The best restaurants open on Christmas Day 2024 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 reigns 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, and vegan gravy granules for Wendy. 

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. Imagine lying in bed safe in the knowledge that every little detail has been taken care of and all you have to do is turn up on time at your chosen restaurant. No multi-tasking madness as you try to take the coats from your guests whilst balancing a tray of drinks and basting the bird.

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? These hotel restaurants are for you.

Theo Randall at the InterContinental Park Lane, Green Park

What: A five-course Christmas Day lunch is the order of the day at Theo Randall. The eponymous chef is putting on a veritable Italian festive feast with a glass of Champagne or a Negroni on arrival. From burrata with marinated red peppers to ravioli with Dorset blue lobster, and beef wrapped in coppa with roasted heritage carrots, Theo Randalls promises a touch of luxury and warming hearty plates.
Where: 1 Hamilton Place, W1J 7Q
Book now: Theo Randall at the InterContinental Park Lane

Charlie’s at Brown’s, Mayfair

What: If it’s traditional and luxurious you’re after, Charlie’s at Brown’s fits the bill and then some. With a menu overseen by Trinity chef patron Adam Byatt and the inimitable Jesus Adorno managing front of house, 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, with a bit of tableside theatre thrown in.
Where: Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: Charlie’s at Brown’s

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: Another legendary London restaurant that truly earns its reputation, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is about as special a restaurant as you could end up in on Christmas Day (alongside the aforementioned Ritz). Any conversation about the world’s best chefs surely includes Ducasse, who holds 21 Michelin stars worldwide.
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Homage at The Waldorf Hilton, Covent Garden

What: Homage, as the name would suggest, is an ode to local British culinary traditions. And what is more British than a roast dinner set within the historic Waldorf Hotel, crafted by chefs with a passion for traditional flavours? That’s not to say this is standard fare, far from it. This is a prime example of elevated cooking with each element thoroughly refined.
Where: 22 Aldwych, WC2B 4DD
Book now: Homage at The Waldorf Hilton

Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific, Liverpool Street

What: Just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street, Straits Kitchen is best known for its bold Southeast Asian flavours, made with the freshest British ingredients, perfect for those looking for a twist on the classic Christmas dinner. This year, diners will be met with a welcome glass of Taittinger Brut followed by a festive feast. Start with the likes of parsnip soup with apple caramel, or chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche, followed by turkey, duck, monkfish, rib eye beef or mushroom wellington from the carving station. A hefty selection of sides and an indulgent dessert round off a rather delightful celebration this 25th!
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Book now: Pan Pacific at Straits Kitchen

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 figs and goat’s cheese salad, pan fried scallops, or winter salad. Roast turkey with glazed baby carrots and winter greens is available for the Christmas purists, with non-traditional options such as tuna steak with salsa verde for those who like to mix things up a bit. 
Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
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 - expect all your favourite festive treats come Christmas Day.
Where: Great Northern Hotel, N1C 4TB
Book now: RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar

Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair, Green Park

What: This Mayfair hotel is a rather sophisticated spot to spend your Christmas, especially if you book into its Michelin-starred restaurant. Under the helm of Tom Sellers, Dovetale is offering a rather elaborate menu this 25th, to be enjoyed alongside expert wine pairings. Starters include spiced Christmas milk buns with whipped maple butter, or burrata with spiced apricot, and orange and chicory jam, followed by your choice of turkey, beef wellington or salt-baked trout, with pigs in blankets, honey roast parsnips, roasties and more to share. A plant-based festive menu is also available!
Where: 3 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DL
Book now: Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Sycamore Vino Cucina, Covent Garden

What: There's no holding back when it comes to Sycamore Vino Cucina's Christmas Day menus, which have previously included oak smoked salmon with caviar creme fraiche, a beef Wellington with creamed spinach, and pit-roasted cauliflower with truffle cream sauce. Guests can also expect some indulgent desserts, too. Trust us, you won't leave hungry. 
Where: 66 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BX
Book now: Sycamore Vino Cucina

The Lanesborough Grill, Belgravia

What: First thing's first, who can say no to Christmas Day lunch in this jaw-dropping dining room? The cooking is nothing to sniff at either - Shay Cooper’s Christmas Day menu is elegant and refined, five courses long, and packed full of dishes you'll remember for years to come. Just picture smoked potato mousse, black truffle, and beluga lentils - and that's only the first course! Plus, if you splash out for 'Christmas in Residence' you can even request a chauffeur to drive you to St Paul's Church for evening service.
Where: The Lanesborough, SW1X 7TA
Book now: The Lanesborough Grill

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

Delicious Christmas dinner and great views. For those who just have to Instagram their Christmas feast, these are the best spots with brilliant vistas in the capital.

OXO Tower Restaurant, South Bank

What: With one of the most dramatic views over the capital, OXO Tower makes a brilliant spot to watch a winter sunset. That’s not all. Using the best British ingredients available, executive chef Jeremy Bloor has crafted a series of brilliant menus, including a chef’s tasting menu and Christmas afternoon tea. Dishes on the a la carte menu have included starters of langoustine with guanciale, beef Wellington with chicken liver, and monkfish with oxtail and sea aster.
Where: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
Book now: OXO Tower Restaurant

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 tends to go big on traditional Portuguese Christmas flavours. Why not start in the stunning art deco bar first, then head upstairs into the main restaurant for a Christmas to remember?
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Book now: JOIA

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. The food offering is classic and familiar - think British classics with festive features. 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
Book now: Duck & Waffle

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?

Riding House, Fitzrovia 

What: Christmas is all about fun, and whether your group is large or small, the setting at Riding House is exactly that. With a thoughtfully designed Christmas menu, you can guarantee it'll be a pretty tasty festive affair, too. Throw in some brilliant drinks and warming desserts, and you've got yourself an enviable Christmas Day. 
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ 
Book now: Riding House

Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: One of two immaculate JKS-run pubs in London, 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.
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: Cadogan Arms

Smith's Bar & Grill, Paddington

What: A sleek modern restaurant near Little Venice, Smith’s Bar & Grill has updated the Christmassy classics. The three-course menu kicks off with starters of tuna tartare and celeriac soup. Then, alongside mains of salmon and fillet steak, there’s Christmas dinner with slow-cooked grilled turkey, or the option to go for a choice of roast dinners. For dessert, think sticky toffee Christmas pudding and churros with hazelnut sauce.
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Book now: Smith's Bar & Grill

Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly and Mayfair

What: This well-loved restaurant is putting on a festive feast this year in the form of holiday menus complete with all the trimmings. There are some all-time favourites there too, with Caesar salads, full racks of baby back ribs, New York strip steaks, and the original legendary. burger. To finish, it’s a classic New York-style cheesecake with wintery spices, caramel, and apple. Guests can also expect a menu of festive-themed cocktails to accompany!
Where: 225-229 Criterion Building, W1J 9HR; 150 Old Park Lane, W1K 1QZ
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 Midland Grand Dining Room, King's Cross

What: Without doubt one of London's most beautiful dining rooms, The Midland Grand backs up the gothic splendour with first-rate cooking courtesy of former Allegra chef Charlie Crote. The kitchen specialises in seasonal French fare, so you can expect the sauces to be perfect and the wine list to be top-tier. And if that's not enough, the dining room is so gorgeous it's like sitting in a large jewelled box. 
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: The Midland Grand Dining Room

YOPO at the Mandrake

What: Drawing inspiration from the Amazon and its indigenous ingredients, YOPO offers a slice of escapism on Christmas Day. Set within an impressive dining room, dishes here arrive in the form of small plates, crudos, and larger plates. Flavours come from across the Amazon area, so think choriqueso empanadas, grilled octopus, yellowtail tiradito, and josper-grilled sirloin with chimichurri. Then it’s onto a selection of desserts including tres leches cake, smoked chocolate mousse, and corn cake with chamomile ice cream.
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: YOPO at The Mandrake

Origin, City and Kensington

What: Spend the 25th in the stylish surrounds of Origin City, with its dramatic columns and lofty ceilings that seamlessly blend white-table clothed fine dining with a bit of Scottish ruggedness. Boasting pasture-to-plate, nose-to-tail dining, this one is for those looking to make Christmas a tad more sustainable with heritage meats from Origin's own family farm in Argyll. For those on the other side of the capital, you can enjoy similar menus in the heart of Kensington, and you can bet there'll be a pretty splendid roast up for grabs.
Where: 12 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JR; 2- 24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Book now: Origin City; Origin Kensington

The Cinnamon Club, Westminster

What: Well-known chef, Vivek Singh has put together a properly indulgent feast for Christmas Day 2024. Starters include Keralan-style lobster coup flamed with Cognac, chargrilled kingfish with carom, and handmade paneer soola. Mains are truly indulgent, showcasing bold flavours in plates of kokum-crusted halibut, slow-braised lamb shoulder, and clove-infused goose breast. For a Christmas Day to remember, there’s nowhere like it.
Where: The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU
Book now: The Cinnamon Club

Villa Mamas, Chelsea

What: Fancy a taste of authentic Bahraini Christmas? Villa Mamas brings together flavours from the Middle East and the Mediterranean in a delicious melting pot, using top-quality local, seasonal produce at all times. With comforting food and homely interiors, it's a brilliant option. Don’t miss the Bahraini Espresso Martini either, made with pistachio syrup.
Where: 25-27 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT
Book now: Villa Mamas

Yaatra, Westminster

What: This majestic Indian inside a Grade-II listed Edwardian red brick fire station in Westminster certainly makes a striking and attractive choice for Christmas day. The kitchen is known for its Indian flavours and innovative takes on festive favourites. So why not sit back this year sipping on a Mulled Wine Bellini and try something new?
Where: 4 Greycoat Place, SW1P 1SB
Book now: Yaatra

Cinnamon Kitchen City, City of London

What: Another gem brought to us by Vivek Singh, Cinnamon Kitchen is offering a five-course feast for the big day complete with a Cinnamon Bellini on arrival. For the table, expect a selection of appetisers. Then it’s on to starters of crisp kale and spinach chaat, grilled partridge, and Kolkata-style grilled prawn, a middle course and main dishes, all finished off with desserts like a garam masala Christmas pudding, mango brulee, and warm chocolate mousse.
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, Liverpool Street, EC2M 4YL
Book now: Cinnamon Kitchen City

Nobu London, Shoreditch, Green Park and Marylebone

What: Synonymous with luxury dining all over the world, Nobu is a great choice if you want the stress taken out of Christmas day. All three Nobu locations in London have the same modern, angular beauty, with a tried-and-tested delicious menu that stands the test of time. Approaching 30 years since the group first opened, Nobu remains just as good as it ever has been.
Where: 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH; COMO Metropolitan London, W1K 1LB; 22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG
Book now: Nobu Shoreditch; Nobu at COMO Metropolitan London; Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

Ayllu, Paddington

What: Known for Peruvian Japanese fusion, Ayllu is offering an eight-course Christmas tasting menu showcasing the best of both traditions. This foray into festive fusion flavours begins with light dishes, including chicken anticucho, hamachi tiradito, and Christmas sushi rolls before progressing onto a choice of carne asada, bolsillos de hongos, and black cod. To finish, expect a flaming Christmas pud with raisin and brandy sauce.
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Book now: Ayllu

La Terrazza, Kensington

What: This elegant West London Italian is open over the Christmas period, and serves four courses of elevated, authentic Italian fare courtesy of Pugliese head chef Raffaele Lauriola. This is a restaurant used to delivering magical experiences all year round, so just imagine what it'll be like on the most special day of the year. Delicious? Definitely.
Where: 160 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TL
Book now: La Terrazza

Benares, Mayfair

What: Tucked away in Berkeley Square, Benares offers swanky old-school dining with menus of Michelin-starred Indian cuisine. Christmas here is no different, perfect for those who are looking to spice things up a bit. An exclusive lunch tasting menu is on the cards this year, featuring a number of signature dishes such as the dal benaresi or the delicately spiced malabar scallop. Other offerings include prawns cooked in coconut and tomatoes and kerlyn chicken pepper fry. Expect all this with a selection of breads and raitas, comforting desserts and petit fours to finish.
Where: 12a Berkeley Square House, W1J 6BS
Book now: Benares

Fancy staying at home for Christmas Day but want to take the hassle out of cooking? Check out our favourite Christmas dinner delivery boxes.