December has arrived, which means the return of the festive menu season. Whether honey-glazed pigs in blankets tempt your tastebuds, or cranberry and brie topped pizzas are more your jam, London restaurants delight in bringing the taste of Christmas to our plates.
SEE: 12 best things to do in festive London in December
If you're wondering where to dine out on the best festive menus, our HELLO! writers know exactly where to book. From the delicious Boxing Day turkey curry at Bill's to the inviting fig and honey wild boar pizza at Zizzi, behold the very best merry menus in London for all your Christmas social plans.
MORE: Best places to get a roast dinner in London - the ultimate Sunday lunch guide
Scroll on to discover the best festive menus in London…
Best festive menus in London this Christmas
Zizzi
Where Christmas meets Italian cuisine, this much-loved chain has pulled out all the stops for its merry menu. With seasonal delights and tasty twists on Italian classics, you can't go wrong with Zizzi's extensive festive offering - which includes plenty of tempting treats for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners.
From a festive twist on the Rustica pizza, topped with pulled wild boar, to the mouthwatering Rum Baba (that’s a cake drenched in rum syrup to you and me), Zizzi has food that’s fit for a feast - and three courses from their set menu cost just £22.95.
Those with a sweet tooth will delight at Zizzi's brand new Giant S'mores Fondue (we know). As good as it sounds, this sharer of hot-baked marshmallow, chocolate and biscuit is served with mini praline brownies, churros and honeycomb to dip. The ultimate indulgent winter warmer.
To book, visit www.zizzi.co.uk
Manthan
Manthan is one of the chicest Indian restaurants you'll find in London. Located on Maddox Street in Mayfair, the new venue is one half the brainchild of distinguished chef Rohit Ghai, who has drawn on his culinary experiences in restaurants all around the world and the street markets of India to present an innovative and exciting menu.
This Christmas, Manthan has fashioned a signature tasting menu, also available in a vegetarian version, which features some of Mr Ghai's best-sellers. The fried ghati masala prawns are incredibly moreish and nicely balanced with a hint of lime, while the saucy lamb osso buco has a powerful kick to it and goes beautifully mopped up with the Sri Lankan pol roti. On the vegetarian side, the halloumi tikka is just one example of the chef's culinary creativeness. His genius is again reflected in the classical trio dessert, which is made up of laddoo, gulab jamun and srikhand all mixed into one sweet treat.
All of the dishes are presented beautifully and of a generous portion. Make sure to try some of the cocktails too or the non-alcoholic drinks like the traditional mango lassi. With top-notch food and tipples and a gorgeously divine setting, you can't go wrong.
To book a table visit manthanmayfair.co.uk
Pizza Express
Who said pizza can't be festive? Whether you opt to dine in at one of the stunning venues across London or choose to indulge in the Christmas magic at home, Pizza Express' festive menu really comes alive at Christmas.
Those dining in can indulge in 5 courses from just £24.95 per person, with the likes of fragrant Turkey Polpette, slow-cooked Italian pulled pork on a white béchamel base pizza, and mushroom and pesto pizza on offering, amongst many other festive favourites.
Highlights have to be the delicious goat’s cheese, spinach, mozzarella, tomato, garlic oil and red onion pizza – it’s a feast of flavours and textures, topped with fruity & festive cranberry sauce. Finish off your merry meal with figs in a cinnamon and white wine spiced syrup with mascarpone. Bellisimo.
To book, visit www.pizzaexpress.com/christmas
The Real Greek
The Real Greek has just launched its Christmas menu, featuring a range of Aegean classics to celebrate throughout the festive period. Whether celebrating the office Christmas party with colleagues, or enjoying an intimate dinner with close friends or family, The Real Greek's festive menu is perfect for any yuletide event.
The dining experience begins with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then guests can opt for either a three course meal priced at £24.95 per person, or a two course meal priced at £19.95 per person. To start, diners can enjoy a Greek Meze Plate which features a selection of classic Meze favourites, including Crudités, Flatbread, Houmous, Tzatziki, Green Pea Fava, Spinach Tiropitakia, Dolmades & Olives.
To book, visit www.therealgreek.com
Bill's
This Christmas, Bill’s is lighting up the streets of Soho with a sparkling 3D Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer light installation, alongside a delicious selection of limited-edition cocktails and dishes.
To match the glittering exterior, Bill's festive menu is just as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your belly. Highlights include hearty pigs-in-blankets served with a generous helping of homemade cranberry sauce, festive burgers packed with truffled cheese or the warming Boxing Day curry packed with turkey, spinach, carrot and parsnip in a warming Thai red curry sauce.
There's nothing quite like a Bill's dessert. The restaurant's iconic Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree is enough to bring a smile to any face, complete with a red berry cheesecake in a chocolate flowerpot, and Christmas tree with chocolate stars and baubles.
To book, visit bills-website.co.uk
Patty & Bun
If a dirty burger is what you're after this indulgent season, then Patty & Bun is your go-to place. The popular burger joint has launched its Christmas special, the wonderfully named 'Cheesus was born' - a monster of a burger made up of beef brisket, an aged HG Walter beef patty, Ogleshield cheese, Edam cheese, bone marrow butter, pickles, and lashings of aioli. The £12 burger is available across all Patty & Buns in London throughout the winter season.
Patty & Bun is also the perfect, no-frills restaurant for friends. If you're dining in a group of six or more, guests will be able to order any burger, chips, and a glass of fizz or Patty Pils for £20 each. This latter offering will be available until Christmas. Sounds perfect for a team lunch or hangover cure!
To book, visit pattyandbun.co.uk
Bluebird Chelsea
This December, Bluebird Chelsea will be open for special Christmas Day celebrations alongside a New Year’s extravaganza in partnership with Nyetimber! The neighbourhood restaurant, that’s been fully transformed for the festive season, will be welcoming in guests to celebrate Christmas Day with a special three-course menu. The Bluebird Chelsea Christmas Day menu will feature everyone's warming favourites including Norfolk Bronze Turkey, Confit Leg, Stuffing, Sprouts and Roast Potatoes alongside a warming Christmas Pudding with Warm Brandy and Crème Anglaise. Guests can join the sought-after restaurant for a day of celebrations for £150 per head, with a special three-course menu for the little ones at £50 each.
To book, visit: bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
The Spread Eagle
The Spread Eagle is preparing for celebrations across the winter season with plant based menus to suit all festivities! The traditional and cosy pub is the ideal spot to gather with friends, family or colleagues over the Christmas period with a delicious festive menu on offer from November 22nd. With two courses for £20 or 3 courses plus a glass of Prosecco for £30. There will also be a special, warming drinks menu on offer, including winter classics such as Mulled Wine, Boozy Hot Chocolate with vegan whipped cream and Vegnog.
To book visit: thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk
St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel
From 1st December until 2nd January, embrace the festive spirit with the Christmas afternoon tea at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Kona. This decadent tea features a range of delicious sweet and savoury treats including a winter warmer hot chocolate bauble alongside festive spiced cinnamon scones. Kona’s Winter Wonders afternoon tea is priced at £60 per person, and includes a glass of Prosecco. If you're already bored of turkey dinners, this is the perfect option for something a little bit special!
Info and booking: stjamescourthotel.co.uk/
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