Choose from black-tie to brasseries on the big day.
Whether you’re craving a change of scene or someone else to handle the cooking, Christmas doesn’t have to be spent at home – we’re not judging. Whether you’re after a curry or caviar, black-tie to brasserie, and pub to posh nosh, there are plenty of choices. The King's Speech is optional. Eating food is essential. Here are the best places to spend lunch and dinner on Christmas Day in London.
Amaya
If your Christmas wishes include a curry, then you’re in luck. The classy Indian restaurant, Amaya, is serving a seven-course menu for lunch and dinner. Located in Belgravia, the restaurant is a sophisticated spot. Dishes include Chargrilled Aubergine Tikka, Chilli Paneer with dates, and Nizami Vegetarian Biryani. Starts from £120 per person.
GO: Visit www.amaya.biz for more information.
Bob Bob Ricard
When Bob Bob Ricard opened, its press-for-Champagne button was the talk of the town. The restaurant remains a glamorous affair and a celebrity favourite. The City of London venue is open on Christmas Day from 12pm to 11pm, and will be serving the à la carte menu. Combining British and French influences, dishes include a selection of caviar and oysters, plus Beef Wellington and Lobster Mac ’n’ Cheese Thermidor.
GO: Visit www.bobbobricard.com for more information.
Booking Office 1869
Who knew you could dine next to a palm tree in London? At Booking Office 1869, located in the former St Pancras ticket hall, you can. Step into a grand dining room with high ceilings, gold accents and – yes – palm trees. The five-course feast includes Smoked Salmon Blinis, Norfolk Bronze Turkey, Scottish Halibut with caviar velouté and more. Starts from £165 per person.
GO: Visit www.booking-office.co.uk 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 Tandoori Salmon, Chargrilled Goose Breast with korma sauce, Chicken Biryani and Christmas pudding with banana ice cream. Starts from £85 per person.
GO: Visit https://cinnamon-bazaar.com for more information.
Chutney Mary
Have a curry Christmas at 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 to curries and superbly slow-cooked plates. Starts from £120 per person.
GO: Visit www.chutneymary.com for more information.
Claridge’s Restaurant
Give Christmas an upgrade and visit the five-star Claridge’s. Located in Mayfair, the five-course Christmas lunch and dinner is a chic affair. Dishes include Foie Gras, Truffle Risotto and Wild Seabass with lentils. If you want to go traditional, order the 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, and it feels like you are stepping back in time and into a Charles Dickens novel. Located in Aldwych, this sister restaurant to The Wolseley offers a similar British sensibility. The three-course set menu includes Duck Liver Parfait, Norfolk Roast Turkey and Lemon Sole Meunière. End the day with a Christmas pudding with brandy butter.
GO: Visit www.thedelaunay.com for more information.
Fallow
Have a sustainable Christmas at the FACT Dining Award London nominee, Fallow. Located in St James’s, the menu puts British cuisine in the spotlight – and with a sustainable twist. Inventive and full of flavour, the Christmas Day menu features Salmon Belly Crumpet, Devon Crab and Beef Tartare with oyster mayo. Mains include Bronze Turkey and Venison Wellington, while desserts include a Yule Log and Mince Pies.
Starts from £250 per person.
GO: Visit https://fallowrestaurant.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 a three-course meal with options such as Smoked Salmon, Prawn Cocktail, Norfolk Turkey and Dry-Aged Beef with Lamb Cutlet. Plus, there are plenty of beers on tap – a cheeky Guinness, anyone? Starts from £175 per person.
GO: Visit www.theguinea.co.uk for more information.
Langan’s Brasserie
Dress up and dine at the Langan’s Brasserie. The restaurant has been making its mark in Mayfair since 1976. On Christmas Day, it will be serving Christmas lunch and dinner. Mains include Roasted Norfolk Bronze Turkey and Roasted Cauliflower. Desserts include Eggnog Custard Tart and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Starts from £115 per person.
GO: Visit www.langansbrasserie.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 is serving an à la carte Christmas Day menu. Expect Hummus with chilli butter, Smoked Aubergine, Spiced Lamb Lahmacun and mixed grills. Don’t leave without a Turkish coffee.
GO: Visit https://hydehotels.com for more information.
The Pem
Go traditional on Christmas Day. Located in the Conrad London St James, The Pem offers a beautifully British Christmas lunch. Dishes include Steamed Cornish Crab with citrus and caviar, Roast Beef Wellington or Honey-Glazed Goose, and Cranberry and Orange Rum Baba or Hazelnut Paris-Brest. Starts from £195 per person.
GO: Visit https://thepemrestaurant.com for more information.
Riding House Café
Riding House Café is going fully festive at its Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia venues. The shabby chic café is preparing a five-course Christmas lunch. Enjoy Beetroot-Cured Gravadlax and Roast Turkey with apple and herb stuffing. Desserts include a cheeseboard and a Sticky Toffee Doughnut. Starts from £95 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. Executive Chef John Williams has created a four-course meal for the occasion. The event is black tie, with a live jazz band, singer and pianist. Santa will also be making an appearance. Starts from £460 per adult and £300 per child.
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 Day, it serves a four-course dinner featuring Smoked Salmon, Crispy Duck Salad, Turkey Breast, Beef Wellington or Celeriac Wellington. The menu starts from £130 per person.
GO: Visit https://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 Day, it offers a three-course lunch with live music and a dinner menu. Guests can choose from the à la carte Christmas selection, covering paneers to prawns. Starts from £120 per person.
GO: Visit www.veeraswamy.com for more information.
The Wolseley
FACT Dining Award London nominee, The Wolseley, is famous for its breakfast, but it has now revived its Christmas Day lunch. The menu includes Smoked Salmon, Turkey with trimmings and Christmas pudding with brandy butter. If you prefer something less traditional, opt for the Beef Wellington, Cauliflower Gratin, and Fig and Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding.
GO: Visit www.thewolseley.com for more information.
