The Best Places in Edinburgh for Christmas Day Lunch – 2019

Christmas in Edinburgh is a magical time and here at Dickins, we love the season and all that comes with it!  The twinkling lights that adorn our city’s beautiful architecture, some of the best Christmas markets in the country, and the smells of cinnamon and fresh baking – all building up to that moment when we can finally tuck into a delicious Christmas Day lunch!

Christmas Day Lunch in Edinburgh

Have you considered celebrating a white Christmas in Scotland this year? Few cities do the Christmas season better than Edinburgh and the capital is famous for its spectacular festive food. With so many places to choose from, knowing what’s open and deciding where to go for an Edinburgh Christmas Day lunch can be tricky. Luckily, Dickins is here to help!

Narrowing down this list was no easy task as there are so many wonderful places to eat in Edinburgh. Nevertheless, we’ve endeavoured to find a variety of options that are both festive and family-friendly. And of course, delicious! So, keep reading to discover our favourite places to enjoy Christmas Day lunch in Edinburgh – 2019.

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1. Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux

Photo: Brasserie Prince

Brasserie Prince | 1 Princes Street

This luxurious bistro is located within the famous Balmoral Hotel and is both a chic and relaxing place to enjoy Christmas Day lunch. Chef Alain Roux of the famous Roux dynasty has made Brasserie Prince the place in Edinburgh to enjoy seasonal Scottish produce with a French twist. Enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival followed by a delicious four-course festive feast and a decadent dessert to top it off.

A Bûche de Noël – or Yule Log – one of Alain Roux’s signature French desserts.

Lunch at Brasserie Prince this year is priced at £145 per person with wine packages available from £30 per person. Three-course children’s menus are also available. We recommend booking asap – this place is popular!

2. The Printing Press

Photo: The Printing Press

The Printing Press | 21-25 George Street

The fantastic Printing Press restaurant is one of our favourite places to enjoy Christmas lunch in Edinburgh. Located on George Street – where you’ll find some of the city’s most beautiful Chrismas decorations – this elegant and warm bistro is the ideal place for a festive celebration. With main dishes like Norfolk Bronze organic turkey with chestnut stuffing, beef Wellington, or wild mushroom gnocchi on the menu, you simply can’t go wrong at the Printing Press. Top it all off with a traditional Christmas pudding, tonka bean parfait, or warm chocolate and chestnut tart followed by coffee and petit fours. Heaven!

This five-course menu is priced at £109 per person.

3. Hotel Du Vin

Photo: Hotel Du Vin

Hotel Du Vin | 11 Bristo Place

Celebrate Christmas in style with great food and wine at the rustic Bistro Du Vin, located within the Hotel Du Vin in Edinburgh’s Old Town. This Christmas Day lunch includes four courses with Champagne to start and features some inventive dishes like parsnip and apple soup, roast monkfish with cranberry, and the traditional Christmas pudding. It’s all followed by a course of mince pies and clementines served with your choice of hot drink and a Christmas cracker!

This Christmas Day lunch comes in at £112 per person.

4. The Pompadour

Photo: The Waldorf Astoria

The Pompadour | The Caledonian Waldorf Astoria

Treat yourself to the best meal of the year at one of the most beautiful restaurants in Edinburgh, The Pompadour, located within the Waldorf Astoria. This luxurious place opens its doors on Christmas Day for a truly special three-course lunch. Savour dishes like lobster ravioli and roast turkey followed by clementine cheesecake or the traditional Christmas pudding. The food here is truly something special.

Christmas Day lunch at the Pompadour is £199 per person or £275 per person with sommelier wine pairing.

5. Grazing by Mark Greenaway

Photo: The Waldorf Astoria

Grazing by Mark Greenaway  | The Caledonian Waldorf Astoria

Recently taken over by Edinburgh-based chef and restaurateur, Mark Greenaway, Grazing by Mark Greenaway offers the opportunity to relax, unwind and of course, eat! The menu here reflects a laidback ‘grazing’ concept and showcases a mix of traditional, modern and sharing plates. Celebrate a magical Christmas with all the family with classic British and unique concept dishes like tempura soft shell crab, roast halibut, and of course the traditional carved turkey. Prices range from £135 per person or £175 with matching wines, and £50 per child.

The Caledonian Waldorf Astoria is also offering their famous Christmas Day lunch buffet in the Castle Suite this year, perfect for families. Prices are £145 per adult and £50 for children. The menu at this buffet is huge and the best part is, it’s all-you-can-eat! For more info or to book, call 0131 222 8857 or email [email protected]

6. Chez Jules

Photo: Louise Bennett

Chez Jules | 109 Hanover Street

Enjoy a rustic Christmas lunch at this unpretentious and casual French Bistro. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, Chez Jules is the perfect place to kick back and relax with the family on Christmas Day. Tuck into a bowl of traditional French onion soup or a platter of escargot to start followed by a classic steak-frites or coq au vin. If you’d prefer a British classic, the traditional roast turkey is also on the menu. Desserts options include a delectable chocolate mousse or sticky toffee pudding.

At just £44.50 per person (not including wine), Chez Jules is an affordable and delicious option for Christmas Day lunch!

7. Number One at The Balmoral

Photo: The Balmoral

Number One at The Balmoral | 1 Princes Street

Last but not least on our list for this year is the sensational and sophisticated Michelin-starred Number One restaurant at the Balmoral Hotel. Their fresh and fun four-course Christmas dinner fuses modern Scottish cuisine with international flair from Head Chef Mark Donald. Enjoy sparkling Champagne with oysters and caviar on arrival before experiencing Number One’s exceptional culinary delights. Main courses include North Sea cod, Wagyu beef, and turkey. For dessert, you’ll have a choice of chocolate and chestnut clementine Mont Blanc or the classic Balmoral Christmas Pudding. Our mouths are watering already!

At £225 per person with the option to add paired wines from £55 per person, Number One tops our list as the priciest choice this year. With its Michelin Star and legendary service, this luscious lunch is well worth the price tag.

Photo: The Balmoral

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Visiting Edinburgh with family this Christmas?
We have the perfect home away from home waiting for you!

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