Edinburgh’s best Christmas set menus: 13 spots serving festive deals

The leaves are starting to turn, the days are getting shorter, and before you know it Edinburgh will have transformed into a winter wonderland, with its beloved Christmas markets, and perhaps a dusting of snow. If you’re already thinking ahead to where you’ll be celebrating this year, then you’ve come to the right place.

In recent years, there’s been a growing love for set menus - and for good reason. When it comes to planning a Christmas celebration, we know that costs can quickly rack up. Not only do you have the Christmas day extravagance to worry about, as well as copious gift buying, but you’ll be wanting to mark the occasion with a festive dinner or two. That’s where set menus come in. These fixed-price options take all the hassle out of dining, offering two or three courses for a set price, so you know exactly how much bang you’re getting for your buck.

When it comes to festive set menus in Edinburgh, there are a wealth of restaurants offering delicious festive feasts, from traditional turkey dinners to seasonal Scottish menus. Edinburgh’s best restaurants go all out for the season, with everything from classic roast turkey and Christmas pudding to creative twists on festive dining. So, whether you’re gathering colleagues for a work do, or sitting down with family in the run up to the big day, these Christmas set menus allow you to host a proper celebration, without having to break the bank.

To make choosing your festive set menu in Edinburgh even easier, we’ve included all the key information you might need, including prices, the number of courses available, and even a taste of what you can expect to order. Browse through these Christmas party venues in Edinburgh, and if something strikes your fancy, then click ‘book now’ to find out more. 

Hawksmoor Edinburgh

What: If your idea of a good time is with some serious steaks, then why not head down to Hawksmoor this Christmas? Here, you have the choice of three different festive menus, depending on your price range, with starters such as smoked mackerel salad, fillet carpaccio, and roasted scallops, followed by your choice of cut smothered in a selection of sauces. You won’t want to skimp on the sides either, with everything from beef dripping chips to maple-glazed cows in blankets, for the ultimate feast.
How much: Two courses from £62 per person
Where: 23 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Hawksmoor Edinburgh

Black Ivy

What: When it comes to festive flair - Black Ivy delivers in spades. This boutique Bruntsfield hotel pulls out all the stops in December, transforming into a winter wonderland with twinkling fairy lights, eye-catching decor and roaring fires. When it comes to the set menus, expect starters such as hot smoked salmon with horseradish and dill, or goat’s cheese, pear and walnut tartine, followed by the main event of turkey paupiette with sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets and all the trimmings. You and your guests will even receive a glass of fizz on arrival, so you’ve really got yourself a party.
How much: Three courses from £40 per person
Where: 4 Alvanley Terrace, EH9 1DU
Book now: Black Ivy

The Roseate

What: Blending true Scottish hospitality with a five-star feel, The Roseate is one of Edinburgh’s finest hotels, offering a luxurious backdrop for those looking to really celebrate. Festive set menus here come as two or three courses, boasting refined plates of locally sourced Scottish produce. Expect smoked trout and prawn rillettes with avocado emulsion to start, followed by Highland lamb rump in a rosemary jus, or stuffed turkey leg for something more traditional. Indulgent desserts are the perfect end to your meal - sticky toffee pudding anyone?
How much: Two courses from £35 per person
Where: 4 W Coates, EH12 5JQ
Book now: The Roseate

Gaucho

What: Legendary Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho oozes with glamour and sophistication, making it the perfect setting for a special Christmas celebration. Its three-course festive menu blends traditional Christmas dishes with its signature style. To start, enjoy cured smoked salmon with toasted sourdough, and comforting minestrone soup. Mains are served with all the trimmings - choose from turkey ballotine, rump steak, and aubergine milanese - before ending with dessert. Try the signature sticky toffee pudding, or a dulce de leche cheesecake.
How much: Three courses for £45 per person
Where: 4a St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
Book now: Gaucho Edinburgh

The Glasshouse

What: With its spectacular roof garden and sprawling city views, The Glasshouse is a top choice for winter, especially when the city is dusted with snow. Three course party menus see plenty of festive favourites, all celebrating the very best of Scotland's diverse produce. Expect plates such as haggis puff pastry roll with curry sauce or smoked salmon mousse terrine, served with ginger and peppercorn, with mains including apricot and thyme turkey roulade or salmon en croute in a white wine sauce. Keep it classic with a Christmas treacle pudding or orange and cinnamon poached pear for dessert.
How much: From £75 per person
Where: 2 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA
Book now: The Glasshouse

Ardfern

What: Tucked on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Ardfern is a cosy, wood-panelled bar and bottle shop, and this year, it's serving up a special Christmas set menu from 1 to 24 December. Enjoy an array of sophisticated snacks, like oysters with nori hot sauce, and patridge and black pudding sausage roll, before indulging in the main event - turkey flatbread with cranberry hot sauce and gravy mayo. There's also a bunch of tasty sides for the table, and Basque cheesecake for dessert. Now that's a Christmas dinner to get excited about!
How much: Two courses, plus snacks and sides, for £45 per person
Where: 10-12 Bonnington Road, EH6 5JD
Book now: Ardfern

Bonnar’s at The Scott

What: Located within The Scott Hotel, Bonnar’s brings a refined touch to this year’s festivities with its regal red and gold interiors, and tasteful Christmas decor. Festive set menus are available in a two or three course option, complete with dishes such as ham hock and parsley terrine, or carrot and oregon soup, followed by turkey paupiette with all the trimmings or seared sea bream with cranberry tabbouleh and shallot cream. We’d recommend ordering a couple of bottles of fizz for the full experience.
How much: Two courses from £38 per person
Where: 18 Holyrood Park Hotel, EH16 5AY
Book now: Bonnar's at The Scott

Carlowrie Castle

What: If you’re looking for a fairytale setting this Christmas, then Carlowrie Castle is bound to impress. Tucked away on the outskirts of the city, this sprawling venue dates back to the 1800s, bringing a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for this year’s festivities. Party packages are a tad on the pricier side, but celebrations here include a festive fizz cocktail on arrival, as well as half a bottle of wine per person and, of course, your three course set meal - offering classic Christmas fare with all the trimmings.
How much: From £125 per person (minimum 60 guests)
Where: Boathouse Bridge Road, EH29 9ES
Book now: Carlowrie Castle

Tattu Edinburgh

What: If you’re after a Christmas celebration with real wow factor, then you’ll find it at Tattu. This contemporary Chinese fine dining spot adds a theatrical touch to your evening, with interiors that are sure to dazzle, thanks to its seasonally changing floral installations. The Christmas menus here are designed for sharing, with three different options depending on your budget. Delve into wild mushroom and black truffle spring rolls, and peking duck pancakes, followed by white miso salmon with pickled ginger, and caramel soy aged beef fillet. Sides of duck fried rice and Chinese green beans make it a true feast.
How much: Sharing set menus from £59 per person
Where: 18 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Tattu Edinburgh

Chez Mal Brasserie Edinburgh

What: Whether you’re planning a festive get-together in Edinburgh City Centre, or looking to head out to Leith for a waterfront celebration, Chez Mal has an option for you. Expect brasserie classics, with added French flair, this Christmas, starting with salmon gravlax with pickled cucumber, or curried root vegetable soup to start, followed by slow braised beef cheek with sweet parsnip puree, or roast cod with a herb crumb. Desserts round things out with apple crumble trifle or chocolate cremeux with mulled wine poached pear.
How much: Three courses for £42.50 per person
Where: 1 Tower Place, EH6 7BZ; 22 St Andrews Square, EH2 1AY
Book now: Chez Mal Brasserie Leith; Chez Mal Brasserie Edinburgh City Centre

Grand Cafe Edinburgh

What: Once the site of The Scotsman newspaper’s Advertising & Notices department, Grand Cafe has kept the building’s Edwardian charm, transforming it into an elegant spot to celebrate this Christmas. This year’s set menu is available for lunch and dinner, offering comforting plates of spiced parsnip soup and marble game terrine followed by show-stopping mains such as prosciutto wrapped turkey roulade or maple and thyme roasted squash in porcini mushroom jus.
How much: Three courses from £42.50
Where: 20 North Bridge, EH1 1TR
Book now: Grand Cafe Edinburgh

McClaren's on the Corner

What: Christmas at McLaren's is always a wonderful time of year, turning into a complete winter paradise for a couple of months. Its festive menu is incredibly affordable, offering two or three courses of traditional Christmas fare starting from just £29.50. Start with the likes of chicken liver parfait and red onion marmalade on toasted brioche before moving on to slow braised beef or pan-fried hake with chorizo. No Christmas feast is complete with pud - round out your evening with a chocolate fondant or an apple and cinnamon crumble.
How much: Two courses from £29.50
Where: 8 Morningside Road, EH10 4DD
Book now: McLaren’s on the Corner

Kyloe Restaurant & Grill

What: With its unbeatable castle views and a reputation for some of the best beef in the city, Kyloe is a natural choice for a festive feast with a bit of a twist. Found on the first floor of the Rutland Hotel, here you can delve into three courses featuring some of Scotland’s finest produce. Expect braised beef shin and haggis or whipped Scottish goat’s cheese to start, with mains ranging from roast chicken supreme with pigs in blankets to braised ox cheek bourguignon with potato puree. 
How much: Three courses from £45.50 
Where: 1-3 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE
Book now: Kyloe Restaurant & Grill

There are plenty more dining options available for those looking to visit Edinburgh this year. Check out our guide to Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh, for some seriously delicious food, or head out to enjoy an afternoon tea in the Scottish capital.