16 of the best Christmas dinners in Manchester for 2024

Christmas is a time for being with loved ones, watching festive films, and cocooning up in a pile of fluffy blankets. It’s also a time for eating great food. Succulent turkey, crispy pigs in blankets, and silky potato dauphinoise. Our mouths are watering at the very thought...

If you’re anything like us, festive family meals at home can become more than a little stressful. Planning what you’ll be serving up, juggling a thousand pans, and a vast mountain of washing up to deal with once you’re finished eating, when all you really want to do is flop down on the sofa in a food coma. Ringing any bells?

If you’ve hosted a chaotic festive family dinner one too many times then it might be time to look elsewhere. Enter: our Manchester Christmas dinner restaurant guide. Take yourself and your loved ones out for a meal at one of the many restaurants in Manchester this Christmas and let the experts do all of the planning and cooking for you.

Whether you’re visiting home or are based here full time you’re in luck, because we’ve rounded up the best Christmas dinners Manchester has to offer. Manchester is full to the brim with great food offerings, and that continues right into the festive season. From work events to dinner with the grandparents and fun Christmas nights out with friends, we’ve got something for every occasion.

While some are festive riffs on Manchester’s best Sunday roasts, (think classic roast turkeys, slow-cooked beef, and glazed hams), you’ll also find some more unusual options - festive pizza, anyone? Whatever you’re in the mood for this Christmas, there’s more than likely something out there for you. So have a little scroll through our guide, find your favourite festive menu, and make your Manchester Christmas party dreams come true by booking a spot nice and early.

Hawksmoor, Deansgate

What: What started as one of London’s best steak restaurants has now branched out to other cities across the UK, and we couldn’t be happier about it. If you’re looking for a restaurant that knows its way around a piece of meat, then you’ll struggle to find somewhere better than Hawksmoor. Choose from several sharing set menu or go for one of the tempting cuts of steak with a side of beef dripping chips and creamed spinach - whatever you decide, you won’t be disappointed.
Where: 184 - 186 Deansgate, Deansgate, M3 3WB
Book now: Hawksmoor Manchester

Gino D’Acampo, Deansgate

What: Festive dining at Manchester’s Gino D’Acampo restaurant offers something for everyone. There are two menus, each with three or four courses, available for lunch and dinner. Starters offer the likes of carpaccio di manzo, arancini al ragu, and prawn bruschetta, while mains include classic sirloin steaks, pan-fried seabass, turkey escalope, and cavatelli all a norma. To finish, expect a selection of classic Italian ice cream, chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake, and (of course) a gorgeously silky tiramisu. And you can be sure to find a fine selection of Italian wines here too.
Where: 1 First Street, M15 4RP
Book Now: Gino D'Acampo

Tast Catala, Deansgate

What: Given the chilly temperatures, many of us are feeling nostalgic for holidays in Spain and sunshine-packed flavours. Fortunately, all hope is not lost. Tast Catala is offering festive tasting menus with either five or seven courses to brighten up your day. Start things off with razor clams in marine pesto, and confit tomato tartlets before moving onto courses of pumpkin cream, scallops with Iberian ham, guinea fowl, and poularde pithivier with celeriac puree. To finish, expect a joyous dessert with honey rose, berries and chocolate ice cream.
Where: 20-22 King Street, M2 6AG
Book Now: Tast Catala

Tattu, Spinningfields

What: Inspired by the Azure Dragon, a mythical spirit from Far Eastern folklore and tradition, Tattu has transformed into a wintery blue haven for the festive season. The Christmas menu at Tattu is just as magical, promising menus for sharing, indulgence and comfort. Dishes include the signature lobster and prawn toast, chicken truffle shumai starters, black pepper beef fillet, Shanghai black cod, and an ice dragon dessert made up of cashew butter fudge, dragon fruit and marshmallows. Tattu’s winter bottomless brunch will also be on the table every Saturday throughout November and December.
Where: 3 Hardman Square, Gartside Street, M3 3EB
Book Now: Tattu

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill, Oxford Road

What: One of the non-traditional options for Christmas dinners in Manchester, Zouk is throwing a proper South Asian feast this year. Step through the impressive floral archway, and settle in for a festive party banquet. Starters include chicken tikka, seekh lamb kebabs, and onion bhajis, while mains include the likes of chicken tikka masala, Desi-style lamb and potato korma, and tarka dall. If you’re in need of something to warm you through on a cold winter day, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill should be at the top of your list.
Where: Unit 5 The Quadrangle, Chester Street, M1 5QS
Book Now: Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

The Oast House, Spinningfields

What: The Oast House is beautifully decorated, especially at Christmas time, making it a great venue for your Christmas meal. Choose between a two-course lunch (available until 4:45pm), or a three-course meal (available all day, every day), and tuck into a veritable feast. Kick things off with a Christmas sharing platter, pigs in blankets, and Korean fried chicken before. Then opt for fried sea bass, festive pie, or the signature turkey hanging kebab with turkey, ham, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and an orange cranberry glaze. Just remember to book in advance!
Where: The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY
Book now: The Oast House

Albert's Schloss, Deansgate

What: Alpine-inspired bar Albert’s Schloss is an ideal setting for a Christmas meal, so it’s no surprise that this Bavarian restaurant pulls out all the stops with comforting food, live entertainment and festive tipples. Available as two or three-course set menus, it begins with a choice of Alpine croquettes, chicken liver pate, and bier onion soup. Mains are in keeping with Albert’s Schloss’ Bavarian theme, including Schweinshaxe (crispy roasted pork knuckle), mushroom and celeriac roast, and sauerbraten beef. Top it all off with Albert’s signature apple strudel, chocolate roulade or Northern Bloc ice cream.
Where: 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR
Book now: Albert's Schloss Manchester

Dishoom Manchester, Spinningfields

What: If you’re after a more unique Christmas dinner, Dishoom will probably be of interest. Served for groups of four or more from 18 November to 24 December at £45 per person, the Dishoom festive feasting menu is an impressive one. Grounded in Bombay’s traditions of sharing food amongst loved ones, Christmas at Dishoom involves tasting a little bit of everything. You’ll be in for classics like the house black daal, biryani, ruby murray, gunpowder potatoes alongside the star of the show: turkey raan with trimmings. You’ll also find vegan and vegetarian versions, too.
Where: 32 Bridge Street, M3 3BT
Book now: Dishoom Manchester

Podium, Deansgate

What: Festive dinners at Podium are a luxurious and traditional affair. Coming in at a reasonable £45 for three courses, and £35 for two, you'll get to choose between the tasty dishes for each course. Think confit duck leg tart or cured Loch Duart salmon to start with, followed by a choice of turkey schnitzel with sage and pancetta, braised daube of Cumbrian beef, or maple roasted swede. For dessert, the festive menu includes gingerbread latte cheesecake, a chocolate and pistachio tart with amarena cherry, and caramelised pear cake with mandarin sorbet.
Where: 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ
Book now: Podium Restaurant

Grand Pacific, City Centre

What: Inspired by the golden age of high society, Christmas dinner at Grand Pacific is a classy luxe occasion. It promises a festive dining hall, decorated with wreaths and twinkling lights, and some extravagant dishes to boot. Choose from sweet potato and coconut soup, chicken and herb terrine, and chicken gyoza to start. Moving on to mains of glazed confit duck leg, pan-roasted sea bream, and traditional roast turkey with sage stuffing and creamed leeks. There’s also a winter vegetable and chestnut pastry parcel for the vegans, and you'll have three enviable desserts to choose from.
Where: 50 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN
Book now: Grand Pacific

Higher Ground, Chinatown

What: Taking Christmas menus to new heights this season, Higher Ground is offering seasonal feast sharing menus for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is brilliantly priced, at just £40, but you’ll also have the chance to order from the a la carte menu. Dishes here include yellow pea fritters with Isle of Mull Cheddar, celeriac and heritage apple soup, and coal-roasted venison with cavolo nero and parsnip with smoked butter. It ends with a classic: a sticky malt pudding with milk ice cream. This is one of our favourites.
Where: Falkner House, New York Street, M1 4DY
Book now: Higher Ground

The Black Friar, Greengate

What: The Black Friar is a gastropub on the edge of Salford with warm cosy interiors that blend traditional pub decor and modern comfort. and Christmas dining follows the same theme. Festive set menus offer two to three courses for a surprisingly reasonable price. Think salmon gravadlax and roasted celeriac truffle soup to start, followed by turkey ballotine, chestnut and mushroom lattice, or parmesan-crusted cod loin for mains. Meanwhile, desserts include favourites like baileys and salted caramel yule logs, toffee puddings, and caramelised gingerbread cake.
Where: 41 Blackfriars Road, Salford, M3 7DB
Book now: The Black Friar

Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, City Centre

What: If you’re looking for a festive dinner in Manchester with good vibes, you can’t go wrong with the Hard Rock Cafe. This Christmas, you can enjoy two or three courses at exceptional prices while listening to a soundtrack of rock hits and festive singles. To start, dive into a classic Caesar salad, then follow it up with baby back ribs, a traditional dinner, steak and chips, mushroom Swiss burger or a classic smash burger. To finish, it’s a slice of caramel apple cheesecake.
Where: The Printworks, M4 2BS
Book Now: Hard Rock Cafe Manchester

Namii Kitchen & Cocktails, Chinatown

What: Complete with hanging floral arrangements, a buzzing atmosphere and a city centre location, Namii Kitchen stands as one of the best Vietnamese restaurants around. Christmas menus here are bold, bright and beautiful. There are three festive menus, including a vegetarian taster one, a classic Christmas version, and a luxury Phoenix taster menu. Dishes include crispy squid, breaded seafood rolls, and crispy chicken wings before moving onto a choice of plates like sticky beef short rib and Viet confit duck. Topped off with banana fritters and mango coconut rice, Namii Kitchen is a brilliant option.
Where: City Tower, New York Street, M1 4HN
Book Now: Namii Kitchen & Cocktails

Via Manchester, Canal Street

What: Via, an LGBT+ bar, restaurant, and nightclub, has a fun and affordable Christmas menu to choose from (presumably before you dance the night away on Canal Street). Opt for a two or three course set menu and tuck into some indulgent dishes with a festive twist. You’ll find Christmas hits like the fat Santa burger with, cheese, and delicious extras included such as blankets, Yorkshires, and gravy on the side. Other options include Buddha bowls and Crustmas Pizza, along with sweet treats like the North Pole pudding.
Where: 28-30 Canal Street, M1 3EZ
Book now: Via

Australasia, Spinningfields

What: Australasia is well known for being a boujee dinner setting, and things are no different at Christmas time. This year, Christmas dining at Australasia celebrates the Australian territory Christmas Island. It’s a four-course set menu, starting with Padron peppers for the table before heading onto a selection of starters including beef bon bons, seabass crudo, and sushi with wagyu beef nigiri. As for the main, options include beef rib eye, roast cod, salt and pepper pork, and muscade pumpkin curry. For dessert, we’ve got our eye on a caramelised dark rum pineapple tart.
Where: 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP
Book now: Australasia

If you’re planning a large Christmas dinner or a group dinner at any time of year, you’d better take a glance at some of the best private dining rooms in Manchester. That way you can be properly taken care of and be treated like kings and queens in your exclusive room.

Alternatively, if luxury and indulgence are what you’re after, you’ll find plenty of that on our top picks for the best afternoon tea in Manchester.