As the holiday season approaches, many families find themselves caught in the whirlwind of planning, cooking and cleaning, often sacrificing precious moments with loved ones for kitchen tasks.
This Christmas, consider breaking free from the traditional routine and trading the kitchen chaos for quality time with friends or family. Thanks to some of the Bay Area's finest restaurants and markets, you can savor every moment without the hassle of washing dishes. However, to make the most of this stress-free option, it's crucial to plan early, as meal kits tend to sell out quickly.
Che Fico Alimentari
📍834 Divisadero St., San Francisco
🔗 www.cheficoalimentari.com
Che Fico’s four-serving rib feast includes braised short ribs, black truffle lasagna bolognese and potato parmigiano gratinato for $325. The vegetarian option, which also feeds four, includes polenta fritti, roasted vegetables and black truffle lasagna, and sells for $300.
Order by Dec. 20. Pick up 2-5 p.m. Dec. 23.
Greens
📍2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco
🔗 greensrestaurant.com
Head to Greens for vegan fare, offering vegan, vegan possible, gluten-free and gluten-free possible holiday dishes. Items range from $12 for rolls to $50 for mains like portobello mushroom Wellington.
Place your order by noon Dec. 15 for pickup Dec. 23 or Dec. 24.
The Claremont Club & Spa
📍41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley
🔗fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley
The Claremont’s slow-roasted prime rib dinner includes butternut squash soup with apples and bacon, buttermilk mashed potatoes and more. Pricing options include $225 for 2-4 people, or $395 for 4-6 people.
Place your order by noon Dec. 22 for pick-up on Dec. 24 or Dec. 25.
Berkeley Bowl West
📍920 Heinz Ave., Berkeley
🔗 shop.heinzcatering.berkeleybowl.com/
Choose from meal kits including vegan, prime rib and surf and turf. Prices range from $80 to $180.
Place your order by Dec. 17, for pickup between Dec. 22 and Dec. 24.
Bi-Rite
📍3639 18th St. and and 550 Divisadero St., San Francisco
🔗 biritemarket.com/
From full meal kits to sides a la carte, Bi-Rite has meals that serve small, medium and large gatherings. Feeding a big group? Try the spread with slow-cooked brisket, smashed red potatoes with garlic and rosemary, roasted cauliflower sprouts and more. It’s $495 and serves 12 to15 people.
Kits sell out fast, so order before Dec. 20.
Brenda’s Soul Food
📍652 Polk St., San Francisco, and 4045 Broadway #101, Oakland
🔗https://frenchsoulfood.com/
The restaurant's holiday ham kit serves six and includes sweet potatoes, collard greens, macaroni & cheese for $235.
Place your order by Dec. 13 for pickup Dec. 22.