Canary Wharf
GUIDESTHE BEST CHRISTMAS MENUS IN LONDON 2026
A NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO FESTIVE DINING ACROSS THE CITY
London's got no shortage of places to eat at Christmas, but also no shortage of soggy sprouts, mystery service charges, and menus that call a jacket potato “deconstructed.” If you've been searching “Christmas meals near me” or “Christmas dinner London” on repeat, here's what's actually worth booking, and where.
Nearly a quarter of us (22%) eat out at Christmas specifically to dodge the hassle of hosting, and another 22% do it so everyone's dietary needs are actually covered (source). Translation: the smart money's on somebody else doing the cooking.
So, if you’re looking for Christmas restaurants in London, we’ve got 28 locations across the city.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CHRISTMAS SET MENU (AND WHAT TO SKIP)
- Proper choice, not just a token option: vegan and gluten-free shouldn't mean “here's some plain pasta.”
- A clear price, upfront: no surprise supplements once you get to the “premium” mains.
- Three courses that actually move: starters, mains and dessert on one set menu means faster service for big groups — nobody wants to still be mid-tiramisu at 11 PM.
- Something that actually feels festive: not just a Sunday roast with a cracker next to it.
LONDON'S BEST CHRISTMAS SET MENU, COURSE BY COURSE
The Zizzi Christmas menu runs from 17th November to 4th January. Two courses from £24.95 and three courses from £29.95.
- Starters: Black Truffle Arancini with fonduta dip, Calamari, or Pig in Blanket Bombe.
- Mains: Cranberry & Prosciutto Roast Chicken, Lobster & Five Cheese Casareccia, or a Vegan Baked Gnocchi that isn't just an afterthought.
- Dessert: Pistachio Christmas Tree - milk chocolate mousse, pistachio crème centre, Oreo crumb and popcorn crunch. Or Tiramisu.
Vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten options are built into the menu, not bolted on as a special request.
CHRISTMAS DAY, CHRISTMAS EVE, OR JUST A FESTIVE TUESDAY
Not every Christmas meal has to land on the 25th December. Like most restaurants, Zizzi closes on Christmas Day itself — the team's got their own families to get back to. But the Christmas menu runs from 17th November right through to 4th January. Plenty of days either side for a pre-Christmas team dinner, a Christmas Eve meal, a New Year catch-up, or just a Christmas feast in London because you fancied a break from the leftovers.
Whether it's a Christmas dinner menu you're after, a Christmas Day alternative, or just decent Christmas food in London that doesn't mean cooking for twelve — that's what this is for.
WHERE TO BOOK IT: ZIZZI'S CHRISTMAS SET MENU ACROSS LONDON
Searching for a Christmas set menu in London? There's usually a Zizzi table not far off, wherever you're starting the night:
- Covent Garden (Bow Street): pre-theatre or post-shopping, right in the middle of the West End buzz.
- Canary Wharf: built for the after-work Christmas do, straight from the office.
- Greenwich (Cutty Sark): riverside views and a bit more laid-back — good for family groups.
- St Katharine Docks / Tower Hill: Tower Bridge on your doorstep, ideal for group bookings with a view of the marina.
- Victoria: central, easy to get to, easy to leave — a solid pick for corporate teams.
- Westfield (White City): combine your Christmas shopping with dinner and skip a second trip into town.
We've got 28 Zizzi restaurants across London, so if you're searching “Christmas menus near me,” there's usually one close enough that you won't need a cab.
Victoria
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER
Larger group bookings need a deposit to hold the date — check with your local restaurant for specifics. And if you're a Zillionaires’ Club member, book a big group before 15th October for visits between 17th November and 4th January to bag an early booking gift.
CHRISTMAS SET MENU FAQs
A three-course set menu from £29.95 — festive starters, mains and desserts, plus vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten options built in.
From 17th November 2026 to 4th January 2027.
Like most restaurants, Zizzi closes on Christmas Day itself. The full Christmas menu runs every other day from 17th November to 4th January, so there's room for a dinner, lunch or festive catch-up around it.
Zizzi's closed on the 25th December, but with 28 restaurants across London serving the full Christmas menu from 17th November to 4th January, there's no shortage either side of it — a Christmas Eve dinner, or a festive lunch in the run-up, works just as well.
Yes — the Christmas menu includes vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten options as standard, not just on request.
Covent Garden, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, St Katharine Docks, Victoria and Westfield White City are popular picks, but with 28 restaurants across Greater London there's likely one near you.
Yes — December gets booked up fast, and larger groups will need a deposit.
Many Zizzi restaurants offer private or semi-private dining, and some can be hired out entirely for larger Christmas parties. Perfect for when you want that extra bit of space for friends’ gatherings, office parties or corporate getogethers.