The best restaurants open on Christmas Day 2026 in London

Does the idea of roasting a turkey fill you with dread? Would your Christmas pudding have a soggier bottom than even Prue Leith could handle? Then you need to take serious action this winter. Instead of planning your own Christmas dinner in London on Christmas Day, let someone else take the reins and book yourself into a nice restaurant!

It might seem like unfamiliar territory, venturing out of the house on Christmas Day, but the benefits are endless. Forget about that frantic struggle on Christmas Eve when you attempt to tidy the house from top to bottom before the onslaught of relatives invade in their masses with their muddy shoes, and shrieking overexcited kids. No need to trawl the supermarkets in a desperate attempt to find gluten-free stuffing for Auntie Carol. 

Imagine instead, waking up on Christmas morning without the stress of fitting the turkey in the oven, laying the table, peeling the potatoes and creating a Christmas playlist that isn’t going to drive you all mad.

And, it only gets better; when your stomach is full and your eyes are heavy you can simply walk away from the washing up, run from the rubbish and leave behind all the leftovers. This year why not spare the family of endless turkey sandwiches and bubble and squeak as you curse at the lack of space in the fridge. Save yourself and your loved ones by ditching the DIY dinner and booking one of these great restaurants for a completely carefree Christmas. Here’s our pick of the best places to eat in London on Christmas Day.

The best Christmas dinner at hotels in London

Fancy trading in Christmas Day slaving away in your kitchen for a festive feast in a plush hotel, where you're waited on hand and foot? Yeh, we thought you might. Have a scan through these luxurious hotel restaurants. 

Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

What: Pan Pacific transforms into a real foodie winter wonderland come Christmas, and the fun continues into Christmas Day with a menu packed with classic festive cooking. The Christmas Day menu provides ample choice - yes, there’s a traditional Christmas roast turkey with all your favourite sides, but there’s also dry-aged beef fillet and short rib with Yorkshire pudding, chicken terrine with red onion and toasted brioche, and a pecan tart with whipped dulce ganache. Pan Pacific does a cracking festive afternoon tea, and there’s a late buffet supper available in the adjacent Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge too.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
How much: Five courses for £135 per person, £65 per child
Book now: Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: No matter what time of year it is, getting the chance to dine at Alain Ducasse feels like Christmas Day. This is Jean-Philippe Blondet’s three Michelin star magnum opus, where he and his team interpret Ducasse’s sublime French cooking with a contemporary edge. Christmas lunch offers a parade of beautiful things: last year's menu included chestnut veloute with roast guinea fowl to start, duck foie gras terrine with baked apple, and blue lobster with butternut squash to follow. It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for Christmas magic, you’ll definitely find it here.
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, W1K 1QA
How much: Five courses for £490 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Wild Honey, St James’s

What: Experience Anthony Demetre’s stellar French cooking on Christmas Day at his Michelin-starred restaurant in the Sofitel St James Hotel. Wild Honey serves an impeccable five-course menu including Champagne, snacks, bread and petit fours, from a classic terrine of duck, pork and guinea fowl 'en croûte' to scallops with black truffle. As a little taster, last year's main courses included options like venison with endive, crushed apple and pink pepper, caramelised celeriac puree and Armagnac sauce. This isn’t the place to book if you’re after a classic turkey dinner, but if French fine dining and Champagne sounds like your kind of Christmas celebration, get yourself down to Wild Honey this December.
Where: 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
How much: Five courses for £275 per person, including a glass of Champagne (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Wild Honey St James's

Mosaic at The Westin London City, City of London

What: Set within the Westin London City Hotel, Mosaic is a luxe modern restaurant with a globally inspired menu focused on delivering pleasure-first dining. On the 25th, guests can expect a multi-course feast that dives into more contemporary cooking than most other surrounding hotels: last year's menu included dishes like beef and pork cheek brochettes with smoked pickled gel and Pecorino foam, dressed crab and lobster salad with celeriac remoulade, and a magnificent butter-roasted turkey breast with chestnut pork stuffing. Top class cooking without the formality of some of London's stuffier hotels, this is a great choice if you want something a little more easy-going. 
Where: 60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
How much: Six courses for £139 per person, with a complimentary glass of Taittinger Champagne (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Mosaic at The Westin London City

Charlie’s at Brown’s, Mayfair

What: If it’s traditional and luxury you’re after, Charlie’s at Brown’s fits the bill and then some. Hosted at Brown's Mayfair - one of London's oldest hotels - with a menu overseen by Trinity chef patron Adam Byatt, you can sit back and relax knowing that Christmas is in the most reliable of hands. Expect a menu packed with high-quality British cooking, from salmon roulade with caviar to bronze turkey carved tableside from a trolley for a touch of theatre.
Where: Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
How much: Three courses for £325 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Charlie’s at Brown’s

L’oscar London, Holborn

What: L’oscar in Holborn brings real glitz and glamour to Christmas Day. The setting is pure grandeur, with walls and ceilings lined with gilded panels, mirrors and striking original artwork. The menu leans into the occasion with six courses of festive fare, from a seared duck liver with Chardonnay-poached pear, to Christmas pudding semifreddo with poached spiced apple, plus the main event - a stuffed roast turkey with pancetta, forest mushrooms and all the trimmings.
Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA
How much: Five courses for £149 per person
Book now: L’oscar London

Hans' Bar & Grill at 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

What: If you’re looking for a glamorous Chelsea location to celebrate this Christmas, then Hans’ Bar & Grill at 11 Cadogan Gardens is opening its doors with a four-course festive feast, curated by head chef Sam Kearney-Jones. Begin your evening with amuse bouche, followed by game terrine, roast turkey with 'all the trimmings', and for the Christmas purists, a Christmas pudding with brandy custard and macerated plums for pudding. 
Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
How much: Four courses for £149 per person
Book now: Hans' Bar & Grill

RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar, King’s Cross

What: With the Eurostar just around the corner, RAILS pays homage to grand central station restaurants of yesterday, marrying classy seasonal British cooking with Parisian style. The dining room is magnificent with its high ceilings and pendant chandeliers, and classic British cooking matches the setting. Last year, a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee kicked off celebrations, followed by three wintery courses of game terrine with onion jam and sourdough toast, roast turkey with pigs in blankets, sage and apricot stuffing and cranberry sauce, and a magnificent Christmas pud to finish. 
Where: Great Northern Hotel, N1C 4TB
How much: Three courses from £115 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar

The best restaurants with a view open on Christmas Day in London

You're in the right place for a delicious Christmas dinner with great views to boot. For those who can't resist Instagramming their Christmas feast, these are the best spots with brilliant vistas in the capital.

JOIA, Battersea

What: If gorgeous views are what you’re after this Christmas, you won’t find much better than JOIA - the London outpost of two Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sa Pessoa. Sitting pretty at the top of art’otel Battersea, JOIA’s Christmas Day menu delivers traditional Portuguese festive flavours, with a menu comprised of delicious petiscos and tapas dishes: think pan con tomate with Iberico ham, turkey with black cabbage and Madeira sauce, and fillet of beef with bacon chutney and bone marrow jus. Kids' menus are available if you're booking for a family. 
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
How much: Three courses for £125 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: JOIA

Shanghai Me, Mayfair

What: Emerging this year as one of the most glamorous dining rooms (with incredible views over Hyde Park to boot), Shanghai Me offers a red and gold-toned dining room with just the right amount of prestige and wonder for Christmas Day dining. Here, on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, guests can choose from the festive a la carte menu, which features indulgent plates like Kobe beef tartare, Dover sole with chilli lime sauce, and Oscietra caviar. To drink, expect a range of bougie cocktails, alongside non-alcoholic options, and a variety of sparkling wines to keep things merry.
Where: 28th Floor, London Hilton on Park Lane, W1K 1BE
How much: £250 minimum spend per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Shanghai Me

Duck & Waffle, Liverpool Street

What: Duck & Waffle offers panoramic views of the city skyline and top-notch service to boot, perfect for an extravagant Christmas do. Guests are greeted with a welcome cocktail, followed by snacks for the table, a three-course meal, then teas, coffees and mince pies. It's a generous offering, and dishes are suitably luxurious: last year's menu included dishes like lobster and prawn cocktail to bone marrow beef tartare. If that wasn't enough, the restaurant sits 40 storeys up from ground level, offering an unparalleled vantage point to watch the glittering city below. 
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
How much: Three courses for £170 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Duck & Waffle

Park Restaurant at Royal Lancaster London, Bayswater

What: Perched on the north side of Hyde Park, Royal Lancaster London is a fantastic option for those who love to start their festive morning with a crisp winter walk. Enjoy an amble around the park before heading to Park Restaurant for a festive bottomless brunch on 25 December. Last year's menu kicked off with a glass of Champagne on arrival, before opening the doors to a festive spread of sushi, cold meats and seasonal salads. If you're a Christmas purist, don't worry - there's still a spectacular bronze turkey with pork stuffing, or dry-aged beef with red wine sauce, all washed down with free-flowing wine. The best bit? A table here overlooks the magical wintery Italian Gardens in Hyde Park.
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
How much: £275 per adult and £225 for children (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Park Restaurant at Royal Lancaster London

The best informal restaurants open on Christmas Day in London  

You want a proper Christmas Day dinner, but you struggle to get out of your onesie? These laid-back restaurants are for you. After all, Christmas is the time to relax, right?

Browns Butlers Wharf, Southwark

What: Perched right on the edge of the Thames with lovely river views, Browns Butler’s Wharf delivers a classic Christmas Day feast with the easy-going brasserie charm that has made it a mainstay of British dining. The five course menu kicks off with hors d’oeuvres, followed by starters like prawn cocktail, and smoked duck breast with crispy duck bon bon and apple puree. For the main event, expect traditional festive turkey with all the trimmings alongside decadent choices like fillet Beef Wellington or pan-roasted halibut in a lobster-infused velouté. Round it off with Christmas pudding and truffles for an unforgettable holiday celebration.
Where: 26 Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf, SE1 2YG
How much: Five courses from £115 per person
Book now: Browns Butlers Wharf

Brasserie Blanc, South Bank

What: Known for contemporary French dining with an upscale brasserie edge, Brasserie Blanc’s South Bank location is a magical place to spend Christmas Day. Stroll along the river, and make the most of the calmness, before heading in to be welcomed with a glass of Buck’s Fizz and a parade of delicious French-leaning dishes. Highlights include an impressive filet de boeuf en croûte, and dinde rôtie (roast turkey) as well as pudding de Noël, cheeseboards, and mini tartelettes de Noël.
Where: 9 Belvedere Road, SE1 8YP
How much: Six courses for £105 per person, £52.50 per child (12 and under) 
Book now: Brasserie Blanc South Bank

Bob Bob Ricard, Soho and City of London

What: While it’s hardly an informal restaurant for Christmas Day dining, we can 100% guarantee that Bob Bob Ricard will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Both the Soho and City sites are glitzy as anything - polished, and stunning to look at. As for the food, expect something similar to last year's menu: Jerusalem artichoke velouté; roast venison loin with chestnuts, smoked bacon lardons and kale; and a showstopping Christmas pudding soufflé for dessert. Naturally, the ‘press for Champagne’ buttons will be in full working order.
Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F 9DF; Level 3, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4AB
How much: Minimum spend of £125 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Bob Bob Ricard Soho; Bob Bob Ricard City

Salut!, Islington

What: Christmas is about community, so Salut!’s wonderful neighbourhood feel sounds like a match made in heaven. That’s not to say it’s not polished, though; dishes here are artfully plated, and the cooking is just as spectacular. To eat, expect a choice of dishes that reflect the best of the season, plus a glass of sparkling to kick things off. It’s probably one of the more on-trend spots on this list, thanks to its beautifully pared-back rustic design. 
Where: 412 Essex Road, N1 3PJ
How much: Four courses for £99 per person, including a glass of sparkling (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Salut!

Gaucho, Piccadilly, City, Covent Garden and Tower Bridge

What: A selection of Gaucho’s restaurants will be opening their doors on Christmas Day, serving festive dishes and drinks with an Argentinian twist. Gaucho's festive set menus are always generous too: five courses for less than £100! Last year's menu started with cheese and truffle croquettes, followed by the likes of beef carpaccio with Parmesan tuile, turkey ballotine with a red wine jus, and dulce de leche cheesecake for pudding. Course, you can enjoy a hearty ribeye steak for your main course if you like - this is Gaucho after all! Round things off with a cheese platter, then roll home happy.
Where: Various London locations
How much: Five courses for £95 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Gaucho Piccadilly; Gaucho City; Gaucho Covent Garden; Gaucho Tower Bridge

TOZI, Victoria and Battersea

What: Experience an Italian Christmas at TOZI Victoria with the festive feasting menu, which can always be relied upon to lay on a banquet full of signature festive Italian cooking. Chilled celebrations are well at home here, thanks to warm, friendly service. TOZI Victoria also offers a wine pairing for an extra £60 per person. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, TOZI Pizzeria & Chicchetti Bar in Battersea could be just the ticket - the menu here also offers luxury touches, like lobster linguine and burrata with black truffle honey, just at a slightly cheaper price point.
Where: 8 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ; 3a Electric Avenue, SW11 8BJ
How much: £110 per person at TOZI Victoria; £95 per person at TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: TOZI Victoria; TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: One of three immaculate Ardent Pubs in London (the others being The George and The Hound in Chiswick), The Cadogan Arms blends beautiful dark timber pub interiors with some of the best pub food in London. Given the rain, snow, and cold temperatures this time of year this elegant pub is actually one of the cosiest places to be, especially when you allow yourself to gorge on Christmassy specials. The Cadogan Arms usually serves a family style menu, with dishes from last year including duck and foie gras terrine with plum chutney and brioche, confit turkey leg with black garlic ketchup, and Christmas pudding with Pedro Ximenez custard for dessert. 
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
How much: Four courses for £195 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

Smith's Bar & Grill, Paddington

What: A sleek modern restaurant near Little Venice, Smith’s Bar & Grill puts its own twist on Christmassy classics with a three-course menu. Last year, the menu kicked things off with starters of tuna tartare and celeriac soup, followed by fillet steak with gratin potatoes with a red wine jus, or a slow-cooked turkey with sausage stuffing and all the trimmings. For dessert, we're expecting another sticky Christmas pudding, and hopefully the restaurant's excellent churros with hazelnut sauce. Expect to see traditional Christmas crackers at the table, a keepsake gift from Smith’s Bar & Grill as well as a photobooth so guests can take home a picture to remember this special day.
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
How much: £95 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Smith's Bar & Grill

The Hound, Chiswick

What: Set within a Victorian building that was once a police station, The Hound brings the warmth of your favourite boozer to Christmas Day dining. Sit back in the wood-panelled dining room, surrounded by roaring fires and comfy chairs, and delve into family-style sharing menus for the big day. Last year's menu served up comforting classics like Jerusalem artichoke soup, followed by venison tartare, duck terrine, and your choice of turkey crown, turkey leg or roast rump of beef, served with all the trimmings. Christmas pud and a pint of something on tap, perfectly round out your dinner.
Where: 210 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD
How much: Three course sharing menus for £125 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: The Hound

Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly and Mayfair

What: Across both its Old Park Lane and Piccadilly Circus sites, Hard Rock Cafe is hosting a special Christmas Day dinner. Both locations are offering a delicious three-course Festive Menu while Old Park Lane will also be putting on a full Holiday Buffet spread. Expect everything from charcuterie boards to silky butternut squash soup and tender turkey crown. Plus, the restaurants really come alive at Christmas time, decorated with twinkling Christmas trees, iconic memorabilia and festive touches. 
Where: 225-229 Criterion Building, W1J 9HR; 150 Old Park Lane, W1K 1QZ
How much: Holiday Buffet for £78.75 (kids buffet for £29.95); three-course meal for £65.25 (kids meal for £24.75)
Book now: Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly; Hard Rock Cafe Mayfair

The best international restaurants open on Christmas Day in London

Don’t get us wrong, traditional festive dinners are great. But for those who like their Christmas dinner with a twist, these globally-inspired restaurants are sure to hit the spot.

The Delaunay, Aldwych

What: The sister restaurant to The Wolseley, The Delaunay brings that same signature Old World feel, with a European-inspired menu, spot-on service and excellent wines. On Christmas Day, guests can dine from the restaurant's a la carte menu, which features hors d'oeuvres, hearty mains and decadent desserts. From steak tartare and seared scallops to spatchcock chicken and confit duck, there's something for everyone here. Plus, the sophisticated dining room adds a real sense of occasion on the most festive day of the year. 
Where: 55 Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BB
How much: The prices are a la carte
Book now: The Delaunay

The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge

What: Riffing on the izakaya tradition, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s Japanese restaurant, The Aubrey, offers the best of both worlds: an a la carte menu available at lunch and dinner, running alongside a special set menu option. Last year, the team served an indulgent feast that included beautiful robata grilled turkey and lamb cannon matched with elegant seasonal side dishes, plus elegant cocktails and plenty of fizz. If you're looking to splash out, you can rarely go wrong at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. 
Where: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
How much: Set menu for £145, a la carte is also available (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

LAVO, Marylebone

What: This one’s a glamorous spot to be and be seen all year round, and Christmas Day is no different. Settle into LAVO’s gorgeous terracotta-hued dining room for a proper Italian Christmas feast. Here's a rundown of last year's incredible menu: beef carpaccio with black truffle and Parmesan, grilled octopus, spaghetti di pomodoro, and black truffle pizza to get you warmed up. Then, tacchino ripieno - Italy’s answer to roast turkey, which sees white meat stuffed with tasty things (usually chestnut, plum, and dried fruit), and served with brussels sprouts, crispy pancetta and a Barolo sauce. For dolci, expect something ingenious like a prosecco mousse with panettone, or a classic tiramisu for traditionalists.
Where: The BoTree, 30 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2DR
How much: Three courses for £100 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: LAVO

The Cinnamon Club, Westminster

What: Acclaimed Indian chef Vivek Singh always puts together properly indulgent feasts for Christmas Day at his famous Westminster restaurant. Starters last year included Keralan-style lobster soup flamed with Cognac, clove-smoked Anjou squab pigeon, and tandoori turkey tikka. Mains are truly indulgent, showcasing bold flavours in plates of kokum-crusted halibut, roast goose breast, and grilled jumbo black tiger prawns. We're promised a garam masala Christmas pudding this year too. For a Christmas Day to remember, there’s nowhere like The Cinnamon Club.
Where: The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU
How much: Four courses for £150 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: The Cinnamon Club

Kahani, Belgravia

What: Not everyone fancies *another* roast dinner on Christmas Day. Kahani is always a great place for those in search of something more adventurous - last year's menu swapped turkey for Chilean seabass with mixed peppercorns and white crab, or Peshawari lamb cannon with fennel and star anise. Expect dishes like that and more on Kahani's Christmas Day seven course menu, rounding off with a suitably exotic dessert, like a chocolate and orange mousse with cranberry and pumpkin ice cream.
Where: 1 Wilbraham Place, SW1X 9AE
How much: Seven courses for £125 per person (2025 price; 2026 menu and pricing TBC)
Book now: Kahani

The Wolseley, St James's

What: One of London's most iconic restaurants, The Wolseley, is a seriously special place to spend Christmas Day. From its buzzy atmosphere to attentive service, the restaurant has all the glamour, glitz and indulgence you'd want from a restaurant on Christmas Day. On 25 December, guests can dine from the a la carte menu, which takes inspiration from all over Europe. Expect everything from lobster with garlic butter and samphire to bubble and squeak with a fried duck egg. Since it's Christmas, make the most of the delicious dessert menu, featuring The Wolseley's signature Battenberg, and fruit crumble with vanilla creme anglaise.
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB
How much: Prices are a la carte
Book now: The Wolseley

Christmas Day dining in London: FAQs

Is public transport running in London on Christmas Day?

No, there is no Transport for London (TfL) service on Christmas Day - this includes the Underground, Overground, buses, DLR, and Elizabeth Line. You’ll need to rely on pre-booked taxis or walking to get around. We’d recommend booking a cab in advance!

How far in advance should I book a London restaurant for Christmas Day?

Ideally, it's best to book a restaurant for Christmas Day two to three months in advance (September or October). Popular spots and luxury hotel dining rooms often open bookings as early as August and sell out fast. Smaller neighbourhood restaurants may take bookings closer to the time or accept walk-ins, but as always, you’re best off booking as early as you can.

What time do restaurants open and serve food on Christmas Day?

Most restaurants operating on Christmas Day offer structured sittings rather than all-day dining. The main sitting is typically a long lunch between approximately 12-3pm. A smaller selection of restaurants - mostly hotels - also run an evening dinner service from around 6pm.

How much does Christmas Day lunch cost in London?

Prices for a Christmas lunch in London vary significantly depending on the venue. Here's a guide on how much it costs to eat out on Christmas Day:

Pubs: £75-£120 per person
Mid-range restaurants: £120-£200 per person
Luxury hotels and fine dining: £200-£400+ per person (often including a welcome glass of Champagne or wine pairings)

What are cancellation policies like for Christmas Day dining?

Cancellation terms on Christmas Day are generally quite strict. Most venues require at least 7 to 14 days’ notice for a full refund of your deposit or pre-payment. Cancellations made within a week of Christmas Day usually forfeit the payment unless the restaurant can rebook the table.

Are London pubs open on Christmas Day?

Yes, but with limited hours. Many neighbourhood pubs open for a short window (typically 11-3pm) just for drinks. Pubs serving full festive sit-down meals will require advance reservations and operate on limited sittings.

Fancy staying at home for Christmas Day but want to take the hassle out of cooking? Check out our favourite Christmas dinner delivery boxes that promise to make cooking this year's festive feast a breeze.