Visiting London during the festive period? Keen to experience the magic of this city during Christmas (it is one of the best time to visit after all)? There’s only one thing for it. You need a good old-fashioned British Christmas dinner in London. 

This traditional meal (which has been around since the 16th century) consists of roast turkey alongside roast potatoes and vegetables, with tasty extras such as stuffing, pigs in blankets, and cranberry sauce, followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies. And don’t forget the gravy, of course!  (Or truffle mole sauce, if that’s your thing?)

That said, if you’re looking for something outside the box, a little different, or you want to find festive menus that spice the classic dishes up, this is the Christmas Day menu list for you. That’s simple meals with classic Christmas pudding and brandy butter to a five-course menu selection with roast duck breast, pressed suckling pig, sweet potato wellington, flaming Christmas pudding, and everything in between. Is your mouth watering yet?

We’ve collated the best places in London to visit to be served an authentic British Christmas dinner. Let’s grab our forks and dive in. 👉 For more tips on what to do in London this Christmas, check out our handy guide!

Where to have Christmas dinner in London?

1. 01

   The Regent

   Restaurant in South London
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   If you’re looking for a Christmas lunch or dinner festive feast with an atmosphere, head to The Regent in Balham, which prides itself on its lively vibe.

   Perfect for work parties and family gatherings alike, you can expect tasty cocktails, avant-garde sharing starters, and a contemporary take on the Christmas classic. 

   Options range from a traditional roast turkey to a mushroom wellington in lieu of a classic wellington of the beef variety, to ensure veggies don’t miss out on the celebrations. 

   The Regent is all about lively energy this year, so on top of the roast potatoes, duck breast, brandy butter, and Christmas pud, you can expect lots of entertainment, lots of bands, fresh ingredients, and as much partying as you can handle.

   to the website
2. 02

   The English Grill

   Restaurant in Westminster
   

   © The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

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   Their Christmas menu isn’t live yet, but honestly? We don’t need it.

   Everything that comes out of the kitchen at The English Grill is extraordinary, so you can get a reservation, safe in the knowledge that you’ll enjoy whatever you order. 

   Pairing friendly service with a fine dining atmosphere, you’ll simply love this luxury dining experience which is made for special moments with friends and family. 

   to the website
3. 03

   The Ritz

   Hotel in St. James
   

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   If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas in style, there’s no destination more luxurious.

   Located in central London, The Ritz has a reputation for serving up one of the best Christmas Day dinners in London thanks to their talented chefs, expertly crafted menu, and impeccably decorated dining space.

   It’s the ideal combination for a festive celebration and is pretty much guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget.

   From the start of the festive season (The Pre-Christmas events) until New Year’s Day, The Ritz is serving up delicious meals and events to keep you occupied over the most wonderful time of the year.

   We’re talking Chrismas Afternoon Tea on the day from £105, and an indulgent Michelin Star six-course meal from £600 per person, complete with live entertainment, Father Chrismas, and even a spectacular caricaturist which makes for a lot of fun during one of the most sought-after events in the city.

   to the website
4. 04

   Spring Restaurant

   Restaurant in Holborn
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   While their Christmas menu has yet to be released, Spring has an excellent reputation for serving up some of the finest grub with all the trimmings in a central location for Christmas lunch and the days surrounding it.

   This restaurant is known for creating unique pairings of food that tantalise your tastebuds and serving it up with service to be proud of. Their Christmas offerings are no exception. 

   to the website
5. 05

   The Savoy

   Restaurant in The Strand
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   If you plan on treating yourself this Christmas, there’s no better place to head to than The Savoy. None other than acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay will be serving up Christmas classics at the Savoy Grill on Christmas Day, with a stunning seven-course festive meal that includes lobster, beef wellington, Dover sole, and a traditional Christmas pudding to top it all off. 

   to the website
6. 06

   Smokestak

   Restaurant in Shoreditch
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   Meat lovers, this one’s for you! This popular haunt in Shoreditch is known for serving up delicious meaty dishes, and Christmas is no exception. Expect a feasting menu featuring the likes of beef brisket, beef fat gravy, and smoked mackerel on sourdough, all washed down with their exceptional mulled wine. 

   Thanks to its location in hipster Shoreditch, there are plenty of places to grab a drink afterwards, too. 

   to the website
7. 07

   The Old Bull & Bush

   Restaurant in Hampstead
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   Re-opening this September, welcoming pub The Old Bull & Bush is one of the go-to destinations in North London during the festive period.

   With a set festive menu including classics like roast turkey alongside more contemporary dishes such as pan-fried salmon and pork belly, this is the place to take foodies who want something outside the norm. There’s even a roasted celeriac steak for the vegan in the dining party!

   But we’re not just talking Christmas menus here, we’re talking meals for the entire festive period. The main menu has been redesigned into a festive menu, with special courses on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

   There are even a festive feast of special drinks packages available if you’re just looking to get your party on!

   to the website
8. 08

   The Marquis of Westminster

   Restaurant in Westminster
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   Serving up festive grub from November onwards, the Marquis of Westminster enjoys a central location that’s perfect for putting your feet up after a long day of sightseeing.

   Its festive set menu features deals, so you can enjoy delicious dishes such as braised beef, roasted turkey, and chalk stream trout for a much more affordable price than usual. 

   to the website
9. 09

   The Bridge House

   Restaurant in Little Venice EN
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   Beautiful location? Tick. Delicious dishes? Tick. Lively atmosphere? Tick. The Bridge House has everything you could want for your Christmas dinner, whether you’re hosting a work party or a family gathering. 

   Offering set menus for a cheaper price than the à la carte menu, expect options such as root vegetable wellington, rack of lamb, and even pan-roasted halibut. There are enough traditional and avant-garde dishes to keep everyone happy. 

   to the website
10. 10

    The Kings Arms

    Bar & Pub in Bankside
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    Another friendly pub that’s perfect for visiting during the festive season, The King’s Arms served up a storm near Christmas. Those sitting down for a Christmas meal here will enjoy dishes such as roasted carrot wellington, Hampshi revenison, and smoked bacon chop.

    There’s even the option of a cheese board afterwards for those who eschew traditional desserts!

    to the website
11. 11

    The Blackbird

    Restaurant in Earls Court
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    Boasting a regular Christmas dining menu as well as a Christmas buffet menu, visitors to The Blackbird will be spoiled for choice over the festive period. 

    Dishes on the restaurant’s festive menu include turkey breast, roast tranche of turbot, and a spiced cauliflower wellington. In the mood for dessert? Try their game-changing black cab Christmas pudding. 

    to the website
12. 12

    Madison

    Restaurant in City of London
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    Open year-round, the Madison’s rooftop offers a unique view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The nice waiters and ambiance make the atmosphere perfect.

    Especially during sunset it is well visited here (rightly so!) and you should be sure to reserve a seat beforehand. If you want to have a very special experience, you should be sure to check out the Christmas and New Year’s Eve Events!
13. 13

    Toby Carvery

    Restaurant in North London
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    Not everybody goes in search of haute cuisine at Christmas. Some people just want down-to-earth, authentic grub for a decent price. Toby Carvery does just that. 

    Famous for its delicious carvery dinners which its branches serve up throughout the week and on weekends, Toby Carvery is the go-to destination for diners on a budget who still want to enjoy a tasty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. 

    to the website
14. 14

    The Bull

    Restaurant in Highgate
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    With a festive party menu that will make your mouth water just to read, this friendly local establishment will make your Christmas dinner or work Christmas party a delight. 

    Visitors to The Bull can expect to enjoy dishes such as wild mushroom and leek pie, Venison haunch, and aged sirloin of beef. Plus, of course, a classic butter-roasted turkey. Because what’s Christmas in the UK without turkey?!

    to the website
15. 15

    Dishoom

    Restaurant
    

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    Dishoom is one of the most beloved chains in London, with branches all around this incredible city. It’s an Indian restaurant, so it has a slightly more unique take on Christmas dishes.

    Its Christmas feast menu includes one-of-a-kind options you simply won’t find elsewhere, such as turkey raan, black daahl, and a biryani. For dessert, enjoy Dishoom’s signature mince pie kulfi. If you love Indian food, it’s the best Christmas dinner in London.

    to the website
16. 16

    The Crown

    Restaurant in Chiswick
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    Known for its welcoming atmosphere as much as its food, you can celebrate Christmas in this warm, cosy pub and enjoy classics such as wild mushroom and chestnut wellington, free-range turkey, and pan-fried seabream. 

    Dessert options include classic mince pies with brandy buttercream and a Baileys panna cotta – the perfect choice for those who love the popular Christmas liquor. 

    to the website
17. 17

    Mildred's

    Restaurant
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    Calling all vegans! Every Londoner who doesn’t eat meat knows that Mildred’s is the go-to destination for veggie food, with restaurants all over London serving up tasty and inventive vegan cuisine.

    Although their official Christmas 2023 menu hasn’t dropped yet, for the last few years Mildred’s has offered a vegan take on classic Christmas dishes, including a plant-based roast turkey roll.

    It’s the perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans who don’t want to miss out on festive classics and one of the best meat-free Christmas dinners in London.

    to the website
18. 18

    Bingham Riverhouse

    Restaurant in Richmond
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    Offering up one of the best Christmas Day menus in London, this fine dining institution serves up incredible dishes from the go-to roast turkey to more innovative options like a plant-based nut roast with creamy wild mushroom ragout. 

    And you know they have all the trimmings.

    Whatever you opt for, don’t overlook the restaurant’s unparalleled sides, which include dishes like cranberry and orange stuffing and brussels sprouts served with chestnuts and bacon. 

    to the website
19. 19

    Holborn Dining Room

    Restaurant in Holborn
    

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    Want to eat in a spot that looks like it’s been taken right from the Edward Hopper painting, Nighthawks? Look no further than the Holborn Dining Room.

    This one-of-a-kind dining experience promises excellent service alongside exquisite food. It’s simply not possible to leave this place unsatisfied. While there’s no 2023 Christmas menu available yet, previous years have included tasty dishes like wild sea bass, roasted turkey, and ribeye steak.

    Update: Here you can now see the Christmas menus

    to the website
20. 20

    Slug & Lettuce

    Restaurant in London
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    Slug & Lettuce is actually a chain with restaurants all around the country, but with its chain status comes much more affordable prices. If you’re looking to eat well without splashing the cash, head straight to a branch of Slug & Lettuce. 

    Diners can expect to choose from dishes such as a festive beef burger, mac and cheese, and a turkey feast. Sure, they’re a little out of the ordinary, but it’s the perfect destination if you want something that goes beyond the Christmas classics. 

    to the website
21. 21

    Hoppers

    Restaurant
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    The Hoppers has its name from the Sri Lankan specialty “Egg Hopper”, which is probably the best seller at this restaurant. It is a hearty crêpe, which is filled with a fried egg in a small wok prepared.dazu can you order different chutneys. And you should not miss the curry, which is well known from India and popular in London. An egg hopper costs between £ 4 and £ 4.5 and a curry between £ 6 and £ 7, which makes the Hoppers definitely one of our favorites in this comparison when it comes to the price-performance ratio. We are very big fans of the Hoppers!

    to the website
22. 22

    Skylon

    Restaurant in Southbank Centre
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    Skylon has left us guessing with their lack of up-to-date Christmas menu, but we know there’ll be one, and we’re expecting to see plenty of festive dishes that have been meticulously matched to a glass of wine or cocktail to complement the flavours. 

    Skylon itself is situated on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre and is known for both its friendly service and aptitude for creating exceptional dishes that stand out from the crowd. 

    to the website
23. 23

    The Riverside

    Bar & Pub in Battersea
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    If you’re looking for something that’s a little more laid-back and budget-friendly than the fine dining options on this list, head to The Riverside. 

    Their Christmas feast is a reasonable £42 per person, and you can choose from dishes such as a crown of turkey, rump of beef, pan-roasted sea bream, and heritage squash risotto.

    Add a festive wine package for just £20 per person for the perfect tipple to wash it all down with. 

    to the website
24. 24

    La Bodega Negra

    Café in Soho
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    Love Mexican food so much you wish you could have it for your Christmas dinner? Thanks to La Bodega Negra, you can!

    This Mexican eatery is nestled in London’s super-cool Soho, so there are plenty of places to go for a drink after your dinner to wash down your tasty grub.

    Dishes on the Christmas sample menu include turkey wrapped with bacon and mole, duck leg confit with corn tortillas, and chargrilled hispi cabbage with hummus. 

    to the website
25. 25

    Wagtail

    Rooftop Bar in City of London
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    Offering rooftop winter igloos right in the heart of the City of London, Wagtail is an unforgettable drinking and dining experience. Set in a stunning 1920s building with a breathtaking backdrop, there are few more scenic places to sit down for Christmas dinner. 

    On the menu this Christmas are dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder, roast turkey, and roast Atlantic cod. For dessert, you can choose from a traditional Christmas pudding or some more contemporary dishes, including a chocolate and orange tart. 

    to the website
26. 26

    The Royal Oak
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    The Royal Oak is not only worth a visit on Sundays after a stroll through the flower market on Columbia Road. During the week, too, this beautiful, classically elegant pub with a large bar in the middle of the room is a great place to spend a pleasant evening.
27. 27

    All Bar One Victoria

    Restaurant in Westminster
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    While All Bar One is a national chain, this doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be up for consideration on your list of potential Christmas Dinner destinations. 

    With a festive set menu for an affordable £34.95 per person, dishes include roast turkey, a festive brie and bacon burger, and even a Wellington made with plant-based chicken that’s sure to keep any veggies in your group happy. 

    Desserts are just as delicious, with a contemporary take on a Christmas classic in the form of sticky toffee pudding. 

    to the website

What is a traditional Christmas dinner in London?

A traditional London Christmas Dinner is typically much the same as the rest of the UK. The festive menus usually include the likes of roast turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, and rich, piping hot gravy. Of course, Christmas dinners are never complete without dessert, many of which include fruity, spicy Christmas puddings, mince pies, or cake, all served with helpings of brandy butter or cream. Or both.

However, London being the diverse city it is, plenty of restaurants twist the tradition and create something unique. This might include seasonal dishes like roasted duck breast, chimichurri butter roasted turkey, truffle soup, sweet potato purée, whole grilled sea bass, roast Norfolk turkey with cranberry hot sauce, and many more. On top of this, many restaurants cater to all dietary preferences, including a vegetarian menu vegan, and gluten-free options.

We’re experts on all things travel. So if there’s anything else you need to know before your trip, visit our site for top tips that are local-approved.

Merry Christmas, and get ready to make this the best one yet!