The best restaurants in London for your Christmas party

Whilst it may be chilly during December, it’s still nice to have the option of a rooftop when it comes to party venues, and you’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere more impressive than at Sushisamba Heron Tower. Plus, you can enjoy Japanese and Brazilian fusion plates for something a bit different.

Bardo St James is the opulent Italian in central that transports its guests back to the la dolce vita era - with its red velvet seats, white table cloths and dim lighting. To eat, you’ll find simple dishes produced with the finest ingredients, making it a no brainer when looking for a luxury Italian.

The Grade II listed Old Westminster Library makes a stunning backdrop at any time of year, but it’s a particularly wonderful place for a Christmas party. That’s before you factor in the magnificent cooking of Vivek Singh and team, who can lay on a range of bespoke Indian menus for your festive shindig.

This popular Peruvian-Japanese spot on Paddington Basin combines stylish interiors and delicious food, making it a great shout for all sorts of celebratory occasions, Christmas included. Innovative small plates is the name of the game here, designed for the whole table to share.

The George is a pub of two halves - downstairs you’ll find a rousing local boozer, but upstairs are a series of private hire dining rooms, including a forest green room with plush velvet armchairs, and a long banqueting room. Classic Christmas cooking is the order of the day, so this is perfect for traditionalists.

Corrigan’s sees another first class restaurant from renowned chef Richard Corrigan, but this time the focus is on game rather than seafood. Expect plenty of seasonal British and Irish produce elevated to new levels, with a whole host of private spaces to choose from.

Shake off the winter blues with a celebration at Drunch, bringing vibrant, warm interiors and Mediterranean-inspired menus to the heart of Regent’s Park. Whether you’re looking for private group bookings on the terrace or exclusive hire of the restaurant, you can celebrate in style with indulgent feasting menus this Christmas.

If you're going all out for Christmas, NIJU is the place to do it. The festive sharing menu is loaded with luxury, from A4 Wagyu beef tartare to Scottish lobster with bottarge and lobster bisque. Exclusive hire of the whole venue gets you free rein of this gorgeous modern Japanese restaurant, right off the prestigious Berkeley Square. 

A staple in the Knightsbridge dining scene for the past 50 years, Sale e Pepe offers classic old-school dining with its white-clothed tables, impeccable service and glamorous restaurant. Offering spaces for 10-100 people, tuck into small plates of Italian classics this Christmas with pasta, risotto, crudo and more.

Big Easy Covent Garden is your go-to for a lively, BBQ and seafood-filled Christmas bash. Choose from hefty set menus or sharing platters for parties of any size, with cocktails, beers, and bubbly that are bound to keep the festivities going until late. Exclusive hire here can accommodate up to 350 guests.

London's most renowned steakhouse should definitely be on your shortlist for this year's Christmas party. Hawksmoor's Guildhall location invites you and your guests to dine in the Sublime Society Room, a rather unique space where up to 24 guests can delve into a selection of steaks and a rather extensive wine list.

You’ll find Olea Social in one of the most festive areas of London, Covent Garden. But this option is brilliant for those looking for a twist on the traditional Christmas party, so think Mediterranean flavours, hearty dishes, and an atmosphere that’s just as soul-warming as the food.

For shared feasting this Christmas, it has to be Beast. Inspired by communal meals in Norway, this glamorous-Mayfair joint is offering multi-course sharing menus that feature some of the best produce from around the globe. Seat up to 120 around banquet-style tables, with wine pairings and signature cocktails for the complete experience.

Sunday in Brooklyn really did start off its life in Brooklyn, but now West Londoners are able to lap up the American inspired eatery too - complete with preppy staff and American classics. You’ll find a variety of cuisines available here though, making it a great choice for when you have various preferences with guests.

Sick of doing the same old Christmas parties every year? Los Mochis brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico and Japan to Notting Hill, with exclusive hire for up to 200 guests. Bespoke menus include everything from tacos and ceviche to maki rolls and crispy rice, with sake and Margaritas to wash everything down.

This former banking hall sits right in the heart of the city, and offers a slice of luxury with lavish interiors, stunning artworks, and first class service to match. The seasonal menu changes frequently, so expect a carefully curated festive menu when heading here for your Christmas party.

Looking to host your Christmas party somewhere central? Gouqi brings authentic Chinese dishes to the heart of St James’s with a rather decadent tasting menu. Soak up the atmosphere of the main restaurant or hire one or both of its interconnected private dining rooms.

Hard Rock Cafe started its life just up the road in Park Lane, and is known for feeding its guests with anything from nachos to sizzling fajitas. Of course, you can expect plenty of festive food and fizz during the party season.

Add a Cantonese twist to your Christmas party, with an evening at Dumpling Legend. Private rooms, indulgent menus and karaoke are all part of the package, with over 47 different dumpling varieties to choose from. Offering a 3am late licence, you can keep the celebrations going late into the night.

Beautiful Stanley’s in Chelsea takes inspiration from quintessential English gardens, and the gorgeous courtyard is heated and covered over Christmas so you can still enjoy the great outdoors despite the weather. The bright, pastel-shaded Orangery is well suited to Christmas lunches too.

Tucked away amid the glamour of Chelsea, Le Petit Beefbar lays on generous Christmas menus each year, and offers a wide range of private options for large and small groups. It’s worth the journey for the signature Beefbar steak Wellington with beef fat potatoes alone.

Bentley’s is the London institution known as a go-to for luxury seafood dining - and it’s no surprise with the likes of Richard Corrigan at the helm. Everything on the menu is sublime, but ordering the oysters is an absolute must.

If all you really want this winter is some premium steaks and a warm, convivial atmosphere, then Hawksmoor could be right up your street. Boasting several London locations, the Borough joint offers private dining in the elegant Cook’s Room, complete with its own private kitchen and communal feasting for up to 18.

If you’re searching for somewhere special to celebrate this year, Riding House Fitzrovia offers a delightful spot for your festivities. Inside you’ll find several rustically charming spaces for private events, including the 14-person Stables or the 55-cover main restaurant for those looking to soak up the festive atmosphere.

The Midland Grand Dining Room was opened by the brains behind restaurants like Chiltern Firehouse, Allegra and Booking Office 1869 - so you already know this one’s going to be pretty good. You’ll find plenty of French brasserie classics here, through both a la carte and set menus.

Sushisamba Covent Garden takes pride of place on top of Covent Garden’s Opera Terrace, overlooking the buzzing piazza below. This unique venue is adorned with a ‘living’ ceiling of foliage, as well as a range of bar stools and plush red velvet booths for group dining.

You’ll be the toast of all your friends and colleagues if you snag a Christmas party spot at one of London’s hottest restaurants of the moment. Glamorous Los Mochis combines Japanese and Mexican food to impressive effect, and you can beat a Christmas party with high rise views of London.

If you’re after somewhere seriously opulent to spend your Christmas party, Park Chinois is hard to beat. Plus you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dim sum - and nothing says festive spirit like a platter of dumplings, right?

Christmas with one of London’s most iconic chefs? Sounds good to us. Nuno Mendes can often be found behind the pass as you enter Lisboeta, and aside from the exceptional Portuguese cooking, this Georgian townhouse has a variety of distinct areas, from the moody downstairs restaurant to light, bright and airy private dining upstairs.

Tucked away in the National Gallery, Ochre has a timeless elegance about it, and the broad European menu has something for everyone. Large parties can hire the beautiful main dining room for up to 150 guests, but there are smaller private spaces too, like the 19-seat private dining room, which has views of Nelson’s Column.

This award-winning Shoreditch gastropub is well-known for exceptional cooking, and the natural wood floors and timber tabletops of the upstairs dining room are rather lovely. Expect tasty riffs on classic Christmas dishes, but book quickly because this popular spot fills up fast.

A stalwart of The City of over three decades, Bolton’s authentic Italian cooking is just as good as it’s always been, and the team are well-versed with hosting private events and celebration dinners. You can choose between a la carte, buffet, private dining and bespoke menus.

With sweeping views of Canary Wharf from its alfresco terrace, Nº35 Mackenzie Walk is an ideal choice for Christmas parties of all sizes (the entire venue can be hired for up to 300 standing guests). If you'd rather a more intimate sit-down dinner, expect well-curated set menus featuring delightfully simple Christmas classics and luxurious sharing boards.

Bringing the glitz and glam of Park Lane, Nobu is a classic for a reason, bringing Japanese-inspired elegance and rather exquisite dining for your Christmas party. Go for exclusive hire for larger parties up to 200 guests or hire out the 50-person private dining room for smaller affairs.

There’s nothing like holding up in a cosy pub for Christmas, and The Holland has a perfect balance of neighbourhood local familiarity and quality gastropub cooking. Chef Max de Nahlik has a wonderful touch with seasonal British cookery and The Holland team can lay on all sorts of Christmas party menus, from a sit down meal to canapes.

Bringing a rustic charm to your festivities, Rail House Victoria offers a number of versatile spaces for both large and intimate gatherings. Choose from three Christmas set menus, and select your ideal space, with everything from the 24-person Snug, to a blowout bash for 150 on the al fresco terrace.

It’s long been known for its incredible views over the city, but Duck & Waffle also offers some stand out food to go with it. This is a glamorous option for your next Christmas party, bringing sophisticated decor and dishes made with luxurious ingredients.

For a truly magical experience this Christmas, celebrate at Restaurant St Barts, a Michelin-starred eatery with elegant seasonal tasting menus and wine pairings. Host up to 35 guests with exclusive hire or opt for a private space for 18, all against a refined backdrop of the historic Church of Bartholomew the Great.

Grade II listed 6 Hamilton Place has an impressive history - it was originally built in the 1700s for the fourth Earl of Buckinghamshire, and later remodelled with Venetian Renaissance architectural casting. The result is stunning to behold - perfect for Christmas celebrations - and the slick Middle Eastern slash East Asian food is excellent too.

We love Norma’s marble and mosaic tiling vibe, and combined with the wonderful staff it makes for a very jolly Christmas vibe. Once the festive season rolls around, the broad Sicilian menu goes into full feasting mode with slow-roast lamb shoulder, pumpkin and chestnut gratin and pasta al forno, as well as seasonal cannoli.

We love Wood Wharf's waterside Hawksmoor, but in truth, you can’t go wrong at any of its many London locations. This is the place to be for ultra-comforting British cooking, executed to the highest standards. Dark green marble floors and a huge polished timber bar create a feeling of festive luxury.

Bermondsey Street is known for being a hub of great restaurants, and Baccala is no exception to the rule. This pared-back Italian is great for those looking for a slightly more low-key venue to celebrate their Christmas party, without compromising on all of the delicious food.

Atmospheric Bleeding Heart offers a huge range of private spaces for your Christmas party, including the stunning Crypt at St Etheldreda’s which dates back to the 12th century. Christmas menus are classic, including the likes of salmon with black sesame, and Christmas pudding with crème anglaise.

Offering a waterside spot for this year’s festivities, Goodman Canary Wharf embodies everything there is to love about American steakhouses, with perfectly-cooked steaks and expert wine pairings. Take over the entire restaurant, or sit yourself in the intimate, eight-person private dining room decked out with red leather seating around a butcher’s-style table.

Looking for a Christmas party venue in Shoreditch? Bring your festivities to Sticks 'n' Sushi and enjoy Japanese flavours in a rather chic setting. Semi-private spaces allow you to soak up the atmosphere of the restaurant, whilst delving into cocktails and bespoke festive menus.