Best Restaurants in The United Kingdom

In total, there are 2123 award winning restaurants in The United Kingdom, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in The United Kingdom? 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 The United Kingdom is Core by Clare Smyth in London (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chefs Clare Smyth and Jonny Bone serve up award winning Modern British Cuisine. Core by Clare Smyth currently holds 3 Michelin Stars, 5 AA Rosettes, a ranking of 17th in UK in the Hardens Top 100 and a rating of Exceptional in the Good Food Guide.

There are currently 193 listed Michelin Star restaurants in The United Kingdom consisting of 10 restaurants holding 3 Michelin Stars, 22 restaurants holding 2 Michelin Stars and 161 restaurants holding 1 Michelin Star. There are also 128 restaurants holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 723 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 1,492 listed AA Rosette restaurants in The United Kingdom consisting of 18 restaurants holding 5 AA Rosettes, 45 restaurants holding 4 AA Rosettes, 218 restaurants holding 3 AA Rosettes, 676 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 535 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

The United Kingdom, a delightful cornucopia of culinary traditions and gastronomic experimentation, offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences spanning all four of its distinctive nations - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Home to some of the world's most renowned and innovative restaurants, the UK has undergone a food renaissance over the past few decades presently occupying a significant place on the global culinary map. With a pantheon of Michelin-starred establishments to choose from, discerning diners are spoilt for choice. Moreover, legendary establishments like The Savoy Hotel, The Ritz and Claridge's in London, testify to the area's illustrious dining history, having been the bastions of British cuisine for centuries. Each nation within this diverse union has its own distinctive food heritage, contributing to the vibrant culinary identity of the UK. Classic English fare like 'Fish and Chips' and 'Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding,' Scottish 'Haggis' and 'Shortbread', Welsh 'Rarebit' and 'Cawl', or Northern Irish 'Ulster Fry' and 'Boxty,' all narrate fascinating tales about the rich gastronomic history of each locale. Establishments like Rules, London's oldest restaurant and Gleneagles in Scotland, with its long-standing tradition of excellence, showcase the region's commitment to culinary tradition and craftsmanship. While at the same time, the rise of innovative establishments helmed by progressive chefs, point to a dynamic future for UK's restaurant milieu – a fine testament to its culinary evolution. The United Kingdom, in essence, is a true gastronome's paradise, noteworthy for its union of culinary tradition and innovation.