Take the stress out of cooking this Christmas Day with these fabulous festive feasts

From bold Asian flavours and heartwarming Italian traditions to luxurious British feasts and vibrant South Asian spices, Manchester’s top restaurants promise an unforgettable feast this Christmas.

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 27 seconds ago
City of Manchester, Featured, Food & Drink

This festive season, skip the stress of Christmas cooking and let some of Manchester’s top restaurants create a Christmas celebration to remember.

From the bold Asian flavours of Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay to the heartwarming Italian traditions at Giovanni’s, there’s a dining experience to suit every taste.

Indulge in luxurious festive feasts at The River Restaurant, savour the vibrant spices of South Asia at Zouk, or celebrate high above the city with the Hyatt Regency Manchester’s dazzling event packages.

Whatever your style, these exceptional venues promise to make your Christmas not only stress-free but truly unforgettable.

Which Manchester Restaurants are open on Christmas Day?

Celebrate Christmas in style at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

This Christmas, elevate your festive dining experience at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, where bold Asian flavours meet unparalleled culinary artistry. The menu offers a journey through expertly crafted small bites, raw bar specialities, and show-stopping mains designed to impress. Here’s a taste of what you can expect on this alternative Christmas Day feast.

Begin your celebration with irresistible snacks like the smoky Padron Peppers kissed with holy basil or the creamy, zesty Pea Guac, served with crisp shrimp crackers. Seafood lovers can’t miss the Baby Squid, fried to perfection with a hint of salt and vinegar.

From the Raw Bar, the Sashimi Selection is a luxurious standout, featuring buttery chutoro, delicate yellowtail, and silky salmon. Pair it with the equally exquisite Australian Wagyu Beef Tataki, served with an earthy truffle ponzu that melts on the tongue. For a lighter option, the Lobster Summer Roll, with fragrant herbs and a touch of chilli jam, is as refreshing as it is indulgent.

Sushi enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with Maki Rolls. The California Roll, packed with sweet crab and creamy avocado, offers a timeless favourite, while the Hiramasa Roll tantalises with wasabi, yuzu, and fresh chives for a modern twist.

The menu truly dazzles with its mains. The Korean Spiced Black Cod, coated in a rich gochujang glaze and balanced with daikon’s crunch, is a must-try for seafood lovers. Meat lovers, meanwhile, will revel in the decadence of the Spiced Lamb Chops, served with a fiery chilli sauce and cooling tofu cream, or splurge on the ultimate indulgence: Wagyu Sirloin A5, accompanied by fragrant mushroom wasabi.

For a satisfying side or vegetarian delight, the Smoked BBQ Aubergine, enhanced with chilli crunch, brings a smoky depth of flavour, while the Egg Fried Rice with XO sauce offers a rich, umami-laden bite.

With dishes ranging from £7.50 to the lavish Wagyu Sirloin A5 at £113.50, Lucky Cat promises a Christmas feast full of surprises. Whether you’re after delicate sushi, bold spices, or indulgent luxury, this is the perfect destination for a festive celebration with flair.

You can book by clicking here

Christmas at Giovanni’s: an Italian festive feast

This Christmas, Giovanni’s invites you to experience a incredible Christmas inspired by the heartwarming traditions of an Italian holiday. Their expertly curated four-course menu offers a blend of festive classics and contemporary flavours, making it the perfect destination for a memorable celebration.

Begin with refined options like the earthy Truffled Celeriac & Hazelnut Soup, enhanced by woodland mushrooms and truffle mayonnaise. Seafood enthusiasts can delight in the Cured Chalk Stream Trout, paired with bright blood orange, fennel, and a playful gin & tonic gel. For a richer starter, the Chicken Liver Parfait combines prunes, turkey fat granola, and cranberry gel for a decadent beginning. Prefer something bold? Try the Beef Carpaccio, featuring a porcini crust, winter mushrooms, and aged parmesan.

Indulge in handcrafted agnolotti with two standout options: the Winter Mushroom & Chestnut Agnolotti, served with a vibrant beetroot velouté and a hint of hazelnut, or the Caramelised Salsify Agnolotti, enriched with chicken emulsion, pickled walnut, and fragrant truffle pesto.

Celebrate the season with festive classics like the Ballotine of Bronze Turkey Breast, featuring old spot and chestnut stuffing, turkey jus, and traditional trimmings. For something elevated, the Truffle Risotto blends winter truffles, cashew nuts, and aged parmesan for a luxurious vegetarian option. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Josper Roasted Cod Loin, served with aquapazza e vongole broth, focaccia, and aioli, while the Barbary Duck Breast, accompanied by winter leaves, parsnip, and cherry jus, provides a rich, indulgent choice.

Finish on a high note with desserts that capture the magic of Christmas. Classic lovers can savour the traditional Tiramisu, layered with espresso, savoiardi biscuit, and mascarpone mousse. The Boozy Chocolate Mousse, paired with kumquat, chocolate soil, and orange sorbet, offers a modern twist. For festive flair, the Homemade Christmas Pudding comes with redcurrants, festive spices, and brandy sauce. Or opt for the light and delicate Tonka Bean Panna Cotta, adorned with hibiscus gel, meringue, and pistachio.

Round off your meal with the Selection of Cheeses, served with fig chutney, crackers, celery, and frozen grapes, for a sophisticated touch.

You can book by clicking here

Christmas at The River Restaurant

The Lowry Hotel restaurant's - The River Restaurant's - new Head Chef Bartosz Szynaka — Head Chef Bartosz Szynaka

Celebrate Christmas Day in style at The River Restaurant, where festive dining meets refined luxury. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival before indulging in a delicious menu designed to make your holiday unforgettable. Perfect for creating cherished memories, this experience blends traditional Christmas flavours with modern sophistication.

Kick off your celebration with heartwarming dishes that capture the festive spirit. The Cream of Spiced Pumpkin Soup, accented with pomegranate molasses and carrot crisps, offers a comforting, seasonal start. For seafood lovers, the Crayfish Cocktail, featuring avocado mousse, confit lemon, and tomato powder, delivers a fresh and zesty twist. The Crispy Duck Salad, with its blend of carrot, coriander, honey, and soy, is a vibrant option, while the Crab Cake, served with lime and chilli chutney and tartare sauce, provides a timeless, flavourful choice.

The main courses at The River Restaurant promise something for everyone. Traditionalists will adore the Turkey Ballotine, paired with duck fat roasties, pancetta-sautéed sprouts, baby root vegetables, and cranberry jus. For a meaty alternative, the Roast Sirloin of Beef is accompanied by crushed tarragon potatoes, parsnips, a Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the Fillet of Sea Bass, served in a saffron nage with mussels and new potato parmentier. Vegetarians are treated to the luxurious Truffle Open Lasagne, crafted with wild mushrooms, confit leeks, spinach, and chervil sauce.

End your meal on a festive high with desserts designed to dazzle. The classic Christmas Pudding served with brandy sauce and Armagnac and prune ice cream, is a nostalgic delight. For a more creative option, the Roasted William Pear pairs burnt honey cremeux with ginger crumble and brown butter for a sophisticated finish. Chocolate lovers will adore the Valrhona Carmelia Milk Chocolate, with its decadent peanut butter and salted caramel accents. Finally, the Selection of Six French and English Cheeses, served with membrillo jelly, chutney, and crackers, offers a savoury conclusion for those who prefer a refined ending.

You can book by clicking here

Christmas at Zouk: a spicy festive treat

The glorious Christmas decorations outside Zouk this year

Celebrate Christmas Day with a bold and flavourful twist at Zouk, where festive dining meets the vibrant spices of South Asia. Begin your experience with a glass of crisp Prosecco or a refreshing Shloer, setting the tone for an incredible festive feast.

The feast opens with a delightful selection of starters that showcase Zouk’s expertise in blending traditional recipes with rich spices. Samosa Chaat, a crispy samosa draped in tangy tamarind sauce and cooling raita, offers a vibrant start to the meal. Tender Chicken Tikka, marinated to perfection, is paired with tamarind and plum sauce, while the Kashmiri Lamb Kebab delivers a satisfying burst of flavour with its spiced and breadcrumb-coated finish.

For the main event, diners can choose between a sumptuous curry platter or a spiced roast platter, each filled with festive flair. The curry platter features Nawabi Chicken Handi, a rich and aromatic chicken curry; Lamb Rogan Josh, a Kashmiri favourite with tender lamb simmered in a tomato and onion masala; Goan Fish Curry, a coconut-infused delight with haddock; and Mutter Paneer, a vegetarian classic with Indian cottage cheese in a spicy tomato masala. Alternatively, the roast platter offers Roast Chicken Raan or Roast Lamb Raan, both served with Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, and Zouk’s signature spicy gravy.

The meal concludes on a sweet note with Zouk’s take on the traditional Yule log. The Buche De Noel comes in two indulgent flavours, Raspberry Vanilla or Strawberry Chocolate, elegantly plated for a touch of festive magic. To round off the experience, a steaming cup of coffee and a selection of mints leave diners refreshed and satisfied.

Zouk’s festive offerings aren’t limited to Christmas Day. Throughout the season, the restaurant serves its popular Christmas Party Banquets and Christmas Tiffin lunches, ensuring there’s something special for every celebration. Make this Christmas truly unforgettable with Zouk’s unique blend of festive cheer and South Asian spice.

You can book by clicking here

This article was last updated 27 seconds ago.
It was first published on 9 December 2024 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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