The best restaurants for Christmas Day lunch in London

For a Christmas lunch that transports you to the vibrant heart of India, Colonel Saab offers an exceptional alternative to the traditional roast. The restaurant is a dazzling tribute to Indian craftsmanship and history, filled with eclectic art and antiques. This year, their Christmas Day Lunch is priced at £110, offering a curated menu of contemporary Indian dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Expect a masterful blend of rich, authentic flavours and modern culinary artistry. It’s a fantastic choice for an adventurous and opulent festive meal, swapping turkey and trimmings for a memorable, spice-infused journey in a truly magnificent setting.

For those dreaming of a classic English Christmas, Cheneston’s Restaurant, located within the elegant Milestone Hotel, is the perfect destination. The intimate, wood-panelled dining room exudes timeless charm, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere ideal for a traditional festive gathering. Their special Christmas Day Dining experience promises a menu steeped in British culinary heritage, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients with refined execution. Imagine a perfectly roasted turkey, rich gravy, and all the classic accompaniments, served with impeccable, five-star service. It’s a wonderful choice for a luxurious and heartfelt Christmas lunch in a quintessential Kensington setting.

Elevate your Christmas lunch—literally—at Decimo, the 10th-floor restaurant at The Standard hotel. Offering spectacular panoramic views across the London skyline, this is the place to be for a vibrant and unconventional festive feast. This year, you can celebrate Christmas Day in Decimo with a menu showcasing the bold, fire-cooked Spanish and Mexican flavours of acclaimed chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. The retro-chic dining room buzzes with energy, providing a lively backdrop for a meal that’s designed for sharing and enjoyment. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to trade quiet tradition for a high-energy, flavour-packed celebration with an unbeatable view.

For an exquisite start to the festivities, Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay is offering a truly decadent Christmas Eve Lunch. Situated within the world-famous Savoy Hotel, this intimate restaurant is a tribute to culinary legend Georges Auguste Escoffier. A meal here is the height of luxury, featuring a tasting menu of the finest contemporary European dishes. The ingredients are second-to-none, and the execution is flawless, delivering a sophisticated and deeply memorable dining experience. While not on Christmas Day itself, it’s the perfect setting for a grand celebratory lunch to kick off the holiday in ultimate style.

Celebrate Christmas lunch in one of London’s most spectacular historic venues. The grand, soaring interior of the German Gymnasium provides a breathtaking backdrop for a festive meal. For the holidays, the restaurant is serving a special Christmas Menu with options between £70 and £140, featuring elegant dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Central Europe. Expect sophisticated yet hearty fare, from warming soups and schnitzels to rich, festive desserts. The combination of the awe-inspiring architecture, sparkling decorations, and refined menu makes for a truly memorable and grand Christmas lunch experience.

Chic, stylish, and conveniently located, RAILS Restaurant & Little Bar at the Great Northern Hotel is a fantastic option for a sophisticated Christmas lunch. The restaurant is offering a special Christmas Day Lunch for £115, featuring a menu of contemporary British and French brasserie classics. The elegant dining room is designed for comfort and conversation, making it a wonderful place to relax and connect with loved ones over a delicious meal. The kitchen focuses on high-quality, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and refined, ensuring a polished and stress-free festive dining experience.

Enjoy a truly British Christmas lunch with an iconic London view at Gillray’s Steakhouse. Positioned on the South Bank, the restaurant offers stunning vistas of the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament. Famed for its dedication to English produce, Gillray’s is the ultimate destination for meat lovers. This Christmas Day at Gillray’s, the menu will undoubtedly feature expertly cooked, locally sourced steak alongside perfectly executed festive classics. The handsome dining room provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a superb choice for a hearty, traditional, and patriotic Christmas Day celebration.

For a Christmas lunch that is bursting with flavour, fun, and incredible value, look no further than Paro Indian. Inspired by the vibrant dining scene of Calcutta’s Park Street, this Covent Garden restaurant offers a creative and modern take on Indian cuisine. Their Paro’s Christmas Day Menu is priced at a remarkable £39.95, making it one of the most accessible and exciting festive options in the city. Expect a menu that is both playful and delicious, blending authentic spices with contemporary flair. It’s the perfect choice for a lively and unconventional Christmas lunch that is guaranteed to be a feast for the senses.

Escape to Southeast Asia this Christmas with a unique and elegant lunch at Straits Kitchen. Located within the serene Pan Pacific London, this restaurant showcases the diverse and authentic flavours of Singapore. Their Christmas Day Lunch, with a price range of £65 to £135, presents a sophisticated menu that blends the best of Chinese, Malay, and Indian culinary traditions. The lush, tranquil dining room, filled with greenery, provides a beautiful and calming environment. It’s an excellent choice for a refined and flavourful Christmas lunch that offers a delicious departure from the traditional European fare.

For a relaxed, flexible, and family-friendly Christmas lunch, the Bloomsbury St. Lounge is an ideal choice. They are hosting a wonderful Christmas Day Buffet for £70 per person, allowing guests to indulge in a wide variety of festive dishes at their own pace. This is a perfect option for groups with diverse tastes, ensuring there is something delicious for everyone to enjoy. The lounge offers fantastic value, especially for families, with junior guests (ages 10–14) receiving a 50% discount. The stylish and comfortable atmosphere makes it a welcoming place to gather and celebrate the day with a generous and joyful feast.