine scene in Williamsburg. With hearty wood as the dominating decor in the dining room, it's no wonder that the smell of delicious dishes has seeped into the grain, creating an encompassing scent of food-glory. To offset the rustic Brooklyn vibe, we recommend going with something a bit glam 'n' grunge, with a cute dress and chunky booties.

Next time you stand in line for that $8 bag of popcorn, think about what else you could be enjoying during your cinematic experience and then book it over to Nighthawk Cinema. With a street level cafe for whenever your urge to munch takes over, plus table-side food service for those enjoying the benefit of the theater, this unique dining adventure is award winning. No need to doll up for the movies (although, it doesn't hurt to keep it cool). Stay relaxed, but style-savvy— you never know who's hand you could be holding in the dark.