It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so of course we’re getting ready to fill our social media feeds with festive photos at the city's most charming locations.
From winter terraces that have cosy blankets and heaters to stunning spots covered in kitsch decorations, there are plenty of places bringing us yuletide cheer. Get set for some serious swooning as we find London’s most Instagrammable Christmas restaurants.
Instagrammable Christmas Restaurants In London
Daphne's
Where in London could you find a restaurant that’s jam-packed with decorations? Taking the reins as the restaurant boasting the most beautiful seasonal interiors around, Daphne's goes all out each year.
Expect dazzling ceiling installations across their Christmas theme. When you’re not snapping pictures for your Instagram? There'll be an elegant Italian menu and unique cocktails.
Sketch
Sketch’s art-lined walls and famous toilets make it one unmissable place for an Instagram photo any time of the year. When it comes to Christmas? The artsy West End bar and restaurant has previously constructed a massive spiralling tree and an indoor 'snowstorm in a cup' art piece that rose up to the ceiling.
This year though, you can expect huge gingerbread houses, giant swans, floral displays and more - designed by a a whole host of artists to evoke a sense of whimsical nostalgia across their many dining rooms.
100 Wardour St
100 Wardour St sits at the former home of the iconic Marquee Club, where artists like David Bowie and The Rolling Stones strutted their stuff, so you can follow your dinner by grabbing reels of live music.
As for the stunning interiors, you'll find an Instagram-worthy backdrop of baubles and berry-laden foliage at their Christmas in Soho installation.
The Montague on the Gardens
Returning for another year, the Ski Lodge at The Montague on the Gardens is London’s original winter party venue that’s just made for sharing on social media.
The Wood Deck will be transformed into a haven of pine trees, falling snow and strings of lanterns, adding to the overall festive charm. Throw in a few glasses of mulled wine and hot chocolate cocktails? You’re all set for the perfect pic.
Annabel's
This Mayfair restaurant is not one to do things by halves, including Christmas decorations. Every year the members' club goes bigger and bigger with its festive interiors, from bauble installations over the bar to elegant wreaths lining the dining room.
This year sees a giant snow globe outside the entrance, complete with a magical peacock - raising money for The Caring Family Foundation. Oozing old school glamour throughout the space, Annabel's is sure to impress, thanks to elegant menus matching the Insta-worthy surroundings.
Mari Vanna
It seems like it’s Christmas every day at this restaurant, but when it really does get to December? Expect Mari Vanna to be decked out in even more quirky curiosities.
We’re talking trees, fairy lights and glittering decorations hanging from the ceiling. Topping it off is a menu of winter warmers that's sure to thaw even the coldest of hearts.
Dalloway Terrace
The ever-enchanting Dalloway Terrace has been transformed into one of the most magical winter wonderland restaurants in London across previous years, so of course they’ll be bringing back more decorations for Christmas 2024.
Part of The Bloomsbury Hotel, this heated hideaway provides a botanical backdrop for sipping seasonal cocktails, alongside cheese fondue and festive films.
34 Mayfair
34 Mayfair has been on our London Christmas restaurant for Instagram radar since its stint of over 14,000 decorations back in 2020. Since then, it's had a pretty-in-pink theme with an apres-ski twist and a Santa's Grotto makeover.
This year sees a Golden Age theme inspired by The Great Gatsby - think 1920s-style cocktails, elegant golden decor and plenty of festive touches. It doesn't get more merry than this.
Balthazar
In the spirit of all things French, Balthazar usually have a twinkling Eiffel Tower in place as well as a Christmas tree over the festive period, adding extra sparkle to the occasion. Get ready for twinkling decorations as far as the eye can see, with smooth jazz transporting you to the streets of Paris at Christmastime.
This year, the theme is The Nutcracker, in partnership with St Germain drinks. There are limited-edition cocktails available too, so make sure to pair your feast with a tipple or two.
The Little Scarlet Door
Known for its house party vibes and secret entrance marked by (you guessed it) a red door, this stunning Soho spot really does pull out all the stops come the festive period.
The Little Scarlet Door will not only have a Christmas tree, streamers coming from a glittering chandelier and other touches in the season's traditional colours across the 'Living Room', but also canapes washed down by festive cocktails available for your office bash this year.
Harry's Dolce Vita
Add a dash of Italian style to your social posting and say buon Natale at Harry's Dolce Vita. Pairing stunning decorations with an equally impressive menu of Christmas goodies, the Knightsbridge restaurant is sure to make jaws drop when you pay them a visit.
Expect swish private dining spaces, authentic festive cooking and (of course) plenty of bubbles to wash everything down.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
If you’re looking for luxury, there’s nowhere as glitzy as The Ivy Chelsea Garden. One of London’s most Instagram-worthy restaurants for Christmas, this place goes all out with its yuletide decorations, if previous Grinch and Narnia themes are anything to go by.
Expect plenty of winter foliage, touches of glitter and fun seasonal dishes, as well as wintery cocktails.
Duck & Waffle
With its sprawling views, iconic location and menu of photo-worthy eats, Duck & Waffle is one for the 'Gram all through the year. Last Christmas, the City restaurant was transformed into a festive haven inspired by The Nutcracker, but this time round sees a Narnia theme take over.
There'll be charming sculptures and displays alongside dazzling trees and lights, paired with picturesque panoramas of the entire city.
Sushisamba Covent Garden
Sushisamba Covent Garden is our top choice if you're after a totally different feel when it comes to Instagrammable Christmas restaurants in London this 2024.
Combining its usual foliage-packed terrace and vibrant accents with festive installations, it promises to be a total beauty. Plus, the menu of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian fusion favourites is sure to wow.
The Churchill Arms
Boasting memorabilia, vintage carpets and plenty of cool furnishings, The Churchill Arms is a top spot to update the boring 'ol Gram feed this Christmas. You'll be able to spot this drinking den from a mile off, as it flaunts an epic array of weather-proof yuletide fairy lights and trees.
And when you're done taking in the pretty scenes? Check out the mouthwatering Thai menu, such as noodles or spring rolls.
Ochre
This stunning restaurant in London's iconic National Gallery has teamed up with The White Company this year to give its dining space a festive overhaul. You'll find Ochre decked out with three nine-foot tall trees covered in baubles, glitter and snowflakes.
This makeover coincides with a delicious winter menu, showcasing seasonal British ingredients in the form of a Christmas pudding by McLanren'ts served with burnt faith brand cream, and a ginger trifle with orange jelly.
Looking for more
Instagram inspiration? Check out our guide to winter restaurants.