Eat, drink and be merry on Christmas Eve in London.
It was the night before Christmas, and a select number of restaurants in London were open. Whether you’re craving a change of scene or someone else to handle the cooking, Christmas Eve doesn’t have to be spent at home. Take your pick from curry, caviar and comfort food. Christmas carols are optional, but indulging in festive feasts is essential. Here are the best places to spend lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve in London.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
The FACT Dining Award-winning Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offers a special six-course menu. If you're looking to Christmas Eve in London in style, then head here. Dishes include Dorset Crab with celeriac, Seared Foie Gras, and Line-Caught Sea Bass, and a wine pairing option is available. Prices start from £340 per person.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
Amaya
If your Christmas Eve in London wishes include a curry, then you’re in luck. The classy Indian restaurant Amaya is serving an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Dishes include Chargrilled Aubergine Tikka, Chilli Paneer with Dates, and Nizami Vegetarian Biryani.
GO: Visit www.amaya.biz for more information.
Cinnamon Bazaar
Eating a curry on Christmas Day might sound sacrilegious, but when it tastes this good, we understand. Located in Covent Garden, Cinnamon Bazaar offers a fun-filled festive feast. Dishes include Hakka Aubergine Stir Fry, Roast Goose Breast in Korma Sauce, and Chocolate and Coconut Caramel. Prices start from £55 per person.
GO: Visit cinnamon-bazaar.com for more information.
Charlie’s
The five-star hotel Browns knows how to put on a festive feast. On Christmas Eve, dishes include Prawn and Lobster Cocktails, Terrine of Duck Liver, and Charlie’s Beef Wellington. The evening ends with Charlie’s Yule Log served straight from the trolley. Prices start from £175 per person.
GO: Visit www.roccofortehotels.com for more information.
Chutney Mary
Make your spirits bright and head to Chutney Mary. Created by powerhouse restaurateur Camellia Panjabi, it is located in St James’s. Lunch and dinner à la carte menus are available, showcasing dazzling Indian dishes. Choose from chops, curries, and superbly slow-cooked plates.
GO: Visit www.chutneymary.com for more information.
Claridge’s Restaurant
Give Christmas an upgrade and visit the five-star, celebrity favourite, Claridge’s. Located in Mayfair, the five-course Christmas Eve lunch and dinner is a chic affair. Dishes include Chestnut Soup, Norfolk Bronze Turkey Breast, and Claridge’s Christmas Pudding.
GO: Visit www.claridges.co.uk for more information.
The Delaunay
A FACT Dining Award London nominee, The Delaunay is an elegant affair, making you feel as though you are stepping back in time into a Charles Dickens novel. Located in Aldwych, this sister restaurant to The Wolseley offers a similar British sensibility. The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve – from 7am, no less.
GO: Visit www.thedelaunay.com for more information.
Duck and Waffle
If you want to sleigh the season, head to Duck and Waffle, which prides itself on being open 24/7. On Christmas Eve, it will be hosting a Festive Brunch from 9am to 4pm. Dishes include Caviar and Sourdough Blini, Duck Benedict, and a Festive Burger. If you want to go iconic, there is also the signature dish – Duck and Waffle – which comes with a crispy leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard.
GO: Visit duckandwaffle.com for more information.
The Grill at The Dorchester
FACT Dining Award London winner The Dorchester goes full festive. Located on Park Lane, The Grill will be offering a set menu. Dishes include Smoked Salmon Blini, Seared Scallop, and Truffle and Wild Mushroom Risotto. The five-course menu even includes a round called the Intermediate Courses – you’ll be expert eaters by the end. Prices start from £220 per person.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
The Guinea
FACT Dining Award London nominee, The Guinea, is embracing the Christmas spirit. Located down a mews, the historic pub is serving its à la carte menu. Dishes include French Onion Soup, Venison and Duck Faggot, and Steak and Mushroom Pie. Plus, there are plenty of beers on tap – a cheeky Guinness, anyone?
GO: Visit www.theguinea.co.uk for more information.
The Lanesborough Grill
If you want to feel like you’re on the set of Bridgerton, book a table at The Lanesborough Grill in The Lanesborough. The hotel comes FACT-recommended, and the restaurant is a grand affair. The menu spans starters, mains, and desserts, with dishes such as Cave Aged Cheddar Tartlet, Grilled Sea Trout, and Festive Yule Log.
GO: Visit https://www.oetkerhotels.com for more information.
Leydi
FACT is a big fan of Leydi. Created by Chef Consultant Selin Kiazim and led by Head Chef Halil Simsek, the contemporary Turkish restaurant offers a festive menu on Christmas Eve. Expect Hummus with Chilli Butter, Smoked Aubergine, and Spiced Lamb. Don’t leave without a Turkish coffee – it’s a great gift for your taste buds. Options include £75 and £95 per person.
GO: Visit https://hydehotels.com for more information.
Theo Randall Cucina Italiana
Theo Randall’s Christmas Eve menu showcases ingredients from across the country. Located in the InterContinental, Mayfair, dishes include Capers and Green Beans, Seafood Risotto, and Vitello Tonnato with pickled tuna. End the meal with an Amalfi Lemon Tart with crème fraîche. Prices start from £99 per person.
GO: Visit https://www.theorandall.com for more information.
The Pem
O come all ye foodie faithfuls, and go traditional on Christmas Eve. Located in the Conrad London St James, The Pem offers a beautifully British six-course Christmas menu. Dishes include Hand-Dived Orkney Scallop, Roast Venison Loin, and Mulled Wine Poached Pear. Prices start from £110 per person.
GO: Visit thepemrestaurant.com for more information.
Riding House Café
If you wish it could be Christmas every day, head to Riding House Café. The restaurant is going fully festive at its Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, and Victoria venues. The shabby-chic café is offering turkey every day. The three-course set menu includes Hot Artichoke and Parmesan Dip, Roast Turkey with Apple and Herb Stuffing, and Hot Sticky Toffee Brioche Doughnuts. Prices start from £45 per guest.
GO: Visit www.riding.house for more information.
Ritz Restaurant
When only glamour will do, book a table at The Ritz Restaurant. The five-star hotel is home to a FACT Dining Award-winning afternoon tea and a two-MICHELIN-starred dining room. The Christmas Eve Dinner Gala offers a four-course meal that sparkles brighter than the star on top of the Christmas tree.
GO: Visit www.theritzlondon.com for more information.
Skylon
Skylon would fit perfectly in a Richard Curtis film. Situated in the Royal Festival Hall, it overlooks the River Thames and its iconic skyline. On Christmas Eve, it is open for business and serves a festive menu for parties. The à la carte menu spans snacks, starters, mains, and grilled dishes. Signature dishes include Fish and Chips, Fish Pie, and Skylon Cheeseburger. Be merry and bright with each bite.
GO: Visit skylon-restaurant.co.uk for more information.
Veeraswamy
Veeraswamy is a legend. Welcome to Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant – 99 years old and counting. The sumptuous spot overlooks Regent Street and is decorated in a style fit for a raja. On Christmas Eve, it is open for lunch and dinner. Guests can choose from the à la carte Christmas selection, covering paneers to prawns. It’s a curry Christmas.
GO: Visit www.veeraswamy.com for more information.
