London shines on New Year’s Eve. Streets glow with fairy lights, and window displays sparkle across the West End. Also, the midnight fireworks over the Thames feel electric, while riverside walks buzz with music and cheer. Traditionally, London locals lean toward smoked salmon, roasts, oysters, and chocolate desserts for New Year’s Eve dinner. Now, many restaurants embrace these favorites with polished tasting menus accompanied by a view of the fireworks!
But which of these restaurants is worth a visit? Don’t worry! We will guide you to the top 10 best New Year’s Eve dinner spots in London that will help you choose the perfect table.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional New Year’s Eve dishes include: smoked salmon, oysters, roast beef or beef wellington, trifle, chocolate desserts, and Champagne.
- Fancy splurges for New Year’s Eve dinner in London are: The Ritz, The Savoy, Aqua Shard, Hutong, and Skylon.
- Mid-range spots are: Sky Garden, Duck & Waffle, OXO Tower Restaurant, and SUSHISAMBA.
- The Londoner offers an affordable option starting from only £50!
Traditional New Year’s Eve Dinner in London
Across the city, you will find smoked salmon on blinis, seafood platters with oysters, and roasts that feel celebratory without being fussy. Many chefs riff on classics like beef wellington, Dover sole, and trifle, while others lean into seasonal British produce and shellfish. Desserts often bring playful nods to chocolate and citrus, and Champagne flows easily as midnight nears. Now, let’s match those tastes to the best dining rooms in town!
Top 10 Restaurants for New Year’s Eve Dinner in London
To make your choice simple, our list below moves from fine dining icons to lively skyline restaurants, and then to stylish yet affordable picks. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve culinary journey!
Fancy Splurges With a Theme
1) The Ritz Gala Night
- Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
- Website: theritzlondon.com
The Ritz turns New Year’s Eve into a theatre. The Louis XVI dining room turns into a gala space, and the live band sets an elegant pace from aperitif to countdown. Their menu is an extravagant six-course, accompanied by half a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut 2015.
Furthermore, it will be a black-tie event with live music of the bagpipes from The Lone Piper, resounding beats of a 14-piece military marching band, and a special New Year’s countdown! So, are you ready to dance the night away with a live jazz band in style? Then, don’t forget to reserve your spot in advance.
2) The Savoy Gala Night
- Address: The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
- Website: thesavoylondon.com
Step into a glittering 1920s world at The Savoy’s New Year’s Eve Gala, where jazz, feathers, and champagne set a joyous tone. You begin with a champagne and canapé reception that feels both elegant and relaxed. Then a six-course dinner unfolds with polished service and seasonal flair. Moreover, the live entertainment builds through the evening, so the room hums with anticipation.
Once Big Ben chimes, raise a glass to 2026 while the Thames sparkles below. For a grand New Year’s Eve dinner London moment, this celebration blends historic charm with a lively party spirit, and it does so in a way that feels timeless yet fun.
3) Aqua Shard
- Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
- Website: aquashard.co.uk
Float above the city at Aqua Shard, where floor-to-ceiling views and a glass of Champagne set a bright start to the night. The New Year’s menus lean modern British, so you might taste celeriac velouté with winter truffle, Exmoor caviar accents, or day boat fish with a silk smooth sauce. Furthermore, the main menu offers generous options for meat lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and vegetarians. Desserts bring rich chocolate, which pairs well with a final toast as the skyline glows.
Additionally, early and late seatings include canapés and welcome bubbles, while window tables make the panorama feel even more special. Secure your front row seat from their official website.
4) Hutong at The Shard
- Address: Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
- Website: hutong.co.uk
Rise to lantern light and sweeping city views at Hutong. The night starts with elegant dim sum and chilled seafood. Then flavors turn bold and balanced. Peking duck arrives as a centerpiece with crackling skin and tender meat. Also, soft shell crab hits with chilies, garlic, and snap. Moreover, Sichuan pepper brings a gentle tingle without burning the palate. Finally, their desserts add soft sweetness with tropical notes. For a flavorful New Year’s Eve dinner in London, Hutong mixes ceremony, spice, and views! Reserve your table from their official website.
5) Skylon
- Address: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX
- Website: skylon-restaurant.co.uk
Skylon serves a five-course celebration with river views, live music from Soulfly, and late sets by DJ Jon Harris. Moreover, last tables sit around 8 pm, and the party runs until about 1:30 am. The menu reflects modern British with polished seafood, rich sauces, and elegant desserts for a midnight toast. Additionally, River View seats show a spectacular fireworks view.
Mid Range Spots With a View
6) Sky Garden Dining & Party Options
- Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
- Website: skygarden.london
Sky Garden offers three types of celebrations for a memorable “New Year’s Eve London” moment. Choose your pick that suits your evening the best!
Fenchurch Restaurant: Dine high above the city with a five-course tasting menu by Chef Kerth Gumbs. Expect elegant snacks, trout wellington, and grilled beef with a rich jus. It also includes two glasses of Dom Pérignon! Then, step into the Sky Garden party for music and a lively countdown.
Darwin Brasserie: Settle into London’s highest brasserie for a relaxed feast built on British produce. Think classic British menus such as cured fish, hearty mains, and seasonal greens. The vibe feels warm and social, with the Thames and the City beside you. Dinner guests also join the Sky Garden party after the meal.
Sky Garden Bars and Party: Pick a party ticket for Sky Pod or City Garden Bar if you prefer to dance. Enjoy music, canapés, Champagne, and skyline views among the trees. Options range from standing entry to hosted tables with sharing platters. All paths lead to a late celebration with DJs and live performers under the glass roof.
7) Duck & Waffle
- Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
- Website: duckandwaffle.com
This 40th-floor venue blends fun and finesse. As the city glitters below, you will see playful courses alongside their signature menus. The namesake duck confit with waffle, surf and turf, and halibut are offered, while small plates feature goat cheese and vegetarian options. Note that you may only enter with tickets on New Year’s Eve, so make sure you book your table well in advance. Also, cash is not accepted at the restaurant.
8) OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie
- Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
- Website: oxotowerrestaurant.com
Various options are available for those visiting OXO Tower for New Year’s Eve dinner in London. Although they do not face the fireworks directly, you get to celebrate with a view from above!
OXO Tower Restaurant and Brasserie: Settle in above the South Bank for a celebratory menu that pairs river views with polished service. The Restaurant leans refined, with sparkling welcome drinks, delicate starters, and mains like prime beef or day boat fish finished with glossy sauces. Meanwhile, the Brasserie keeps things lively with a generous feast that celebrates British produce, bright sides, and classic desserts. Moreover, both venues time the experience around the countdown, so you can toast at midnight without rushing.
OXO Tower Bar: If you want a party setting, the Bar brings energy and skyline drama. Expect crafted cocktails, bubbles on ice, and a playlist that builds through the night. Small plates or sharing bites keep the mood social while you mingle. Additionally, window tables frame the Thames and the city lights, which makes every toast feel special. Note that they do not take reservations for the Bar.
9) SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower
- Address: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
- Website: sushisamba.com
SUSHISAMBA brings a bright Latin Japanese rhythm to New Year’s Eve. In addition to flavorful food and unique drinks, expect colorful samba performances and immersive entertainment with a DJ. Because the room has wraparound views and a pulsing soundtrack, the evening will feel like a citywide party. There are various dining or party options on the 38th floor, so book your experience from their official website. Remember, the dress code is celebratory chic!
Accessible Picks With Style
10) The Londoner
- Address: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
- Website: thelondoner.com
The Londoner has three options for those looking for affordable evenings with delicious food. Take a look at their offerings here:
Early and Late Seating at Whitcomb’s: Begin with an early four-course dinner that starts from £50, with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. Sittings run from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, so you dine before the city surges. Expect bright Mediterranean plates like seafood starters, silky pastas, and grilled fish or prime meat with seasonal sides. The late five-course sitting runs from 8 pm to 9:30 pm and includes live entertainment. You receive Veuve Clicquot on arrival and at midnight.
Masquerade Ball: Dress for a grand gala across The Ballroom and The Gallery. You start with Champagne, then enjoy a lavish dinner as live performers lift the room. Choose from tiered tickets, or add the VIP After Party. For the ultimate view, book the VIP Fireworks Viewing Package in the Signature Suite.
NYE Rooftop Party: Head to the rooftop for skyline views and a late party. Reserve a table only for your group and order crafted drinks and food on the night. Share small plates that pair well with the drinks menu. You can also upgrade to private booths for larger groups with premium bottles and signature bites. Then, the DJs guide the tempo as lights shimmer over the West End!
Conclusion
From glittering hotel dining rooms to rooftop lounges, New Year’s Eve dinner in London can be as lavish or as playful as you wish. Because many menus include Champagne and entertainment, you can settle in and let the night unfold. Therefore, book early, confirm timings, and plan your route to the countdown.
If you want a local lens on the city, join our Amitylux private tour in London and tailor everything to your pace. Our professional guides can point you to the best bars and clubs in town for the after midnight celebration. For trip planning, explore our guide to the best hotels in London and read about Christmas in England to extend the festive mood. Happy New Year!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best New Year’s Eve dinner?
A multi-course set menu with a Champagne toast is a strong pick. It keeps service smooth, matches the countdown, and lets you relax. You can choose from The Ritz’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner, Aqua Shard’s British menu.
What is there to do in London on New Year’s Eve?
You can book a special dinner, enjoy a hotel gala, dance at rooftop bars, or watch the fireworks from riverside zones. Additionally, many venues host late parties after dessert, so you can keep celebrating without moving far.
Where is the best place to see the fireworks in London on New Year’s Eve?
Ticketed riverside areas offer the clearest view. However, rooftop restaurants and riverside dining rooms can provide striking cityscapes, though sight lines vary and the best window tables are limited. Check our guide for the best fireworks spot.
What is a traditional New Year’s Eve dinner?
In London, people often enjoy smoked salmon, oysters, roast beef or beef wellington, rich potatoes, and chocolate desserts, with Champagne close by.
