'I tried Christmas menus at McDonald's, Domino's, Nando's and more – one was festive perfection'

To get myself into the Christmas spirit, I visited some of the most popular chains to sample their offerings.

Here, I have shared my merry must-haves plus the ones that made me say 'Bah, humbug'.

Nando's – 4.7/5

This iconic chicken chain is my favourite fast food restaurant, so I knew Nando's Christmas menu was going to be pure festive delight. There wasn't much to choose from, with just a single starter, main, and dessert on offer, but each pick was truly delectable.

First, I tucked into Bubble & Squeak Croquettes, which were filled with shredded Brussels sprouts, mash, and red onion, served with Caesar dressing. It was a gorgeous Portuguese twist on the quintessential Boxing Day dish.

Next up was the main event – The Total Sleigh Burger – comprising chicken breast, melted cheese, two Bubble & Squeak Croquettes, caramelised onions, lettuce, and Churrasco PERinaise in a rustic roll, served with PERi-style gravy for dunking. Although chicken is not typically associated with Christmas, this is Nando's, so it's an absolute must.

The Total Sleigh (great pun) is the chain's "biggest burger yet", and it did not disappoint. The chicken was succulent as ever – I went for lemon and herb on the PERi-ometer – and the croquettes were a delicious addition. Its only tiny fault was the gravy. It wasn't bad by any means; the flavours were tasty, just not the festive showstopper I was after.

My Christmas dinner at Nando's ended with the Warm Chocolate Orange Brownie – super fudgy, gooey, with a pop of citrus. Festive perfection. I left feeling incredibly Christmassy.

Domino's – 4/5

If I fancy a pizza, Domino's is my go-to, so I was very excited to try this year's festive offerings. Described by the restaurant as a "big, warm, cosy hug", Domino's Christmas menu features returning icons and a brand-new star.

Fans of the pizza giant can enjoy the Festive One Pizza, Festive Loaded Fries, Festive Wrap, and Hot & Cheesy Dip with Twisted Dough Balls. Brand-new to the menu are the Mince Pie Cookies, which provide a fresh take on the seasonal pud.

I tucked into Domino's Festive One Pizza, which has "officially become a Christmas tradition" at the restaurant, appearing for the fifth year in a row.

Combining juicy pulled turkey breast marinated with sage and onion, Cumberland sausage, smoked bacon, red onion, and mozzarella, and lashings of cranberry sauce, it ticked all the boxes. A fellow Domino's fan even described it as "Christmas in a pizza". Does it get much better than that? I will say, though, if you aren't a huge cranberry fan, this may not be one for you.

Next, I tried the Mince Pie Cookies, a fun nod to the mighty mince pie complete with currants, sultanas, and festive orange peel. Unfortunately, they weren't half as good as the classic chocolate chip Domino's Cookies, which are totally moreish. The Mince Pie Cookies were so rich I was only able to manage one, and where's the fun in that?

Papa John's – 3.5/5

While I'm not usually the biggest Papa John's fan, its festive offerings hit the nail on the head.

Every Christmas, the nation devours endless pigs in blankets, with two-thirds of British households tucking into the seasonal staple. Papa John's totally capitalised on this obsession with its own variation: pork cocktail sausages wrapped in smoked bacon and served with a gravy-mayo dip. Absolutely delicious.

After my starter – it serves two, but you definitely won't want to share it – I tried the Yuletide Yorkie. Yorkshire puddings have long divided British households; while they're almost universally adored, many question their place at the Christmas dinner table. I'm an advocate for eating Yorkshire puddings at any given opportunity, so a Yorkie-inspired pizza was right up my street (even if it was a little stodgy). Its festive toppings, gravy, orange and thyme turkey, pork sausage, bacon, crumbled potato tots and cheese, certainly catapulted me into the festive spirit.

I was disappointed that Papa John's Christmas menu did not offer a seasonal pudding. With Milk Chocolate Cookies, Mini Filled Doughnuts, Cinnapie Sticks, and several Ben & Jerry's flavours up for grabs, the lack of a festive sweet treat was definitely noticeable.

McDonald's – 2.5/5

McDonald's Christmas menu is pretty much the same as its everyday menu, but with a few festive additions. Its main sell is the Grinched Menu, which promises to add "a little magic (and mischief) to the season", inspired by the infamous green and grumpy Dr Seuss character.

The line-up features The Grinch Meal (you can choose between a Big Mac, 9 McNuggets or McPlant), paired with gherkin-flavoured green Grinched McShaker Fries, and a drink. You can also sip on the Grinch Frozen Lemonade, a zesty infusion of lemon and melon, or satisfy sweet cravings with new desserts like the Mischief McFlurry, Chocolate Brownie McFlurry and Grumble Pie.

Also brand-new to the menu is the Cheesy McCrispy, alongside returning fixtures like the Big Tasty and Big Tasty (with bacon).

The festive menu was tasty; of course it was, it's McDonald's – the most popular fast food chain in the world. But in terms of Christmassy-ness, it really did feel like a regular McDonald's with a hint of green. The meal did come with mismatched Grinch-themed socks, though, which was a nice addition.

Beyond the high street

If you're looking for something a little more luxurious, two restaurants located beyond the high street are offering delightful dining experiences this time of year.

While not inherently Christmassy, they expertly deliver the warm, comforting meals and cosy, wintery vibes we associate with the season.

Mowgli

Mowgli, an Indian street food chain with almost 30 restaurants across the UK, is definitely one to try.

If you love Indian food but tire of British-born curries like the chicken tikka masala and balti, Mowgli promises to "serve the kind of food Indians eat at home and on their streets".

Its Christmas Feasting Menu, priced at £40 per person, features an array of delicious dishes, from small plates to tiffin boxes and desserts.

I recently visited Mowgli in Charlotte Street, London and was blown away. The Yoghurt Chat Bombs, described by the chain as an "explosion of flavour", delivered just that, and the Gunpowder Chicken was totally moreish.

But what made me feel truly Christmassy was the restaurant's décor. In each location, wooden benches and Mowgli's iconic swing seats are surrounded by artificial trees and hanging vines, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoor dining experience – all from the comfort of a cosy restaurant. Adding to the indoor garden aesthetic are endless pendant and fairy lights scattered across the venue. Think whimsy, enchantment, snuggliness, and hearty cuisine.

Aqua Kyoto

Aqua Kyoto, a sushi lover's dream, is another must if you're visiting the capital over the Christmas period.

In partnership with Grey Goose, the restaurant has created a "winter oasis", aiming to "bring the frozen landscapes of Kyoto to the heart of Soho".

This festive season, guests can enjoy a limited-edition menu featuring luxurious cocktails and seasonal Japanese-inspired dishes. My tipple of choice was The Solenne – "bright, bold, and unexpected, combining Grey Goose with tamarillo sherbet, lime and orange liqueur, misted with aromatic tamarillo spray" – while the Scallop with prawn tsukune, tobiko and spicy mayonnaise cemented itself as my favourite dish. Excitingly, visitors can watch the experts prepare it all in front of them, chef's table style.

Aqua Kyoto is the perfect pick if you're after a luxury dining experience this Christmas. The venue is effortlessly chic; dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere, while dry ice brings the drama.

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