** NEW: Rome Restaurants Open for Christmas and New Year's (Free Italy Travel Advice) **

One of the challenges of spending Christmas in Rome can be finding a special place that will be open for Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch. New Year's Eveis a little easier...If you're in a bind, a hotel restaurant may be your best bet and Rome actually has some fine gourmet hotel restaurants -- see La Terrazza below, but you will pay for the privilege. (See Rome holiday hotel packages, too.) The folks at Tavole Romane also have a good Rome holiday restaurant list. Remember, reservations are essential! Our Rome contributor Danielle Rouvet picks some Rome restaurants that will be open for the holidays :

Grotte del Teatro di Pompeo
Dining with Pompey's Theatre as the backdrop.
Cuisine: Typical Roman
Open: Christmas Eve, Christmas Lunch, New Year's Eve dinner
Address: Via del Biscione, 73/74 (near Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona)
Phone: (39) 06 6880368

Il Drappo
Named after the drapes that cover the roof and come down from the walls to create a romantic atmosphere.
Cusine: Sardinian
Open: Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch and New Year's Eve dinner
Address: Vicolo del Malpasso, 9 (near Campo dei Fiori)
Phone: (39) 06 6877365

Ristorante Ad Hoc
Extensive wine list. Great for seafood and meats.
Cusine: Roman and Mediterranean
Open: Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch and New Year's Eve dinner
Address: Via di Ripetta, 43 (near Villa Borghese)
Phone: (39) 06 323304

Le Fate
Name means“The Fairies.” Ask for the homemade limoncello at the end of your meal at this mom and pop restaurant.
Cuisine: Typical Roman
Open: Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
Address: Viale Trastevere, 130 (Trastevere)
Phone: (39) 06 5800971

Pierluigi
Founded in 1938. Exceptional seafood dishes.
Cuisine: Italian and Mediterranean
Open: Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch and New Year's Eve dinner
Address: Piazza De Ricci, 144 (Trastevere)
Phone: (39) 066861302

La Terrazza
In the Hotel Eden. Michelin star. Very expensive - the pre-fixe Christmas Eve menu is 175 euros per person.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Open: Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch and New Year's Eve dinner
Address: Via Ludovisi, 49 (above Spanish Steps)
Phone: (39) 06 478121

Photo by Marilisa, flickr.com