Seasonal

Where to Eat Christmas Dinner in London

From grand hotel feasts to rooms that open on the day: where to eat Christmas dinner in London.

In short: our top picks are The Wolseley, The Goring and The Savoy. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

Not everyone wants to cook on Christmas Day, and London has rooms that turn the meal into a proper occasion: grand hotel feasts, festive set menus and the handful of places that open their doors when most of the city is closed. These are where to eat Christmas dinner in London, whether on the day or across the festive run.

Place Area Price
The Wolseley Piccadilly £££
The Goring Belgravia ££££
The Savoy Strand ££££
Brown's Hotel Mayfair ££££
  1. Editor’s choice

    The Wolseley

    • Piccadilly
    • £££

    Why we pick itA grand European cafe that makes a real event of Christmas; the most civilised festive lunch in London.

    Worth knowingDependable rather than surprising. It sells atmosphere and consistency, and for some diners the food is the least interesting part of the visit.

  2. The Goring

    • Belgravia
    • ££££

    Why we pick itA quintessentially British hotel dining room; the place for a proper traditional Christmas dinner.

    Worth knowingThe restraint reads as staid if you are used to contemporary luxury, and the Dining Room is deliberately traditional rather than experimental.

  3. The Savoy

    • Strand
    • ££££

    Why we pick itGrand hotel feasting on the day itself; book early, dress up and make a night of it.

  4. Brown's Hotel

    • Mayfair
    • ££££

    Why we pick itLondon's oldest hotel does a warm, elegant Christmas; the Donovan Bar for a festive nightcap.

Before you book

Christmas Day bookings open early and sell out fast, so reserve well ahead and check exactly which dates a kitchen is open. Festive set menus run through December if the day itself is taken. And confirm what is included; the best rooms make a real event of it, courses, trimmings and all.