Top 20 places to eat in London for Christmas 2023:
The Christmas season in London beckons with its enchanting lights and festive cheer, and what better way to celebrate than with a culinary adventure? Here are some exquisite places to savour the holiday spirit in 2023:
1. The Ritz, St James’s
What: Indulge in the epitome of luxury and embrace cherished Christmas traditions at The Ritz in St James’s. The festivities extend to Christmas Day with an exquisite array of events in the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant.
For Christmas lunch, guests can relish a truly traditional and delectable six-course feast meticulously crafted by the esteemed Executive Chef John Williams MBE and his talented culinary team. Experience the mesmerizing sounds of a talented singer, pianist, and dynamic jazz-style quartet, taking attendees on a musical journey through iconic American songs.
As for Christmas dinner, savour an exceptional celebration with a mouth-watering four-course dinner. Immerse yourself in the warm and inviting ambience, letting the soulful melodies of a talented singer and dynamic five-piece live band create an atmosphere of pure pleasure. Allow the rhythms to entice guests to hit the dance floor and revel in the joyous celebration.
Where: The Ritz Hotel, 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR.
Price: From £600 Christmas day lunch I Christmas day dinner £420
2. The Laundry, Brixton
What: Housed in a meticulously restored Edwardian building in Brixton, The Laundry is a splendid bistro and wine shop, perfect for festive group dining this Christmas. Delight in our private dining options and savour a specially crafted festive menu debuting this November.
Embark on your culinary journey with sharing starters like burrata on toast with truffle thyme honey, a winter salad with mulled cranberry, and mini prawn cocktails. Move on to heartwarming mains, including aubergine parmigiana or confit duck leg with chorizo cassoulet.
Don't miss the festive cocktails, featuring the Winter Negroni named Rosita, adding a Mexican twist, and the Pear Mule—a delightful blend of vodka, pear, topped with ginger and sherbet.
Price: £35pp.
Where: The laundry at Walton Lodge 374 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton London W9 8PL
3. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair
What: Step into the enchantment of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair, a legendary London restaurant that lives up to its stellar reputation. This Christmas Day, revel in the extraordinary with Chef Patron Jean-Philippe Blondet's unique menus, showcasing exceptional seasonal produce like white truffle or lobster.
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Price: £450.00
4. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
What: Prepare to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Cadogan Arms, a gem among the two impeccably managed JKS-run pubs in London. This haven seamlessly marries the allure of dark timber pub interiors with the crème de la crème of pub cuisine in the city. As the holiday season approaches, we are gearing up for a delightful feast with both family-style feasting and a tempting festive A La Carte menu, showcasing our newest seasonal creations bound to leave a lasting impression.
Explore our enticing menu featuring festive delights such as Christmas Stuffing Scotch Eggs, a shareable Cumbrian Beef Wellington, and a Winter Fruits Crumble with Spiced Custard.
Christmas Day offers limited spaces to enjoy their set Christmas Day menu complete with all the trimmings. For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Rose Room on the ground floor, equipped with its own bar, is ideal. Alternatively, opt for the ultimate festive celebration with a full-venue hire, creating cherished memories in the heart of Chelsea.
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Price: £250pp for the Christmas Day menu (or £220pp for the vegetarian), £90pp for the feast menu (or £70pp for the vegetarian)
5. RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar, King’s Cross
What: With the Eurostar just around the corner, RAILS pays homage to grand central station restaurants of yesterday, marrying classy seasonal British cooking with Parisian style. The dining room is magnificent with its high ceilings and pendant chandeliers, and classic British cooking matches the setting - expect all your favourite festive treats come Christmas Day.
Where: Great Northern Hotel, N1C 4TB
Price: N/A
6. The Lanesborough Grill, Belgravia
What: Indulge in the allure of The Lanesborough Grill, Belgravia, where the festive season unfolds in a jaw-dropping dining room. Under the culinary mastery of Shay Cooper, our modern British menus marry elegance with robust flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Embrace the holiday spirit with our festive set menu, available from November 17th to January 7th. Immerse yourself in a three-course lunch and dinner affair, where each dish is a masterpiece reflecting the flavours of the season. Highlights include Norfolk turkey Wellington with caramelised parsnip, sprout leaves, madeira, and truffle, as well as Cornish cod accompanied by charred squid, kombu, mushroom, and tarragon dressing. Elevate your Christmas Day with a dining experience that marries refined surroundings and delectable cuisine.
Where: The Lanesborough, SW1X 7TA
Price: Festive Set Menu £55
7. Riding House Cafe
What: With three outposts around the capital (Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, Victoria), the Riding House group is well-suited to group dining. All venues are spacious, with a low-key atmosphere and impressive (but not overly expensive) food. There are a range of Christmas menus on offer this year, featuring a spread of sharing-style dishes for the table. Indulge in highlights such as our main course—truffled portobello & sweet potato Wellington, accompanied by porcini cream. Conclude your festive feast on a sweet note with our delectable dessert: sticky toffee brioche doughnuts.
Where: Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, Victoria
Price: From £50pp.
8. The Goring, Victoria
What: Experience grandeur at The Goring, a white-tablecloth restaurant nestled within the prestigious Goring hotel. Adorned with floor-to-ceiling curtains, well-spaced tables, and a cream and gold color palette, this Christmas Day lunch is a lavish affair. While it comes with a price tag worthy of its proximity to Buckingham Palace, the culinary journey is unparalleled.
Indulge in exquisite dishes such as duck liver terrine with pistachio brioche, aged beef Wellington with Roscoff onion, and Goring Christmas pudding with candied orange and brandy cream, accompanied by canapes and petit fours.
Alternatively, revel in the festive spirit with our delightful afternoon tea experience. For over a century, The Goring has been a beacon of Christmas enchantment through the timeless art of Afternoon Tea.
As proud recipients of The British Tea Guild Council’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award and The Award of Excellence, they continue to captivate guests with delectable pastries, fruity homemade jams, and high-quality tea blends. The luxurious setting of The Veranda and, on Saturdays, The Dining Room, provides the perfect backdrop for this quintessentially British tradition. Gluten-free tea is also available upon request.
Where: 15 Beeston Place, SW1W 0JW
Price: Festive afternoon tea £95.00
9. Le Pont de la Tour
What: Indulge in the festive magic at Le Pont de la Tour, where our riverside restaurant transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. Perfect for a Christmas meal with friends, the special festive menu offers a delightful fusion of traditional fare with a French twist.
On Christmas Day, savour a fabulously festive feast curated by Executive Chef Tony Fleming. The 5-course menu begins with the House-cured Loch Duart salmon, poached native lobster, green apple and pickled cucumber salad, and horseradish mousse. Following this, relish a Christmas classic with the Roast Crown of Norfolk Bronze Turkey, served with swede puree, cranberry and sage farce, Alsace bacon, roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts, Chantenay carrots, and thyme roasting juices. It's a culinary celebration to make your Christmas truly memorable.
Where: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Price: £130pp
10. Duck & Waffle, Liverpool Street
What: Lift your Christmas celebration expectations with Duck & Waffle at Liverpool Street, where panoramic city views and impeccable service set the stage for an extravagant festive affair.
Indulge with their special Festive Brunch, featuring dishes such as :
Main Delight: Turkey Sarnie with Braised Onions, Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, and Cranberry Jam
Tempting Dessert: Sherry Trifle with Pedro Ximénez Jelly, Vanilla Custard, Chantilly Cream, and Candied Almonds
Available on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day from 9 am to 4 pm against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Price: £59pp
11. St. JOHN Bread and Wine
Gather your party of 8 or more and indulge in the festive delights of the Christmas Feasting Menu at St. JOHN Bread and Wine. Offering an array of options, this feasting experience centers around a central beast, creating a communal dining affair served on generous sharing platters.
Choose from a selection of four menus, each spotlighting a delectable main course—suckling pig, venison, beef, or goose—all accompanied by the quintessential trimmings that make the season truly special. Dive into the rich flavors and convivial atmosphere as you explore these feasting menus designed to celebrate the essence of Christmas. While vegetarians are thoughtfully catered for with a separate menu, the true essence of St. JOHN Bread and Wine lies in its mastery of meat-centric feasts, making it an optimal choice for those seeking a hearty and indulgent holiday dining experience.
Where: 94-96 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LZ
Price: £55pp.
12. Dishoom
Unite your friends and family around thalis (large plates) adorned with a cornucopia of delectable dishes. Indulge in the cafe's signature small plates, grills, Biryani, and the ever-popular House Black Daal, all presented in abundance. Elevating the festive spirit, savor outrageously indulgent seasonal specials that promise to tantalise your taste buds.
One standout favourite is the Turkey Raan with all the Trimmings. This dish features a whole turkey leg prepared in the traditional Indian raan style, slow-cooked to perfection until it reaches a melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Accompanied by delightful sides such as tenderstem broccoli, chili sprouts, and a spiced cranberry chutney, this dish is a celebration of flavours that captures the essence of the season.
Where: N/A
Price: £42pp.
13. Bluebird, Chelsea
What: This iconic King’s Road establishment remains a pinnacle of social life, making Christmas Day a celebration like no other. Savour the season with our Christmas Day lunch, featuring cherished menu favourites:
Main: Butter Poached Halibut accompanied by Shredded Brussel Sprouts, Oscietra Caviar & Chives, and Beurre Blanc
Dessert: Warm Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Poached Quince & Pears
Where: 350 King’s Road, SW3 5UU
Price: £150pp
14. Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
What: Prepare to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Cadogan Arms, a gem among the two impeccably managed JKS-run pubs in London. This haven seamlessly marries the allure of dark timber pub interiors with the crème de la crème of pub cuisine in the city. As the holiday season approaches, we are gearing up for a delightful feast with both family-style feasting and a tempting festive A La Carte menu, showcasing their newest seasonal creations bound to leave a lasting impression.
Explore our enticing menu featuring festive delights such as Christmas Stuffing Scotch Eggs, a shareable Cumbrian Beef Wellington, and a Winter Fruits Crumble with Spiced Custard.
Join us in the heart of Chelsea this Christmas Day, where limited spaces are available to relish our set Christmas Day menu complete with all the trimmings. For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Rose Room on the ground floor, equipped with its own bar, is ideal. Alternatively, opt for the ultimate festive celebration with a full-venue hire, creating cherished memories in the heart of Chelsea.
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Price: From £75.00
15. Nobu London, Shoreditch, Green Park, and Marylebone
What: Indulge in the epitome of luxury dining at Nobu, a global icon that seamlessly takes the stress out of your Christmas day celebration. The modern and sleek beauty of all three London locations—Shoreditch, Green Park, and Marylebone—complements the time-tested, delectable menu that has defined Nobu's excellence for almost three decades.
As a special treat, from the 15th to the 30th of December, savor exclusive seasonal dishes crafted with precision and finesse:
Yellowtail Sashimi, Yuzu Truffle Sauce, Dry Miso, Garlic, Freshly Shaved White Truffle
Seared Madai (Sea Bream), Roasted Maitake Mushroom, Coriander Jalapeño Sauce, Red Onion, Coriander Cress
White Forest: Casamigos Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Sponge, Cherry Sorbet, Mezcal
Where: 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH; COMO Metropolitan London, W1K 1LB; 22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG.
16. Señor Ceviche, Soho
What: realm of Señor Ceviche in Soho for an unconventional Christmas feast. Embrace the festive spirit with their family-style sharing menu, presenting a tantalizing array of our top 10 dishes. Kick off your culinary journey with Para Picar delights, including Cancha, Croquetas, Chifa Chicharrones, and Ceviche.
For the main feast, savor the Seared Atlantic Cod, accompanied by mussels in a Peruvian escabeche. Choose between the Cerdo Asado, a whole-roasted pork shoulder marinated in aji panca paste, or the Roast Chicken in ají panca spices. Conclude your Peruvian-inspired celebration with the pièce de résistance – our show-stopping Peruvian Eton Mess, a delightful fusion of meringue, cream, and pisco-infused seasonal fruit, ensuring a festive finale to remember.
Where: Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Price: £39pp
17. The Midland Grand Dining Room, King's Cross
What: Step into the breathtaking ambience of The Midland Grand Dining Room at King's Cross, a venue renowned for its unrivalled beauty and opulent dining experience. Under the culinary expertise of Allegra chef Patrick Powell, the gothic splendour of the surroundings is complemented by exceptional cooking.
Enjoy a culinary journey with the set festive menu, featuring exquisite selections such as the indulgent Game and duck liver pâté en croûte, adorned with spiced pear, and the delectable Baked pumpkin & sage gnocchi, accompanied by pecorino & winter leaves. Delight in the festive tasting menu's pièce de résistance – the 800g rib of grass-fed beef, served with a luscious sauce choron, mustard & horseradish cream.
Indulge in the extraordinary offerings of the Christmas Day menu, where culinary delights like oysters, duck liver pate en croute, and liver parfait with truffle and Madeira jelly grace the table. Revel in the princely main courses, which include turbot, caviar, and Champagne, along with the classic beef Wellington adorned with all the trimmings. Conclude your lavish feast with the irresistible prune and Armagnac soufflé, leaving an indelible mark on your Christmas celebration.
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR.
Price: from £75.00
18. Mercer Roof Terrace, The City
What: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Mercer Roof Terrace at Vintry & Mercer hotel, a venue that graces London's skyline with breathtaking views. Delight in a meticulously crafted three-course Christmas Day menu served in the elegant setting of a 1930s-style restaurant.
Indulge in an array of menu favourites, including the exquisite Loch Duart salmon, the heartwarming bubble & squeak, and the sumptuous Cornish crab & shellfish velouté. Conclude your festive feast on a sweet note with the Christmas Pudding cheesecake, adorned with clementine gel and accompanied by a refreshing clementine sorbet.
As the culinary journey unfolds, revel in the post-dining ambience by making your way to the DND speakeasy bar. Sip on a meticulously crafted cocktail, allowing the flavours to linger and round off your Christmas Day with sophistication and style.
Price: From £55.00
Where: Vintry & Mercer Hotel, 19–20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU.
19. Claridges
What: Glad tidings abound as we introduce our enchanting new festive menus. Immerse yourself in the unmistakable spirit of Claridge’s during the holiday season, where feasting takes centre stage in the dazzling art deco ambience of The Foyer & Reading Room. From the effervescent champagne to the steaming bowls of pudding, anticipate a delectable journey through tradition, adorned with our signature twist. Join us from December 1st to December 31st for a culinary celebration, available for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
Where: Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
Price: £110pp
20. The Surprise
What: Tucked away in the backstreets of Chelsea, this charming pub is a lovely spot for a group dinner – with a private dining room available to book for up to 35 guests. The food is top-quality, with the Christmas party offering including starters of raclette cheese tart and venison terrine ahead of a choice of Wiltshire lamb rump, pan-fried Cornish sea bass, gnocchi, and the classic turkey roast. Finish on a sweet note with desserts like Belgian chocolate brownie, Christmas pudding, or mulled English pear tartlet.
Price: £55pp.
Where: N/A
