Today I want to bring you my guide to where to find the most Christmassy restaurants in London. The UK capital goes all-out with decorations and displays in the run-up to December 25th, and there are some amazing places to enjoy a meal in festive surroundings. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included an interactive map, too.
Christmas Restaurants in London
Christmas in London gets bigger and brighter every year. From larger-than-life decorations to awe-inspiring displays, the city knows how to dress up for the season.
London’s restaurants are no exception to this rule. Not only do they deck their facades with tinsel and lights, but they also adorn their interiors with baubles and bows.
From traditional decorations to contemporary installations, a lot of effort goes into creating both quintessential and creative dining experiences. They’re worth a special trip.
Whether you’re looking for a festive lunch in the run-up to Christmas or a classic dinner on Christmas Day in London, there’s a place for you this season.
Before you go, keep in mind that London restaurants get fully booked well in advance. It’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time.
Additionally, most restaurants start decorating at the beginning or middle of November, but it’s a good idea to check when you’re booking so you can make sure they’ll be looking festive when you want to dine.
1. Clos Maggiore
First on my list of of the most Christmassy restaurants in London is Clos Maggiore. Right in the heart of Covent Garden, this place is famous for its festive facade.
Each year Clos Maggiore comes to life with big displays outside and cheery decorations inside. From life-size polar bears to Santa’s sleighs, the team here has done it all.
The decorations change each year, so it’s worth coming back again and again to see what the restaurant comes up with each season.
2. Daphne’s
Next on my list of Christmas restaurants is Daphne’s. Right on the border of Chelsea and South Kensington, this neighborhood Italian spot has always been popular with ladies who lunch.
It really comes into its own during the festive season, though. Daphne’s features installations with colorful baubles suspended from the ceiling, garlands around the open fireplace, and a festive facade that welcomes guests inside.
As if that’s not enough, the menu offers special Christmas cocktails and other seasonal items for guests who want to indulge in festive fare.
3. Sushisamba Covent Garden
Another of the best festive restaurants in London is Sushisamba. Located in the heart of the Covent Garden Piazza, this place spares no expense at Christmas.
Sushisamba is known for having loads of baubles hanging from its glass ceiling. They make for a great atmosphere during the run-up to Christmas.
The Sushisamba in Heron Tower also goes all-out with decorations. It’s a good alternative if you want to dine with a view this season.
4. Rules
One of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in London, Rules is a great place to enjoy a memorable British meal at Christmastime.
Located in Covent Garden, this famous restaurant is known for putting up classic Christmas decorations throughout its series of small dining rooms. From baubles to garlands, it has it all.
If you want to dine at Rules, keep in mind that there’s a dress code. It’s a great excuse to smarten up for a formal festive lunch or dinner in London.
5. Sketch
In Mayfair, design-led Sketch is one of the most visually appealing restaurants in London at any time of year. But at Christmas it gets a festive makeover that’s worth checking out.
This famous Michelin-starred restaurant outdoes itself each winter with Christmas trees and creative seasonal decor. Past years have featured everything from apres ski themes to gingerbread houses in the famous loos.
Sketch is the perfect place to dine during a day of Christmas shopping in Mayfair. The decorations here rival the ones on the facades on Bond Street.
6. The Churchill Arms
Okay, so The Churchill Arms is technically a pub rather than a restaurant (although it serves a full menu of Thai food). It still deserves a place on my list of the most Christmassy places to eat in London, though.
That’s because this iconic pub in Kensington decorates its entire facade with loads of Christmas trees and tens of thousands of lights every year. It’s such a big deal that there’s even a switch-on ceremony in November to mark the start of the season.
Better yet, The Churchill Arms decorates its interior with Christmas baubles and garlands. They make this one of my top picks for Christmas pubs in London.
7. Dalloway Terrace
In Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace in The Bloomsbury Hotel is an elegant and quintessentially English restaurant near the British Museum.
Dalloway Terrace is known for its decorations year-round, but during the festive season it gets a Christmas makeover. Everything from winter foliage on the walls to festive creations hanging from the ceilings transforms this place.
The decorations change every year, so it’s worth going back over and over to see what’s new. There are special Christmas menu items to try, too.
8. Miracle on Russell Street
If you want to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, look no further than Miracle on Russell Street. Each winter this place transforms itself into an over-the-top festive extravaganza.
Every inch of Miracle is packed with baubles, lights, and tinsel. There are vintage TVs playing classic Christmas movies, fake fireplaces, and scents and sounds to accompany it all.
Santa’s elves serve indulgent cocktails in glasses shaped like unicorns and Christmas dinosaurs, and there’s a range of nibbles on offer to make a festive meal.
9. Annabel’s
Of all the restaurants in London, Annabel’s wins every year for the best Christmas facade. This private members’ club in Mayfair brings Berkeley Square to life each winter with its larger-than-life display.
The decorations change each year, and many locals make a point of walking past during the festive season to see what the team has come up with. Whether it’s a giant gingerbread house, a Christmas tree, or a tableau from The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, their creativity is impressive.
Note that Annabel’s is only open for dining for members and their guests. If you know a member, it’s worth calling in a favor to have dinner here. I’ve been before, and it’s a special experience.
10. Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Right near Tower Bridge, Coppa Club is one of the most unique places to eat in London at Christmas. It’s has a series of small glassed-in “igloos” that overlook the Thames.
Coppa Club Tower Bridge is the perfect place for everything from festive get-togethers with friends to Christmassy group dinners, cozy catch-ups over mulled wine, and seasonal celebrations.
The menu features a range of festive food and drinks, and the igloos are open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, too.
11. 34 Mayfair
Over near Hyde Park, 34 Mayfair is another restaurant that takes its Christmas decorations seriously. This modern grill restaurant is worth a special trip during the season.
34 Mayfair is famous for its baubles. 14,000 of them hang from the ceiling and adorn the walls each year, making this place a veritable winter wonderland.
Speaking of which, 34 Mayfair is close to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It’s a great place to go before or after a trip to the Christmas extravaganza.
Map
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the restaurants on my list. You can see it here. It will give you an idea of where they are in relation to one another so you can choose the right one for you.
Christmas Restaurants in London
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of where to find the best restaurants in London at Christmas, and that it’s inspired you to try some of them. Whether you choose a classic eatery or a festive pub, I’m sure you’ll like the unique combination of deliciousness and festive cheer they offer.
If you want more inspiration, you can take a look at my blog post about the best Christmas afternoon teas in London. If you found this post helpful, buy me a coffee!
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