London‘s festive dining scene is not limited to the traditional turkey roast. Some of the capital’s most memorable experiences combine Michelin-starred cooking, Champagne receptions and beautifully decorated dining rooms, whilst others offer something altogether more unusual, from Victorian storytelling to Alpine-inspired feasting.
What Are The Best Restaurants For Christmas Dinner in London?
Timeless‘s selection considers the quality of the dining experience, the reputation of the restaurant, its seasonal offerings, location and suitability for different Christmas occasions. We have prioritised venues with published 2026 festive information and official Christmas menus wherever available.
Best Christmas Restaurants in London for 2026
The Ritz London, Mayfair
Christmas at The Ritz London is an occasion defined by traditional elegance, impeccable service and a sense of ceremony. Its two-Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant is hosting a special Christmas Day dinner on 25 December 2026, with a four-course menu in its celebrated dining room.
The evening includes a live band and dancing, making it particularly appealing for those who want more than a traditional Christmas meal. For its amazing and lively ambience, this secures a place on our list of the best Christmas restaurants in London 2026.
The Lanesborough Grill, Knightsbridge
For a particularly refined Christmas celebration, The Lanesborough Grill offers an elegant setting beneath the hotel’s magnificent glass dome. Its 2026 festive programme runs from 12 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, with a seasonal three-course menu available throughout the period.
Christmas Eve brings a four-course dinner with Laurent-Perrier Champagne, whilst Christmas Day features a five-course lunch and a visit from Father Christmas.
oetkerhotels.com/festive-dining/
Wild Honey St James, St James’s
A wonderful choice for those who appreciate thoughtful cooking, Wild Honey St James brings Michelin-starred dining to the festive season. Chef Anthony Demetre’s approach combines French culinary technique with seasonal British produce, creating an appealing alternative to conventional Christmas menus.
For Christmas Eve 2026, guests can choose between a three-course pre-theatre menu at £79 per person and a leisurely dinner at £129 per person.
wildhoneystjames.com/festive-season/
Benares, Mayfair
For a Christmas meal with a different culinary perspective, Benares brings contemporary Indian fine dining to the heart of Mayfair. Its festive menus combine Indian spices, carefully prepared seafood and seasonal ingredients, offering an interesting alternative to the familiar British Christmas roast.
The restaurant has confirmed that it will open on Christmas Day 2026 for both lunch and dinner. Guests can choose from dedicated Christmas tasting menus or à la carte dining, with options suited to a celebratory family gathering or a more intimate evening.
Barge East, Hackney Wick
For something more characterful, Barge East offers festive dining aboard a restored 126-year-old Dutch barge on the River Lea. Its historic setting, waterside location and intimate dining spaces make it a distinctive choice for a Christmas celebration away from central London’s grand hotel restaurants.
The 2026 festive programme includes two, three and four-course menus, with the four-course Festive Feast priced at £55 per person on Mondays and Tuesdays and £65 from Wednesday to Sunday.
bargeeast.com/christmas-at-barge-east/
The Great Christmas Feast by The Lost Estate, West Kensington
Those looking for a Christmas dinner that feels more like an evening of theatre should consider The Great Christmas Feast. Inspired by Charles Dickens and the story of A Christmas Carol, this immersive experience combines Victorian-style dining, live music and theatrical storytelling.
Returning for its 2026 season, the experience runs from 6 November to 31 December. Every ticket includes a three-course feast, with Classic Dining from £150 per person, Private Dining from £195 and VIP Dining from £235.
christmasfeast.thelostestate.com/
Hawksmoor, London
For a generous festive gathering centred around excellent British produce, Hawksmoor remains a strong choice. Known for its steaks, carefully sourced beef and relaxed approach to hospitality, the restaurant group offers a Christmas experience that works particularly well for larger groups.
Its 2026 festive programme includes sharing menus, generous cuts of meat, seasonal sides and traditional puddings. Private dining rooms accommodate groups of 13 to 55, depending on the venue, whilst smaller parties can book tables directly. Vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free requirements are also catered for.
The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, Somerset House
Inspired by the Alpine dining traditions of Switzerland and the French mountains, The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia brings a cosy winter-lodge atmosphere to central London. Returning alongside Somerset House’s seasonal ice rink, it is an inviting choice for a festive lunch or dinner before or after skating.
The menu features raclette served from individual machines at the table, accompanied by locally made charcuterie, new potatoes, freshly baked bread, cornichons and salad.
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay, The Strand
Few London addresses carry the same sense of occasion as Savoy Grill. With its long association with classic hotel dining, it makes a natural choice for a polished Christmas lunch or an elegant pre-theatre celebration.
For 2026, its festive prix-fixe menu is available from 16 November until 4 January. The menu includes seasonal dishes such as smoked potato soup, whisky and soy-smoked salmon, roasted hake and guinea fowl supreme, followed by dark chocolate and orange delice with Christmas pudding ice cream.
