Best Restaurants Open On Christmas Day In Edinburgh 2026

Oozing style and sophistication, Browns Brasserie & Bar is a great choice for an elegant Christmas Day lunch in Edinburgh for 2026. Head over to the New Town to find this one, promising colourful interiors filled with plants and a five-course menu for £115 per person.

They'll welcome you with hors d'oeuvres, before serving a sumptuous choice of plates like Scottish smoked salmon, turkey with cranberry stuffing or beetroot and mushroom pithivier. They even offer a trio of festive desserts if you're struggling to choose, with the option to add on a cheese board too.

• Location: 71-73 York Place, EH1 3JD
• Price: £94 for four courses
• Why we recommend: their indulgent four-course menu features equally delicious meat and plant-based options, and we particularly love this one for a family Christmas Day in Edinburgh, thanks to the great kids menu

When it comes to Christmas Day dinner in Edinburgh city centre, you can't go wrong with The Conan Doyle on York Place - named after the famous Sherlock Holmes author who was born close by. This place is full of cosy corners, bookshelves and comfy leather seats, perfect for a Christmas morning tipple and hearty dinners alike.

Their four-course feast costs £94 per person, or £50 for kids. Start with a king prawn and smoked salmon cocktail or chicken liver pate, before diving into plates of roast turkey or a walnut and almond nut roast, served with all the trimmings.

• Location: 47-49 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1LR
• Price: £94 for four courses
• Why we recommend: if you're looking for a festive meal in the Stockbridge area, this is a great choice - we love the cosiness and classic pub atmosphere, and always feel welcome here

Located in the friendly suburb of Stockbridge, Hector's is a classic Scottish boozer for all your drinking and dining needs on the 25th. Expect traditional interiors and cosy vibes here, thanks to comfy sofas and a roaring fireplace.

You can nab four festive courses for £94 per person here, with a kids option costing only £50. We're talking hand-carved turkey breast, shallot and camembert tarts or chargrilled sirloin steak - with a rich dark chocolate truffle torte or classic Christmas pudding to finish.

• Location: 131-133 High Street, EH1 1SG
• Price: £99 for four courses
• Why we recommend: this is a charming, historic pub that's always filled with festive decorations, and we love the versatility of their set menu

Located close to Waverly Station, The Mitre is a charming pub on the famous Royal Mile. There's a rich history to this venue, as the site has been around for more than 200 years, and supposedly the Bishop of St Andrews' throne is buried under the bar.

Their Christmas Day menu features four courses for £99 each, or £50 for children, promising everything from pan-roasted salmon fillets to turkey with all the trimmings, finishing off with classic Christmas puddings or a cheese board. Plus, there'll be coffee and mini mince pies after dessert.

• Location: 18 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6HN
• Price: £95 for three courses
• Why we recommend: this swish hotel restaurant adds a touch of class to your Christmas Day, particularly if you're after something a little more exclusive for your meal

Murrayfield Bothy is found within the swish Murrayfield Hotel in the West End of Edinburgh. The stylish restaurant offers both communal and private dining spaces, featuring opulent velvet curtains, plush suede seating and a well-stocked bar.

Dine here on Christmas Day for £95 per person, including three festive courses. You'll find the traditional turkey dinner on the menu, as well as alternatives like salmon en croute, vegetarian haggis Wellington and more.

• Location: 2 Rutland Place, EH1 2AD
• Price: £90 for three courses
• Why we recommend: this is certainly one of the most Instagrammable destinations for Christmas dinner this year, thanks to its bold, gothic interiors, and there are unique options on the menu, while still maintaining traditional flavours

A striking Scottish restaurant that features some truly gorgeous interiors, Ghillie Dhu is cooking up an indulgent three-course feast on the 25th. This stylish spot is full of opulent chandeliers, gothic decor and round tables, where you can tuck into Christmas dinner with family or friends.

With seatings available throughout the afternoon and early evening, you can get your fix of prosciutto-wrapped turkey roulade, braised pumpkin strudel and roast Angus beef sirloin. Don't miss out on the glazed banana sticky toffee pudding either.

• Location: 20 North Bridge, EH1 1TR
• Price: £120 for three courses
• Why we recommend: this is one of the most refined options on our list, promising high-end eats and a swanky setting. Plus, we love the added bonus of live entertainment to set the festive mood

A renowned hotel in the heart of the city, the Scotsman Hotel & Grand Café is going all-out with their festive celebrations on the 25th. This decadent venue features marble walls, elegant chandeliers and lots of luscious foliage, creating a sophisticated setting for your Christmas meal.

They offer both adults and kids menus for £120 and £55 respectively, complete with a welcome glass of prosecco and live entertainment until 8pm. Tuck into the likes of game and pistachio terrine, salt-baked celeriac and truffle pithivier or dry-aged beef sirloin.