The Ritz Named As UK’s Best Restaurant
The Ritz has been named the UK’s best restaurant at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards, marking the first time it has won the award. It comes four months after it received its second Michelin star.
Last year’s winner, The Ledbury, dropped to third, meanwhile Moor Hall placed in second, the top entry outside of London. Anglothai in 7th was the best new opening, and 56 of the top 100 were based in London. Previous winner Ynyshir was the top entry in Wales (9th), Lyla was the top entry in Scotland (17th), and The Muddlers Club (76th) was the top entry in Northern Ireland.
Mark Birchall of Moor Hall was awarded Chef of the Year, Aaron Potter of Wildflowers was awarded Chef to Watch, and David Carter, behind Oma and Agora, was awarded Restaurateur of the Year. Other highlights include a Lifetime Achievement Award for Skye Gyngell.
Read on to see who else rounded out the top 50.
1. The Ritz
Back on top, The Ritz leaps from 13th spot in 2024 to prime position in 2025.
The Ritz has essentially become shorthand in London for upscale dining. First opening in 1906, it quickly became known as London’s most prestigious hotel and has played host to everyone from Anna Pavlova to Charles de Gaulle – most icons of the 20th Century, in fact.
where: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
website: theritz.com
2. Moor Hall
A mainstay in the top five, Chef Patron Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall moves up one spot from last year. It’s best known for championing the best in local produce with this ingredient-led restaurant.
Located near Manchester and Liverpool, it holds three Michelin stars, a Michelin green star and five AA rosettes.
Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall champions the best in local produce with this ingredient-led restaurant
where: Prescot Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 6RT
Website: www.moorhall.com
3. The Ledbury
The Notting Hill restaurant, headed up by Brett Gellman, previously secured the top honour for three years in a row in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and then again last year, and currently holds three Michelin stars.
The restaurant shut briefly in 2020 due to Covid but reopened in 2022 and has since gone from strength to strength.
Headed up by Chef Brett Gellman, it currently holds three Michelin stars
where: 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ
Website: www.theledbury.com
4. Trinity
Trinity makes a huge jump in 2025, up from 33rd spot in 2024 to right inside the top five.
Open since 2006 and led by Chef Adam Byatt, the Michelin-starred venue still retains its neighbourhood restaurant feel and seasonal food focus in Clapham – the highest ranking spot south of the river in London.
where: 4 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG, United Kingdom
Website: www.trinityrestaurant.co.uk
5. Bouchon Racine
Dropping down one spot from fourth in 2024, Bouchon Racine has been a mainstay in the top five since opening. It is unashamedly French – think chalkboard-written menus, escargot, steak tartare and one of the finest French wines in London.
Located above the Three Compasses pub, Bouchon Racine specialises in classic French Bistro cooking. It is the rebirth of Henry Harris’ Racine, with Harris now teaming up with Dave Strauss.
where: Upstairs, 66 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6BP
website: www.bouchonracine.com
Best of the rest
6. Oma
7. Anglothai (best new opening)
8. Osip
9. Ynyshir (Best in Wales)
10. Dorian
11. Mountain
12. The Devonshire
13. Kiln
14. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
15. Woven by Adam Smith
16. Ikoyi
17. Lyla (Best in Scotland)
18. A. Wong
19. Da Terra
20. Brooklands by Claude Bosi
21. Lyle’s
22. Kitchen Table
23. Josephine Bouchon
24. Endo at the Rotunda
25. Paul Ainsworth at No.6
26. Restaurant Pine
27. Canteen
28. The Unruly Pig
29. Sabor
30. Row on 5
31. Restaurant Sat Bains
32. BiBi
33. Kolae
34. The Sportsman
35. L’Enclume
36. Higher Ground
37. Camille
38. Core by Clare Smyth
39. Claude Bosi at Bibendun
40. Chishuru
41. The Glenturret Lalique
42. Frog by Adam Handling
43. Jöro
44. Grace & Savour
45. Uptown Farmhouse
46. Dongnae
47. Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons
48. Opheem
49. Interlude
50. KOL
