The Top 10 Restaurants in the UK
The United Kingdom’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, from bustling city eateries to serene countryside havens. For food enthusiasts searching for the absolute best, the quest for the top 10 restaurants in the UK is an exciting journey. These establishments, celebrated by prestigious guides like Michelin and the National Restaurant Awards, represent the pinnacle of gastronomic innovation, impeccable service, and unforgettable dining experiences.
While lists can always spark debate, here’s a curated selection of the UK’s most highly-acclaimed restaurants for 2025, offering a glimpse into the diverse and thrilling landscape of British fine dining.
1. The Ritz (London)
Why it’s a Top Pick: Crowned the number one spot at the National Restaurant Awards 2025 and recently elevated to two Michelin stars, The Ritz epitomizes classic grandeur. Dining here is an experience steeped in tradition, featuring exquisite French cuisine served in its opulent Louis XVI-style dining room. The flawless service and magnificent setting make it a truly iconic destination.
2. Moor Hall (Ormskirk, Lancashire)
Why it’s a Top Pick: A recipient of a new third Michelin star and home to the National Restaurant Awards’ Chef of the Year, Mark Birchall, Moor Hall is a stunning rural retreat. Its tasting menus celebrate exceptional produce, much of it sourced from its own grounds, delivering a refined and deeply connected dining experience.
3. The Ledbury (London)
Why it’s a Top Pick: A perennial fixture on “best of” lists, The Ledbury continues to impress with its innovative and elegant modern European cuisine. Its consistent excellence, impeccable service, and beautifully presented dishes ensure its place among the UK’s elite dining establishments.
4. Ynyshir (Machynlleth, Wales)
Why it’s a Top Pick: Named Best Restaurant in Wales at the National Restaurant Awards, Ynyshir offers an electrifying and unique dining experience. Chef Gareth Ward’s bold, Japanese-influenced tasting menu, served to a pumping soundtrack, creates an unforgettable, high-energy gastronomic journey in a beautiful Welsh setting.
5. Restaurant Sat Bains (Nottingham)
Why it’s a Top Pick: Celebrating over two decades of excellence, Restaurant Sat Bains remains a benchmark for creative modern British and European cuisine. Chef Sat Bains is renowned for his meticulously crafted tasting menus that showcase bold flavors and innovative techniques, earning multiple Michelin stars.
6. Trinity (London)
Why it’s a Top Pick: Nestled in Clapham, Trinity is a Michelin-starred gem that consistently ranks highly for its elegant and thoughtful modern British menu. Chef Adam Byatt’s commitment to quality ingredients and classic techniques shines through in every dish, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.
7. OMA (London)
Why it’s a Top Pick: A remarkable newcomer, OMA was named the Highest New Entry at the National Restaurant Awards 2025 and quickly earned a Michelin star. This Greek-inspired restaurant in Borough Market has captivated diners with its fresh, bold, and thrilling Hellenic dishes, offering a vibrant and memorable culinary journey.
8. Osip (Bruton, Somerset)
Why it’s a Top Pick: Osip has cultivated a loyal following for its profound “farm-to-table” ethos. With a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star, its daily-changing menu is dictated entirely by what’s harvested from its own kitchen garden, offering a truly seasonal and sustainable dining experience in the heart of Somerset.
9. Core by Clare Smyth (London)
Why it’s a Top Pick: Chef Clare Smyth’s Notting Hill restaurant has garnered immense praise since its inception, quickly achieving three Michelin stars. Core focuses on elegant, produce-driven British cuisine, celebrating exceptional ingredients with refined simplicity and unparalleled technical skill.
10. L’Enclume (Cartmel, Cumbria)
L’Enclume, located in Cartmel, Cumbria, is considered one of the UK’s top restaurants for its unique “farm-to-fork” dining experience. Chef Simon Rogan and his team focus on a multi-course tasting menu that is a direct reflection of the surrounding land, with many of the ingredients grown on the restaurant’s own farm. The restaurant holds the highest accolades, including three Michelin stars, and is celebrated for its inventive and personal approach to modern British cuisine. Diners get to experience a menu that changes with the seasons, offering a deeply connected and intimate culinary journey. The setting, a former blacksmith’s workshop, adds to its rustic and charming appeal.