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.
Daphne's
Where in London could you find a restaurant that’s jam-packed with decorations? Taking the reigns as the restaurant boasting the most beautiful seasonal interiors around, Daphne's goes all out each year. Expect dazzling ceiling installations across their Tuscan Christmas theme. When you’re not snapping pictures for your Insta? There'll be an elegant Italian menu and unique cocktails.
Dazzling decorations have landed at this Insta-worthy restaurant.
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. While this year's theme has yet to be announced, we know they're going to bring us some utterly spectacular.
If you fancy filling your feed with artsy decorations, Sketch is your spot.
Jimmy’s Snow Globes and The Refuge
Jimmy's Snow Globes and The Refuge are among the most Instagrammable Christmas restaurants for plenty of reasons. Not only is the Refuge one swoon-worthy après-ski destination, but the private igloos provide an unbelievable backdrop for social media snapping. The menu of Alpine offerings includes a sharer steak served on a hot stone and traditional fondue.
Whether you fancy curling up indoors or in your own igloo, these places are sure to brighten your feed.
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 a 'Gram-worthy backdrop of giant bows and berry-laden foliage at their Christmas in Soho installation. Topping it off? A Partnership with Cîroc vodka that sees drinks like a toasted marshmallow martini making the menu.
Flaunt 100 Wardour St's yearly installations on your feed.
The Montague on the Gardens
Returning on 6th November, 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, piste maps 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.
Offering Alpine chalet vibes, this is easily one of London's best Christmas escapes.
Annabel's
This Mayfair restaurant is not one to do things by halves, including Christmas decorations. Every year the member's club goes bigger and bigger with its festive interiors, from bauble installations over the bar to elegant wreaths lining the dining room. There was even a rocking horse suspended from the ceiling a few years back. Oozing old school glamour throughout the space, Annabel's is sure to impress, thanks to elegant menus matching the Insta-worthy surroundings.
Annabel's is serving serious glitz from its Mayfair home.
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.
Mari Vanna is a charming restaurant for an Instagram picture this winter.
Winterland
If your idea of the perfect Christmas restaurant includes steaming bowls of fondue, themed cocktails and prime Instagram opportunities, Winterland is a great shout. This festive pop-up in South London takes its inspiration from the Alps with cosy heated spaces, open fires, fur throws and fairy lights. Topping it off? There’ll b e plenty of quirky activities, private igloos available to hire out and bottomless brunches to take part in while you’re there.
Winterland is a quirky pop-up that's made for festive snapping.
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, while this year sees Santa's workshop take shape - think Let It Sloe cocktails, piles of presents dangling from the ceiling and red berry-packed foliage across the terrace. It doesn't get more merry than this.
From après-ski to baubles galore, 34 Mayfair has winter looks covered each season.
Pergola Paddington
After winter-themed restaurants in London for Instagram this Christmas? Pergola Paddington's Deck The Halls is not only covered in huge trees and log cabins, but this rooftop venue also has five different residents to choose food from. Not only that, but the festive season sees themed drinks, party packages and more up for grabs.
Pergola Paddington is among our favourite 2023 Christmas restaurants for Instagram in London.
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. There are limited-edition cocktails available too, so make sure to pair your feast with a tipple or two.
A little ooh-la-la for Christmas? You'll find it at Balthazar.
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.
Harry's Dolce Vita is one pretty Christmas restaurant in London.
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.
Soak up the Christmas vibes (and a few cocktails) at The Ivy in Chelsea.
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.
Sup drinks and nibble small plates underneath the tree here.
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 the Polar Express, but this time round sees a Nutcracker theme take over. There'll be charming sculptures and displays alongside dazzling trees and vintage toys.
Sky-high shots aren't all that's in store at Duck & Waffle come Christmas.
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 2023. Combining its usual foliage-packed terrace and vibrant accents with festive installations, it promises to be a total beaut. Plus, the menu of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian fusion favourites is sure to wow.
A colourful look and classic Crimbo decorations merge at Sushisamba.
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 2023. Part of The Bloomsbury Hotel, this heated hideaway provides a botanical backdrop for sipping seasonal cocktails, alongside cheese fondue and festive films.
Dalloway Terrace is offering alfresco drinking and dining at its finest.
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.
This drinking den goes all out for Christmas.
Looking for more Instagram inspo? Check out our guide to winter restaurants here. Otherwise, sign up to the London newsletter and get the latest sent straight to your inbox.
