Best Places to Eat & Drink in Soho and Carnaby Street This Festive Season

This winter, Soho and Carnaby Street are serving up more reasons than ever to celebrate, with dazzling Christmas lights, vibrant new openings, and menus brimming with festive flavour. 

Along with new restaurant openings, seasonal menus, immersive pop-ups, and festive-themed cocktails, the neighbourhood will shine under All Is Bright – a remarkable new chapter in Carnaby Street’s colour-driven Christmas lights. Stretching through Carnaby Street and beyond, All Is Bright features eye-catching star-shaped entryways and cascading curtains of light in Kingly Court’s alfresco dining area, creating a warm, intimate backdrop for festive dining, drinks, and Christmas shopping across the area’s eclectic mix of boutiques and global brands.

Whether you’re planning Christmas catch-ups, office parties, gift-hunting adventures, or cosy nights out, discover limited-edition menus, joyful flavours, unique shopping finds, and one-of-a-kind experiences that make Soho and Carnaby Street the ultimate destination to shop, eat, drink, and be merry this festive season.

New Openings

ALTA, Kingly Court

Recently opened in the renowned dining destination of Kingly Court, ALTA serves Northern Spanish-inspired dishes designed for sharing, cooked over an open fire. With two floors, a private dining room for 10, and a terrace, it’s a perfect setting for festive gatherings.

Heard, 31 Foubert’s Place

The first West End location for Heard brings two-Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey’s vision of accessible yet elevated comfort food to Soho. Expect creative twists on familiar favourites and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Ria’s, 29 Foubert’s Place

Following its successful Notting Hill debut, Ria’s brings its cult Detroit-style pizza and natural wines to Soho. The open kitchen and playful interiors make this two-storey space ideal for laid-back festive dining.

The Shaston Arms, 4–6 Ganton Street

An iconic Soho pub reborn under the award-winning team behind The Waterman’s Arms, blending traditional pub charm with a refined menu of elevated classics – perfect for escaping the winter chill.

The Bothy Pop-Up, 52-55 Carnaby Street

A limited-time festive hideaway offering seasonal drinks, such as a delicious Baileys Hot Chocolate or a perfect pint of Guinness, in a cosy setting – a must-visit this Christmas.

Sweet Treats & Festive Indulgence

Donutelier, 50 Carnaby Street

“A Sweet Spin on The Nutcracker at Donutelier” this limited-edition range celebrates the artistry of pastry with festive creations inspired by The Nutcracker. To make the season even sweeter, Donutelier will host a 12 Days of Christmasgiveaway featuring delicious prizes and tickets to The Nutcracker ballet.

Big Kid Ice Cream, 1 Kingly Street

Big Kid Ice Cream’s festive menu includes playful new flavours such as Peppermint Candy Cane, Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding, Mince Pie Caramello, and Baileys Cookies & Cream. Their “Christmas With Friends” capsule – a collaborative series of seasonal flavours – will also arrive in-store by scoop and tub over the festive period.

Best Places to Drink

Cahoots, Kingly Court

This Christmas, step back in time with “Cahoots – Letters Home for Christmas”, inspired by wartime letters sent home during the holidays. Guests can raise a glass, write a note, and toast togetherness with nostalgic cocktails and 1940s flair.

The Little Violet Door, 14–16 Kingly Street

The ultimate festive house party venue – offering group and private hire options across its quirky “flat” spaces. Choose from canapé and bowl food packages (£36–£49 per person), festive cocktail menus including “A Fizz-mas Carol” and “Wake the Elf Up”, and “lunchtime” party offers with complimentary Christmas cocktails. Expect weekend bottomless brunches and house parties throughout the season.

Bar Crispin, 19 Kingly Street

Known for its natural wines and small plates, Bar Crispin offers a cosy space for festive sipping and seasonal bites.

The Mulwray, 28 Rupert Street

An intimate wine bar above The Blue Posts, The Mulwray is the perfect escape for a refined winter evening with curated wines and elegant cocktails.

Disrepute, 4 Kingly Street

A glamorous hideaway steeped in Soho history, serving inventive cocktails in an intimate, speakeasy-style setting – perfect for celebratory drinks.

Antidote, 12A Newburgh Street

Until 20th December, Antidote will host Saturday wine tastings (11am–4pm) featuring festive bottles and an opportunity to try before you buy – ideal for finding the perfect Christmas pairing.

Soma, 14 Denman Street

Sleek, low-lit and open late, Soma is a polished place for festive cocktails – ideal if you’re after well-made drinks, a moody atmosphere and a stylish setting for end-of-year celebrations.

Festive Dining Highlights

Dishoom, 22 Kingly Street

Dishoom’s Christmas bookings are now open, with festive dishes like Parsnip & Kale Chaat, a Turkey Platter with Gravy and Chilli Sprouts, plus seasonal Naan Rolls. This year also brings Seema Pankhania’s Merry Breakfast Naan Rolls – two limited-edition twists on the classic, including a Pigs-in-Blankets Naan Roll and a vegan Christmas Stuffing Naan Roll, available daily for breakfast until 24th December.

Polpo, 41 Beak Street

Celebrate with Venetian-inspired charm at Polpo. Their festive menu, available throughout December (£70 per person), includes a glass of Prosecco and a selection of cicchetti and Italian classics – ideal for group dining.

Brindisa Tapas, 46 Broadwick Street

This festive season, groups can enjoy Brindisa’s Christmas Crunch menu (£20 per person), featuring para picar plates, seafood or vegetable rice, and indulgent desserts such as Basque cheesecake or an orange chocolate tart with Oloroso cream.

Marjorie’s, 26 Foubert’s Place

A new neighbourhood favourite, Marjorie’s is known for its refined comfort dishes, thoughtful cooking, and genuinely warm hospitality. This elegant spot is an ideal choice for festive lunches and intimate seasonal dinners, where guests can enjoy hearty, flavour-led plates crafted with care. With a well-curated wine list featuring both classic and emerging producers, it’s the perfect place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the spirit of the season.

Mountain, 16-18 Beak Street

With its cosy wood-fired cooking and excellent Spanish-leaning wine list, Mountain is a welcoming place to settle in for warming meal – perfect for groups wanting something atmospheric and hearty during the festive season.

Kiln, 58 Brewer Street 

Kiln’s energetic counter seating, open kitchen and bold Thai flavours create a lively backdrop for festive eating. Plus, its well-curated drinks list and warm, bustling vibe make it a fun stop for holiday catch-ups in Soho.

Rita’s, 49 Lexington Street
Rita’s warm, neighbourhood feel, comforting food and great cocktails, make it an ideal place to settle in for holiday catch-ups and end-of-year celebrations.