While Christmas may sometimes be far from picture-perfect, whether it’s the painfully overcooked turkey or the inevitable family squabbles, there are venues across the city that are perfect for a picture. So, whether you fancy dining under a canopy of baubles or surrounded by festive garlands, we’ve rounded up the best Instagrammable Christmas restaurants in Edinburgh.
🎄🍽️🎄
Black Ivy
Considering it’s already renowned for its snap-worthy décor, you can bet your bottom dollar that Black Ivy really sleighs during the festive season. Not only will its front exterior be adorned with twinkling lights and elegant tinsel, but inside? You’ll find a towering tree covered in more glittering baubles than you can shake a stick at, plus beaut wreaths and atmospheric candles at each table.
This has to be one of the most festive restaurants in Edinburgh.
Angels Share
Oozing style from every corner, Angels Share is no stranger to an Instagram post. And when it comes to Christmastime, it really doesn’t hold back on the decorations; as you enter, you’ll be greeted by a life-sized nutcracker statue alongside a garland-entwined doorway. And while you delve into your festive feast, enjoy views of the humungous tree, complete with giant baubles.
Make sure you've got your camera at the ready for this one.
Tattu
If you're seeking out an Insta-worthy Christmas dinner in Edinburgh for 2023, we know just the place. Tattu is already stunning, boasting elegant East Asian-inspired interiors, but when wintertime strikes, it transforms into a magical, icy realm. While surrounded by frost-bitten blossom trees and cooling blue hues, chow down on sophisticated Chinese fare paired with theatrical cocktails.
You have to admit, Tattu's got some serious style.
Brewhemia
Fancy a Christmas night out in Edinburgh city centre? Head along to Brewhemia for everything from a laid-back celebratory lunch to a drag-doused dining bonanza. And, of course, the sprawling location will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations hanging from the rafters, illuminated by the twinkling fairy lights.
Tuck into dishes like pan-fried turkey schnitzel and homemade winter berry pavlova at Brewhemia.
Prestonfield House
When it comes to Instagrammable restaurants open on Christmas Day in Edinburgh, one place that’ll transport you right to the North Pole is Prestonfield House. A luxurious, five-star hotel, it’s home to sumptuous interiors that get a yuletide makeover come December. Cosy up among the roaring fires, extravagant decorations and intimate candlelight to polish off a lavish four-course feast.
Head here for the best Christmas Day lunch in Edinburgh for 2023.
Tigerlily
It’s all banging bites and beaut baubles at Tigerlily, one of the most Instagrammable Christmas restaurants in Edinburgh city centre. Under a canopy of dangling, colourful orbs and fairy lights that give the illusion of falling snow, get your smackers around roast turkey with all the trimmings or crispy confit duck leg. You can even swing by for a festive afternoon tea if you fancy.
From the mouthwatering menus to its eye-catching interiors, Tigerlily's got your Christmas festivities on lock.
The Ivy
The Ivy never fails to impress around Christmastime. Offering enchanting interiors, like picturesque pine trees covered in dazzling decorations alongside decadent place settings, it's an absolute treat for the eyes. And if that wasn’t enough, all of its seasonal dishes are just as pretty, such as its fragrant pan-fried Moroccan-style salmon, which would go all too well with a glass of bubbly.
You'll also find a range of Christmas cocktails at this beaut.
Feeling festive? Check out our guide to the best Christmas dinners in Edinburgh here and sign up to our future newsletter for the latest.
