Best Christmas Dinners In Manchester

• Location: 1 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1BD
• When: December 2025 (lunch is available Sunday to Wednesday, from 12pm to 3pm)
• Price: two courses for £31 per person or three for £36 
• Why we recommend: we feel like The Foundry Project is all about fun, flavour, and festive spirit, making it the ideal pick for a relaxed Christmas get-together with friends, family, or colleagues. Their festive menu is great value and packed with hearty favourites alongside some seriously creative twists

At The Foundary Project, you can kick things off this December with starters like crispy salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli jam, chicken liver and brandy pâté with golden beetroot piccalilli, or BBQ cauliflower wings with cranberry sauce.

For mains, you'll find classics like roast turkey with all the trimmings, or pan-fried sea bass with garlic king prawns, alongside festive wildcards like the towering beef burger stacked with Camembert, pig in blanket and cranberry sauce. Our tip? End on a high with a gooey triple chocolate brownie with Belgian ice cream.

• Location: 37 Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, M4 3TR
• When: December 2025 
• Price: £40 per person for the feasting menu
• Why we recommend: we're always wowed by Mowgli's pretty interiors, fronting fairy lights all year round. Christmas marks the beginning of a great value feasting menu, featuring a handful of the restaurant's top dishes 

Mowgli Corn Exchange is already a stunning location filled with unique swing seats, fairy lights, and more across a unique space - creating a bustling, magical atmosphere for your Christmas dinner.

But that's not all, as their multi-course Indian feasting menu is a festive treat, spanning from the likes of Himalayan cheese toast for starters to potluck, two-tiered curry tiffin boxes for your main and an ice cream cone for dessert.

• Location: West Didsbury, 2 Lapwing Lane, Didsbury, M20 2WS
• When: December 2025
• Price: two courses for £32 per person or three for £35 
• Why we recommend: this cosy pub, located on the corner of Burton Road, is a lovely spot to dine on hand-carved turkey with roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts drenched in gravy

For a real feast and jolly Christmas time, venture over to West Didsbury, where you'll find The Metropolitan pulling out all the stops. This grand pub comes complete with tall windows, eclectic wallpaper and leather furnishings, making it a super cosy place to dine or host a festive party. 

On the menu? A bargain. Grab two courses for £32 per person or three for £35 and delight in duck breast served with dauphinoise potatoes, hand-carved turkey and mince pies.

• Location: 37 Exchange Square, M4 3TR
• When: 19th November to 24th December 2025 
• Price: from £28.95 for two courses, or £35.95 for three
• Why we recommend: this is a stunning space for festive fare, with a menu that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. And if you're after glamourous private dining, this is a great choice as well

For a stylish but affordable Christmas dinner, head to Cosy Club within the Corn Exchange. This stunning spot is decked out in 1970s-inspired glamour, from golden velvet curtains to plush pink booth seating and retro patterned wallpaper. Plus, there are two private rooms for anywhere between 24 and 70 guests.

Choose between two or three courses on their festive feasting menu, which starts with a platter of seasonal bites to share. Tuck into everything from roast turkey and smoked ham hock pie to maple roasted squash or herb-crumbed fillet of salmon, followed by a salted chocolate truffle and brownie torte.

• Location: 4 Cathedral Approach, Northern Quarter, M3 1SW
• When: December 2025
• Price: two courses for £31.95 or three for £34.95 per person; kids for £17.50
• Why we recommend: we think that The Old Wellington has a homely feel to it, and offers a comforting pub atmosphere for tucking into turkey

Fancy a pub Christmas dinner in Manchester? Book one at The Old Wellington, a beautiful boozer that's bringing all the traditional feels this festive season. You'll find all kinds of real ales here, in a charming interior that flaunts wooden beams and old-school chandeliers.

And what to expect from the food? Piled-high plates of the classics, including a hand-carved turkey breast with bacon and chestnut stuffing, slow-cooked pork belly or a walnut, hazelnut and almond nut roast.

• Location: One Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RG
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: three courses for £24.95
• Why we recommend: classic Italian dishes with festive flair, right in the heart of Manchester

Make your Christmas dinner memorable at ASK Italian Manchester, perfectly located near the city's major attractions. Begin your feast with bruschetta, burrata tricolore, or festive sprout and pancetta croquettes, followed by mains like festive Christmas carbonara, fettuccine bolognese, or linguine con frutti di mare. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for with fettuccine lentil ragu and risotto con funghi, so everyone leaves happy.

End the night with indulgent desserts such as warm chocolate brownie, festive orange panettone pudding, or Biscoff cheesecake.

• Location: The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY
  
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: from £26.95 for two or three courses
• Why we recommend: their cosy teepee is the ultimate festive setting, and with a choice between sharing meals and set menus, there's plenty to be enjoyed. We especially love the millionaire's brownie for dessert

From drinks packages and set menus to a festive spread that'll keep the whole party happy, The Oast House can cater for any kind of Christmas do. You can enjoy a two or three-course meal from as little as £26.95 per person, with a buffet spread available too.

Take your pick from hanging turkey kebabs, mushroom bourguignon pies, millionaire's brownies and more, all while settled down in that glorious heated teepee.

• Location: 1 Hardman Street, Piccadilly, M3 3AQ
• When: December 2025 (including 25th December) 
• Price: five courses for £120 per person 
• Why we recommend: enhance your festive experience with bespoke cocktails, a Champagne menu, and the option to host private events in unique spaces like rooftop pergolas or the exclusive private dining room, creating a memorable holiday celebration

For Christmas Day lunch in Manchester for 2025, look to the 20 Stories menu. This sky-high restaurant is serving a five-course set menu, which dishes up the likes of beef carpaccio and Cheshire turkey, all with wine pairings to boot.

It's not just the 25th that promises a delicious feast, though, as they've got two festive set menus available throughout the period. While looking out over the city from one of their cosy booth seats, enjoy a range of tempting fare alongside a glass of bubbly.

• Location: Elliot House, 4 Lloyd Street, Deansgate, M2 5AB
• When: December 2025 (including 25^th & 26^th December)
• Price: three courses for £50 per person
• Why we recommend: we think this is a great place for an Italian-leaning festive meal for lunch or dinner. Who can resist a pistachio tiramisu for dessert? Not us 

Flaunting gorgeous, plant-filled interiors and sleek leather booth seating, Gusto is a stylish spot for an Italian twist on your Christmas meal. Their city centre venue can be found in Spinningfields, with a second location in Didsbury.

Tuck into three sumptuous courses of festive fare, coming in at £50 per person. Dishes include smoked salmon and dill mascarpone, pan-fried salmon fillet, butternut squash ravioli and a Biscoff cheesecake.

• Location: 107 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2DB
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: three courses for £40 per person
• Why we recommend: not only can you enjoy a tempting festive feast here, but you can also make the most of it with an afternoon tea too - with festive add-ons like that, we think this spot more than deserves to make our list 

Brasserie Abode has become famed for its sumptuous Sunday roasts, so a festive meal here guarantees a high standard of cooking. Enjoy somewhere vying for the title of best Christmas dinner in Manchester, as this Piccadilly gem is ideal for munching through seasonal specials.

They're cooking up three mouthwatering courses of turkey with all the trimmings and vegetarian alternatives for £40 per person, beginning with a Christmas cocktail.

• Location: various locations across Manchester
• When: December 2025 
• Price: two courses for £35 per person, or three for £39 
• Why we recommend: you're bound to have a fun, lively and affordable time at one of Slug & Lettuce's locations, and we can't rate them enough for their fun Christmas nibbles - our eyes are on the baked camembert 

If you're looking for a lovely, relaxed Christmas dinner, then make sure to check out Slug and Lettuce's many bars across the city. Whether you head to the Albert Square, Piccadilly, Spinningfields, Deansgate, Didsbury or Sale, you'll be met with a cool venue filled with floral decor and neon signs, making for a chic yet laid-back space for a festive party.

On their Christmas menu, you'll find two courses for £35 and three courses for £39, with starters including bites like crispy duck gyozas, mushroom and blue cheese arancini and burrata with fig and honey chutney. As for mains? Think an indulgent festive beef burger, a surf and turf spread, and a tasty turkey feast, and so much more, not to mention lip-smacking desserts too.

• Location: 1 York Street, Northern Quarter, M2 2AW
• When: November and December 2025 (including 25th & 26th December)
• Price: three courses for £45 per person 
• Why we recommend: we feel Browns Brasserie & Bar Manchester offers a really grand setting to enjoy a Christmas dinner, thanks to its towering walls and floods of natural light. It also doesn't skimp on festive decor, either, making it ideal for a few photos

Not only is this restaurant opening its York Street doors for a variety of special menus this season, but they're even doing it throughout Christmas Day and Boxing Day too. Your festive feasting has no bounds here, so if you're on the hunt for a Christmas dinner, Manchester's very own Brown's Brasserie & Bar has got you covered. 

Take a seat in this elegant restaurant to enjoy a yuletide feast from as little as £45 per person, featuring everything from turkey and cranberry stuffing to a maple and cinnamon-glazed pork belly or a roasted root vegetable nut roast.

• Location: The Corn Exchange, Manchester, M4 3TR
• When: December 2025
• Price: three courses for £38.95 per person
• Why we recommend: we think Banyan is a fun, easy-going restaurant and bar that offers an affordable Christmas dinner menu, as well as some great buffet options if you're visiting with a larger party 

Banyan is all about the cool and casual, something that's slipped over to their menus this year. Before you spend all night dancing and drinking at this little number, tuck into either a three-course meal or a sharing buffet, and they've even got festive bottomless brunches too.

The set menu option costs £38.95 per person, featuring indulgent eats like prawn and crayfish toast to start, followed by slow-cooked beef with dauphinoise potatoes, seasonal plant-based burgers and more. Finish things off with a yule log brownie and you won't regret it. 

• Location: Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: £39 for two courses per person or three for £45 (includes a festive drink)
• Why we recommend: if you want your Christmas meal with a modern, international twist, Peter Street Kitchen is the place. Known for its slick interiors and Japanese-Mediterranean-inspired plates, their festive menus are seriously tempting

Prepare for a world of French elegance at Peter Street Kitchen. The restaurant's velvet-draped pillars, deep red décor, and festive bows set the scene for a warm, Instagram-ready evening.

You can sip on the exclusive Moët & Chandon limited-edition Brut Impérial Red or Rosé Impérial, elevating every toast, while a pianist and Champagne tower add a theatrical flourish to the night. Perfect for catching up with loved ones or marking the season in style, this is Christmas dining with a decadent twist.

• Location: 50 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 1EN
• When: December 2025
• Price: three courses for £45 per person 
• Why we recommend: we think that Christmas at Grand Pacific is always a stylish affair. With its opulent interiors and decadent dining, it's the perfect backdrop for a festive feast that feels classic, elegant, and just a little bit indulgent

Grand Pacific makes a great choice for a family Christmas dinner in Manchester city centre. Starters include a warming spiced butternut squash soup with truffle, smoked Scottish salmon with pickled shallots and crème fraîche, and a rich chicken liver parfait with quince and sourdough crisps.

For mains, you'll find a perfectly roasted breast of turkey with all the trimmings, alongside braised feather blade of beef with garlic mash and red wine sauce, or a plant-based celeriac, lentil and mushroom wellington with porcini sauce. To finish, desserts bring a touch of festive indulgence, like a Christmas sticky toffee pudding with whisky caramel, a glazed Meyer lemon tart with toasted meringue, or a white chocolate and ginger bauble filled with kumquat chantilly cream.

• Location: 8 Clarence Street, Spinningfields, M2 4DW
• When: December 2025
• Price: three courses for £55 per person
• Why we recommend: we love this pretty Italian cafe, and its festive dinner is no exception. Our favourites include starting with the burrata, before moving on to a rump steak served with fries and peppercorn sauce 

From the city centre to Hale or Didsbury, Piccolino has some of the best restaurants for Christmas dinner. The stylish space is filled with pale blue leather seating and elegant chandeliers, and you can enjoy a festive menu for £55 each.

Think three courses spanning everything from calamari fritti with courgette to turkey served alongside chestnut stuffing or a vegetable lasagne.

• Location: St Peter Square, Spinngfields, M2 3DE
• When: December 2025 (including 25^th & 26^th December)
• Price: three courses for £39.95 per person 
• Why we recommend: we always leave satisfied after dinner at this modern restaurant and bar, and Christmas is no exception. It has a great set menu, catering for vegetarians and vegans too

Boasting sleek, modern interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light, The Anthologist in St Peter Square has a five-course Christmas dinner that's totally unmissable.

From roast pumpkin soup to mushroom, chestnut and tofu pithivier for your vegan Christmas dinner in Manchester to roasted turkey, with chocolate truffle torte for dessert, there's plenty on offer for all palates here.

• Location: 2a St Mary's Street, Spinningfields, M3 2LB
• When: December 2025
• Price: three courses for £45 per person
• Why we recommend: we think that Gaucho brings some Argentinian flair to the classic Christmas dinner, and is a great pick for the meat lovers among you (plus, it also does a cracking vegetarian option) 

Coming in at £45 for three sumptuous courses and a side, Gaucho's Christmas menu is one to remember this December. The restaurant is seriously stylish, including signature cowhide decor, huge chandeliers and trees too, so you can trust that the festive offering is similarly swanky.

Kick off with smoked salmon or cheese and truffle empanadas, before diving into plates of turkey ballotine with chestnut stuffing; pan-fried haddock; rump steak; or mushroom and truffle ravioli, followed by a superb sticky toffee pudding. 

• Location: 3 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB
• When: December 2025
• Price: from £65 per person
• Why we recommend: Tattu is the spot if you're after a Christmas party that's as glamorous as it is indulgent. With its breathtaking interiors, menus packed with showstopping plates, and cocktails inspired by mythical legends, this is one festive dinner that feels seriously special

Tattu's Christmas menus are designed to make your celebration unforgettable, whether you're gathering with friends, family, or colleagues. Think shimmering interiors, indulgent dishes, and cocktails that double up as conversation starters. The line-up spans from a £65 vegetarian feast to the jaw-dropping Emperor's Choice at £124 per person, featuring luxury bites like wagyu beef dumplings, seared tuna with truffle aioli, and salt-grilled Japanese black wagyu served on a Himalayan salt block.

Other highlights include the '10 Signature' menu (£94 each), where you'll tuck into Peking duck pancakes, caramel soy aged beef fillet and honey-glazed char siu pork, and the Modern Sharing menu (£74 per person) with black pepper beef fillet, Shanghai black cod and a mandarin and almond dessert that's almost too pretty to eat.

• Location: 32 Bridge Street, Spinningfields, M3 3BT
  
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: feasting menus for £49 per person
• Why we recommend: the restaurant's cosy, elegant interiors, set within a historic Freemasons' hall, with wood panelling, stained-glass windows, and rich Irani café ambience, create the perfect blend of festive comfort and grandeur that feels both celebratory and intimate

Every year, Dishoom is covered with pretty fairy lights and seasonal decorations, found inside the Grade II-listed building Manchester Hall in Spinningfields. This authentic Indian restaurant is inspired by Bombay's old Irani cafes, and you can expect an Indian twist on their festive fare.

Dig into three courses of small plates and signature dishes for £49 per person - a highlight being the turkey raan with all the trimmings (with a vegetarian version up for grabs too). Plus, there's mince pie kulfi for dessert.

• Location: 108 High Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HQ
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: two courses for £37.95 or three for £42.95 
• Why we recommend: we think that head chef Anthony Fielden's gutsy, thought-provoking and seasonal British cuisine, crafted from the finest regional ingredients and refreshed regularly, ensures a truly memorable and elevated Christmas feast

Situated in the Northern Quarter, TNQ Restaurant and Bar is a laid-back spot that specialises in top-quality British dining. Expect wooden furnishings, candlesticks on the tables and a welcoming atmosphere, having won Leading Restaurant of the Year in the This Is Manchester Awards in both 2019 and 2022.

You can enjoy an affordable festive feast throughout late November and December, starting from £37.95 for two courses, or £42.95 for three. Whether you're in the mood for roast turkey breast or a roasted squash, kale and chestnut Wellington, there's something for everyone here.

• Location: 1C School Lane, Didsbury, M20 6RD
• When: 25th December 2025 
• Price: four courses for £125 per person
• Why we recommend: the bistro's relaxed yet elegant setting, complemented by attentive service and a thoughtfully curated wine list, ensures a memorable and enjoyable holiday dining experience

Embrace the festive warmth of Hispi this Christmas and become part of the family for a full-on seasonal feast. You'll be welcomed with a drink on arrival and a spread of shared snacks to kick off the celebration, from honey-baked goat's cheese crottin with roasted grapes and walnut salad to the legendary chicken liver pâté with toasted brioche and farmhouse chutney.

For the main event, Hispi keeps tradition in fine form with turkey breast with crispy pork and apricot stuffing or roast dry-aged beef with all the trimmings - but for something a little different, the filet of Scottish salmon with poached leeks, crispy potato puffs, and Champagne and caviar butter sauce is a luxurious alternative that captures the festive spirit perfectly. For dessert, choose the warming, classic Christmas pudding with orange marmalade and brandy sauce, indulge in the rich chocolate 'Oblivion' with mint choc-chip ice cream, or enjoy a curated plate of British cheeses with fig and orange chutney to round off the feast.

• Where: 18-20 Castle Street, Castlefield, M3 4LZ
• When: November and December 2025 
• Price: two courses for £15.95 per person, or three for £19.95
• Why we recommend: Albert's Shed offers a fantastically affordable Christmas dinner that has something to suit everyone's tastes. It's located in a pretty canalside spot, meaning your feast comes with a tranquil, waterside feel 

Make your Christmas sparkle canalside at Albert's Shed. This Castlefield gem is bringing festive cheer with two courses for £15.95 (or three for £19.95), plus a special £14.95 menu on Mondays and Tuesdays before the 16th of December.

Tuck into starters like ham hock & apricot terrine or spiced coconut and sweetcorn soup, before moving onto hearty mains such as steak frites, smoked haddock fishcakes with curry sauce, or a warming miso aubergine curry. Dessert? It's a tough call between sticky toffee pudding, apple pie parcels, and pistachio zeppoli.

• Location: 50 Dearmans Place, Salford, M3 5LH
• When: December 2025
• Price: £48 per person
• Why we recommend: if you're after festive dining with a touch of five-star luxury, The River Restaurant has you covered. This is Christmas with all the sparkle of an Alpine lodge escape, paired with the signature service and seasonal feasts The Lowry Hotel is famous for

Venture over to Salford to discover The River Restaurant, found right by the waterfront in Chapel Wharf. This December, The Lowry is transforming into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, cosy apres-ski vibes, and indulgent menus that celebrate the very best of the season.

Offering everything from breakfast with Santa to a festive afternoon tea, these guys are going all-out for the yuletide season. You can nab a family Christmas Dinner in Manchester for £48 per person here, featuring spiced pumpkin starters, black pepper venison loin, turkey ballotine and more.

• Location: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: from £65 per person
• Why we recommend: we love Hawksmoor for its impressive steaks, and Christmas is no exception. You can tuck into the likes of t-bones and sirloins, or treat yourself to some charcoal-grilled monkfish, all before ending on a high with an indulgent dessert 

Perfect for groups of friends and families, Hawksmoor is offering a festive sharing menu this year. There are three different options available, starting from £65 per person and offering a choice between two or three courses.

Take a seat in the swish steakhouse on Deansgate to munch on charcoal-grilled steaks, smoked mackerel salad, sticky toffee pudding and more, with a vegan set menu on the cards too.

• Location: 41 Blackfriars Road, Salford, M3 7DH
• When: December 2025
• Price: two courses for £38 per person, or three for £46
• Why we recommend: with its stunning blend of modern dining and historic charm, The Black Friar is made for festive gatherings. Whether you're planning an intimate meal or a Christmas blowout for the whole office, this Salford gem has the food, the drinks, and the space to make it happen

Christmas at The Black Friar is all about feasting, fun, and a touch of magic. From cosy dinners with friends to work parties that go big, this spot is ready to host it all. They've got festive menus filled with seasonal flavours, plus private spaces that can accommodate groups of up to 250 people - perfect for large-scale celebrations.

Begin your meal with the likes of a honey-glazed ham hock crumpet, or roast onion and cider soup, followed by turkey ballotine with all the trimmings, or a tempting stonebass fillet. There's sticky toffee pudding or butterscotch tart for dessert, too. 

• Location: Unit 5, Chester Street, Castlefield, M1 5QS
• When: November and December 2025 (including 25^th & 26^th December)
• Price: banquet menus from £32.50 per person 
• Why we recommend: there's a lot of choice at Zouk thanks to its banquet-style menus, and it does a great set menu come Christmas Day if you fancy spending the 25th without any washing up 

This vibrant Oxford Road haunt is best known for its authentic Indian cuisine, and you can expect plenty of this on their non-traditional festive menu. Zouk is a gorgeous restaurant split across three floors of modern, stylish decor, with a number of seasonal offerings to choose from.

Their banquet menus start from just £32.50 per person, and they also offer lunchtime tiffin boxes for as little as £17.50. Tuck into tasty bites like chargrilled chicken tikka, lamb and potato korma or onion bhajis, as part of a two-course feast.

• Location: Dakota Hotel, 29 Ducie Street, Manchester, M1 2JL
• When: December 2025 (including 25^th & 26^th December)
• Price: three courses for £65 per person
• Why we recommend: settle down into the luxurious dining room that is Dakota Manchester Bar and Grill, and enjoy traditional flavours - we suggest booking a private dining experience for a truly VIP feel 

Head on over to Dakota Manchester Bar and Grill on Ducie Street for their mouthwatering festive menu, which champions seasonal and high-quality ingredients. The feast includes all the classics, such as turkey with trimmings alongside Christmas pudding and cheeseboards.

This luxurious meal is available for both lunch and dinner, starting from £65 per head. Expect dazzling decor while you're here, in a cool, modern space.

• Location: The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Spinningfields, M3 3HG
• When: December 2025
• Price: two courses for £55 per person, or three for £60
• Why we recommend: if you're on the hunt for a Christmas dinner in Manchester city centre, then we suggest heading here for some interiors and tasty food. This year, the theme is Arthur and the Midnight Express, with festive installations and whimsical trains 

This Spinningfields venue is a popular choice all year round, flaunting gorgeous, colourful interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light.

The Ivy Christmas menu for Manchester is one that you don't want to miss out on, offering two courses for £55, or three for £60 - including a side dish. Delve into plates of cured smoked salmon, turkey ballotine or wild mushroom and truffle linguine, followed by a Christmas creme brulee.

• Location: 8 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU
• When: 17th November - 22nd December 2025
• Price: two courses for £30 per person or three for £35 
• Why we recommend: we think that Trof is a Manchester institution when it comes to cosy vibes, festive feasting and a good old knees-up. With exposed brick interiors, three floors decked out in Christmas cheer, and a reputation for serving some of the city's best roast dinners, you can guarantee this one will hit the spot

While it may be closed on Christmas Day itself, Trof is giving you plenty of time to lap up their delicious multi-course festive menus and party buffets. Enjoy two courses for £30, or three for £35, paired with a warming mulled wine.

Scoff on the likes of roast turkey with seasonal vegetables, honey roast ham pie, or a winter vegetable Wellington in casual surroundings at this Northern Quarter staple.

• Location: The Goods Yard Building, Goods Yard Street, M3 3BG
• When: November and December 2025 
• Price: four courses for £69.50 per person 
• Why we recommend: we love the concept of Fenix's menu. Expect three unique sharing menus - The Athenian Taverna, Greek Nostos, and Mykonian Aura - each divided into four chapters, featuring dishes like slow-cooked lamb shank, halloumi cheese tempura, and decadent desserts such as banoffee crème brûlée, all inspired by the chefs' personal Greek holiday traditions

Fenix is an Athenian taverna where the spirit of filoxenia - Greek hospitality at its finest - comes alive. The festive menu is a journey through inventive twists, perfect for those looking to celebrate Christmas with a touch of Mediterranean flair. Begin with charred aubergine with tahini and fresh lemon, a light, vibrant prelude to the indulgence ahead. The first chapter continues with halloumi cheese tempura with yuzu hollandaise espuma and shiso vinaigrette or the luxuriously earthy Broken Down Tart, featuring pulled lamb shank, parsnip béchamel, truffle, and oyster mushrooms.

Mains bring the best of surf and turf: sea bass fillet with grilled chard, aubergine purée, smoked pepper cream and piccata, or the rich, tender smoked Iberico ribs glazed with Cantonese sauce, served alongside sweet potato purée. Dessert offers Banoffee New Style, made up of velvet vanilla cream with toffee caramel, crunchy cookie, banana, and a hint of nutmeg, finishing the meal on a playful, decadent note.

• Location: 27 Peter Street, Spinningfields, M2 5QR
• When: November and December 2025
• Price: two courses for £38 per person, or three for £45  
• Why we recommend: we love this restaurant and bar for its endless entertainment, and Christmas is no exception - it pulls out the stops with Bavarian food and drinks

A Bavarian-inspired restaurant and bar in Spinningfields, Albert's Schloss is best known for their nightly live music performances and top-notch beers. The lively space features traditional wooden interiors and lots of greenery, as well as a large stage for entertainment. But did you know that they also offer a stunning selection of seasonal bites?

Their festive set menu is £38 for two courses, or £45 for three. We're talking Cheshire turkey with pigs in blankets, sauerbraten beef Wellington or stuffed confit onion, with a dreamy chocolate roulade for dessert.

• Location: 41 Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 6AJ
• When: 25th December 2025 
• Price: four courses for £115 per person 
• Why we recommend: set in the Ancoats district, Elnecot's stylish and relaxed atmosphere provides a warm and inviting setting for festive gatherings, complemented by exceptional service and a thoughtfully curated wine list

This Christmas, Elnecot turns festive dining into an art form. Begin with a celebratory glass of Champagne and an amuse-bouche that hints at the culinary delights to come. Starters set the tone for indulgence: from a velvety spiced pumpkin soup drizzled with hazelnut oil, to a luxurious chestnut mushroom parfait with Wiltshire truffle and shallot jam, or the ultimate festive classic, Elnecot's prawn cocktail with marinated caviar.

Move on to the comforting roast turkey with all the trimmings, the rich and succulent slow-cooked ox cheek with truffled dauphinoise, the delicate butter-roasted cod with saffron potatoes and shellfish bisque, or a plant-forward gnocchi with chestnut and wild mushroom velouté. Desserts continue the festive decadence: warm chocolate brownie with cherry mascarpone, honey pannacotta with preserved plum compote and chervil granita, or sticky toffee pear cake with toffee sauce. For cheese lovers, a plate of Baron Bigod with Wiltshire truffle and spiced apple compote provides the perfect finishing flourish.

• Location: Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester, M1 4DY
• When: 12th November - 20th December 2025
• Price: three courses for £65 per person for dinner, £40 for lunch
• Why we recommend: we know that Higher Ground has become one of Manchester's most exciting dining destinations, and their festive offering is no exception. Seasonal produce, a convivial sharing-style menu, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere make this a perfect spot for everything from a cosy catch-up to a lively group celebration

This Christmas, Higher Ground is leaning into its love for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with a festive feast that's all about sharing. Available for both small groups and larger parties, the menu showcases winter flavours at their peak, with dishes designed to be enjoyed together around the table.

At £65 for dinner or £40 for lunch, the sharing menu keeps things elegant yet accessible. Tuck into coal-roasted leeks with oyster cream, Lyme Park venison, and malted barley pudding with custard for dessert. 

• Location: 47 Chorlton Street, Piccadilly, M1 3FY
• When: December 2025 
• Price: two courses for £34.95 or three for £39.95
• Why we recommend: we think Madre offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the season with loved ones. Their Christmas menu features a unique Mexican twist on traditional holiday dishes

This Christmas, Madre brings a vibrant twist to festive feasting with a menu made for sharing and celebration, Mexican-style. Start with antojitos - bite-sized starters like crispy Madre wings with homemade Buffalo sauce, prawn cocktail tostada with Valentina Marie Rosé and avocado, tender pork belly bites in Mexican cola BBQ sauce, or a refreshing watermelon salad with mint and a strawberry vinaigrette.

For mains, the festive spirit continues with a choice of bold, satisfying dishes: crumbed turkey with cranberry salsa, Cochinita Pibil slow-cooked Yucatan pork with achiote and pickled onions, grilled skirt steak with smoked mozzarella, or a vegetarian standout, Cauliflower al Pastor with traditional spices. Make sure to save room for the mezcal horchata tiramisu for dessert, though.