Updated on 13 April 2022
2022 sees the exciting return of our annual awards - after a brief Covid hiatus - and brings with it an all-new winner in Somerset’s Osip. This dinky dining room is dressed in muted pastels and café-style curtains, and is the brainchild of chef Merlin Labron-Johnson. His international experience at some of the world’s best restaurants is evidenced in each of his refined farm-to-table plates that have helped to gain him a formidable reputation.
Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes. It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions.
It’s no secret that Britain plays host to some incredible culinary talent. As a result, the top restaurants in the UK created quite the conundrum. From the very north of Scotland to Cornwall’s southern tip, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining destinations worth travelling for. In order to make a place on the list each restaurant had to offer more than just a good meal, it had to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience. From gorgeous interiors, top-class wine lists and stunning views through to exemplary service and sustainability commitments, we weighed up the whole package.
Our summaries below give you a taste of what to expect from each of the winning restaurants, with the full reviews available when you click through. From there you can also book each spot if there’s anywhere that’s taken your fancy.
1 High Street, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0AB
Osip is a genuine farm-to-table treasure, where produce goes from the kitchen garden to your plate in a matter of hours. The pared-back dining room is a perfect setting for Merlin Labron-Johnson’s deft cooking.
Eglwys Fach, Powys, SY20 8TA
Gareth Ward’s incredible mastery of live-fire cooking has secured him two Michelin stars at his Welsh restaurant. A completely unique Japanese-leaning menu guarantees plates full of personality, the likes of which you’ve never tasted before.
Pensons Yard, Tenbury Wells, Herefordshire, WR15 8RT
Chris Simpson oversees a wonderful, ever-changing tasting menu at Pensons, which boasts the Netherwood Estate as its private larder. The restaurant itself is a magnificent setting - a luxurious barn conversion with vaulted ceilings and tall windows.
Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scottish Borders, PH3 1NF
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is a two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant housed within the iconic Gleneagles hotel. In fact, it’s the only Scottish restaurant with two Michelin stars thanks to its precise, highly-assured and sophisticated cooking.
Cavendish Street, Cartmel, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6PZ
L’Enclume, Simon Rogan’s flagship restaurant in Cumbria, offers hyper-seasonal, farm-to-table tasting menus often consisting of more than twenty courses. The restaurant has earned three Michelin stars and a green Michelin star for its efforts towards sustainability.
1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 2DX
The Muddlers Club takes its name from a centuries old secret society - it’s safe to say, the secret about this restaurant is out thanks to a Michelin star and bold tasting menus courtesy of Gareth McCaughey.
Prescot Road, Aughton, Lancashire, L39 6RT
Produce-driven menus and a strong focus on home-grown and locally sourced ingredients has led to an impressive and ever-evolving menu at Restaurant Moor Hall (our 2019 award winner), expertly headed up by Chef-Patron Mark Birchall.
10 Upper Market Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN3 1AS
Proof that good things come in small packages, The Little Fish Market is a little marvel, serving up a single, exquisite tasting menu with a heavy lean towards south coast fish and seafood.
Strathlachlan, Argyll & Bute, Highlands & Islands, PA27 8BU
If spectacular views and a food menu geared towards seafood sounds like your kind of restaurant, then you might want to consider taking a trip to Inver. It's located on the shores of Loch Fyne in an area of truly outstanding natural beauty for a meal you won’t forget any time soon.
Ranters Lane , Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2SG
In The Small Holding, Kent has a true plot-to-plate champion that produces almost everything it serves, from fruits and vegetables to mushrooms, ferments, eggs, meat and more. Will Devlin is a master at presenting Kentish produce in its best light.
6 Middle Street, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AP
Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 is a Michelin-starred restaurant, housed in a Georgian townhouse in Padstow. The primary focus of this restaurant is celebrating local Cornish produce by crafting it into elegant, modern British dishes.
68-78 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7JH
A truly unique restaurant, The Man Behind the Curtain takes diners on bizarre, avant-garde culinary journeys. Each plate is a work of art, often featuring unusual combinations of ingredients such as oysters in a dessert.
48 Summer Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1JJ
Wildly popular Opheem is the creative outlet of Birmingham-born chef Aktar Islam. Here he deftly translates the nostalgic flavours of his childhood into special, celebration-worthy plates packed with the colour and spice of Bangladeshi food.
725 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX
Scotland has long been home to some of the world's very best produce - at Cail Bruich, Lorna McNee harnesses that potential and combines it with precise cooking and relaxed, informal service.
61 Walcot Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5BN
For laidback dining in the heart of Bath, Upstairs at Landrace is consistently good. Created by a team who hold experience at both London’s Brawn and Big Jo, you can expect similar boldly-flavoured Med-inspired dishes.
The Midland Hotel, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 2DS
The French is a grand, opulent affair, housed in the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel in Manchester. Adam Reid’s seasonal, modern British food cleverly mixes contemporary cooking with memories from his Manchester upbringing.
1 High Street, Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AQ
There really is no other dining experience that equals The Fat Duck in innovation and creativity. It’s one of Heston Blumenthal’s greatest legacies, with guests treated to a three Michelin-starred tasting menu featuring his boundary-breaking signature dishes.
Vallum Farm, East Wallhouses, Northumberland, NE18 0LL
Pine is a relatively new restaurant in Northumberland from head chef Cal Byerley and partner and restaurant manager Siân Buchan. Pine quickly earned both a Michelin star and a green star for its mostly foraged, sustainable tasting menus.
Lenton Lane, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2SA
Restaurant Sat Bains has set the standard for British fine dining for well over a decade, delivering precise, intricate, and measured tasting menus that regularly test the untested and explore the outer bounds of gastronomy.
Southleigh , Colyton, Devon, EX24 6SD
Found in a charming guesthouse amid 15 acres of East Devon countryside, the restaurant at Glebe House is one of the south west’s best spots to indulge in some top-quality British cookery with an Italian influence.
192 Derby Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 1NF
Nestled in an old brick coaching house, Alex Bond’s forward-thinking Nottingham restaurant has established itself as one of the UKs best. Bond’s resourceful cooking is ingenious and delicious in equal measure.
33 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2JN
Located within a 17th-century Grade II-listed coach house in Beaconsfield Old Town, The Greyhound is a pub and restaurant that promises a modern British menu coupled with warm and friendly service.
2 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2LJ
A disciple of Gareth Ward, Nathan Davies is one of the UK’s most in-demand chefs after opening his own Welsh restaurant. Here, there’s an open kitchen and a nine-course tasting menu centred around the charcoal grill.
17 Cheap Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5DD
Friends Henry and Joe work back and front of house respectively at this highly respected Newbury restaurant. Over the course of five years, Henry & Joes has impressed with smart, modern cooking that belies the duo's relative youth and experience. Be warned, you only have until August to enjoy this one before it closes.
1 Royal Buildings, Penarth, Cardiff, CF64 3EB
Home is a family affair, with the Sommerins running front and back of house at this Cardiff tasting experience. Ring the doorbell to enter, then sit back and enjoy a surprise tasting menu.
126 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2BP
Despite its two Michelin stars, the Hand and Flowers retains all of its rustic charm - that means friendly service, comfortable, informal atmosphere and bold, unpretentious pub food, elevated with the best of the best seasonal ingredients.
The General, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6FU
Like a bit of mystery with your meal? Casamia keeps its menu under wraps so as to retain the element of surprise (and hopefully delight) when eating here. It has earned itself a coveted Michelin star though, so one can surely expect exceptional cooking at the very least.
Shiplake Row, Binfield Heath, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4DP
Years after opening Orwells has maintained its momentum, attracting diners from across the country. You’ll find pubby interiors but a menu that steers clear of cliches – think truly seasonal, simple plates made from home-grown ingredients.
Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3PA
Lumiere in Cheltenham is an ingredient-led fine dining restaurant from husband and wife team Jon and Helen. Produce used at Lumiere comes from Jon and Helen’s family farm, as well as other local producers, earning the restaurant a Michelin green star.
Lympstone Manor, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3NZ
This stunning five-star hotel boasts gorgeous views over the Exe estuary, a world-class wine cellar, and an 11-acre vineyard, not to mention the presence of the legendary Michael Caines MBE in the kitchen.
28 Market Place, Somerton , Somerset, TA11 7NB
Forming part of the smart Somerset restaurant set, 28 Market Place has become a destination in its own right. Beautiful interiors pair with Dan Fletcher’s staunchly seasonal menu. Expect contemporary takes on classic flavour pairings.
Queensberry Hotel, Bath , Somerset, BA1 2QF
The Olive Tree restaurant is part of the magnificent Queensberry Hotel in Bath. Chef Chris Cleghorn leverages the best of local produce to produce elegant tasting menus, with inspiration taken from far and wide.
New Oxford House, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 5UG
Adam Stokes’ eponymous restaurant earned itself a Michelin star within the first six months of opening, a true tell of a place that knows what it’s doing. Head here to sample its fine dining menu featuring modern British dishes served within sophisticated surrounds.
Lambourn Road, Bermont, Berkshire, RG20 8BN
The Woodspeen is a Michelin-starred restaurant and cookery school set in a carefully restored 19th-century farmhouse in West Berkshire. Menus at The Woodspeen are highly seasonal, often featuring produce grown in the restaurant’s own garden.
2c Wake Green Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B13 9EZ
A steadfast commitment to seasonal produce means that the menus here change daily - depending on what ingredients can be sourced. A sustainable approach to food is also complemented by an all natural wine menu.
3A The General, Lower Guinea Street, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 6SY
A leading-light of the UK’s Spanish food scene, Peter Sanchez-Inglesias’ Bristol-based tapas restaurant is perennially packed with diners who come for the jamón croquettes, patatas bravas, scallops with lardo and octopus from the Canary Islands.
Glenturret Distillery, Perthshire, PH7 4HA
The team here exclusively serves a dinnertime tasting menu. Chef Mark Donal is passionate about using the best of Scotland’s larder in his dishes which come with top-class drinks pairings thanks to the onsite distillery.
68 Marygate, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 7BH
At Roots York, Tommy Banks serves a no-frills, hyper-seasonal menu in which fresh ingredients - sourced mostly from the Banks’ family farm - are given the chance to shine.
The Angel Inn, Hetton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6LT
Widely considered as the UK’s first real gastropub, The Angel has led the charge on elevated British grub for some years now. Guaranteeing a warm welcome and gutsy flavours, this is a bucket-list spot.
36 Kelvingrove Street, Glasgow, G3 7RZ
Michelin-starred Unalome celebrates Scottish produce - some of the best in the world from shore to shore - and combines that with Graeme Cheever’s masterful, Asian-inspired technique to create a unique, eclectic tasting menu.
28-30 The Close, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 3RF
Housed inside a 16th century Grade I-listed building overlooking the Tyne, House of Tides is chef Kenny Atkinson’s first restaurant. It offers a relaxed fine dining experience with a tasting menu built around modern British flavours and ingredients.
1c School Lane, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M20 6RD
Hispi is a relaxed bistro in a former bank in Didsbury, Manchester. Offering hearty British and modern European plates and highly affordable set menus, Hispi has won numerous awards and is a neighbourhood favourite of south Manchester.
Oxwich Bay, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1LS
This waterside restaurant boasts stunning views of the Welsh coastline. The impressive menu is packed with locally sourced produce prepared with thought and creativity, in a kitchen headed up by Hywel Griffith.
55 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2DH
Purnell’s innovative fine-dining menu is in a constant state of evolution thanks to chef Glynn Purnell’s eternal fascination with flavour. Smart presentation and best-of-the-best ingredients on every plate makes this feel special occasion worthy.
10 Crimp Hill, Old Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 2QY
Adam Handling’s cosy Windsor outpost delivers fuss-free fine dining in cosy surrounds. Clean-cut flavours are at the forefront of the menu. Our advice? Don’t skip the sweets – we’re talking nostalgia-inducing plates of trifle and sticky toffee pudding.
8 Caroline Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1TW
Sharp British cookery paired with attentive but relaxed service makes Restaurant Folium a desirable destination. Choose between the short or the long menu and enjoy internationally influenced dishes like savoury custard with pheasant dashi and truffle.
Summerhouse, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 3UD
There’s nothing ordinary about a meal at Raby Hunt. Expect a giddy adventure of curious flavours and textures throughout the multi-course tasting menu. Be warned, a dining experience at Raby Hunt requires a significant investment.
Whitebrook, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 4TX
Chef Chris Harrod has a unique touch, cooking artful dishes which look as good as they taste. Harrod’s food is always intriguing, leaning heavily on the wild food of the Wye Valley.
3 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2LS
Found in the heart of Marlow, The Coach is Tom Kerridge’s more relaxed take on dining. Bookings are only available on the day to keep this pub flexible, accessible and easy to visit.
217 Jesmond Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE2 1LA
Head chef Dave Coulson takes classic British favourites and runs with them at this Newcastle restaurant. Look out for things like ‘deconstructed’ fish and chips (aka ‘The Chippy’) on the menu, along with plenty more inventive creations.
1 Oxford Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 3LA
OX is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Belfast that focuses on memorable modern European dishes, celebrating local produce wherever possible. Set by the River Lagan, the relaxed space has become a regular haunt for local foodies.
Knowstone, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4RY
The Masons Arms is the local pub we all wish we had - a welcoming West Country boozer with a master in the kitchen, in the shape of former Waterside Inn head chef Mark Dodson.
Harbour Head, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9JA
Given the area’s pedigree, it can prove tricky to make a splash on Cornwall’s restaurant scene. Rising to the challenge is New Zealander chef Jude Kereama who weaves flavours from his multi-cultural heritage with incredible local produce.
36 Broughton Street, Bonnington, Edinburgh, EH1 3SB
Fhior only uses the best local and seasonal produce (including what it grows itself in its own kitchen garden) to create its innovative tasting menus, while its wines are selected from small-scale producers and made with minimal intervention.
Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8AW
The Walnut Tree is enduringly-popular in Wales thanks to the gorgeous location, elegant dining room and Shaun Hill’s peerless cooking. Every ingredient is celebrated from humble herbs up to lavish cuts of meat and fish.
9 Market Square, Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0DF
This Michelin-starred restaurant was set up with the aim of providing the very best neighbourhood dining experience – and it’s only gone and done it. You’ll find it inside a 16th century Grade II-listed building serving a nine-course tasting menu of modern European plates.
21a Norfolk Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PD
This flagship restaurant from The Gingerman Group can be found not far from the seafront in Brighton serving a familiar, but well-executed, menu of elegant and seasonal dishes.
7 Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AQ
Housed inside an old butcher’s house (go figure), this family-run restaurant is a reliable place to head for lovingly-cooked fare within cosy interiors. It also incorporates a nose-to-tail ethos to ensure minimal waste, and changes its menu regularly in line with the seasons.
30-31 Albert Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH7 5HN
The menu might be small at this independent Edinburgh restaurant, but every single one is sublime. Our recommendation? Try the ‘tiramu-choux’, which combines tiramisu and profiteroles in one outrageously good sweet finale.
Margate Harbour Arm, Margate, Kent, CT9 1AP
SARGASSO in Margate comes from the team behind London’s Brawn, offering up seasonal plates of fresh seafood. Perched on the harbour, this relaxed restaurant boasts excellent sea views and the occasional musical act to accompany the food.
321 Great Western Road, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow, G49HR
This seriously cool restaurant and wine bar specialises in low-intervention wines and cooking over fire, with the dining room centred around an open kitchen with a custom elevated ox grill.
1321 Argyle Street, Kelvinhaugh, Glasgow, G3 8AB
Restaurant, coffee shop, deli, off-licence and florist - Gloriosa is a jack of many trades but still manages to master simple yet vibrant Mediterranean fare in a very pleasing, meditative dining room.
22 Wellington Place, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 6GE
Starting life as a pop-up, Home was so popular that it put down roots. The kitchen is headed up by Chef Ben Arnold who you may recognise from Great British Menu. Nourishing and feel-good dishes are at the core of Home.
Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick, Cornwall, PL15 7QQ
The setting of an idyllic Cornish farm doesn’t hinder the experience here, but it’s the team’s commitment to homegrown that elevates things. Expect house-cured rare-breed meat alongside garden-grown fruit and veggies plus fresh bakery items.
47A Thistle Street, New town, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY
Clean, minimal and effortlessly cool interiors play the antithesis to a menu that’s bursting at the seams with vibrancy and invention. Pan Asian flavours are blended with modern European flourishes: think burrata with romesco and chilli and beef tartare with black garlic.
77 South Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2JU
Sorrel is the culmination of head chef Steve Drake’s 25 years of culinary experience, 14 of which he spent at his own Michelin-starred Drake’s. This is modern British cooking that’s truly exciting (and surprising), with unusual flavour combinations designed to turn diners' perceptions on their heads.
Ferry Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2AT
Home to top end French gastronomy, The Waterside Inn was founded by Albert and Michel Roux in 1972 and was taken over by Michel’s son Alain in 2002. A riverside restaurant that offers the perfect blend of fine dining and a quaint English countryside setting.
8 Boyces Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1AN
The Coal Shed’s menu is a celebration of rare breed heritage meat and South Coast seafood - all cooked over hot coals. A dining experience that is simple, cosy and comforting.
1 Comber Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6PA
Balloo House is a cosy pub nestled in the beautiful Northern Irish countryside. With over 400 years of delighting guests and a menu of pared-back punchy classics, it's no wonder the pub has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
43 Malone Road, Belfast , Co Antrim, BT9 6RX
The focus at Blank is on the produce and the producer. It doesn’t share the menu, only a list of the featured ingredients and who supplied each one, which are then crafted into a five-course tasting menu. Intrigued?
The Hadrian Hotel, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4EE
Hjem can be found inside The Hadrian at Wall pub with rooms in Northumberland. This 24-seat, Michelin-starred restaurant turns out elegant Scandinavian-inspired plates, masterminded by Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and his Northumberland-born partner, Ally Thompson.
9 Murray Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 6HS
From the team behind Trove bakery, Erst is an industrial-chic restaurant with a focus on seasonal menus, natural wines and craft beers. The menu is concise, confident and filled with small plates and sharing dishes.
35 Side, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, NE1 3JE
This modern bistro prides itself on simple but well-executed dishes with a strong emphasis on creating an all-round impressive experience for every diner that walks through its doors.
139 Jesmond Road, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, NE2 1JY
Bringing with him a wealth of experience – including time at the world-famous River Café in London – local boy Nick Grieves’ dishes are all about uncomplicated combinations that allow ingredients their space to shine.
Moor Bottom Lane, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX6 3RP
West Yorkshire’s Moorcock Inn is a gastropub that serves an ever-evolving seasonal menu using local ingredients. It offers a keen focus on cooking over fire, using traditional techniques and sourcing only the best local, seasonal and wild ingredients.
Lynn Road, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 9QG
Properly good pubs deserve the correct recognition in our book, which is why picturesque pub Sculthorpe Mill made it into our top 100. Discover comforting but refined British dishes, an excellent wine list and a south-facing garden perfect for dining on summer evenings.
2 Chapel Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1DD
Vaasu is a modern Indian restaurant in Marlow run by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochar. It is a stylish but informal space, offering creative dishes, as well as various tasting menus for different dietary requirements and optional wine pairings.
140 Alcester Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B13 8HT
Chef Robert Ortiz brings the finest Peruvian flavours to the centre of Birmingham with his carefully thought out dishes. The taste of Peru doesn’t stop at the food, with plenty of Peruvian-inspired drinks on the menu too.
617 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 8PT
A family-run affair, Juke & Loe is the brainchild of two brothers. Here British ingredients have been given an international makeover with dishes like Cornish cod with shiitake butter taking centre stage on the menu.
294 Shalesmoor, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 8US
Run by chef Luke French and partner Stacy Sherwood-French, Joro lives in a shipping container in Sheffield’s trendy Kelham Island neighbourhood, and combines big Asian flavours with British produce and Nordic sensibilities.
98 Micklegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6JX
Skosh has built a cult following thanks to chef Neil Bentinck's international small plates. Bentinck's globe-trotting style takes inspiration from all over the world, and he blends these influences into a smart menu full of bold, colourful dishes.
27 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU
The enduringly popular Potted Pig is a cosy gastropub in the heart of Cardiff that turns out a cracking menu of comfort food classics, all whilst championing seasonal Welsh produce wherever possible.
Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay, North Wales, LL29 8HH
With a focus on seafood and a Bib Gourmand to its name, this informal bistro-style restaurant and bar offers something for everyone at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water.
15 West Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AN
The Cornish Arms in Tavistock, Devon, is an award-winning gastropub offering elevated pub classics. Chef proprietor John Hooker has kept The Cornish Arms highly relevant with his often-changing men, as well as lots of vegan options.
447 Kingston Road, Epsom, London, KT19 0DB
Once one of Epsom’s best kept secrets, Indian restaurant Dastaan is now firmly on the culinary map following a host of awards and accolades. Enjoy dishes to rival some of London’s best Indian eateries without the hefty price tag.
1 Palmerston Place, West End, Edinburgh, EH12 5AF
An ever-changing menu means that you won’t eat the same thing twice at The Palmerston. This cosy neighbourhood joint celebrates ingredients meticulously sourced from local farmers, fishermen and growers.
Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8JU
The Vineyard is a luxurious five-star hotel that boasts an elegant restaurant and one of the most extensive wine lists in the country. Executive chef Tom Scade crafts beautiful dishes with local produce, which are then paired with the excellent wines.
4 Upper Bridge Street,, Wye, Kent, TN25 5AF
Having opened in 1962, The Wife of Bath has long held its position as a Kent gem. Incredibly, it manages to avoid feeling dated, serving dishes like crab ‘sausage’ rolls or shaved beef with dripping fried toast.
3 Nine Tree Hill, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 3SB
Bokman is a bustling Korean restaurant in Bristol that is well-established as exceptionally good value. Featured in the Michelin guide, this canteen-style establishment turns out seriously creative dishes like oysters with kimchi ice or matcha tiramisu.
1109 Pollokshaws Road , Glasgow, G41 3YG
Inspired by her aunt’s cafe in Malaysia, Julie Lin has turned dinky Julie’s Kopitiam into a mighty force on the Glasgow scene, packed to the rafters on most evenings with hungry punters feasting on laksa and nasi goreng.
Bourton Road, Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2RB
The Double Red Duke is a 17th-century coaching inn near Oxford with some serious chops when it comes to food. Executive chef Henrik Ritzen serves up a diverse selection of dishes like apple-glazed bacon ribs or cod with wood-fired swede.
2B North View, Bishopston, Bristol, BS6 7QB
This local gem in Bristol’s Westbury Village Park is headed up by Freddy Bird and serves unpretentious French food in a laid-back setting. It’s open seven days a week, so pop in for a glass of wine and a couple of bar snacks, or make it a celebration with a fantastic three-course meal.
19 Fore Street, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1AH
Self-taught chef Andy and his wife Lyndsey run this friendly restaurant in Cornwall. Andy, having cooked in Italy, draws heavily on Mediterranean cooking principles, creating simple, unpretentious dishes using the very best local and seasonal ingredients.
20 Highfield Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 3DU
Simpsons is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Birmingham, offering elegant British dishes celebrating local produce. Simpsons also has an in-house cooking school called Eureka, where students can learn cooking and plating from the expert kitchen staff.
Unit 10, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6WP
BOX-E co-founders Elliott and Tess Lidstone manage to conjure some very special food from the smallest of spaces, offering a pared-back tasting menu that frequently puts plants front and centre.
28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow, Glasgow, G4 0XA
Celentano’s in Glasgow, run by husband and wife team Dean and Anna, is a relaxed Italian-inspired restaurant offering handmade pasta, small and large plates ideal for sharing. Head here for a quick drink or a long evening of feasting.
21 Cotham Road South, Bristol, Bristol, BS6 5TZ
Possibly the least-assuming Michelin-starred restaurant ever, Bulrush Restaurant in Bristol shows that it really is what’s on the inside that counts. Expect unusual flavours like goat’s milk or rowanberry, crafted into elegant plates alongside biodynamic wines.
6 New Road, Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL29 3SB
Shape-shifting Outlaw's New Road is the more casual rebirth of what was previously Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. Tasting menus have been ditched for more relaxed set menus, but the same dynamic, top-class fish cookery remains.
37 Walmgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9TX
The Cochon Aveugle (blind pig) is a dinner party-style surprise menu restaurant in York by chef Josh Overington. Here unusual ingredients are celebrated, often using French techniques, accompanied by a short list of carefully-selected wines.
25 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6NA
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd is a relaxed, Michelin-starred dining room in Lichfield, offering creative British fare above the Shepherd family jewellery shop. Open for three-course lunch or a seven-course evening tasting menu, the restaurant also has a chef’s table.
While there are the ever-reliable fine-dining set on our list, there are also some surprising hyper-relaxed restaurants that prioritise produce over plating and offer gorgeous combinations of just a few key ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion destination or an all new regular nearby, our list of the best restaurants in the UK offers up something for every occasion and every budget. If you’re paying the capital a visit why not check out our list of London’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2022.