Best Restaurants in South East England

In total, there are 294 award winning restaurants in South East England, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in South East England? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding awards from major restaurant guides; currently less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland hold an award from a major guide.

The best restaurant in South East England is The Fat Duck in Bray (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef Heston Blumenthal serves up award winning Creative Cuisine. The Fat Duck currently holds 3 Michelin Stars, 5 AA Rosettes and a ranking of 72nd in UK in the Hardens Top 100.

There are currently 20 listed Michelin Star restaurants in South East England consisting of 2 restaurants holding 3 Michelin Stars, 3 restaurants holding 2 Michelin Stars and 15 restaurants holding 1 Michelin Star. There are also 13 restaurants holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 96 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 221 listed AA Rosette restaurants in South East England consisting of 4 restaurants holding 5 AA Rosettes, 3 restaurants holding 4 AA Rosettes, 29 restaurants holding 3 AA Rosettes, 111 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 74 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

South East England, part of the United Kingdom, has progressed magnificently from its historical farming roots, evolving into a region swarming with a diverse range of esteemed eateries that showcase the area's rich culinary expertise. The area is vividly etched in the gastronomical map of the nation, where modernity and tradition meet to form a distinctive culinary tapestry. Famous for its pastoral beauty, this part of England is renowned for its farm-fresh produce and robust livestock. The local restaurants have leveraged these resources to their advantage, crafting farm to table menus that honour the indigenous ingredients and time-honoured cooking techniques. The food journey in South East England stretches back into the bygone eras, where the hospitable taverns and alehouses served wayfarers with hearty 'trenchers' - the medieval term for a meal. Fast forward to the 19th century, the rise of 'gastronomers' saw the birth of gourmet culture, resulting in an upscale restaurant scene. You're readily spoilt for choice with traditional pubs offering classic British fare, world-class seafood bistros sourcing from the local coasts, not to mention the exquisite vineyards that cultivate some of the finest British sparkling wines. Taking into account the diverse restaurant scene and the exciting food happening here, South East England is undeniably a gastronomic haven.