Good Food Guide Top Restaurants
First published in 1951, The Good Food Guide is an annual publication detailing the best restaurants in the UK. It is now well established as one of the leading restaurant industry guides; appearing in The Good Food Guide Best Restaurants list is a coveted achievement. At Leading Restaurants we feature all restaurants listed in The Good Food Guide rated World Class or Exceptional in our database from the most recent major announced update of the guide. We update this once per year around the time of the annual Good Food Guide awards.
Please note the Good Food Guide relaunched as a private paid digital only service in 2022, with a new scoring system and a public Top 20 (previously it was a Top 50). This was then changed again in 2024 so restaurants are no longer ranked in any order, only assigned an overall rating.
Please note the Good Food Guide relaunched as a private paid digital only service in 2022, with a new scoring system and a public Top 20 (previously it was a Top 50). This was then changed again in 2024 so restaurants are no longer ranked in any order, only assigned an overall rating.
Good Food Guide Ratings Criteria
| Good Food Guide Award | Criteria |
|---|---|
| World Class | World Class. Once derided for its lack of food culture, Britain today boasts one of the most eclectic dining scenes in the world. At the very top a few extraordinary chefs are having a seismic impact on British dining. These astonishing restaurants are redefining the profession, pushing the boundaries of what eating in a restaurant is all about. It's the stuff of bucket lists, the vision and talent drawing not just national but international recognition - especially from chefs world-wide. In any given year, there will only be a few chefs and restaurants operating at this level. The best of the best. |
| Exceptional | Exceptional equals cooking that has reached the pinnacle of achievement, making it a highly memorable experience for the diner. The whole restaurant will be operating at the highest level: not only perfect dishes, showing faultless technique at every service, but also superb service, a high level of comfort, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These are the best places to eat in the country. |
| Very Good | Very Good marks a high level of ambition and individuality. From attention to the smallest detail, via accurately cooked and vibrant dishes and excellent service, to a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, these will be the best places to eat in the county or region. |
| Good | Good represents a reliable combination of good food (showing sound technical skills and good quality ingredients), warm service, and a pleasant atmosphere. These restaurants will be the best in the locality, definitely worth seeking out if you are nearby. At their best they act as the hub of the local food economy, establishing a reputation for local produce. |
| Local Gem | Local Gems sit happily on your doorstep, offering value for money and good, freshly cooked food. It might be a neighbourhood bistro or an excellent cafe, bakery or fish and chip shop. |
All Current Good Food Guide World Class and Exceptional Restaurants
For more information about The Good Food Guide, please visit the official Good Food Guide website. All applicable trademarks remain property of The Good Food Guide. Leading Restaurants is not affiliated with nor endorsed by The Good Food Guide.