If your idea of a Christmas party involves something a little sunnier than turkey and trimmings, Gallio is serving up a festive season with a twist. Bringing the warmth and colour of the Mediterranean to London, this restaurant, with homes in both Canary Wharf and Fitzrovia, as well as Charlotte Street, offers group dining that swaps grey skies for golden-hued plates and a spirit of togetherness that feels instantly joyful.
Inspired by the “break bread” culture of the Eastern Mediterranean, Gallio’s Christmas menu is designed for sharing. Guests begin with mezze-style starters like shorba, a comforting red lentil soup drizzled with tahini; croquetas filled with creamy potato and cheese; sesame-coated falafel with pickled onion and garlic yoghurt; and spiced lamb kofte with za’atar. For mains, it’s all about Mediterranean feasting: the slow-cooked beef stifado in rich tomato and spice, saffron seafood stew with mussels, prawns and white fish, or steak and cheese lavash layered with Ras el-hanout steak, sujuk and Turkish Kasar cheese. Finish with Gallio’s signature sweets - we like the sound of the honey-soaked Leila Cake or a chocolate tahini cheesecake drizzled with caramel.
With set and sharing menus starting priced per head, and excellent drinks packages (from cocktails to non-alcoholic options), Gallio makes hosting a breeze. Whether it’s an office Christmas lunch, a friends-only dinner, or an all-out festive takeover, the atmosphere is relaxed but celebratory. Think warm lighting, music, and the clink of glasses over long tables.
The restaurants are perfectly set up for group bookings, with semi-private areas for up to 70 guests and full-venue hire for up to 120. There’s even the option to add a private pizza-making class which is the perfect icebreaker guaranteed to keep the whole team smiling.
So this Christmas, skip the turkey and mulled wine for once. At Gallio, you’ll find sunshine on every plate, Mediterranean generosity in every glass, and a party that feels refreshingly different. It's proof that festive spirit doesn’t have to come with frost on the windows.