'Tis the season to be jolly, what with all of the merry meet-ups, mulled wine and, of course, seriously cracking grub. But if you've been tasked with organising this year's meal, where do you start? To help you out, we've created a list of the best restaurants for Christmas dinner in Reading, from bougie five-course banquets to turkey burger 'hoppy meals'. After all, it's the most wonderful time of the year...
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 3rd January 2025
Pulling out all of the stops this December, Three Guineas is a cool and cosy boozer in the heart of the city. Tantalise your festive tastebuds with cracking Crimbo classics then toast to the jolly season with a glass of bubbles, surrounded by friends and family.
Best known for showing live sports and hosting DJs on the weekends, Walkabout is a laid-back bar and restaurant in the city centre. Expect relaxed wooden furnishings and Australian-inspired decor, with a cracking choice of beers and cocktails to boot.
Their Christmas set menu offers two courses for £20.99, or three for £23.99, featuring the likes of turkey nachos, festive beef or plant-based burgers and crispy chicken parmi, with gooey baked cookie dough for dessert.
Cocktail bar and restaurant Market House is dishing out festive pizza feasts and sharing boards on their Christmas menu. Think seasonal toppings like roasted pumpkin and sprouts, with cranberry dip, alongside a celebratory drink or two.
Trendy watering hole Oakford Social Club is more than just a raucous bar, it's also one of the best places in Reading for a Christmas party. The kitchen slings out elevated pub grub, including a nut roast plus hand-carved turkey breast with Cumberland pigs in blankets.
Packed full of charm, this traditional pub in Newtown is one to watch come wintertime. The Hope and Bear Christmas dinner menu boasts a delicious, seasonal three-course menu as well as buffets, which makes it ideal for intimate get-togethers and work dos alike.
If you're on the hunt for the best place to grab a cheap Christmas dinner in Reading, O'Neill's should be up there on your list. There are affordable two and three-course food feasts, featuring roast turkey pie full of carrots, parsnips and gravy, plus a beef burger in a brioche-style linseed bun.
Whether you're more central or in the south of the city, Grosvenor Casino Reading has the Christmas dinner for you. Not only is it dishing up turkey roasts, slow-braised brisket or salmon, but also a leek and mushroom pie.
With a menu that boasts honey-baked goat's cheese, baked salmon, and a turkey take on the famous hanging kebab, The Botanist is an affordable choice come the festive season. Choose between a two-course lunch for £27.95 or a three-course meal priced a £34.95 available all day every day, and finished with desserts like the Advocaat Christmisu.
One of Reading's best restaurants for Christmas dinner, BrewDog is not to be missed. With finger food buffets, turkey burger 'hoppy meals' and even three-course extravaganzas, this city centre hangout is ready to feed the masses.
For a laid-back Christmas meal with family, friends, or even coworkers, Zerodegrees Reading is the place, with a Christmas set menu designed for 8 people or more. Think wood-fired pizza, roast turkey crown, and espresso martini tiramisu as part of a multi-course banquet from as little as £35.
The Boundary in Reading is offering a seasonal spread with a two or three-course meal this December. From just £22.50, there's halloumi fries to start, then creative mains like Merry Crustmas pizzas and Fat Santa burgers. Finish with a steaming pud AKA a Mistletoe Mess.
Seven Red Roses offers a cosy, charming space to indulge in a bit of Christmas cheer. Head over to the old school boozer to delve into fabulous festive fare, from turkey and ham hock pie to a giant pig in blanket yorkie accompanied by a range of tasty tipples.
🍍 2 Pina Coladas & 1 Sharing Bag of Limited Edition Popworks Pina Colada Crisps Just £15 🍍
If you're not sure where to book for your Christmas party in Reading, Slug and Lettuce Riverside is always a winner. Bringing the yuletide cheer by the bucketload, these guys are determined to make it a season to remember with festive buffets, themed burgers and tasty cocktails. Or, if you fancy heading into the party district, Slug and lettuce Friar Street is welcoming you with floral decor and neon signs.
Known for being a mouthwatering all-you-can-eat global buffet on Reading's Friar Street, COSMO is also dishing up a seriously tempting Christmas dinner. Expect traditional roast turkey covered in a honey caramel sauce, paired with all the best trimmings, including yorkies.
