It’s sometimes said, understandably so, that Autumn is the prettiest month to be in London, but Winter does give it a pretty good run for its money. Each year, we’re lucky enough to witness some stunning Christmas trees and some seriously lovely Christmas lights. But there’s much more to see than just that! In fact, many of London’s restaurants also get in on the game. So here’s a list of the most festive Christmas restaurants in London to add to your ever-growing list of places to visit this winter.
1. Daphne’s, Chelsea
This acclaimed London Italian restaurant always goes all out with its balls-to-the-wall (and the ceiling) approach to Christmas decorations. Last year’s display brought a Rennaisance-inspired Christmas to London and this year they’ve embraced the winter wonderland theme with open arms. Every square inch of Daphne’s has been festooned with festive adornments, with a roaring fire at the centre of it all. It’s cosy, charming, and utterly fantastically Christmassy!
📍 112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
2. Dalloway Terrace, Fitzrovia
Over in Fitzrovia, the gorgeous foliage-filled dining destination that is Dalloway Terrace has transformed into ‘A Kind of Magic‘ terrace. This year, they’ve teamed up with Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto to bring some Italian elegance straight to central London. The enchanting installation aims to capture the nostalgia and excitement of opening your door to discover that it has snowed. Think frosted pinecones, snow-capped foliage, and greenery glistening with winter morning dew. It’s a winter wonderland – but even classier.
📍 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN.
🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
3. Sunday in Brooklyn, Bayswater
Following the successful arrival from across the pond in 2021, West London’s must-visit American hot spot, Sunday in Brooklyn has announced the return of their Christmassy pop-up, ‘Snowday in Brooklyn‘ on November 22. Guests can expect all-new winter cocktails, new sharing plates, and even some festive sing-alongs.
📍 98 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU.
🚇 Nearest station is Bayswater.
4. Tattu London, Tottenham Court Road
Tattu never fails to impress when the festive season rolls around, and for 2024 The Tempest of the Azure Dragon is here. The Azure Dragon symbolises change in the skies above. Guests can enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine alongside unique theatrical cocktails.They’ve even transformed their outdoor space into the Winter Terrace with heaters, furs everywhere, and plenty of glittering lights. Inside, even the venue’s iconic Cherry Blossom trees have been given a wintry makeover, with glittering, icy-blue branches.
📍 The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA.
🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
5. Coq D’Argent, City of London
Coq D’Argent has rebranded for the festive season once again into Lodge d’Argent. Inspired by the French Alps, they’ve transformed into one of the most brr-illiant Christmas restaurants in London, with chalet-style dining and an exclusive menu of limited-edition Courvoisier cocktails and snacks. There’s even a ski-lift photo spot for you to immortalise the night.
📍 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Bank.
6. Aviary, Shoreditch
Aviary has partnered up with Grey Goose Vodka to launch their enchanting Summit Above the Skyline Winter Igloos. It’s all very cosy and warm, with incredible sights everywhere you look: within the igloos, on the rooftop, and out across the London skyline. There are even light projections across the winter terraces and igloos, to make it seem as if the Northern Lights are illuminating the space! Add to that plenty of delicious cocktails, as well as an impressive food menu, and you’re set for a festive night out to remember.
📍 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A IDX.
🚇 Nearest stations are Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and Old Street.
7. Wagtail, Monument
In conjunction with Aviary, and also in partnership with Grey Goose Vodka, Wagtail has also had a Summit Above the Skyline makeover of their rooftop bar and restaurant. They’ve had a very similar makeover, with igloos and birch and spruce trees dotting the winter wonderland – and they’ve got the Northern Lights too! But can you really resist going to both venues, when they just look so pretty?! Tell yourself it’s research, or a very immersive game of Spot The Difference.
📍 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR.
🚇 Nearest station is Monument.
8. The Little Scarlet Door, Soho
Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind, and at The Little Scarlet Door the team has gone all out this party season. The New York-apartment-inspired bar/restaurant has brought the holiday spirit with show-stopping enviable décor and seasonal specials. It’s time to get the party started!
📍 12-13 Greek Street, W1D 4DL.
🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
9. sketch, Mayfair
Time and time and time and time again, sketch makes a case for being simply the most stunning restaurant and venue in all of London. (If not, the entire world…) And for the festive season, they’ve gone and done it again with a winter wonderland transformation morphing every room into a festive delight. This year’s installation is called ‘A Sweet Christmas’ celebrating the delightful confections of the festive season.
📍 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG.
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
10. Gaucho, various venues
Gaucho is saying Gaucho-ho-ho this festive season, with Christmassy transformations and events taking place across a number of their sites. There’s the Terrazas Patagonian Terrace at their Piccadilly venue and the Snow Globe Dining Pods over in Canary Wharf. Head to Charlotte Street and you’ll find them hosting a festive film club, while in Sloane Square they’re hosting wreath-making workshops.
📍Multiple venues, find your nearest one here.
11. Kitchen at Holmes, Marylebone
Marylebone-based Kitchen at Holmes have pulled out all the stops with a stunning rooftop cinema experience last year. While the same has not been announced this year, things are definitely festive and snug enough for you to check out.
📍 108 Baker Street, W1U 6LJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Baker Street.
12. Claridge’s Restaurant, Mayfair
In the wake of the unveiling of the Paul Smith collaborative tree, the hotel has also given its eponymous restaurant a festive makeover. And what better way to make a restaurant feel festive AF than by plopping a sparkling, shimmering Christmas tree into the middle of the dining room? If you’re fortunate enough to visit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you can also enjoy some truly indulgent, ultra-luxe menus.
📍 Brook Street, W1K 4HR.
🚇 Nearest station is Bond Street.
13. SUSHISAMBA, Covent Garden & Bishopsgate
SUSHISHAMBA is making sure none of their guests are left out of the festive feeling by giving both of their London restaurants a Christmassy makeover. At their Bishopsgate location, high up in Heron Tower, the restaurant has been filled with a sparkling installation of over 600 metallic balloons. Over at the restaurant’s Covent Garden location, meanwhile, they’ve also revealed a wonderful Winter Piazza Terrace in partnership with Patrón, with twinkling maple trees and sparkling winter trimmings.
📍 35 The Market Building, WC2E 8RF and Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY.
🚇 Nearest stations are Covent Garden and Liverpool Street.
14. The Hawk’s Nest, Shepherd’s Bush
In the middle of Shepherd’s Bush Market, you’ll find The Hawk’s Nest, a charming pizza kitchen and bar. And yes, despite its 300-seater covered terrace, it truly does positively ooze charm. It’s now all the more charming and delightful with the news that they’ve strung up their Christmas decorations. This festive season, the space will be transformed into a cosy woodland garden filled with candles and fairy lights, and of course the urns of mulled wine and cider will be out alongside many more Christmas extras on the menu!
📍 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush Market, W12 8DF.
🚇 Nearest station is Goldhawk Road.