Experience the season’s flavours at La Fontana — among the Best restaurants in Leicester, known for the Best Food in Leicester and the best Italian Christmas dinner ideas. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes, festive wines, and cosy ambience. Book your Christmas table today!

Christmas in Italy is not only a day, but it is a family, flavour and togetherness celebration that will start days earlier and will not end until the table is cleared, the laughter is gone and the wine glasses are drained.

An Italian-style Christmas dinner does not only entail eating delicious food, but it also entails providing the sense of warmth, hospitality, and love.

In case you are seeking ideas of creating an authentic Italian Christmas dinner to make the celebration memorable, then this is a detailed guide that will enable you to organize the Italian-style feast.

1. Set the Scene: Italian Christmas Mood

Prepare the atmosphere before the cooking starts. The Italians are of the belief that minor details such as the way the table is set or what is played in the background count. Bring a touch of elegance with a crisp white or dark red tablecloth, fine crockery and gold-rimmed glasses. Add greenery, candles and red berries for that rustic Italian touch.

The background music should not be left out. Classical Italian soft ballads or Christmas songs performed by Andrea Bocelli will make the air warm. This is aimed at ensuring that everybody feels relaxed and at ease, just as in an Italian family home.

In La Fontana we know that flavour is as important as ambience. Our Italian Christmas arrangement is a merger of classiness and convenience, and it will motivate you to transfer that power to your home.

2. The Italian Way: Begin with Antipasti

Italian festivities cannot start without antipasti, which is the favourite starter of the Italians. Here is where your imagination can work. Prepare a selection of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami and mortadella, marinated olives, roasted peppers and artichokes. Added Parmigiano-Reggiano wedges, mozzarella balls, and crusty bread.

As a fish eater, add smoked salmon, anchovies, or cocktails of shrimp – cocktails – particularly when you are following the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Christmas Eve tradition that celebrates the practice of not eating meat.

These appetisers not only prepare the feast to come, but they also jump-start it. When designing your Italian Christmas dinner ideas, it is important to balance the flavours – a salty, fresh and creamy dish.

3. The Sides: Seasonal and Keep It Simple

The Italians think that the sides are not supposed to dominate the main meal. Popular side dishes are roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach with garlic, and in-season vegetables such as carrots, zucchini or Brussels sprouts.

A fresh salad consisting of rocket, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan shavings is also a nice match. Warm it with olive oil, lemon juice and salt.

Balancing is everything when your Italian Christmas dinner ideas are to be made. Your spread will appear attractive, and it will be even more delicious with a combination of colours and textures.

The Main Course: Meat or Fish Done Right

For the secondo piatto, or main course, Italians usually serve either roasted meats or hearty seafood dishes, depending on the region. In Northern Italy, roasted veal, beef, or duck is common, while Southern Italy leans towards seafood-based dishes.

Here are a few Italian Christmas dinner ideas to inspire you:

- Roast Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary – A simple yet flavour-packed dish that fills the home with rich aromas.

- Osso Buco – Braised veal shanks served with gremolata for a festive Milanese touch.

- Baked Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs – A lighter but elegant option for seafood lovers.

Pair the main course with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or polenta. Don’t forget a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt—Italians value quality ingredients over heavy sauces.

At La Fontana, our main courses bring out authentic regional flavours that make Christmas truly special. Whether it’s a roast or a seafood delight, we bring Italy’s best traditions to your table.

The Dessert: A Sweet Italian Ending

No Italian Christmas dinner is complete without dessert. The most beloved festive treat is Panettone, a sweet bread loaf filled with candied fruits and raisins. Serve it warm with mascarpone cream or chocolate sauce for a decadent finish.

Other options include:

- Tiramisu – Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream dusted with cocoa.

- Panna Cotta – A silky, custard-like dessert served with berry compote.

- Cannoli – Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.

Get the Real Italian Fire at Visit La Fontana

Want to learn how Italians actually celebrate Christmas prior to your own dinner? Visit La Fontana, the real Italian restaurant found in Leicester. Our wine menu is the presentation of the Italian Christmas cuisine made with love, passion, and fresh ingredients.

Be it with family or friends, our cosy atmosphere and well-thought-out menu will make you want to make your own ideas of Italian Christmas dinner at home.

Final Thoughts

Any Italian-style Christmas dinner depends on the ability to make people happy with food, family, and flavour. Story after story of tradition, welcoming, and sharing will be narrated in the antipasti all the way to the final drink of espresso.

This is why this holiday season, reminisce about the Italian experience, take it slow, and savour every bit and every moment.

When you are seeking a place that could combine all these original flavours, then you can find La Fontana. Bring Italy to your dinner table this Christmas.