If you’ve driven all over to find the perfect gifts, wrapped until your hands hurt and the thought of cooking is dampening your holiday spirit maybe you should consider dining out. Or perhaps taking someone out for a nice meal is the best present of all. Either way, here’s a list of some of the restaurants in the Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley and Whittier areas that will be open Christmas Day.

PASADENA

Avanti Italian Bistro and Bar: The menu includes entrees such as grilled Scottish salmon, filet mignon and rack of lamb, plus salads, pasta and gourmet pizza. 4-9:30 p.m., 187 N. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. $30 and under. 626-817-9180, avantibistro.com.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: Create your own meal and grill your own meat, selecting from items such as New York steak, chicken cheese fondue and scallops, plus veggies, salads, noodles and soups. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., 70 W. Green St., Pasadena. $30 and under. 626-405-4842, www.gyu-kaku.com.

Malbec: This Argentinean bistro will offer a special holiday menu with dishes including barramundi al champagne, costillo de cordero and pato al oporto, as well as grilled steak, fish, salads and soups. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 1001 E. Green St., Pasadena. $33 and under. 626-683-0550, malbeccuisine.com.

Roy’s: This Pacific Rim fusion eatery will have a 3-course prix fixe menu with entrees such as blackened island ahi, filet mignon, macadamia-crusted mahi mahi and misoyaki butterfish. Noon-8 p.m., 641 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. $59.95, with an optional wine pairing for an additional $20. 626-356-4066, www.roysrestaurant.com.

The Terrace: California dining means diversity, which sums up this holiday lunch buffet, with omelet and carving stations, dim sum, pastries and more, plus bottomless champagne and a live jazz band. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Langham, 1401 S. Oak Knoll, Pasadena. $68. 626-585-6218, www.langhamhotels.com.

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Benihana: Sit at a communal table and watch your chef prepare your selection from a special holiday menu with Japanese flair, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Westfield Santa Anita, 400 S. Baldwin Ave., Suite 901-L, Arcadia. $30 and under/ 626-340-2276, benihana.com.

Chang’an Restaurant: This modern Chinese gastropub is noted for its barbecue skewers, steaks and seafood. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., 227 W. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel. $30 and under. 626-872-0906. restaurantchangan.com.

Chengdu Impression: Wax exotic with spicy noodles and other Chengdu, Chinese dishes. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., 21 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. $31-$50. 626-462-9999, www.chengduimpressionarcadia.com.

Encore Teppan: Sit at a communal table and watch your chef prepare your selection at this Japanese teppanyaki restaurant specializing in steaks, seafood and sushi. 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m., 23525 Palomino Drive, Diamond Bar. $30 and under. 909-861-8278, www.encoreteppan.com.

WHITTIER

Jack’s Whittier Restaurant: This traditional American eatery has been serving the community since 1933. In additional to its regular menu, it will offer holiday items, such as roast turkey, baked ham and roast lamb. 6 a.m.-midnight, 13221 Whittier Blvd., Whittier. $11-$30. 562-693-8713, www.jacksinwhittier.com.