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, expect luxury and comfort galore at Theo Randall this year.
Where: 1 Hamilton Place, W1J 7Q
Book now: Theo Randall at the InterContinental Park Lane

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 is serving a four-course menu - not including Champagne, snacks, bread and petit fours - that’s sure to set your palate alight, from wild mushroom agnolotti with mushroom essence and miso hollandaise, to venison with endive, crushed apple, 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
Book now: Wild Honey

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, from a prawn and lobster cocktail to roast beef with Yorkshire puddings and horseradish, with a bit of tableside theatre thrown in.
Where: Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: Charlie’s at Brown’s

The Colony Grill, Mayfair

What: It’s a fine day indeed when you find yourself dining at The Beaumont’s art deco Colony Grill Room, especially if that day is the 25 December. This year’s festive menu features an all-star cast of festive bangers, from foie gras parfait with orange, Madeira jelly and toasted brioche, to truffled brie with honey and crackers, and Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. You’ll need to shell out £300 for it of course - we’re warning you now.
Where: 8 Balderton Street, W1K 6TF
Book now: The Colony Grill

Artyard Bar & Kitchen, South Bank

What: Nestled inside Bankside Hotel, Artyard Bar & Kitchen is a modern and relaxed all-day restaurant in one of London’s most festive epicentres (South Bank’s famous Christmas market is right on its doorstep). Christmas Day here is a convivial affair with menus served family-style and affordable options available for children, too. The buffet lunch includes a selection of starters and salads to kick things off, followed by roast meats, classic sides, and indulgent sweets to finish. No fuss, just good food and loads of fun!
Where: 2 Blackfriars Road, SE1 9JU
Book now: Art Yard Bar & Kitchen

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. On 25 December, guests will be treated to a six-course feast of fine French cooking, from duck foie gras terrine with quince and apple condiment, to Yule log 'our way'. It might be far from a classic Christmas meal, but if there's ever a time to try new things, it's here. 
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. We're talking brown crab mousse with pickled watermelon, almond and sourdough, and Champagne poached halibut with crab and courgette cannelloni, sea herbs, tomato and crème fraiche sauce. Extraordinary is the word. 
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. A glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee kicks of celebrations, followed by three wintery courses, from game terrine with onion jam and sourdough toast, to roast turkey with pigs in blankets, sage and apricot stuffing and cranberry sauce. 
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 an elaborate menu 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

The Lanesborough Grill, Belgravia

What: Who would say no to a 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 can't resist Instagramming their Christmas feast, these are the best spots with brilliant vistas in the capital.

Sea Containers Restaurant, South Bank

What: Does Christmas dinner with a view of the river sound too good to be true? Get yourself down to Sea Containers on the big day to enjoy a four-course feast with clear views of the water. £130 gets you three elegant courses with sides, amuse bouche and a glass of Champagne, plus top-notch service to boot. Choose from the likes of brown butter scallops with apple, celeriac and hazelnuts, Hereford beef with mashed potato and winter black truffle jus, and black forest chocolate brownie mousse for dessert.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Book now: Sea Containers 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 goes big on traditional Portuguese Christmas flavours, with a menu comprised of delicious petiscos and tapas dishes. Think beef pica pau with garlic and mushrooms, turkey with black cabbage and Madeira sauce, and loin of venison with fried brussels sprouts and king oyster mushrooms. Kids menus are available if you're booking for a family. 
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 menu this year comes in at £155 and includes a welcome cocktail to start, 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, from foie gras creme brulee to lobster gnocchetti with spiced tomato bisque. 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
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?

TOZI, Victoria

What: Experience an Italian Christmas at TOZI Victoria with its £100 feasting menu, which is filled with signature dishes like buffalo ricotta ravioli with winter black truffle. Yum. Relaxed celebrations would be well at home here, with warm and friendly service that makes you feel at home. Simply sit back, relax, and let the team bring you plate after plate of Italian treats. We love the sound of slow cooked ox cheek with wild mushrooms and mashed potato, and warm panettone with mascarpone cream.
Where: 8 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ
Book now: Tozi Victoria

28:50 by Night, Marylebone

What: This super stylish neighbourhood spot is serving up an unbeatable trio of classic Christmas fare, Champagne and live jazz on the 25 December. A surefire recipe for a good time, no? Guests will be serenaded by soulful jazz and blues while they tuck into five delicious courses, including smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and dill creme fraiche, roast turkey with pigs in blankets, roasties, sprouts and a sage jus, blue cheese with port, and Christmas pudding with brandy custard. We feel warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.
Where: 76 Wigmore Street, W1U 2SJ
Book now: 28:50 by Night

Riding House, Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury

What: Christmas is all about fun, and whether your group is large or small, the setting at Riding House is exactly that. Both its Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury restaurants are open on Christmas Day, serving a decadent lunch menu in the heart of London. It's a sharing affair this year, with starters, cheese and desserts served family-style at the table, from baked taleggio with black truffle, honey and focaccia crisps, to smoked winter squash with tahini labneh and seeds. All you have to do is decide on your main course, which includes turkey with apple and herb stuffing with cranberry sauce, or a truffled portobello and sweet potato Wellington. 
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ 
Book now: Riding House, Riding House Bloomsbury

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 is putting its own twist on Christmassy classics with an Italian-style three-course menu. Kick things off with starters of tuna tartare and celeriac soup, followed by fillet steak with gratin potatoes with a red wine jus. 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 lots of all-American favourites on offer here, including Caesar salads, full racks of baby back ribs, New York strip steaks, and the original legendary burger. To finish, you can't beat 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. Details about its Christmas Day menu have finally been revealed, which starts with mulled wine on the terrace, followed by irresistable canapes, four indulgent courses, and mince pies with brandy cream to finish. We can't wait. 
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: The Midland Grand Dining Room

Sticks 'n' Sushi, Shoreditch

What: Are you an early riser on Christmas morning? Sticks 'n' Sushi in Shoreditch is putting on a huge Danish-Japanese breakfast on Christmas Day filled with classic-with-a-twist dishes, cocktails and Champagne. It's certainly one of the more lavish ways to kick of celebrations! Choose from Continental breakfast platters, miso eggs benedict, soy-cured salmon on rye bread and a scrambled egg rice bowl. Let the Kimchi Bloody Mary’s flow!
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Book now: Sticks 'n' Sushi Shoreditch

YOPO at the Mandrake, Fitzrovia

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, a special three-course menu will be served on 25 December, starting with a Teremana cocktail and accompanied by a live harpist performance. For a flavour of what to expect, dishes include smoked salmon tostadas with goat's curd and dill, halibut with white beans and sherry, and brown butter roast potatoes. 
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: YOPO at The Mandrake

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

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 team is putting a unique spin on festive favourites again this year, from spiced duck liver pate with chilli focaccia to tandoor spiced roast turkey with ghee roast potatoes, buttered beans and sprouts. Wash it all down with a mulled wine Bellini!
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

What: Synonymous with luxury dining all over the world, Nobu is a great choice if you want the stress taken out of Christmas Day. It's serving up an extravagant Christmas brunch on the 25 December at its Shoreditch hotel, including unlimited sushi, sashimi and crispy rice, plus festive mains like chicken ballotine with sage stuffing teriyaki. Complete the experience with one of its drinks add-ons - classic, premium or luxury - to make it a proper party.  
Where: 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Book now: Nobu Shoreditch

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

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