Best Christmas Day Restaurants In London

• Location: Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, City of London, EC2A 1DX
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £150 per person
• Why we recommend: Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant definitely feels like one of those special occasion destinations, which is why we think it's perfect for Christmas Day. Dress up, and get ready for an excellent seasonal experience in the sky, complete with igloos if you're keen for something even more magical

A stunning rooftop eatery that promises amazing views of the city, Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant can be found on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square. Expect colourful furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a fully stocked bar.

Their Christmas Day menu promises four courses - think roast turkey with all the trimmings, North Sea halibut or celeriac with wild mushrooms. And for dessert? Indulge in Christmas pudding (a classic), a dark chocolate Biscoff Swiss roll, or a mince pie Bakewell tart. The fourth course in question is a little treat of sorbet and mince pies, because you can never have too many sweet treats come the 25th. 

• Location: 5 Angel Lane, City of London, EC4R 3AB
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £85 per person
• Why we recommend: we think The Oyster Shed is that amazing blend of gastro pub and restaurant that can't co unmissed this Christmas. It's got views of the water, and of The Shard, and if you're in the mood for oysters, well, it's all in the name here

A beloved Fuller's pub and restaurant just a few moments from London Bridge, The Oyster Shed is a great blend of both the casual and the formal for this Christmas Day. Head here for tranquil views overlooking the River Thames, and enjoy natural light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and casual, nautical-leaning interiors with an industrial edge. 

They're putting on a four-course spread for a reasonable £85 per person, which includes a British-led menu of English turkey, gammon, and polished off with the likes of apple and chestnut crumble or a salted chocolate, hazelnut and Kirsch cherry mousse.

• Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0PS
• When: 25th December
• Price: six courses for £295 per person
• Why we recommend: because when you're dining on Christmas Day, you might as well go all out – and this is unapologetically luxurious. From the palace-adjacent location to the theatrical table-side touches and indulgent menu, it's the kind of experience we think makes the day feel truly special

Christmas Day doesn't get much more regal than this. Just moments from Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at The Palace offers a lavish setting for a truly memorable festive feast. This year, its opulent English Grill will be serving an exquisite six-course menu, running from 1pm until 7pm, with seatings in half-hour intervals.

You can expect an opening act of pre-starter cauliflower cappuccino, indulgent plates such as grilled lobster thermidor with winter truffles, free-range black leg turkey with all the trimmings, or the restaurant's famous Dover sole filleted at your table. Desserts are equally show-stopping, such as flambéed Christmas pudding with brandy custard, Black Forest trifle and a decadent British cheeseboard. For those looking to elevate the experience, wine and Champagne can be pre-ordered, with the sommelier ready to pour the moment you arrive.

• Location: Battersea (4 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB) and the City (9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL)
• When: 25th December
• Price: five courses for £75 per person 
• Why we recommend: these restaurants make our list because they offer festive dining with a twist - full of colour, spice, and affordable too, right in the centre of the City. Sometimes you might not want the classic turkey on the big day, and Cinnamon Kitchen accommodates that

For a Christmas celebration with a splash of spice, Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea and the City brings modern Indian dining into the heart of London, by both the Thames and the business district.

Seasonal dishes meet brilliant Indian flavours across their festive menus, from tangy tamarind-glazed aubergine to succulent char-grilled lamb, with indulgent desserts like garam masala Christmas pudding or passion fruit brûlée. After your feast, step out onto the all-weather terrace and sip cocktails beneath the winter sky - the perfect way to end the day in London. 

• Location: The Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 0EZ
• When: throughout December
• Price: TBC 
• Why we recommend: for a truly luxurious experience, we think The Savoy fits the bill, because Christmas here blends world-class dining, historic glamour, and festive indulgence in one of London's most iconic hotels

The Savoy has been synonymous with timeless luxury for over a century, and its festive celebrations are no exception. Across the hotel, you'll find a wealth of ways to mark Christmas Day in style. The Savoy Grill serves a specially curated menu blending refined technique with comforting tradition, while The River Restaurant pairs fresh, locally sourced seafood with sweeping Thames views.

For something truly extraordinary, Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay offers a Michelin-starred tasting menu with paired wines in an intimate, spectacular setting. Beyond the dining rooms, the festive spirit carries into the American Bar and Beaufort Bar for expertly mixed cocktails, or into the gallery for a Christmas afternoon tea laden with seasonal sweet treats and the hotel's famous scones.

• Location: Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £120 per person
• Why we recommend: we think this cosy pub blends centuries-old pub charm with an elevated menu, making it perfect for those who want a traditional setting without compromising on an exquisite feast 

One of London's most historic pubs, The Spaniards Inn is a charming setting for a Christmas steeped in tradition, with a touch of indulgence, naturally. This year's five-course Christmas Day menu in London is designed to impress, starting with elegant hors d'oeuvres like truffled mushroom and white bean crostini or smoked salmon rillettes, before moving on to starters such as pan-seared scallops with maple butternut squash purée or baked goat's cheese-stuffed figs.

Mains include the likes of hand-carved turkey with all the trimmings, Black Angus beef Wellington, or lemon sole in brown shrimp and samphire butter, with every plate accompanied by hearty seasonal sides. To finish, there's a choice of festive desserts, from classic Christmas pudding with Cointreau butter to Belgian chocolate mousse or apple and spiced rhubarb crumble, plus the option to add a glass of prosecco or Champagne for a celebratory flourish.

• Location: 82-84 St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4AA
• When: throughout December
• Price: five courses for £115 per person 
• Why we recommend: what could be better than Christmas in Covent Garden? You'll not only get to see the grand decorations that cover the square, but also get to enjoy a festive menu at a restaurant that, in our opinion, balances classic comfort and refined flair

In the heart of the West End, Browns Covent Garden makes an elegant base for Christmas Day, perfectly placed for those wanting to soak up the area's festive theatre, shopping, and street life. This year's five-course menu (£115 per person) opens with brie and cranberry crostini alongside salmon rillette on rye, before starters such as Devonshire crab and king prawn cocktail, celeriac and truffle soup, or a duo of duck.

Mains range from festive turkey with all the trimmings to beef Wellington, a duo of lamb, or a portobello mushroom, chestnut and lentil Wellington for a vegan twist, with halibut in mussel bouillabaisse offering a seafood option. Desserts are suitably indulgent and include Champagne sabayon, a chocolate trio, or roasted pear tarte Tatin - rounded off with coffee, truffles, and mince pies, with the option to add a cheese board.

• Location: 150 Piccadilly, St James's, W1J 9BR
• When: 25th December
• Price: six courses for £670 per adult and £365 per child
• Why we recommend: with its timeless elegance, impeccable service, and festive flourishes, we feel that this is Christmas Day dining at its most indulgent and most memorable, and most definitely one for a special occasion

Few places capture the grandeur of a traditional Christmas quite like The Ritz. On the 25th of December, the hotel's two Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant hosts an opulent six-course lunch crafted by executive chef John Williams MBE and his team, showcasing the finest British ingredients in truly refined style.

The experience is as much about atmosphere as it is about food: a five-piece live band, accompanied by a vocalist and pianist, fills the room with soul, blues, and jazz, while a skilled caricaturist adds a touch of playful artistry. What's more, children are treated to a magical visit from Father Christmas himself, complete with gifts to treasure. 

• Location: Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, Richmond, and Hampstead 
• When: 25th December
• Price: TBC
• Why we recommend: perfect for groups or intimate celebrations, we think that Gaucho's Christmas menus are great for a festive experience featuring traditional Christmas flavours with a celebrated Argentinian touch

For a festive twist on classic Christmas dining, Gaucho Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, Richmond, and Hampstead offer a celebratory set menu perfect for the occasion. You can enjoy a three-course feast that balances seasonal traditions with signature Gaucho favourites, like ballotine of turkey with chestnut and sage stuffing.

Starters such as smoked salmon with crème fraîche and sourdough toast, or cheese and truffle empanada, set the tone, while mains include pan-fried haddock or mushroom and truffle ravioli. Desserts range from sticky toffee pudding with brandy sauce to dulce de leche ice cream, ensuring a sweet finish to your festive meal.

• Location: 144 On The Hill, Richmond, TW10 6RW
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £150 per person
• Why we recommend: we love how timeless this restaurant feels and how removed from London - it offers a slice of tranquillity on Christmas Day, and is within walking distance to Richmond Park, a great location for a post-meal stroll

If you fancy a little bit of Georgian charm to your Christmas Day dinner this year, head to 144 On The Hill, nestled in the heart of Richmond, for a fabulous feast. Not only is the dining room stunning, with floral centre pieces and long windows, letting natural light flood the space, but the food menu is also pretty impressive. 

For £150 per person, or £60 for children aged between four and 12, and £20 for those under, the menu includes four courses, with the likes of smoked duck terrine to start, followed by roast Norfolk bronze turkey or pan-roasted monkfish. The sweet-toothed among you will rejoice at a tasty pre-dessert gingerbread macaroon, which will wet your appetite for a traditional Christmas pudding, or chocolate mousse and cherry tart.

• Location: 210 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4 1PD
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £175 per person
• Why we recommend: we love that they've got a separate vegetarian menu that's well-thought out, catering for the whole family at Christmas

A historic Victorian police station turned into a pub, The Hound is a charming West London boozer that's going all out with their Christmas Day feast. This has been a community favourite for years, promising traditional furniture and a cosy atmosphere.

Start your meal with an amuse bouche of Galway rock oysters, followed by wagyu tartare, roast turkey crown or half lobster with garlic butter. Or for £145 per person, there's an entirely vegetarian menu as well.

• Location: 9 Aldgate High Street, City of London, EC3N 1AH
• When: December
• Price: three courses for £50 per person
• Why we recommend: located right in the heart of the city, this spot is a great place to enjoy a festive meal on the big day as it includes all the traditional options, as well as plenty of plates for vegetarians 

If you're looking to swap the stress of hosting for festive feasting in style, The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen in Aldgate has Christmas Day all wrapped up. Right in the heart of the City, this vibrant dining spot is going all-out with a menu packed full of comforting classics and elegant twists.

Think Scottish smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraîche, roast Hampshire turkey with all the trimmings (yes, pigs in blankets included), and indulgent puds like sticky toffee with lashings of toffee sauce. Vegetarians and vegans are far from left out either, thanks to the likes of veggie haggis and wild mushroom pâté. 

• Location: Marble Quay, St Katherines Way, E1W 1UH
• When: December
• Price: three courses from £62 per person
• Why we recommend: with a wintry view of the docks, antique furniture and a roaring fire, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're spending Christmas Day in a Dickens novel rather than the Dickens Inn

With lights twinkling from its exposed beams and a tree almost touching the ceiling, Poplars at the Dickens Inn serves up a huge helping of festive magic along with its delicious Christmas Day menu. 

Leave the washing up to someone else and take a seat for a three-course lunch, taking in everything from smoked trout rillette and roast turkey to prosciutto wrapped monkfish and, of course, plenty of Christmas pudding. Add a bottle of champagne, a festive cocktail or some fine wine to the mix to raise a toast to a Christmas Day well done.

• Location: 56 Wellesley Road, W4 4BZ
• When: 25th December
• Price: three courses for £99 per person
• Why we recommend: this is pub dining with a bit of glamour, which we feel gives you both the comfort and promise of a good hearty meal, but still a little bit of pazazz to make Christmas Day extra special. 

The Pilot in Chiswick are an excellent reason to put down the cooking tools and head out for a delicious Christmas day dinner instead. A cosy pub, with a little extra charm, they're putting on a three course meal to impress, with Usk Vale turkey for the meat eaters, and a wild mushroom and celeriac Wellington for those opting to go meat-free on Christmas Day. All roasts are served with family-style potatoes for the table, and you'll end your meal with a mince pie and hot drinks. Delicious if you ask us. 

• Location: 11/15 Victoria Parade, SE10 9FR
• When: 25th December
• Price: three courses for £110 per person
• Why we recommend: we think this is a solid shout if you're looking for a Christmas dinner in London with a view. Tuck in to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings while overlooking the Thames in a cosy but equally modern pub environment

Just shy of Deptford, The Sail Loft is a casual London dining spot, perfect for those looking to head out this Christmas Day. They're making light work of your meal, with three courses covering everything from sweet treats to classic English favourites such as turkey and pigs in blankets. Better yet? You'll get a glass of English sparkling wine to start.

• Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
• When: 25th December
• Price: six courses for £160 per person
• Why we recommend: while we love a classic British Christmas dinner, we all fancy something a little different sometimes, and The Curry Room offers an exciting Indian menu that doesn't compromise on quality

Looking for an alternative Christmas Day meal? Then check out The Curry Room at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel, a luxurious Indian restaurant that holds an AA Rosette. Expect dark, decadent interiors, filled with patterned walls, red leather booths and wooden furniture.

Their menu comes in at £160 for six courses, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available. Think creamy black lentil dhal, carrot and parsnip pakora, North Indian butter chicken and so much more.

• Location: The Chesterfield Mayfair, 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
• When: Christmas Day
• Price: £295 per person
• Why we recommend: refined festive dining in one of London's most timeless hotels

For a truly classic Christmas Day celebration, it doesn't get more elegant than Butlers Restaurant at The Chesterfield Mayfair. Tucked inside one of London's most beautiful five-star hotels, this refined dining room pairs warm hospitality with a decadent festive menu from Executive Chef Ashley Tinoco.

Expect seasonal British ingredients elevated with finesse - from H. Forman & Son's smoked salmon to hand-dived scallops and tender Devonshire chicken. Whether it's a family feast or a sophisticated celebration for two, Butlers captures the spirit of Christmas with effortless grace and impeccable service.

• Location: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
• When: 25th December
• Price: £130 per head
• Why we recommend: for a Christmas feast with unbeatable views of the city in all its festive glory

On the first floor of the Royal Festival Hall with floor-to-ceiling views across the River Thames Skylon Restaurant is the ultimate spot for an elegant Christmas lunch. From just £130 per person, its sensational chefs will cook you up a four-course festive feast. 

The likes of blue cheese croquettes, smoked salmon, roast turkey breast, celeriac wellington and Christmas pud take you all the way from amuse bouche to decadent dessert. To make sure the the festive spirit is flowing, there's craft beers and fine wines, plus renowned mixologists to keep in you cocktails all afternoon.

• Location: Quaglino's, 16, Bury Street, SW1Y 6AJ
• When: 25th December
• Price: 
• Why we recommend: this is fine dining with a festive twist - what better way to celebrate the big day?

One look at the plush red interiors, grand staircase and gold finishes of Quaglino's and it comes as no surprise that this place once entertained the likes of Evelyn Waugh and the Queen. This Christmas, you can step into their stylish shoes with a fine festive feast. 

The set menu covers all the classics, from roasted bronze turkey breast and corn fed chicken to fine dining delights like chargrilled octopus, line caught halibut ceviche and chocolate pot du crème. What you waiting for? Round up the fam and book your seats for yuletide yumminess with a side of super chic sophistication. 

• Location: 2 St James's Market, SW1Y 4RP
• When: 25th December
• Price: £250 per person
• Why we recommend: for a refined Christmas Day feast from the boundary-pushing team behind one of London's most talked-about restaurants

On Christmas Day, the team at Fallow are doing things their own way. Their Christmas Day menu is a polished, luxurious reimagining of festive dining, kicking off with a trio of elevated canapés: salmon belly crumpets, beef tartare topped with oyster mayo, and Fallow's now-iconic mushroom parfait - a dish that's become a citywide obsession for good reason.

A delicate course of dressed Devon crab sets the pace before the main event: your choice of Herons Farm turkey with all the trimmings or an indulgent venison Wellington that's basically Christmas spirit wrapped in pastry. Save room for the finale: a decadent spread of Christmas yule log, house-made mince pies and brandy butter truffles served with theatrical flourish. 

• Location: 350 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU
• When: 25th December
• Price: £165 per person
• Why we recommend: this menu is packed full of indulgent British plates, and there's much more than just turkey on offer

Situated on the famous King's Road, Bluebird Chelsea is a cool neighbourhood restaurant. The interiors are vibrant and colourful, with comfy seating to relax in as you enjoy their sophisticated Christmas menu.

Begin with Scottish smoked salmon and wagyu beef rump carpaccio, before moving on to mains such as baked lobster Thermidor, nut and lentil roasts or classic turkey dinners. And to finish? Black Forest Christmas mousse.

• Location: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £170 per adult (wine pairing £50), and £80 for children under ten
• Why we recommend: sky-high views, polished festive classics and a setting that feels genuinely special 

Perched high above the City, Duck & Waffle is pulling out all the stops for Christmas Day with an indulgent four-course feast and some of the most breathtaking views in London. It's a slick yet welcoming spot that suits everyone, all making a beeline for those floor-to-ceiling panoramas.

This year's Christmas Day menu is a proper treat. You'll start with luxe nibbles like caviar and sourdough blinis, followed by a very retro-chic lobster and prawn cocktail. The main event is a beautifully roasted Norfolk Bronze turkey with all the trimmings, or, for something a little different, a flaky salmon Wellington. To finish, expect festive indulgence in the form of a rich chocolate mousse cake, the kind you'll be thinking about long after the 40th-floor lift ride home. 

• Location:  79 Sherwood Court, Chatfield Road, Battersea, SW11 3UY
• When: 25th December
• Price: three courses for £63
• Why we recommend: fine French hospitality, fresh locally sourced ingredients and indulgent desserts at a Christmas gift of a price

Celebrate Christmas with a side of French flair at Gazette. Across three incredible courses, you'll tuck into the likes of rock oysters, cauliflower cream, canon of turkey or chateaubriand.

To finish, there's praline and caramel log or chocolate fondant. Whether you book into Battersea, Clerkenwell or Putney, the price is the real festive treat – just £63 per person.

• Location: Jumeirah Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Pl, Knightsbridge, W1X 9PY
• When: December
• Price: £155 per person
• Why we recommend: book into The Garden Rooms at Jumeirah Carlton Tower for a festive feast big enough to feed all of Santa's elves

Jumeirah Carlton Tower is serving up all kinds of festive treats this Christmas. With views across the city, you can tuck into seafood, sushi, mezze and, of course, Norfolk bronze turkey with all the trimmings.

That's not even close to the half of it. The buffet menu packs in plenty more, from Italian, tandoori and pan-Asian dishes to platters of cheese and indulgent desserts.

• Location: 225-229 Criterion Building, W1J9HR
• When: 25th December, 11am - 10:30pm
• Price: £27.22 for kids and £70.47 for adults (3 courses) 
• Why we recommend: if you can't go all-out at Christmas, then when can you? Attending a festive dining experience at the Hard Rock Cafe is the ultimate way to make Xmas 2026 more extravagant, and memorable, than all the rest

Ever wondered what Christmas dinner would look like if it was hosted by the Hard Rock Cafe? Well now's your chance to find out. Indulge in a feast you didn't have to cook or set the table for, as the chefs roll out three epic courses for you to enjoy. The backdrop will of course feature that kitsch memorabilia Hard Rock is known for, and you can even order a festive drink or two for the full experience (not included in the ticket price).  

Courses come in sizes appropriate for both children and adults, so why not make it a family affair? 

• Location: 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, W8 5DL
• When: 25th December 
• Price: seven courses for £325
• Why we recommend: it doesn't get much more decadent than this - Chenestons goes all out on Christmas Day, with live harp music, seven delicious courses and even the option for private dining

For a true taste of luxury this Christmas Day, head to Chenestons Restaurant at The Milestone Hotel and Residences. They're serving Christmas dinner from 12pm right through to 8pm, complete with a live harpist setting the festive mood. The gorgeous space will be adorned with seasonal decorations, and you can even book your own prvate dining room.

Indulge in a multi-course menu that features smoked duck breast, poached North Sea halibut, roasted fillet of dry-aged beef and more, followed by their classic Christmas pudding or a mint chocolate mousse.

• Location: Westminster Pier, Westminster, SW1A 2JH
• When: 25th December
• Price: four courses for £175
• Why we recommend: well worth the effort it will take to get everyone up and out of their pyjamas, this cruise is a way to make this festive season truly memorable for the whole family – and a lot more enjoyable for the person who usually does the cooking

Christmas Day Lunch Cruise is the best excuse to leave the house on 25th December, promising a delicious meal to just about rival anything you could have prepared at home. With a welcome drink included and multiple courses to devour alongside spectacular city views, you can't go wrong with booking this special experience. 

And to top things off, seasonal decor and entertainment will be making the whole day feel extra Christmassy – this is where tradition meets razzle dazzle. And their Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise is a winner if you've already got your turkey in the oven – it includes top-deck views of central London alongside mulled wine and mince pies, with free entry for children under five. 

• Location: 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, SW11 8BJ
• When: 25th December
• Price: £307.40 for two people
• Why we recommend: taking the food and aesthetic seriously, expect it dine in glittery surrounds on high-quality dishes – with high-up views of London serving as the dazzling backdrop

An Xmas dinner you probably wouldn't have been able make yourself? Make leaving the house fully worth it by attending Christmas Day at JOIA. Expect an Iberian-inspired set menu beginning with tapas plates to share, from cured wild salmon to Iberico ham, moving onto a main course of your choosing – with Norfolk black turkey as one of the options. 

End with a dessert of Christmas pudding, chocolate mousse or an Iberian cheese selection.