So, we considered rolling out a list of restaurants dishing up Christmas on a plate this year, with all the usual trimmings and paper party hats. But then, we reconsidered because this is London, and we can do better than that – ‘tis the City to be jolly adventurous in (tra la-la la-la, etc), after all. So go off-piste and jingle your dinner bells to a new tune this year with these alternative Christmas menus, now stuffed with even more restaurants and inspiration.
Hark! What’s that you say? You’re the lucky sod who’s been tasked with organising your office Christmas party? Panic not. As always, we’re flying to the rescue (this time in a reindeer-pulled sleigh) with a handy guide to everything you need to throw the Christmas party of a lifetime. For vendors, venues and plenty of festive cheer, just click here. Let us know how it feels to be the new office legend…
Everybody else, march on to get merilly on high with something a bit different…
8 Hoxton Square, Hoxton (above)
Tell me more: The east London translation of the modish, always-packed Soho eatery 10 Greek Street
Ding dong dish: Venison, parsnip boulangere, kale and spiced quince
Belgo Soho, Soho (below)
Tell me more: Ok, we’ll really give you more – there are also branches of this Belgian wonderland in Bromley, Holborn, Chalk Farm and Covent Garden.
Ding dong dish: Marinière – green Thai or Provençale moules with double-cooked frites
Bright Courtyard Club, Marylebone
Tell me more: The huge, glossy outpost of Shanghai’s Bright Courtyard Club
Ding dong dish: Crispy aromatic duck, with pancakes and trimmings
Caphe Pho, Barbican
Tell me more: This new Vietnamese café in Smithfield is capitalising on Christmas with turkey-stuffed crispy crêpes
Ding dong dish: Whole sea bass, sprinkled with salt and chilli
Ceviche, Old Street and Soho (above)
Tell me more: You could go to Peru. Or, you could save on the airfare and go to Ceviche, then spend the extra cash on more Pisco Sours for a vrey mrery Cirhtmsa (hic)
Ding dong dish: Whole suckling roast pig marinated in goldenberry and pisco
Chor Bizarre, Mayfair
Tell me more: Inspired by ‘thieves markets’ of the Indian subcontinent, expect an explosion of bric-a-brac, antiques and a Bollywood basement
Ding dong dish: Christmas pudding with garam masala custard
Darbaar, City (above)
Tell me more: This new Liverpool Street Indian will certainly take you off the beaten Christmas track, all handled in supreme fashion by Abdul Yaseen (ex-Cinnamon Club)
Ding dong dish: Wood-fired spiced Goan goose with all the trimmings
The Elysée, Fitzrovia
Tell me more: A handsome Greek restaurant (we’re talking about the décor, but you never know…) within a three-storey Georgian townhouse
Ding dong dish: Roasted shoulder of lamb stuffed with spinach, pine nuts and Parmesan, served in parsnip purée and a red wine jus
KuPP, Paddington (above)
Tell me more: A Scandinavian all-dayer with stellar coffee and cocktails, just around the corner from Paddington station
Ding dong dish: Smoked pork meatballs in hop gravy, with chips, pickled red cabbage and lingonberry jam
L’Anima, Liverppool Street
Tell me more: Antonio Favuzzi’s soul nourishing south Italian food at this City big-hitter always leaves a lasting impression
Ding dong dish: Rack of lamb with saffron potato, pear and smoked ricotta
Lonzo, Hackney
Tell me more: A hidden salumeria, restaurant, wine bar and bakery amid the gritty streets of London Fields (OK, maybe not that gritty these days), centring around a large communal table
Ding dong dish: Porchetta (a fatty, boneless pork roast oozing festive stuffing) with herbs and prunes
Mamounia Lounge, Knightsbridge (above)
Tell me more: This Knightsbridge Moroccan (there’s one in Mayfair too) piles on glam Arabic charm with velvet fabrics, gold-fringed drapes and funky illumination
Ding dong dish: Turkey tagine – stuffed leg of turkey with aromatic spices and apricots
Michael Nadra, Chiswick
Tell me more: A prominent cornerstone of the local dining scene, Mr Nadra knows how to deliver fine European dishes and great service
Ding dong dish: Sea bass with prawn and chive dumplings, bok choy with carrot and ginger purée in a lemongrass bisque sauce
Moti Mahal, Covent Garden
Tell me more: A smart Theatreland outfit over two levels, with impeccable Indian parentage in Delhi
Ding dong dish: Tandoori-roasted guinea fowl with jaggery (cane sugar) and chilli glaze
Oldroyd, Islington (above)
Tell me more: Have a Mediterranean feast at this hot newcomer, a magnet for gushing reviews since its July launch. Tasty and on-trend – what more could you possibly ask for?
Ding dong dish: Cornish crab ravioli, confit goose, lamb belly and game sausage cassoulet (set lunch menu)
Ding dong indeed. Still need inspiration? Don’t forget you can read our full selection of London restaurants with Christmas menus here
This article was updated 11 December 2015