Edinburgh Christmas lunch

10 February 2023|Read time 3 mins

Andy Williams told us “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, and we're sure he was thinking of spending it in Edinburgh.

How about leaving the dirty work to somebody else this Christmas, and enjoying your festive feast in one of Edinburgh’s favourite eateries?

The best Christmas Lunch and Dinner in Edinburgh 2025

Edinburgh offers many great places to eat, including at Christmas. Read on for our guide on the best places to eat Christmas lunch and a festive dinner this 2025:

One for Leith: The Granary

Let’s get the ball rolling with a Leith favourite.

The Granary serves up delicious meals with all of the usual favourites, and a few luxury alternatives like a Wild Mushroom, Artichoke & Thyme Turnover.

The best bit? There’s a dessert menu is varied, featuring a cheeseboard, so no last-minute panics over whether to go for sweet or savoury.

One to warm the cockles: The Sheep Heid Inn

Dating back to 1360, and with its very own skittles alley, The Sheep Heid Inn is an Edinburgh institution, and you’ll struggle to find anywhere cosier for a friendly, traditional Christmas.

On offer is a scrumptious meal, featuring plenty of fresh, British ingredients and all the trimmings.

Go the whole hog: Miller & Carter

Miller & Carter often offer up a 30-day aged prime steak & seafood duo - oh my! They've been awarded 'The Masters of Steak' from the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs, so you're guaranteed exceptional servings.

There's never the need to play menu roulette at Christmas with this establishment as they are known for providing exceptional festive menus throughout the Christmas period, with unique menus on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year.

They also offer a Young Guest menu which isn’t like your normal kid's menu as it includes the option of hand-carved roast turkey, grilled salmon, or a Croxton manor cheese souffle.

Don't leave it too late with your booking as this is a place which fills up quicker than most.

Le Petit Beefbar 

Le Petit Beefbar will be opening for their first Christmas Day Dinner in 2025. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh on George Street, Le Petit Beefbar is perfect for your festive celebration.

You can be safe in the knowledge that they will deliver an experience to remember – and you don’t have to do any cooking or cleaning!

Adding a flare to traditional dishes, their menu demonstrates their expertise in the beef industry. At Le Petit Beefbar, you can experience some of the best cuts in the world, surrounded by the classically chic décor of their magnificent dining room.

Tigerlily, Edinburgh

Tigerlily offers a sleek and modern dining experience while taking pride in their “field to fork traceability”, sourcing the majority of their food from Scotland.

The venue is sleek, undeniably vibrant and puts the wow factor into your entire experience.

With plenty of festive cocktails on offer, they also add a modern twist to your drinks, with new creations to sample.

You can also opt for more traditional choices such as Chicken Liver Parfait or Beetroot Cured Salmon Gravalax to start followed by Crispy Confit Duck Leg or traditional Christmas Roast Turkey with all the trimmings.

Finish up with Dark Chocolate & Orange Torte or Christmas Pudding with brandy custard.

A Joyous Festive Afternoon Tea at Waldorf Astoria 

With afternoon tea sittings throughout Christmas (except Christmas Day), you'll enjoy a truly unique experience at the Waldorf Astoria.

Located in the spacious 'Court', with high ceilings and sumptuous decor, this festive afternoon tea will be a memorable part of your festive experience.

Delight in the creative combination of holiday flavours, from hazelnut to praline, butterscotch and blackcurrant. 

One Square, Edinburgh 

Why not visit Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa this Christmas Day and sit and relax in elegant décor, while the magic of Christmas is brought to you?

Your locally sourced meal will begin in style with six courses, including decadent dishes such as warm focaccia, pink pepper whipped butter with Juniper marinated gordal olives, or Beetroot & ginger cured halibut, gin compressed apple, sea fennel and crispy tapioca with bergamot sauce.

There will also be festive afternoon teas throughout December and even into January, perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends. 

Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux 

One of the gems of Princes Street, the Balmoral Hotel has been welcoming families to celebrate the festive season for over a hundred years.

With the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, what better view to look out over while eating over the Christmas period?

The festive lunch in Brasserie Prince will delight as the chef creates his masterpeices with very best of Scottish produce combined with classic French cooking.

Highlights include a mouth-watering Champignon Sauvage Bourguignon and the traditional turkey roast, finishing with Amedei Chocolate Tart.  

There will also be a decadent festive afternoon tea in the stunning Palm Court, with their own unique twist on sandwiches, scones and pastries.

And one for luck: Browns

A national brand, central location, and more sprouts than you can shake a stick at – what else could you possibly need?

Celebrate with your loved ones at Browns and enjoy their menu with various traditional culinary delights such as a Roast Breast of turkey with chestnut & cranberry stuffing or a Roast Loin of Venison.

Book a Christmas break with Reserve Apartments

Now that you know where you'll be over-indulging, it's time to book your festive holiday accommodation with Reserve Apartments. 

Just don't forget to tell Father Christmas your new address, or he won't be able to deliver your presents!