Best Restaurants For New Year's Day In London

• Location: 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5HZ
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: French
• Why we recommend: Balthazar is London's love letter to the grand French brasserie, and would be a pretty place to enjoy a bite to eat on the 1st of January in the heart of Covent Garden

With its gleaming red banquettes, mirrored walls, and warm, golden lighting, Balthazar can provide the setting for oysters and Champagne or escaping the bustle of the piazza for a long, lazy lunch this New Year's Day.

The menu is a Francophile's dream: onion soup gratinée bubbling with Emmental, duck liver parfait with toasted brioche, and escargots swimming in garlic and Pernod butter to start. From there, it's all about indulgence, with moules marinière and frites, roasted Shetland salmon with crushed potatoes, or a 28-day aged côte de boeuf cooked to perfection. And of course, there's the show-stopping fruits de mer platters, piled high with oysters, crab, mussels, and prawns.

• Locations: Soho, Brick Lane, Victoria, and more 
• Price: £
• Cuisine: Italian 
• Why we recommend: Pizza Pilgrims' restaurants are perfect for treating yourself to a bite to eat out and about on New Year's Day without breaking the bank. You can wolf down its signature creations and a dessert without worrying about burning a hole in your pocket immediately after Christmas 

Pizza Pilgrims brings the true taste of Naples to the city, and you can't go wrong with one of its affordable pizzas at its London venues on New Year's Day. Specialising in Neapolitan-style pizzas, the menu features freshly made sourdough bases topped with high-quality, authentic ingredients.

Whether you're indulging in a classic margherita or trying something a bit more adventurous like the double pepperoni and spicy honey, each pizza is made to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven, ensuring crispy yet soft crusts. Delicious. 

• Location: 34-36 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TR
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: European
• Why we recommend: nestled in the heart of Soho, Old Compton Brasserie offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to begin the year. With its industrial-chic design featuring plush orange leather seating and high ceilings, we think that the brasserie exudes a contemporary yet cosy vibe

Old Compton Brasserie is a Soho institution that's full of vibrant, colourful decor - including work from local artists and pop art-style paintings of iconic names like Twiggy and Kate Moss. Expect leather booths and marble-topped tables, alongside a cracking list of cocktails curated by master bartender Mr Fox.

On the 1st, tuck into a wide range of European dishes - ranging from slow roast leg of lamb to seafood linguine, and steak tartare. Or if you're looking to cure a hangover, try out their brunch menu for eggs Benedict or bacon bubble and squeak.

• Location: 19 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8ED
• Price: ££-£££
• Cuisine: Italian
• Why we recommend: we think there's something about starting the New Year at Bocconcino Mayfair that feels effortlessly special. From their tasty Italian dishes to the elegant, cosy interior, there's a lot to love about the restaurant 

Sometimes a traditional roast won't do, so you set your sights on Italian restaurants for New Year's Day in London. This stylish venue features sleek interiors, with a sophisticated yet warm ambience that's perfect for everything from intimate dinners to family meals.

The menu at Bocconcino is a celebration of Italy's finest ingredients, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce and classic dishes prepared with contemporary flair. On the 1st of January, it'll be serving up gorgeous silky strands of seafood linguine, yellowtail baked with cherry tomatoes and fresh pizza, as well as classic cocktails and wines.

• Location: 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP and 134-136 Wardour Street, W1F 8ZS
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Asian 
• Why we recommend: this is a cool, interactive restaurant that offers something a little different on New Year's Day, with its funky tables and variety of plates, perfect for sharing 

Cures for a heavy head come from Inamo's Soho and Covent Garden locations, where they'll be slinging sushi and offering interactive tech-led experiences that are sure to bring you back to life.

Looking for fun New Year's Day restaurants in London? Then venture down on the 1st take in gorgeous dark wooden furnishings and tables where you can play Battleships while you wait for your food. Feast on crispy duck pancakes, Sichuan chicken, salmon nigiri, and more. To round it off? A little hair of the dog from the expert cocktail creators. 

• Location: 5 Panton Street, Soho, SW1Y 4DL
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Why we recommend: we think that Machiya offers a warm, laid-back atmosphere perfect for easing into the new year. Their menu features comforting Japanese classics like crispy chicken katsu, rich tonkatsu curry, and indulgent wagyu katsu, all served with attention to detail and authenticity

Tucked away in the vibrant Soho district, Machiya offers a taste of traditional Japanese dining with a focus on high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes.

Specialising in katsu, ramen, and donburi, the menu features a selection of comforting dishes, carefully crafted to deliver both traditional flavours and contemporary twists. It brings a unique dining experience for New Year's Day with its warm, minimalist décor, which blends Japanese aesthetics with a cosy, modern atmosphere. 

• Location: Stratton Street, Mayfair, W1J 8LT
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: Japanese, Italian 
• Why we recommend: if you're looking to ease into the new year with elegance and flavour, May Fair Kitchen offers a refined yet relaxed setting in the heart of Mayfair. Found within The May Fair Hotel, this restaurant combines the best of Japanese izakaya and Italian cuisine, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely New Year's Day meal

A unique fusion restaurant located close to Green Park, May Fair Kitchen serves both a refined Japanese izakaya-style menu and a selection of classic Italian dishes. They also offer one of the city's most decadent afternoon teas, created in collaboration with Charbonnel et Walker. 

Take a seat in their elegant dining space, flaunting black marble tables, leather seating and sultry low lighting. While you're here, enjoy a carefully curated selection of dishes, including yellowfin tuna sashimi, stone-baked Neapolitan pizzas and chargrilled cabbage with jalapeno truffle butter.

• Locations: Holborn Town Hall, 193-197 High Holborn, WC1V 7BD, and 40-42, William IV Street, WC2N 4DD
• Price: ££-£££
• Cuisine: Indain
• Why we recommend: we can't think of anything more fun and colourful than kicking off the New Year at this restaurant, surrounded by rich red walls, antique plates and chandeliers. Oh, and the curries are nothing short of stunning, too 

Located in Holborn and Trafalgar Square, Colonel Saab is a stunning Indian restaurant that's filled with century-old antiques owned by Maharajas and all kinds of intriguing, colourful artefacts. Surround yourself with their bright orange walls and elegant chandeliers as you relax in their leather booths, while sipping on an expertly created cocktail from award-winning mixologist Anthony Bertin.

Their food menu has been curated by bestselling food author Karen Anand, featuring the likes of spiced crispy baby potatoes, madras pulled chicken and home-style Indian lamb curry. They also offer an Indian twist on afternoon tea for only £35 per person, with the option to add on prosecco or Champagne.

• Location: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, Soho, WC2H 7DX
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Why we recommend: on the 1st of January 2026, the restaurant presents a Mediterranean dining experience; we think it's perfect for those seeking a leisurely and elegant start to the year

Located in the heart of London's West End, Whitcomb's At The Londoner is a sophisticated and elegant restaurant housed within the iconic hotel. The space exudes old-world charm with a modern touch, offering a blend of classic luxury and contemporary style, perfect for both locals and visitors seeking a fabulous dining experience.

Enjoy a selection of refined plates, such as salmon carpaccio to start, followed by Tuscan baked cod, or chicken milanese, with a crème brûlée cheesecake to end the dinner on a delicious high. 

• Location: 5A Air Street, Soho, W1J 0AD
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: British, steak and seafood
• Why we recommend: sitting high above Regent Street in a stunning Art Deco dining room, Hawksmoor Air Street is where land meets sea, and it's a glorious pick for New Year's Day, especially if you're looking for a delicious cut of beef

The menu at Hawksmoor is split evenly between prime grass-fed beef from British farms and sustainably sourced seafood, making it the ideal spot whether you're craving a perfectly charred steak or something from the ocean.

Start with Devon crab on toast, roasted scallops in white port butter, or a half native lobster dripping in garlic butter. Then move to the main event: juicy cuts like the rib-eye, sirloin, or chateaubriand, all dry-aged and cooked over charcoal for that signature Hawksmoor flavour. Pair your steak with beef dripping chips, macaroni cheese, and a glass of red, or go surf-and-turf with lobster for the full experience this New Year's Day, and thank us later. 

• Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: British
• Why we recommend: the regal-looking dining room at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel feels so special to eat in, so we suggest booking it to start 2026 with a bang and tuck into some famous Dover sole

If you didn't book your New Year's Eve dinner in London for 2025 here, head down to this elegant Mayfair venue for some fine dining on 1st of January. This five-star boutique hotel is renowned for its impeccable service, elegant decor, and prime location near attractions like the British Museum.

The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel offers sophisticated dishes as part of its festive a la carte menu, such as Hereford aged beef Wellington, pumpkin risotto, and its famous Dover sole. 

• Location: 20 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5NF
• Price: ££-£££
• Cuisine: Pan-Asian
• Why we recommend: Karma Sanctum Soho is the epitome of a rock 'n' roll hotel in the capital, and its quirky decor is truly captivating and fun. It makes the perfect backdrop to enjoy some moreish Pan-Asian bites at the beginning of the year 

Nestled within the Karma Sanctum Soho, Wild Heart by Garry Hollihead will be dishing up delicious New Year's Day dinners for eager eaters who wish to dine privately. With many a rock 'n' roll patron gracing their establishment, these guys are sure to have the perfect bank holiday fix for you.

Its main menu includes delectable Asian-inspired plates like chicken gyozas, seared miso marinated sirloin, and pumpkin katsu curry. For dessert, you can expect to wolf down a deliciously indulgent tofu and chocolate mousse. 

• Locations: Piccadilly Circus, Soho, W1J 9HP and 150 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QZ
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: American 
• Why we recommend: if your head's humming from last night's celebrations, there's no better cure than a dose of Hard Rock energy. At the Piccadilly outpost, guitars line the walls, playlists hit all the right notes, and the portions? Let's just say you won't leave hungry

Clad in famous rock memorabilia, The Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly and Mayfair is a go-to for music enthusiasts and those who love a good burger or sizzling stack of fajitas - it's also one of the best family restaurants open on New Year's Day in London.

Their menu is a greatest hits of indulgence - juicy Legendary® burgers, saucy baby back ribs, and all-American comfort staples like the Twisted Mac, or fajitas piled high with guacamole and cream. If you're easing into the year more gently, grab a margherita flatbread or some classic nachos and sip your way through a cocktail or two while the live soundtrack does the heavy lifting.

• Location: 33 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD
• Price: ££££
• Cuisine: Modern European
• Why we recommend: often hailed as London's most romantic restaurant - with its twinkling fairy lights, floral canopy, and roaring fireplace - Clos Maggiore is the definition of understated luxury

Inspired by the countryside inns of Provence and Tuscany, Clos Maggiore brings a touch of continental magic to the heart of the city on New Year's Day.

The menu is an elegant dance of modern European flavours and British seasonality, serving up grilled Isle of Orkney scallops with peas and smoked bacon, butter-poached Icelandic cod with lobster and marjoram, and grass-fed Herefordshire beef fillet served with a rich peppercorn sauce. Every dish is made from ingredients sourced from small UK producers - from Welsh mountain lamb to organic fruit and vegetables from Kent.

• Location:  various locations across London
• Price: ££
• Cuisine: Modern British, European
• Why we recommend: a brunch is just what we ordered, and The Ivy serves up a special New Year's Day one that feels indulgent and comforting, taking place at its unique, pretty restaurants across the city

There's no better way to start the year than beneath the iconic Art Deco glow of The Ivy. The New Year's Day brunch menu (£35.95 per person) brings together familiar comfort and elegant flair.

Expect dishes like truffle arancini rice balls to share, followed by indulgent mains such as pan-fried fillet of sea bass with creamed potato and saffron sauce, chicken Milanese with truffle, or the aptly named 'Recovery Curry' - a fragrant plant-based rendang designed for a gentle January reset. Round things off with a show-stopping dessert like The Ivy chocolate bombe or a classic crème brûlée with winter berry compote.

• Location: 27 Poultry, Bank, City of London, EC2R 8AJ
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: British, European
• Why we recommend: a lavish spread of roasts, lobster, oysters, and a cheese and dessert bar? Sign us up. This is the ultimate way to shake off the previous night and start the year in indulgent style

One of the best restaurants open on New Year's Day in London has to be Millie's Lounge at The Ned, where you'll be welcomed with a glass of Champagne as live entertainment from The Nickel Stage sets a lively, celebratory mood.

From hearty roasts with all the trimmings to fresh seafood, salads, and decadent desserts, the menu is designed to satisfy every craving. For those wanting to toast the start of 2026 in extra style, free-flowing Champagne elevates the experience even further.

• Location: 33-35 St Martin's Court, Covent Garden, WC2N 4AL
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: British, seafood
• Why we recommend: J Sheekey Oyster Bar offers an elegant start to the year in the heart of Covent Garden, and we think perfect for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a refined but relaxed lunch with a spot of shopping afterwards 

Just steps from Leicester Square and in the middle of Covent Garden, J Sheekey Oyster Bar is a London institution where red leather banquettes, oyster platters, and polished service create a timeless sense of occasion. For New Year's Day, their set menu (£45 for two courses, or £55 for three) keeps things beautifully seasonal.

Tuck into the likes of caramelised cauliflower soup with Stilton gougères, roasted Devonshire chicken pie with Madeira jus, or fillet of sea bass with potato mousseline and dashi velouté. Then, round things off with a dark Amedei chocolate delice with clementines and gold leaf or a panettone ice cream coupe drizzled in brandy chocolate sauce.

• Location: The Savoy, Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 0EZ
• Price: ££££
• Cuisine: British, fine dining
• Why we recommend: there are few places in London that embody timeless glamour quite like The Savoy, and on New Year's Day, it's pure magic. Whether you're easing into the year with afternoon tea in the Gallery, complete with delicate pastries, golden scones, and a glass of bubbles, or indulging in a seafood feast at The River Restaurant with views of the Thames, this grand old hotel knows how to make an occasion feel special

On New Year's Day in London, for those in search of something show-stopping, Savoy Grill's menu reimagines classic British dining with a refined twist - all the theatre of old-school luxury paired with Gordon Ramsay's modern touch. Or, if you're in the mood for true decadence, Restaurant 1890 delivers an intimate Michelin-starred experience, where every course feels like a celebration in itself.

From the soft clink of Champagne glasses in the American Bar to the scent of freshly baked scones wafting through the Scoff shop, The Savoy is where London comes to life again after the revelry. 

• Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, W1J 9BR
• Price: ££££
• Cuisine: British, fine dining
• Why we recommend: The Ritz offers an exquisite four-course New Year's Day lunch crafted by Executive Chef John Williams MBE and his team, making it the perfect way to start the year in unrivalled luxury and style

Venture over to the iconic Ritz and be swept away by its breathtaking interiors, where classic grandeur and timeless elegance collide. The atmosphere is relaxed yet celebratory, offering an unforgettable backdrop for friends, family, or a special New Year's treat.

Indulge in a lavish four-course menu showcasing the finest seasonal British ingredients, from expertly prepared starters to decadent desserts. There's also live entertainment from a five-piece band that ensures that each moment sparkles, and when the music beckons, there's every reason to step onto the dancefloor.

• Location: 1 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 3NA
• Price: ££££
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Why we recommend: start 2026 like a god or goddess of myth - surrounded by marble, gilded sculptures and Hellenic murals. For New Year's Day, it's the ultimate spot to feast your way into the year with Mediterranean flair and theatrical glamour

At Bacchanalia, you can expect an opulent menu that celebrates both Greek decadence and Italian finesse: tuna tartare with crispy spiced phyllo, yellowtail crudo in Greek salad gazpacho, or lobster paccheri with truffle and a bisque with lots of depth.

For something heartier, the braised short rib with pomegranate molasses and fregola or grilled lamb chops with smoked aubergine and aged feta hit every luxurious note. Pair it all with a glass of Champagne or a carafe of fine Hellenic wine, and make sure to marvel at the jaw-dropping marble statues. 

• Location: Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1A 1AB
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: Modern European, Contemporary British
• Why we recommend: we feel like The Brasserie of Light offers an uplifting, glamorous setting for a New Year's Day lunch in London - and the giant, sparkly pegasus makes a brilliant photo opportunity 

Housed within Selfridges and famous for its dazzling Pegasus sculpture by Damien Hirst, The Brasserie of Light is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. The space glows with Art Deco glamour, such as glittering mirrors, soft lighting, and there's always a Champagne-ready buzz about it.

Food-wise, choose from indulgent options like lobster spaghetti, miso black cod, or a classic sirloin steak, or keep things light with pumpkin tortelloni, roasted butternut squash salad, or bang bang chicken. For a mid-morning treat, their poached eggs with crushed avocado or eggs royale are a stylish way to ease into the year.

• Location: 1 New Change, City of London, EC4M 9AF
• Price: £££
• Cuisine: Pan-Asian
• Why we recommend: if you're after a dazzling start to the year, or just an excuse to indulge, The Ivy Asia St Paul's brings drama, flavour, and pure theatre to the table

Book a New Year's Day dinner or lunch at The Ivy Asia St Paul's and you'll be met with jade-green floors, cherry blossom ceilings, and a menu built for sharing. Think crispy wontons with Szechuan dip, sesame prawn toast with sriracha and lime, and sushi rolls that look (and taste) like works of art.

The signature 'Volcano' roll with wagyu beef, fatty tuna and black truffle is a showstopper, while the golden aromatic duck and miso black cod seal the deal for something more indulgent. Whether you go for the £65 (per person) Ivy Asia experience menu, the elegant Dragon Set Lunch or just cocktails and small plates under the glow of St Paul's, it's a truly excellent pick for the first day of the year.