Best Christmas Dinner In London 2026

• Location: 150 Piccadilly, St James's, W1J 9BR
• When: 25th December 2026 
• Price: £460 per adult and £300 per child 
• Why we recommend: with timeless elegance, flawless service and festive theatre, this is Christmas dining at its most indulgent - the definition of a special celebration

The Ritz is synonymous with grandeur, and on Christmas Day it pulls out all the stops. Inside the two Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, executive chef John Williams MBE and his team present an exquisite six-course feast, highlighting the very best of British seasonal produce with signature finesse.

It's not just the food that makes the day unforgettable. Expect live music from a band, pianist and vocalist, a caricaturist bringing light-hearted fun, and a magical visit from Father Christmas himself, complete with gifts for younger guests.

• Location: The Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 0EZ
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: TBC
• Why we recommend: if you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you? Which is exactly why we're putting the brilliant The Savoy on our list. It's opulence at its best, and there's a range of feasts fit for everyone's tastes

Fancy an elegant meal on Christmas Day? The Savoy in Strand is an iconic, luxurious hotel that's home to a fantastic selection of upmarket restaurants offering festive dining: Gallery, The River Restaurant, Savoy Grill and Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay.

Gallery, found right at the heart of the hotel, showcases tall, grand ceilings and interiors dripping in stylish glamour (think plush red booths and an eye-catching marble bar). Here, you can delve into a magnificent festive afternoon tea. Or, if you'd like to try a Christmas menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay, head to The River Restaurant. Another of Gordon Ramsay's highly acclaimed restaurants, Savoy Grill, brings a combination of British and French cuisine to the fore, which is echoed in their special menu on the 25th of December; previous inclusions have been butter-poached turkey, Dover sole with caviar beurre blanc, and beef Wellington are all on the cards.

Last but certainly not least, Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay is hosting a spectacular Christmas Eve lunch tasting menu, where you could dig into native lobster or Royale Windsor Park venison, with a delightful lineup of petite fours to finish.

• Location: 16 Bury Street, St James's, SW1Y 6AJ
• When: Christmas Day
• Price: three courses for £170 per person
• Why we recommend: we love this storied West End institution that pulls out all the stops in December, making it one of the most indulgent ways to spend Christmas in London

Few places do festive grandeur quite like this iconic St James's restaurant. With a history that includes visits from literary greats and royalty alike, dining here on Christmas Day feels like stepping into a timeless London tradition, all with a lavish seasonal menu to match.

Settle into plush velvet banquettes and prepare for a feast of wild mushroom tartelettes, roasted bronze turkey with goose fat potatoes, and a decadent chocolate truffle mousse torte to finish. A Christmas meal fit for kings, queens, and everyone in between.

• Location: 82-84, St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4AA
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £55 per person
• Why we recommend: we think that Browns Brasserie & Bar Covent Garden has a brilliant upmarket feel and a high-quality dinner menu that allows you to feast in style, without breaking the bank 

Browns Brasserie & Bar Covent Garden on St Martins Lane has style on its side, featuring plush armchairs mixed with ornate ceilings, glistening chandeliers and draped curtains for a relaxed yet upmarket ambience.

Their daily festive dining menu comes in at £55 per person for three courses, with options such as duck liver parfait or roasted butternut squash soup to start. As for mains, sink your teeth into warming classics, such as turkey with cranberry stuffing and garlic-thyme roasted potatoes, as well as glazed pork belly and a root vegetable nut roast.

• Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0PS
• When: November and December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: varies depending on experience
• Why we recommend: we feel this five-star setting delivers festive dining with flair, offering everything from refined grills to vibrant Indian feasts - all just steps from Buckingham Palace

For a Christmas meal that feels truly regal, The Rubens at The Palace has you covered. Inside, The English Grill serves up indulgent seasonal menus with highlights like lobster omelettes, traditional roasts and elegant small plates, all paired with expertly mixed cocktails.

Prefer something with spice? Head to The Curry Room, where you'll find Indian-inspired festive feasts. They're also running a special Christmas Day lunch for those skipping the cooking at home, alongside festive afternoon teas throughout the season for a lighter celebration.

• Location: 1C Portland Place, Marylebone W1B 1JA
• When: 10th November 2026 - 4th January 2027
• Price: a la carte starters from £20, mains from £32
• Why we recommend: Palm Court brings a touch of Hamleys' magic to The Langham's timeless elegance, combining festive flair with refined culinary delights for both adults and children

Palm Court transforms for Christmas with whimsical festive afternoon teas, inspired by The Langham's heritage and Hamleys' legendary toys. Children enjoy playful patisseries shaped like historic toys, while adults can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea infused with nostalgic festive twists.

For lunch and dinner, The Langham offers a seasonal menu that balances elegance with comfort. Highlights include starters such as parsnip velouté with white truffle and roasted chestnut, Scottish smoked salmon with Avruga caviar, and roasted heirloom beetroot with whipped goats' curd. Mains feature indulgent choices like Isle of Gigha halibut, roasted Cornish lamb chops, supreme of guinea fowl, and aged 'Buccleuch' beef fillet, alongside plant-based options like a vegan cheeseburger and butternut squash ravioli.

• Location: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
• When: 13th November 2026 - 5th January 2027
• Price: TBC
• Why we recommend: Sketch is a luxurious destination with multiple restaurants to choose between for your Christmas dinner, whether food in an enchanted forest room or three Michelin star spot The Lecture Room & Library are more your thing. Each year, a new festive installation is brought to life at this very special venue too

Christmas at Sketch this year is an alpine wonderland experience, where artists and florists have transformed the restaurant into a 'painting that never dries' - inspired by the word of apres-ski. Think dining by candlelight, cosy chalets, gondolas and, of course, plenty of mulled wine.

Sketch itself is home to multiple venues to choose between for your festive feast, including the three Michelin star Lecture Room & Library, the Gallery (gastro brasserie), and the neo-90s parlour - all serving British, Irish and European-influenced cuisine.

• Location: 33 King Street, Covent Garden WC2E 8JD
• When: December 2026
• Price: two courses and a glass of bubbles from £34.50 on the winter set menu; set three-course Christmas Eve menu £85 per person
• Why we recommend: already an oh-so-romantic dining destination, Clos Maggiore is ideal for a Christmassy dinner date with your beau. Not only do they decorate with festive yet classy touches in the festive period, but also serve a menu with French and Italian influences

A fairy tale-like setting featuring a glass-roofed conservatory, open fires, twinkling fairy lights and cherry blossom trees, the French country house-inspired Clos Maggiore is a stunner all year round. But at Christmas, it comes into its own even more with classy decorations alongside menus influenced by France and Italy.

Expect the likes of slow-cooked beef, roast winter vegetables and truffle potato puree, 'Bûche de Noël' with mandarin and chocolate, and more across the set winter or Christmas Eve menus here.

• Location: 89-91 Gresham Street, City of London, EC2V 7NQ
• When: December 2026
• Price: three courses from £42.95 per person
• Why we recommend: we thank that The Trading House has a great, affordable Christmas dinner that feels special. You can tuck into its famous hanging kebabs with a festive twist, and top everything off with a cheesecake served alongside a mulled wine and spiced winter berry coulis 

Located just a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral, The Trading House isn't your average pub; it's nestled in a stunning Grade II-listed building, boasting tall, grand ceilings, ornate panelled walls and quirky taxidermy mounted on the walls - a unique and memorable location for your Christmas dinner. There's even regular live music if you fancy a bit of entertainment.

Whether you book a group table or hire a private space, you can dig into their two or three-course festive set menu. Ease into the evening, nibbling on starters such as Korean fried chicken or baked camembert, before moving on to comforting mains like hanging turkey kebabs, pan-fried seabass or a mushroom pie. As for dessert, make sure to try the sticky toffee pudding. 

• Location: 55 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 7LQ
• When: 17th Novmeber - 31st December 2026
• Price: set menus from £55 per person
• Why we recommend: The George is an absolutely stunning pub nestled in the heart of Central London. We think your Christmas meal will feel super cosy, and wholesome, and with the likes of a confit goose leg Scotch egg (or chestnut mushroom for vegetarians) on the menu, who could say no? 

The George on Great Portland Street is a Grade II-listed, 18th-century pub that's as beautiful as it is iconic, having held famous writers and poets within its lovingly restored walls. Find velvet green booths nestled beside ornate, patterned walls lined with vintage artwork, as well as eye-catching ruby red private dining rooms complete with glistening chandeliers.

You can tuck into The George Feast Menu (£100 per person), which showcases a range of dishes shared family style, with a minimum of four people. Just a heads up that this menu needs a 72-hour preorder notice, but let us tell you, it's worth it - buttermilk fried chicken or seasonal vegetable tempura to start, followed by an indulgent beef Wellington with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach.

• Location: 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 6BS
• When: 17th November - 31st December 2026
• Price: tasting menus from £78 per person
• Why we recommend: we think that Benares Restaurant & Bar serves impeccable Indian cuisine with a fine dining finesse, and Christmas is no different. Our pick from the menus? Chicken and fresh fenugreek simmered in buttered tomato gravy - delicious

A Michelin-starred restaurant located in Mayfair's Berkeley Square, Benares Restaurant & Bar specialises in Indian fine dining. Its contemporary design features sultry, dark decor and lots of cosy private rooms filled with shelves of wine, while their refined lounge contains a beautiful, ornate pond decorated with fresh flowers.

Since opening in 2003, these guys have been passionate about providing delicious food, with a kitchen team that combines quality British ingredients with traditional Indian cooking techniques. This Christmas, you can enjoy several different festive menus from £78 per person, including everything from tempered yellow lentils to chicken stir-fry and slow-cooked paneer.

• Location: One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, Hyde Park, W1J 7QY
• When: 1st Decmber - 30th December 2026
• Price: £85 per person
• Why we recommend: we love Theo Randall's Christmas offering - it's the right balance of authentic Italian flavours and festive luxury, and the restaurant is pretty swerve-looking too 

Step into the world of elevated Italian dining at Theo Randall at the InterContinental, a hidden Mayfair gem where rustic flavours meet modern finesse. Helmed by renowned chef Theo Randall, this chic yet unpretentious restaurant offers a culinary journey through Italy's finest regions, right in the heart of London.

With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu is a symphony of handcrafted pasta, succulent meats, and vibrant seafood dishes. For £85 per person this Christmas, you can enjoy the likes of fresh pasta filled with slow-cooked duck, chestnuts and parmesan, with wild mushroom sauce, and succulent guinea fowl with Italian sausage. 

• Location: The Gherkin, 30 St Marys Axe, Liverpool Street, EC3A 8BF
• When: December 2026
• Price: two courses for £43.50 or three for £48 per person
• Why we recommend: heading to one of London's most famous landmarks for a Christmas meal should feel special, we feel, which is why we suggest booking a spot at The Sterling. This cool restaurant has a range of festive dishes on offer, including the option to upgrade and really treat yourself and your loved ones 

Found at the base of iconic skyscraper The Gherkin, The Sterling is certainly striking, pairing luxe booth seating with marble-style tables, glossy white-tiled walls and pretty potted plants.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration, as this City venue is offering two or three-course Christmas menus (£43.50 or £48), showcasing mains such as roast fillet of sea bream with black olive and herb potatoes and vegetables, braised beef bourguignon pie accompanied by mashed potato, and of course classic roast turkey.

For an added luxurious touch, opt for the platinum menu (three courses for £65), an elevated menu featuring the likes of truffle and Champagne risotto, roast fillet of salmon with Cornish crab crushed potatoes, and so much more.

• Location: Devonshire Square, Liverpool Street, EC2M 4WY
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £49.95 per person
• Why we recommend: we feel this spot offers an affordable Christmas dinner in London, particularly so close to the heart of the city. The sleek decor makes the space feel a little snazzy, and there's a brilliant drinks menu to accompany your festive eats 

With a bespoke party planning service that is as hassle-free as it is personal, Devonshire Terrace on Liverpool Street has got your Christmas party all wrapped up. The stylish venue is home to cosy armchairs and candlelit tables, as well as a range of private dining rooms.

Their fantastic three-course Christmas menu (£49.95) has something for all tastes, offering a range of classic dishes such as roast pumpkin soup and chicken liver pate, not to mention a gorgeous roast turkey served with all the trimmings, including pigs in blankets and roast potatoes. Dessert-wise, get ready for Christmas pudding drizzled in custard and a chocolate truffle torte.

• Location: 113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3BX or Gillian Lynne Theatre, Parker Street, WC2B 5PW
• When: December 2026
• Price: three courses from £35 per person
• Why we recommend: we like our Christmas dinners with entertainment, and that's exactly what The Piano Works provides, with full bands playing music, pianists and more. There's also a DJ who'll take your celebrations late into the night

Head to Farringdon or Covent Garden, where The Piano Works is spicing up your December with a little live music (where you request your favourite songs from the live band), making it a great spot for a group or work Christmas dinner in London.

The party pros are welcoming you into their underground venue, where you can choose between buffets, canapes, bowl food or a three-course meal. Think turkey roulade, beetroot carpaccio and pan-roasted cod, or you can even pick a festive brunch.

• Location: 41 Gracechurch Street, City of London, EC3V 0BT
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £49.95 per person 
• Why we recommend: The Folly makes a great Christmas dinner location if you work in the City of London. We think it ticks all the boxes when it comes to pretty decor (it always dresses up for the season), top food and drinks

The Folly, from the Drake & Morgan collection, is one of the best Christmas dinner places London has to offer. Located in Monument, this bar and restaurant is ideally located for work parties in the City. 

Make your way to this botanical venue to get your hands on a delicious three-course meal for £49.95, where you can try mains like roast turkey (with pigs in blankets, stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetables), or 12-hour braised ox cheek, served with truffle mash, watercress velouté and winter cabbage.

• Location: 34-36 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TR
• When: December 2026
• Price: three courses for lunch for £45.95 per person, of £55.95 for dinner
• Why we recommend: we adore how this signature Soho restaurant gets decked up for Christmas, and its festive menu is certainly something to shout about. We can't resist finishing our dinner with a salted caramel espresso martini 

Old Compton Brasserie is a trendy restaurant in the heart of Soho, featuring stylish interiors made of red leather booths, white marble tables and chic, artistic light fixtures. As for their Christmas menu, it's nothing short of indulgent, with a lunch sitting costing just £45.95 per person and dinner for £55.95.

Though there are plenty of starters to get excited about, we've got our eye on the rillette of salmon served with pickled fennel, whisky and clementine gel, dill oil and a baguette wafer. As for your main course? Think Christmas turkey, fillet steak, roasted seabass, slow-roasted leg of lamb, or cauliflower steak. To finish things off on a high, delight in sticky toffee pudding, Cropwell Bishop Stilton with chutney and biscuits, or end on a boozy note with the salted caramel espresso martini (£14).

• Location: Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, City of London, EC2A 1DX
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £49 per person (off-peak) or £59 (peak)
• Why we recommend: we think this spot makes a great dining destination come December, thanks to its gorgeous views of city landmarks, like the Gherkin, the Shard and the Thames. You can enjoy all this and more, snuggled up in an igloo with some delicious food

Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is a strong contender for the best place to have Christmas dinner in London, with a mix of velvet and leather seating and warm tones throughout, not to mention incredible views of the City from the rooftop. Speaking of which, on the terrace you'll find winter igloos where you can enjoy private dining, complete with faux fur blankets and Grey Goose cocktails.

You can delight in a Christmas dining set menu, featuring three courses for £49 or £59 per person (depending on whether you visit off-peak or not). Fill your boots with treats like crispy duck to start, followed by roast Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings, slow-cooked beef cheek, roast Peterhead cod, or pumpkin and sage ravioli. As for dessert? Let's not forget the juicy dark chocolate Biscoff Swiss roll. 

• Location: 49 Chiswell Street, City of London, EC1Y 4SA
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: two courses for £38 or three for £42 per person 
• Why we recommend: this cosy pub offers you the chance to choose between a set menu and a buffet, which we like, as sometimes we aren't always in the mood for a traditional set menu affair

A gorgeous gastropub opposite the Barbican Centre, The Jugged Hare is a top choice for your family Christmas dinner in London. The kitchen at this ETM pub is led by Executive Chef Rafael Liuth, who has an incredible breadth of knowledge when it comes to game and high-quality seasonal produce. 

Settle into the eye-catching restaurant, which features ox blood leather booths, shiny white tiles and images of taxidermy on the walls, to delve into their Christmas menu (two courses for £38 and 3 courses for £42). Dig into baked brie cheesecake, whipped chicken liver parfait and butternut squash ravioli, and more. 

• Location: 68 King William Street, City of London, EC4N 7HR
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £65 per person (off-peak) or £75 (peak) 
• Why we recommend: the view of the City of London is unmatched at Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, plus the added extra of having your own private igloo adds something special to your festive dining experience 

Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is a stunning spot for your festive dining in London, boasting an elegant indoor dining area mixing walnut tables with rich green leather seats, as well as a rooftop terrace featuring amazing views of the City alongside pretty private igloos.

You can go for three courses starting from £65 per person, with starters ranging from wood pigeon with celeriac puree to smoked salmon with a beetroot relish. When you're ready for mains, sink your teeth into fillet minion, roast halibut, a lentil shepherd's pie or turkey, before polishing off desserts such as a dark chocolate Biscoff Swiss roll.

• Location: 8-9 James Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8BT
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £65 per person 
• Why we recommend: we think this restaurant is great for the meat lovers at Christmas,  who are looking to devour a scrumptious turkey ballotine with some signature Gaucho starters to accompany 

For a London Christmas dinner filled with prime cuts of Argentine steak, alongside other beef-based delights and delicacies from the country, Gaucho Covent Garden is your best bet. Plus, there are private hire options for those all-important parties.

Its festive set menu comes in at £65 per person, and features the likes of Gaucho-cured smoked salmon to start, followed by turkey ballotine or rump and chips. We suggest rounding things off with a dulce de leche cheesecake for a truly fabulous time. 

• Location: 40 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BD
• When: December 2026
• Price: three courses for lunch for £34.95 per person or £44.50 for dinner
• Why we recommend: it feels magical tucking into French cuisine and Christmas dinner at this pretty abode in Covent Garden - a great spot for a bit of shopping afterwards, too

Celebrate in style this Christmas with Covent Garden's Boulevard Brasserie. Inside the 1960s-style restaurant, you'll get to delve into a range of classic festive mains, all while drinking bubbles across the glamorously decorated three-storey space.

Feast on chicken liver parfait to start (or our favourite, baked brie in filo with a good dollop of cranberry chutney), followed by beef bourguignon, or a trafitonal Christmas turky, served with roast potatoes, honey glazed carrotes, parsnips, Brussel sprouts, pigs in blankets, sage and sausage stuffing, cranberry sause and a red wine jus. Delicious. 

• Location: 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, W1D 7EU
• When: November and December 2026 
• Price: two courses for £48 per person, or three for £55
• Why we recommend: there's always something going on at Albert's Schloss Soho, thanks to its daily lineup of free entertainment, and we love pairing that with a festive feast - the sauerbraten beef Wellington is delicious 

Best known for its weekly lineup of entertainment, Albert's Schloss Soho is also a great choice for Christmas dinner in Central London, especially with a German twist. While sipping on steins of Bavarian beer or creative cocktails, you can enjoy two or three courses, starting at £48 per person.

Tuck into everything from roasted pork knuckle with apple sauce to a Gruyère cheese and onion soup, followed by an indulgent chocolate roulade.

• Location: 8 St. Martin's Place, Soho, WC2N 4JH
• When: December 2026
• Price: three courses for £49.95 per person (off-peak) or £59 (peak)
• Why we recommend: perched high up in the sky above Soho, this rooftop spot fronts great views and is a cool place to enjoy a three-course festive meal in the city, overlooking keen shoppers below

Situated on the top of the Page 8 Hotel in the bustling West End, Kitty Hawk Rooftop Bar & Restaurant promises great views while you dine. Look out over the city, while surrounded by elegant interiors that feature vibrant orange booths and a well-stocked bar along one wall. What's more, there's an outdoor terrace too.

This Christmas, you can munch your way through three courses of seasonal eats, starting from £49 per person. Expect everything from roast Norfolk bronze turkey to stuffed butternut squash with chestnuts or slow-cooked ox cheek, followed by a baked chocolate torte or a cinnamon cheesecake.

• Location: 11-14 Hanover Place, Covent Garden, WC2E 9JP or 134-136 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8ZP
• When: December 2026
• Price: festive packages from £45 per person
• Why we recommend: these restaurants are about celebrating Christmas with creativity, laughter, and a little hands-on magic, making it the perfect festive outing for friends, colleagues, or a quirky family treat

This Christmas, Inamo transforms festive dining into an immersive experience where sushi, cocktails, and comedy collide. You can unwrap their culinary creativity in the Roll Your Own Dragon sushi class, mastering Inamo's signature rolls in a hands-on session that turns dinner into theatre.

For those who prefer to sit back, the sharing menu delivers a feast of chef-curated festive sushi, Asian tapas, and seasonal sides, with an optional tasting menu upgrade for an extra £10 per person. Cocktail enthusiasts can shake up the season with a Merry Mixology masterclass, crafting festive drinks in style, while comedy lovers can enjoy a night of A Comedic Carol, where top comedians spread holiday cheer alongside a delectable festive menu, featuring bang bang cauliflower, dragon rolls, Szechuan chicken, Korean BBQ ribs, and handmade gyozas across both Soho and Covent Garden venues. 

• Location: 33 King Street, Covent Garden WC2E 8JD
• When: from 13th November 2026
• Price: 119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington W8 7LN
• Why we recommend: The Churchill Arms is the famous Christmas pub in London, home to a stunning frontage that's hung with Christmas trees and illuminated by hundreds of lights, so you can have the most festive Thai dinner here

Famous for its Christmassy exterior, The Churchill Arms is home to over 90 hung conifer trees and an insane number of Christmas lights every year, with their light switch-on every November an event in and of itself.

The pub, which is filled with memorabilia of the former prime minister to reflect its name, is a unique spot for having a Christmas dinner - and not just because of the decorations inside and out. The Thai kitchen here will rustle you up a treat in no time.

• Location: King's Cross, Victoria, Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Covent Garden 
• When: throughout November and December 2026
• Price: £45 for two courses, £52 for three 
• Why we recommend: for those who like their Christmas with a touch of la dolce vita, Harry's delivers pure festive magic. Expect twinkling lights, nostalgic Italian charm and indulgent dishes that feel like a winter escape to Italy

This year, Harry's invites you to experience La Dolce Vita Natale as the Fitzrovia favourite transforms into a glittering Italian festive wonderland, complete with whimsical sweet-treat decorations, twinkling lights and giant red toadstools inspired by their iconic dessert. It's the kind of place where Italian hospitality meets timeless Christmas glamour, and the menu is every bit as indulgent as the setting: think lobster spaghetti with DOP San Marzano tomato and fragrant shellfish emulsion, and the ultra-luxe filetto di manzo alla griglia topped with porcini mushrooms and black winter truffle.

The menu di natale amps up the festive feasting with a shared truffle pizza, followed by starters like zuppa di cipolle with burrata tortellini, before moving on to comforting mains such as truffled chicken, the signature two-sheet lasagna, and spigola grigliata. And because Christmas deserves a showstopper, dessert ranges from chocolate profiteroles and classic tiramisù to the magical festive forest toadstool, a white chocolate, mascarpone mousse and pistachio creation shaped like a Christmas tree. 

• Locations: Shoreditch, The City, King's Cross, Marylebone, Battersea, and Soho 
• When: 18th November 2026 - 4th January 2027
• Price: varies 
• Why we recommend: for a Christmas feast that ditches turkey-and-trimmings for Taiwanese flair, BAO is serving limited-edition bites that are playful, comforting and seriously crave-worthy

This winter, BAO is unwrapping a festive menu that takes its cult-status classics and gives them a holiday glow-up. Expect slow-cooked duck leg tucked into a cloud-like bao with shiitake mushroom sauce, crispy turkey curry rice bowls sharpened with pickled cranberry, and rare Wagyu Taiwanese beef noodle soup that'll warm you faster than any mulled wine (though sadly not at the Soho or Borough spots).

Sweet tooth? The mince pie fried ice cream bao is the kind of chaotic brilliance BAO does best - a hot-meets-cold, crunchy-meets-creamy festive mash-up. At the City site, you can even go full Santa-luxe with the XL wagyu beef rice, topped with soy-cured egg yolk, spiced beef fat and the option to upgrade with N25 caviar. Wash it all down with Peanut Punch, a hot roasted peanut milk spiked with rum - basically Christmas in a cup, if Christmas tasted like a hug.

• Location: 72 Highbury Park, Highbury N5 2XE
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: £80 per person, or £115 with Passione Vino wine pairing
• Why we recommend: Farang brings the bold, aromatic flavours of modern Thai cuisine to the Christmas table, and it's an absolute showstopper for group feasts

Chef Sebby Holmes' Highbury gem is known for balancing punchy Thai flavours with top-quality British ingredients, making it a standout spot for festive dining with a difference. This year's group winter feasting menu is designed for sharing - and trust us, it's a crowd-pleaser.

Start with smoked mackerel miang bites wrapped in betel leaves, crispy boneless spicy chicken glazed in sweet fish sauce, and prawn crackers with a punchy nahm prik ong relish before diving into the main event: slow-braised beef short ribs in Penang curry, whole crispy seabass with red nahm yum dressing, and grilled scallops in the half shell. Sides include roti bread with roasted garlic and turmeric butter, stir-fried heritage veg with smoked bacon chilli jam, and steamed jasmine rice. At the same time, dessert is a glorious foraged apple sticky toffee pudding with tamarind and coconut caramel sauce.

• Location: 6 Pancras Square, King's Cross, N1C 4AG
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £49.95 per person
• Why we recommend: we think this restaurant is in a great location and offers an affordable festive feast, with the option to upgrade with a glass of Laytons Brut Reserve on arrival, and half a bottle of Miron Del Mar Sauvigon Blanc or Los Camachos Pinot Noir for £27 per person

The flagship bar from Drake & Morgan, this King's Cross restaurant is spread across two elegant floors, and is offering a three-course festive set menu for £49.95 per person. 

To start, you can expect plates such as pumpkin soup or beetroot-cured salmon, while for mains you can 12-hour braised ox cheek, roast turkey with all the trimmings, potato gnocchi, and so much more. Finish things off with a choice of dessert or cheese platter, and add some extra sparkle with a drinks package.

• Location: Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High Street, Barnes, SW14 8SW
• When: December 2026
• Price: two courses for £44 per person or three for £50
• Why we recommend: we love the riverside views of the Thames that Rick Stein Barnes provides - it's the perfect setting to tuck into some fresh seafood among festive decor. The braised fillet of haddock with chestnut mushrooms is a particular highlight 

Rick Stein Barnes is the spot for a memorable Christmas dinner, offering a cosy ambience, refined décor, and a menu of festive seafood delights. Relax by the river and savour dishes that bring a fresh twist to holiday flavours.

On the menu, you can expect to tuck into the likes of gravlax with a mustard and dill sauce to start, followed by mains of glazed hake with a parsley sauce. For dessert? Christmas pudding, of course.

• Location: 2 Castelnau, Barnes, SW13 9RU
• When: December 2026
• Price: two courses for £43 per person, or three for £47
• Why we recommend: we've got our eyes set on the sticky toffee Christmas pudding at this homely Barnes pub. It's one of the many reasons why it makes our Christmas dinner guide

Red Lion, a beautiful, traditional-style pub, is an atmospheric location for a traditional Christmas lunch in London. Settle into the gorgeous dining room, which features panelled walls, wooden accents and intimate lighting, to eat gorgeous festive fare.

Indulge in three courses for £47 each, and begin with London Porter smoked salmon, pancetta and green peppercorn terrine, or baked brie cheesecake topped with pickled beetroot ribbons. For mains, there's turkey, pan-fried gnocchi, a nut roast, and more, and dessert really tops things off with a moreish sticky toffee Christmas pudding - the best of both worlds.

• Location: 11-15 Victoria Parade, Greenwich, SE10 9FR
• When: December 2026
• Price: two courses for £42 or three for £47 per person
• Why we recommend: we feel this pub has unbeatable river views through sweeping glass windows, paired with a menu that's made for festive indulgence

With its panoramic outlook across the Thames, Sail Loft is a Christmas dining spot that feels both dramatic and welcoming. The seasonal menus deliver everything from traditional roasts to elegant veggie creations, alongside desserts that will tempt even the fullest of diners. Add in a glass of fizz or a fine wine, and you're set for a celebration to remember.

Expect starters like pancetta and green peppercorn terrine, before moving onto nut roasts or turkey with all the trimmings, finishing with a rich chocolate delice. Bigger group? No problem, as the buffet spreads here are designed with parties in mind.

• Location: 12 Balham Station Road, Balham, SW12 9SG
• When: December 2026
• Price: three courses for £39.95 per person (minimum of eight) 
• Why we recommend: we think that The Exhibit in Balham not only makes a great Christmas party menu, but also whips up a fabulous and fun festive dinner too. The space, adorned with fairy lights, feels magical, and we can't imagine a better place to tuck into some pudding and pull some crackers in South West London 

Exhibit is one of Balham's most famous bars, and for good reason. If you fancy something extra magical, book a table in their Winter Garden, a fully covered, heated space featuring a sleigh centrepiece and a snow machine, or one of their many private rooms for hire.

This December, Exhibit is serving up a delicious three-course Christmas set menu for £39.95 (with a minimum of eight guests); standout dishes include the Brussel sprout salad for starters, the classic roast turkey dinner for mains, and the chocolate brownie with whipped cream for dessert.

• Location: across London
• When: December 2026
• Price: £42 for three courses or £47 for four
• Why we recommend: these stunning restaurants put a Mediterranean twist on all the usual festive meals, and wherever you are in London, there's bound to be a Megan's nearby

Prepare for the festive season at Megan's with their fabulous seasonal menu, which comes in at £47 for four courses. Step into a twinkly wonderland and indulge in a Mediterranean feast with all the trimmings - at their gorgeous restaurants everywhere from Balham to Chiswick and Islington.

Tuck into sharing starters like hot honey pigs in blankets and Turkish cheese fondue, before indulging in mains like open turkey kebabs and slow-braised beef short rib. Plus, they'll throw in mulled wine and mice pies for afterwards.

• Location: 8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN
• When: December 2026  (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £47.50 per person
• Why we recommend: we love this gorgeous and cosy pub in the heart of South West London, offering a tempting dinner with plenty to choose from, plus it's even open on Christmas Day, serving a three-course affair 

Nestled in a Grade II-listed Victorian building, The Duke's Head in Putney offers a beautiful, grand setting for your festive dining. While surrounded by tall, curtain-draped windows with views of the Thames, dig into a fantastic Christmas feast. There are plenty of private rooms available for hire, too if you're hosting a big party.

Their gastropub Christmas dinner ticks all the boxes: starters include roasted cauliflower and sage soup, smoked salmon watercress salad, and West Country fillet of beef carpaccio, to name a few. For your next course, you're spoilt for choice, with options such as turkey or beef (with goose fat roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, vegetables and gravy), pan-roasted trout with new potatoes, wild mushroom gnocchi, or venison pie. There are plenty of desserts too, and we can't wait to get our hands on the apple, fig and chestnut crumble with bay leaf custard.

• Location: 9-51 Curtain Road, Shoredtich, EC2A 3PT
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: from £80 
• Why we recommend: if your ideal Christmas dinner involves roaring fire cooking, serious pasta and more than a little indulgence, then Shoreditch's Manteca should be top of your December hit list. Chris Leach and his team are celebrating the season the only way they know how: with nose-to-tail Italian feasting menus (from £80), packed with regional dishes made from beautiful produce and cooked over live fire.

This Christmas at Manteca, things kick off with a warming glass of Averna mulled wine before the table fills with wildfarmed focaccia, house ricotta, bitter leaf salad with gorgonzola and pear, and Manteca's signature house-made cotechino with lentils and mostarda.

There's a trio of pastas to choose from - including strozzapreti with house sausage and black truffle - followed by a choice of middlewhite porchetta, Hereford beef or Portland hogget (or go all-in and try all three for an extra £15). Expect sides like salumi potatoes and black cabbage salad, optional Christmas trimmings (hello, manteca pigs in blankets), and festive finales including a Christmas pudding trifle with PX jelly and a piece of outrageously good beef-fat fudge.

• Location: 40 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, E14 9TP
• When: December 2026
• Price: two courses for £55 or three for £65 per person, tasting experience £79
• Why we recommend: we love this restaurant as it boasts a refined, sky-high setting with a menu crafted by a top chef – ideal if you're after a truly special festive celebration

Bōkan takes festive dining to new heights. Set across three sleek floors of a Canary Wharf skyscraper, this award-winning restaurant is helmed by executive chef Robert Manea and offers a choice between a multi-course tasting experience or a classic three-course menu. All served with glittering 360° views of London.

Starters include warming pumpkin soup or perfectly grilled octopus, before mains like indulgent winter truffle tagliatelle or a rich duck breast. To finish, an Amalfi lemon baked Alaska ensures your Christmas meal ends on a showstopping note.

• Location: 27 Coldharbour, Docklands, Canary Wharf, E14 9NS
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £65 per person
• Why we recommend: we think this Grade II-listed spot is an atmospheric riverside setting that feels both elegant and cosy – perfect for a festive get-together with colleagues or friends

Looking for the best pubs for a Christmas dinner in London that combines old-world charm with waterside views? The Gun delivers just that. This historic venue along the Thames transforms into a festive haven with a menu brimming with seasonal favourites, hearty roasts, and indulgent puddings. A well-stocked bar of wines and cocktails makes it even more tempting.

Kick things off with starters like a retro king prawn cocktail or a warming roasted celeriac soup, before moving on to Usk Vale turkey breast, complete with pigs in blankets, vegetables and a generous helping of cranberry sauce. If you've got room, sweet treats await - and for the true festive traditionalist, there's also the option to finish with a cheeseboard for £10 extra.

• Location: 1 Kensington Court, Kensington, W8 5DL
• When: November and December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £110 per person 
• Why we recommend: this place is one of our favourites as it has a luxury feel to it, and is a great shout if you're looking to push the boat out a little with your Christmas dinner this year 

The Milestone Hotel and Residences' Chenestons Restaurant is blowing it out of the water this festive season over in Kensington. On Christmas Eve, you can dive into a six-course dinner (£245 per person, £112.50 per child), which includes gorgeous bites like hand dived scallop with chorizo crumb, and apple, port and goat's curd tarlet, not to mention, indulgent mains such as slow-braised shoulder of lamb croquette and North Atlantic halibut with caviar and Champagne veloute.

Heading over on the 25th of December? You'll be pleased to hear that delights like Dorset crab salad, lobster raviolo, Highland venison tartare with truffle, and potato and gruyere terrine are up for grabs (£325 per adult, £165.50 per child). Plus, for mains, you'll be treated to succulent turkey, dry-aged beef, stuffed Dover sole, or a celeriac, parmesan and truffle pithivier.

• Location: 10 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4 1PD
• When: December 2026 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £75 per person
• Why we recommend: a pigs-in-blankets Scotch egg? Sign us up. This cosy pub is a great Christmas dining destination, for both its fun menu and homely interiors

A charming pub located in Chiswick, The Hound is a historic spot that's been around since 1872. It used to be a police station in the Victorian era, but now serves as a local hub of drinking, dining and good times. There a re a wide variety of draught beers to enjoy, either in the main dining area or in one of many cosy private rooms.

Their festive menu is available all day long in the build-up to Christmas, with both a la carte dining and set meals to choose from. The fixed price options start from £75 per person, served sharing style for the whole table. Expect everything from whiskey-cured salmon to roasted turkey crown, with winter fruit crumble for dessert.

• Location: 209 Westbourne Park Road, W11 1EA
• When: December 2026 - January 2027
• Price: £195 per person 
• Why we recommend: available on select dates across December and January at £195 per person, it's one of London's most elegant and joy-filled ways to celebrate the season

If ever there were a place to make Christmas feel properly magical, it's Caractère, where this year's festivities are nothing short of a culinary family reunion. Set in the heart of Notting Hill, the Michelin-starred restaurant welcomes diners for a very special Roux family Christmas, led by Emily Roux and her father, the legendary Michel Roux.

The pair are bringing together Le Gavroche classics and Caractère's signature modern touch in a four-course feast that reads like a greatest hits album. Expect dishes such as stuffed bronze turkey breast with black winter truffle and Madeira jus, served alongside seasonal indulgence the Roux way. Guests are greeted with canapés and bubbles, and the night winds down with petit fours, coffee, and even a festive Roux goodie bag to take home.