UK's Top 100 Restaurants for 2025

2025 sees the exciting return of our annual awards and brings with it a winner that needs little introduction - Restaurant Sat Bains.

Updated on 22 January 2025

SquareMeal’s annual ranking of the top restaurants in the UK is more than just a list; it's our opportunity to celebrate long-standing culinary icons and shine a spotlight on emerging talents, acknowledging the grit, graft and determination of remarkable chefs and hospitality teams who work tirelessly to create unforgettable dining experiences.

With each year that passes, we're amazed by the exceptional quality of the UK dining scene. 2024 has presented significant hurdles for restaurants, but passionate hospitality pros across the country continue to supersede all expectations.

This year’s UK Restaurant of the Year is a name that needs little introduction from us. Restaurant Sat Bains is a two Michelin-starred fine dining powerhouse that has been right at the top of the UK restaurant game for 25 years now. Incredibly, it might just be the best it has ever been right now – a testament to Sat Bains’ relentless drive to innovate and evolve.

SquareMeal Managing Editor Ellie Donnell says: 'Sat's creative tasting menus are brave and unique - taking risks that pay off and interweaving clever surprises - but more importantly they celebrate the joy of eating thanks to a deep-rooted understanding of flavour developed over decades.'

Narrowing down the UK dining scene to just 100 outstanding restaurants always proves to be a formidable challenge - it’s a job that takes many months of meticulous planning, excruciating deliberation, and collaboration with you, our readers.

We take great care in ensuring that this list represents the cream of the crop, and that requires the input of SquareMeal readers. Our Top 100 Restaurants lists combine in-house critic experiences with thousands of public votes from diners up and down the country.

As a result, you’ll see some of the UK’s most famous restaurants rubbing shoulders with lesser-known local spots, and a host of exciting new openings. We think this list represents the hundred most exciting places to go and eat in 2024, with every corner of the UK covered.

From special occasion dining to neighbourhood haunts our list of the best restaurants in the UK has considered them all. The same is true for our run-down of London’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2025.

Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

1. Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

Lenton Lane, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2SA

Sat Bains' artistic approach yields brave, unique dishes that celebrate flavours and textures, offering an unparalleled experience that continues to set standards for seasonal British fine dining. Restaurant Sat Bains is now 25 years old, but as a confident and inquisitive risk taker invested in the joys of eating, it shows no signs of slowing down.

Over £80
Modern European
British
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Pine

2. Pine

Vallum Farm, East Wallhouses, Northumberland, NE18 0LL

This windswept old cattle barn has been transformed by Cal and Sian Byerley into a truly transcendent destination restaurant. Even the smallest details are executed with watchmaker’s precision, but Pine still manages to be effortlessly charming and relaxed. An incredible achievement.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Ynyshir

3. Ynyshir

Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8TA

Ynyshir’s stunning Snowdonia location and manicured grounds have long been an attraction, but Gareth Ward’s incredible cooking is the real star. Ward brings lots of Japanese influence and a focus on fat and flavour to his food, resulting in one of the UK’s most unique, unmissable restaurants.

Over £80
Japanese
British
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Grace & Savour

4. Grace & Savour

Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden, West Midlands, B92 0EN

David and Anette Taylor have crafted an idyllic countryside retreat, lifting up sustainable producers and craftspeople around them with an unwavering commitment to ethical, bio-diverse farming. The resulting 15-course tasting menu is a thing of beauty.

Over £80
Scandinavian
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Woven by Adam Smith

5. Woven by Adam Smith

Coworth Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7SE

With his name now over the door of his restaurant at Coworth Park, Adam Smith’s cooking is finally getting the nationwide acclaim it deserves. Smith’s meticulous technique and fondness for luxury ingredients echoes of his many years at The Ritz.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
L

6. L'Enclume

Cavendish Street, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QA

L’Enclume has officially entered legendary status as one of the country’s most influential restaurants. It remains an exceptional dining experience full of surprises and delights, if you can manage to get a table.

Over £80
Modern European
British
Three Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms

7. Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms

Prescot Road, Aughton, Lancashire, L39 6RT

Mark Birchall's magnum opus is a stunning example of big picture thinking. Birchall's classy seasonal cooking is just the start of what makes Moor Hall special - acres of grounds supply fresh produce year round, and the whole experience is one that makes you feel very special. Add in the gorgeous new forest cabins and there has never been a better time to visit. 

Over £80
Modern European
British
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Skof

8. Skof

3 Federation Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 4BF

Tom Barnes’ first solo restaurant is nothing short of outstanding, with its masterful and innovative dishes that still manage to feel completely down to earth. Expectations of the former L’Enclume chef were high, but Skof has hit the ground running, quickly solidifying its place as one of the UK’s top restaurants.

Over £80
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Opheem

9. Opheem

48 Summer Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1JJ

Aktar Islam puts his signature stamp on Indian fine dining at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Birmingham. His masterful dishes utilise ancient and modern techniques from all over the globe, and the result is not to be missed.

Over £80
Indian
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Myse

10. Myse

Main Street, Hovingham, North Yorkshire, YO62 4LF

Located in the scenic village of Hovingham, Myse serves a modern British tasting menu that draws on North Yorkshire’s rich history. Start with a round of drinks by the log burner in the snug, before embarking on a menu filled with things like duck and liver crumpets, and broad bean porridge.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Lyla

11. Lyla

3 Royal Terrace, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AB

The fourth venture from Stuart Ralston, Lyla offers a culinary journey to its diners, starting with snacks and aperitifs upstairs before descending for a ten-course tasting menu. Foraged and locally grown ingredients play a starring role, making Lyla one of the city’s finest seafood experiences.

Over £80
Scottish
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Updown Farmhouse

12. Updown Farmhouse

Updown Farm, Deal, Kent, CT14 OEF

This idyllic spot pays homage to the English countryside in every way possible. Dine between terracotta plant pots and trailing vines at Updown Farmhouse’s conservatory restaurant, while the hyper-seasonal menu makes use of local ingredients (including some grown in its beautiful garden grounds).

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
JÖRO

13. JÖRO

Old Mill Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S35 0LB

Luke French and Stacey Sherwood have taken JÖRO to new heights, relocating this acclaimed restaurant from Sheffield city centre to the picturesque Oughtibridge Mill. With its inspired blend of Nordic and Japanese influences, JÖRO’s seasonally driven tasting menus are exceptional. Eight years on, it remains a must-visit destination.

Over £80
International
Fusion
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Osip

14. Osip

25 Kingsettle Hill, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0LN

Osip recently relocated to a more rural pub with rooms just a few miles from its kitchen farm. The celebrated 2021 winner is still flying high with an ever-changing farm-to-table menu founded on the precise and technical use of organic and biodynamic ingredients.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Angel at Hetton

15. The Angel at Hetton

The Angel Inn, Hetton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6LT

This 15th-century inn won a Michelin star within the first year of opening, having garnered a reputation as one of the UK’s best gastropubs. Modern and refined dishes appear in both a la carte and tasting menu format.

Over £80
Modern European
Gastropub
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant

16. The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant

Glenturret Distillery, Perthshire, Tayside, PH7 4HA

With just six tables available per night, dinner at this distillery restaurant is pretty exclusive. The trip is absolutely worth it, though, as Mark Donald’s globetrotting menus are out of this world.

Over £80
Scottish
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Higher Ground

17. Higher Ground

New York Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 4DY

Ideally located in Manchester’s city centre, Higher Ground is the British bistro showcasing everything this little island has to offer. Changing the menu based on seasonality throughout the UK, you can always expect a creative selection of dishes showcasing ingredients from land and sea.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Heft

18. Heft

High Newton, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JH

It might masquerade as a quaint 17th-century inn, but Heft is a weapon of a restaurant forged by a profound understanding of the surrounding landscape. Cumbrian-born chef patron Kevin Tickle fuses local, seasonal, and foraged ingredients into a profound menu focused on skilful simplicity.

Over £80
British
Gastropub
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Greyhound Beaconsfield

19. The Greyhound Beaconsfield

33 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2JN

Husband and wife team Daniel and Margriet honed their skills at Petrus and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, so it’s no surprise this gastropub nails all the small details, from pitch-perfect service to delicious food.

£50 - £79
Vegetarian
Vegan
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Kinneuchar Inn

20. The Kinneuchar Inn

9-11 Main Street, Kilconquhar, Fife & Angus, KY9 1LF

This 17th-century pub and restaurant serves an affordable yet elevated a la carte menu. Produce is primarily sourced from the nearby Balcaskie Estate along with a handful of other local growers to keep menus seasonal and local.

£50 - £79
British
Gastropub
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Wilsons

21. Wilsons

24 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PF

Plates that appear deceptively simple but are underpinned by exacting technique are the order of the day at Wilsons, one of Bristol’s best restaurants. Here you’ll find true allegiance to showcasing sustainability through seasonality in fresh new ways.

Over £80
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Paul Ainsworth at No. 6

22. Paul Ainsworth at No. 6

6 Middle Street, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AP

Paul Ainsworth operates a number of restaurants in Cornwall, but this Michelin-starred spot has got to be the jewel in his crown, where it serves an exciting, story-led menu that champions locally sourced Cornish produce.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Solstice Newcastle

23. Solstice Newcastle

5-7 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 3JE

Not content with having one champion restaurant in Newcastle, Kenny Atkinson has opened another one just down the road. The UK isn’t short of great tasting menus these days, but Solstice is right up there with the best of them.

Over £80
Modern European
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Tallow

24. Tallow

15A Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 0RX

This perfectly-formed little restaurant serves a compact menu of modern British food that you just want to dive into. A real gem, delivering new experiences on every visit via menus that change every month. 

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Pass at South Lodge

25. The Pass at South Lodge

South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PS

Ben Wilkinson’s Michelin-starred restaurant is nothing short of sublime. A glass wall separates the 28-cover dining room from the kitchen, so diners can watch the team in action, while dishes are served by the chefs who made them. Clean, concise, and perfectly-balanced plates are impossible to fault.

Over £80
Modern European
British
Bars
Hotel Bars
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Alchemilla Nottingham

26. Alchemilla Nottingham

192 Derby Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 1NF

Alex Bond harnesses the transformative powers of fermentation and pickling at Nottingham powerhouse Alchemilla, creating brilliant tasting menus which are as innovative as they are delicious.

Over £80
Modern European
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall

27. Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3ET

Located at one of the country’s finest hotels, Shaun Rankin’s eponymous restaurant takes hotel dining to a whole new level, winning a Michelin star just months after opening. Years later and the quality still exudes, with Rankin returning to his roots and showcasing the very best Yorkshire has to offer.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Roots York

28. Roots York

68 Marygate, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 7BH

Tommy Banks has taken a former pub and transformed it into one of York’s greatest restaurants to date. This Michelin-starred spot centres around seasonal ingredients grown and foraged on the family farm, while modern dishes never veer too away from the chef’s Yorkshire roots.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Little Chartroom

29. The Little Chartroom

14 Bonnington Road, Bonnington, Edinburgh, EH6 5JD

Roberta Hall-McCarron’s cosy Bonnington bistro is a nigh on perfect neighbourhood restaurant - homely, comforting and always welcoming, with a menu full of dishes that you just want to dive into head first.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Scottish
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Muddlers Club

30. The Muddlers Club

1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 2DX

This Michelin-starred spot in Belfast centres around an open kitchen, providing diners with an element of theatre as they watch the chefs prepare their food. Focused on relaxed fine dining, head chef and owner Gareth McCaughey uses the best local ingredients to create his inspired tasting menus.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Irish
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Forge at Middleton Lodge

31. Forge at Middleton Lodge

Middleton Lodge Estate, Middleton Tyas, North Yorkshire, DL10 6NJ

Located on the Middleton Lodge Estate, Forge offers a refined dining experience with a major focus on sustainability that resulted in a green star back in 2024. Head chef Jake Jones’ assertive six- and ten-course tasting menus delve into Yorkshire’s culinary landscape, using produce grown in the estate’s own kitchen garden.

Over £80
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Lark

32. Lark

6A Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1UZ

Led by Bury St Edmunds native, chef James Carn, Lark is an intelligently casual intimate dining affair. The menu takes the form of hyper-seasonal small plates highlighting a definitive Mediterranean influence and intuitively judged combinations.

£30 - £49
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Montrose Edinburgh

33. Montrose Edinburgh

1 Montrose Terrace, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh, EH7 5DJ

Offering two distinct dining experiences under one roof, Montrose comes from the team behind Edinburgh’s beloved Timberyard, embodying the same minimalistic feel. Stay downstairs for relaxed dining, or head upstairs for the full, set-menu experience.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Wine Bars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Fhior

34. Fhior

36 Broughton Street, Bonnington, Edinburgh, EH1 3SB

Chef Scott Smith’s modern Scottish cooking combines elegance and intrigue, with ingredient-led menus that challenge and delight in equal measure. Fine dining here feels refreshingly relaxed, making Fhior a true standout spot in Edinburgh’s vast dining scene.

Over £80
Scottish
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Hjem

35. Hjem

The Hadrian Hotel, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4EE

The serene, Scandi-style dining room provides a calming backdrop in which to indulge in some of Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori’s intricate cooking. Hjem’s food offering comes in the form of a single tasting menu, where Northumberland produce is treated with Scandinavian techniques.

Over £80
Scandinavian
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Vetch

36. Vetch

29A Hope Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 9BP

Taking Liverpool’s dining scene to another level, Vetch is undoubtedly one of the city’s most exciting places to eat, boasting a stellar tasting menu from chef Daniel McGeorge. You never know quite what’s going to come next, but each plate is filled with intrigue and experimentation unlike anything you’ve likely experienced.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
International
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Lympstone Manor

37. Lympstone Manor

Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3NZ

The jewel in Michael Caines’ crown, Lympstone Manor in Devon comes with all the trimmings of fine dining that you’d expect, and earned itself a Michelin star just six months after opening. Menus are developed around the local southwest larder

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Barn at Moor Hall

38. The Barn at Moor Hall

Prescot Road, Aughton, Lancashire, L39 6RT

Were The Barn not overshadowed by flagship Moor Hall, it would rightly be talked about as one of the best restaurants in the country. It’s more relaxed, but the attention to detail, conscientious service and top-class produce remain, making this a good way to experience some of the Moor Hall magic without the price tag.

£50 - £79
Modern European
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Home at Penarth

39. Home at Penarth

1 Royal Buildings, Penarth, Cardiff, CF64 3EB

James Sommerin is no stranger to success, but Home may be his greatest achievement yet. The whole Sommerin family works front and back of house, turning out an elegant, thought-provoking tasting menu.

Over £80
Modern European
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Seasonality

40. Seasonality

26 Queen Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1HZ

Seasonality showcases a diverse menu, from oysters with shichimi togarashi to smoked haddock with potato fondant. Whilst the menu changes frequently, you can always expect a consistent level of quality from husband and wife team Wesley and Francesca Smalley.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Sportsman

41. The Sportsman

Faversham Road, Seasalter, Kent, CT5 4BP

What appears to be an unassuming pub from the outside, is in fact a treasure trove of gastropub style plates that champion the best of British produce - think local rock oysters, grilled slip sole, and pot roast pork. Oh, and did we mention it has a Michelin star?

Over £80
British
Gastropub
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Crocadon

42. Crocadon

St Mellion, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6RL

Following his departure from L’Enclume, chef Dan Cox brings his vast experience to the south west with this soil-centric farm restaurant. The very definition of farm-to-table cooking, he’s created a ‘Taste of the Farm’ menu bursting with freshly grown and reared produce.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd

43. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd

25 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6NA

Housed above his father’s jewellery shop, Tom Shepherd’s eponymous restaurant is one of the hottest seats in Staffordshire. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table at the county’s only Michelin starred restaurant, expect a seven-course tasting menu of innovative, flavour-led dishes.

£50 - £79
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Parkers Arms

44. Parkers Arms

Hallgate Hill, Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire, BB7 3DY

Offering feelgood factor by the spadeful, this cosy refurbished inn deals in a three course, daily changing menu for £55. Pies have made the kitchen famous, which are most often served at lunch, like the wonderfully comforting layered creamed potato terrine creation.

£50 - £79
Gastropub
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Inver

45. Inver

Strathlachlan, Argyll & Bute, Highlands & Islands, PA27 8BU

Set in a converted ferryman’s cottage on the Insta-friendly shores of Loch Fyne, Inver blends ultra-fresh local produce - sometimes straight out of the loch - with clever Nordic technique.

Over £80
Scottish
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Meadowsweet

46. Meadowsweet

37 Norwich Road, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6SA

Residing in a beautiful Grade-II listed house, Meadowsweet has created an intimate and charmingly cosy dining experience in the heart of Norfolk. Chef Greg Anderson’s ever-changing menu celebrates sustainable British produce, creating simple but elegant dishes.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Furna

47. Furna

6 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UF

Taking residence in a stunning Grade-II listed Georgian mansion, Chef Dave Mothersill has created - arguably - Brighton’s most notable fine dining restaurant. The menu takes notes from Asian cooking but is ever-evolving depending on the season.

Over £80
International
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Shed

48. The Shed

Unit 1&2 J-Shed, Waterfront, Swansea, SA1 8PL

Following a 16 year stint at St John in London, Jonathan Woolway’s calling brought him back home, setting up shop at one of Swansea’s waterfront restaurants. The Shed’s daily-changing menus celebrate bounty from the surrounding areas, partnering with local suppliers to ensure produce is at its peak seasonality.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Waterman

49. Waterman

Waterman House, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 2LA

Taking up residence in a converted warehouse, Waterman is all about no-frills, affordable dining, bringing contemporary European fare to the people of Belfast. Pop by for set menus, Sunday roasts, or an after dark menu of snacks and desserts, with local serves to wash everything down.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Forest Side

50. The Forest Side

The Forest Side Hotel, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9RN

Head chef Paul Leonard translates the Cumbrian landscape into a series of intriguing tasting menus at this gothic mansion in the Lake district. Many of its ingredients are sourced from the kitchen gardens, while dedicated vegetarian menus ensure eating here is accessible for everyone.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Jackdaw Conwy

51. The Jackdaw Conwy

High Street, Conwy, Conwy, LL32 8DB

Born in North Wales and having spent seven years at The Fat Duck, chef Nick Rudge brings a wealth of experience to his latest venture The Jackdaw in Conwy. Here, he places beautiful Welsh produce at the fore of his menus, such as ‘Welsh Salt Duck’ with pickled damsons and hispi cabbage.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Wilderness

52. The Wilderness

27 Warstone Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6JQ

Anything but ordinary, the Wilderness’ quirks are found in every twist and turn of the eccentric menu that isn’t afraid to make unusual pairings in pursuit of a menu you’ll remember long after your last bite.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Pony Chew Valley

53. The Pony Chew Valley

Knowle Hill, Chew Magna, Somerset, BS40 8TQ

Hyper-seasonal menus and sprawling kitchen gardens often make for a winning combination, but sibling owners Josh and Holly Eggleton have done something rather spectacular with their transformation of The Pony. Outstanding plates of accessible fare make this the epitome of a great gastropub.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Afternoon tea
Gastropub
SquareMeal UK Top 100
White Swan at Fence

54. White Swan at Fence

300 Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, Lancashire, BB12 9QA

The initial impression is of a modest village pub. But The White Swan boasts a witty and thoughtful menu worthy of its Michelin star. The atmosphere is laid back but small batch local produce and technical skill merge to deliver simple but profound combinations.

Over £80
Gastropub
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Native at the Netherwood Estate

55. Native at the Netherwood Estate

Pensons Farm, Tenbury Wells, Herefordshire, WR15 8RT

Having spent several years inside Browns in Bond Street, Imogen Davis and Ivan Tisdall-Downes have brought Native out to the country. An idyllic barn on the Netherwood Estate is the perfect home to serve up its hyper-seasonal produce that is picked each day from the on-site kitchen garden.

Over £80
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Big Counter

56. Big Counter

76 Victoria Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G42 7AA

Described as a dinner house, Big Counter dishes out unfussy comfort food and old-school favourites. The menu is subject to daily change but dishes frequently feature chef John Dawson and Claire Johnston’s ‘holy trinity’: butter, cream, and cheese.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Mediterranean
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Harborne Kitchen

57. Harborne Kitchen

175-179 High Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B17 9QE

Making your presence known in a city as densely populated with incredible restaurants as Birmingham is quite some feat - but Harborne Kitchen has made a name for itself through its creative plates that continue to taste as good as they look.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Bavette

58. Bavette

4-6 Town Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ

Sitting on the outskirts of Leeds, Bavette is a neighbourhood bistro specialising in simple, honest, French cookery, that has become a favourite amongst locals. Hearty plates of comforting food will leave you more than satisfied, with an extensive wine list that even includes bottles from the family vineyard.

£30 - £49
French
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai

59. Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai

Farlam Hall Hotel, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2NG

If the Farlam Hall Hotel’s 600 year history wasn’t enough to dazzle you, then chef patron Hrishikesh Desai’s dazzling seven-course tasting menus might just do the trick. Drawing on classic French techniques, as well as Desai’s heritage, you can expect some rather exceptional cooking.

Over £80
British
Indian
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Fish Shop Ballater

60. Fish Shop Ballater

3 Netherley Place, Ballater, Aberdeen & Deeside, AB35 5QE

A tiny Scottish village on the edge of Cairngorms might not have seemed like an obvious location for one of the UK’s top restaurants, but Fish Shop Ballater’s commitment to community, simplicity and sustainability have come together to create something really special.

£30 - £49
Scottish
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Annwn

61. Annwn

1 Market Square, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 7AU

Taking the term ‘local ingredients’ to the next level, the team at Annwn spend time foraging for produce and get the rest from sustainable producers nearby. It’s all about showcasing the best of what Wales has to offer, one delicious plate at a time.

Over £80
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Paco Tapas

62. Paco Tapas

3 Lower Guinea Street, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6SY

Peter Sanchez-Iglesias brings a touch of magic to this refreshingly relaxed Spanish tapas restaurant in Bristol. The menu changes every day to make use of the freshest available produce, but you can always guarantee something special.

£50 - £79
Tapas
Spanish
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Latymer at Pennyhill Park

63. The Latymer at Pennyhill Park

Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5EU

Found within one of Surrey’s most luxurious hotels, The Latymer is no different, offering grandeur in every sense of the word. Steve Smith’s constantly changing discovery menu showcases refined dishes using only the best local produce.

Over £80
Modern European
Vegetarian
Vegan
British
Bars
Hotel Bars
Wine Bars
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Argoe Newlyn

64. Argoe Newlyn

The Strand, Newlyn, Cornwall, TR18 5HW

Argoe is a tribute to Newlyn’s incredible fishing heritage and produce, where sharing plates with a focus on Cornish fish and seafood are served alongside low-intervention wines on tap. Proof that beauty lies in simplicity.

£50 - £79
British
Fish
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Greyhound Inn - Pettistree

65. The Greyhound Inn - Pettistree

The Street, Pettistree, Suffolk, IP13 0HP

Setting the bar for what makes a good gastropub, The Greyhound Inn has all the charm of your local boozer, whilst serving up restaurant-quality food. Succinct, seasonal menus offer everything from bar snacks to three-course feasts, with daily specials handwritten on the chalkboard.

£30 - £49
British
Gastropub
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Lumiere

66. Lumiere

Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3PA

Jon and Helen Howe’s beloved Cheltenham restaurant is admirable on many levels, turning out a range of delicious tasting menus, as well as fantastic vegetarian food, all whilst running an organic 15-acre smallholding.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Another Hand

67. Another Hand

Unit F, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4EN

A 24-seat intimate restaurant led by co-chef patrons Max Yorke and Julian Pizer, Another Hand transforms sustainably sourced ingredients into a sleek daily programme of punchy sharing plates, complemented by a catalogue of exceptional natural wines, and craft beers.

£50 - £79
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Abbey Inn Byland

68. The Abbey Inn Byland

Byland, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BD

The Abbey Inn blends classic pub charm, expert culinary intuition, and environmentally conscious practices. The result is a homestyle experience, elevated by inventive techniques, charcoal grilling, and quality local produce from the Oldstead farm.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Briar

69. Briar

1 High Street, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0AB

A fresh-faced Somerset restaurant by chef Sam Lomas, Briar offers a hyper-local, seasonal menu in a warm, friendly setting. Located in Bruton's Number One hotel, it features unfussy dishes crafted from West Country ingredients, foraged items, and produce from a small kitchen garden.

£30 - £49
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Cail Bruich

70. Cail Bruich

725 Great Western Road, West End, Glasgow, G12 8QX

With a spectacular chef’s table for two, plus a luxurious, contemporary main dining room, Cail Bruich is a special occasion spot worth saving up for. Here you’ll be treated to Lorna McNee’s unique flair for elevating the best of Scottish produce.

Over £80
Modern European
Scottish
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Cottage in the Wood

71. The Cottage in the Wood

Whinlatter Forest, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Housed in a remote cottage up the Whinlatter Pass, 1,000 ft up in the Lake District, The Cottage in the Wood combines cosy charm with stunning woodland views. Modern European tasting menus reflect Beth and Jack Bond’s passion for this landscape.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Le Manoir aux Quat

72. Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Church Road, Great Milton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7PD

Le Manoir epitomises Franco-British hospitality and modern gastronomic inspiration. Nestled within a fairytale-like Tudor building, the twice Michelin-starred restaurant also holds a green star for its environmentally conscious efforts, sophisticated technique, and live-off-the-land ethos.

Over £80
French
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Upstairs at Landrace

73. Upstairs at Landrace

61 Walcot Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5BN

This unassuming restaurant sits above the Landrace Bakery in Bath where it quietly turns out a concise menu of perfectly-executed Mediterranean plates. Expect straight-forward, trattoria-style fare cooked with love – think tagliatelle with spinach, chestnuts and parmesan cream.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Italian
French
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Bench Sheffield

74. Bench Sheffield

Nether Edge Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 1RU

Neighbourhood small plates restaurants are two a penny. Bench is not. Breaking the divide between bar and kitchen, Bench delivers small plates and natural wines with superior skill and judgement to create a relaxed communal dining experience.

£50 - £79
British
Barbecue
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Gwen

75. Gwen

21 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8EB

Gwen is an intimate dining experience from the Michelin-starred mind of Ynyshir chef Gareth Ward. Accommodating just eight guests at a time, ten innovative but affordable courses illustrate exceptional culinary flair and quality Welsh produce.

Over £80
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Emilia

76. Emilia

2 East Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7AA

A charming Italian osteria housed in a former Ashburton bank, Emilia offers daily-changing menus inspired by dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region. With one large table and a few bar seats available, it serves flavourful, generously priced dishes, including house-made pasta and daily offal specials.

£30 - £49
Italian
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Holm

77. Holm

28 St James Street, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5BW

Somerset restaurant Holm’s ethos is deeply rooted in nature, drawing on fantastic local farmers, fisherman, growers and butchers for its produce. Low intervention, organic and biodynamic wines are served alongside its seasonal tasting menus, and it now has lovely overnight rooms too.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Rabbit

78. The Rabbit

1464 Pershore Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B30 2NT

The Rabbit blends Ash and Erin Valenzuela-Heeger’s South African roots with seasonal British produce. Known for its creative small plates and commitment to sustainable sourcing, this affordable gem has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional cuisine and intimate on-trend atmosphere.

£30 - £49
International
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Aven

79. Aven

10 Camden Place, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3JL

Driven by the seasons, Oli Martin’s Aven restaurant transforms locally sourced Lancashire produce into extraordinary tasting menus. Often with the help of foraged ingredients, tasting menus showcase innovative techniques to rediscover and celebrate the finest Northwest flavours.

Over £80
Vegetarian
British
French
Fish
SquareMeal UK Top 100
REBEL

80. REBEL

150 Heaton Park Road, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, NE6 5NR

Innovative tasting menus, seasonal produce, fantastic wine pairings, and great value pricing - these are just a few things that REBEL does brilliantly. It’s contemporary through and through, with a calming but modern aesthetic and a talented young team delivering consistently impressive experiences.

Over £80
Modern European
British
International
Fusion
SquareMeal UK Top 100
1 York Place

81. 1 York Place

1 York Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1AH

A European-inspired restaurant by chef-owner Freddy Bird and his wife Ness. Offering a classic a la carte menu featuring high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients. The dishes reflect Bird's extensive culinary experience, blending French, Spanish, and Moorish influences in a relaxed, intimate setting.

£30 - £49
Modern European
French
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Blue Pelican

82. The Blue Pelican

83 Beach Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6JB

Set on the Deal beachfront, The Blue Pelican blends European and Japanese techniques with a classy, daring and sometimes experimental menu of small plates, grill dishes, and sharers. It’s gorgeous too, showcasing the talent of co-owner and ex Wallpaper Design Editor Alex Bagner.

£50 - £79
Japanese
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Henrock at Linthwaite House

83. Henrock at Linthwaite House

Linthwaite House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JA

Blessed with views of Lake Windermere, Henrock's hyper-seasonal tasting and set menus showcase influences from Hong Kong and Thailand. It’s under the aegis of Simon Rogan, following his signature farm-to-fork philosophy using ingredients from his nearby Cartmel farm to offer confident pan-Asian cooking.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Sparrows

84. The Sparrows

16 Red Bank, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 4HF

Inspired by all things dough-based, The Sparrows - a translation of ‘spätzle’ - serves up the European noodles of the same name along with continental pasta and dumpling dishes treated with the warmth and appreciation they deserve.

£30 - £49
Central European
Italian
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Lilac

85. Lilac

Cellar 57 - 58 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QF

Housed within a 400-year-old cellar in Lyme Regis, Lilac is a relaxed restaurant and wine bar from the same team behind Robin Wylde, with a major focus on sustainability. Enjoy its seasonal sharing plates alongside low-intervention wines, local beers and exciting cocktails.

£30 - £49
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Manifest

86. Manifest

4a Watkinson Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 0AG

Setting up in a Baltic Quarter warehouse, Manifest sounds a little chilly but is anything but - clever British cooking and carefully-sourced wines are served with warmth and generosity.

£50 - £79
British
Bars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Quince

87. Quince

39 Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, CT8 8QY

Quince is the epitome of casual fine dining, a bistro-style restaurant in Westgate-on-Sea serving Mediterranean-leaning dishes with Kentish produce. Chefs and co-owners Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez are the brains behind the job, having spent years working at the Goods Shed in Canterbury together.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Woodspeen

88. The Woodspeen

Lambourn Road, Bermont, Berkshire, RG20 8BN

Housed in a 19th century farmhouse, The Woodspeen has ditched all the fuss whilst still managing to retain a first class dining experience. Here, you can enjoy the theatricality of an open kitchen whilst enjoying fresh produce straight from the onsite garden.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Box Tree

89. The Box Tree

35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR

Set within two 18th-century cottages, decked out in antique finery, The Box Tree has stood among Yorkshire’s best restaurants since 1962. Today, executive chef Brayden Davies continues that tradition, presenting monthly tasting menus focused on Franco-European cuisine.

Over £80
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Wild Flor

90. Wild Flor

42 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2FN

Wild Flor is a testament to friendship and humble cooking. Owned by a close-knit group, the restaurant radiates a welcoming and unassuming atmosphere. The menu reflects a commitment to seasonal, thoughtful combinations that deliver robust and nuanced flavours.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Brasserie
Wine Bars
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
BANK Bristol

91. BANK Bristol

107 Wells Road, Totterdown, Bristol, BS4 2BS

Excellent produce cooked over fire is exactly what to expect from this neighbourhood joint. Head chef Jack Briggs-Horan brings produce to life with indulgent dishes that are designed to share.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Bars
International
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Sur-Mer at The Suffolk

92. Sur-Mer at The Suffolk

152 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5AQ

Proudly embracing the calling to represent the brilliance of British seafood and quality local produce, Sur Mer does just that. Executed in a straightforward fashion and with technical skill directly on the seafront, what more could you ask for?

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Oarsman

93. The Oarsman

46 Spittal Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1DB

Brought to you by restaurateurs Nigel Sutcliffe and James McLean, The Oarsman embodies everything we love about gastropubs. Bistro-style dishes come accompanied by small plates from the charcuterie and larder counters, with more wine options than you could ever need.

£30 - £49
Pubs
Scottish
British
Bars
Gastropub
French
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Tharavadu

94. Tharavadu

7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ

This well-respected Indian restaurant in Leeds has a vast menu with a special focus on Keralan cuisine. Kerala’s long coastline was historically an arrival point for visiting traders and led to the area being a hub of new flavours and influences that blend together beautifully.

£30 - £49
Indian
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Twenty Eight

95. Twenty Eight

7 Pepper Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1EA

Sister restaurant to Chef's Table, Twenty Eight specialises in tapas-style dishes that blend British and international influences. It champions farm-to-table dining, working in partnership with Field28, to provide local ingredients, reduce waste and emphasise sustainability

£50 - £79
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Sindhu by Atul Kochhar

96. Sindhu by Atul Kochhar

Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1RG

Helmed by Atul Kochhar, Sindhu stands as an homage to southern India. It's named for the Indus River, blending Kochhar's brand of modern Indian food with quality British ingredients, it stands as a beacon of contemporary South Asian innovation. 

Over £80
Indian
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Counter Tunbridge Wells

97. The Counter Tunbridge Wells

77 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2UY

An elegant restaurant with five and eight-course tasting menus, The Counter focuses on seasonal local produce from Kent and Sussex. Chef Robin Read also offers an interactive counter dining experience, allowing diners an exclusive opportunity to sample two additional courses.

Over £80
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Vanderlyle

98. Vanderlyle

38-40 Mill Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2AD

Ingenious plant-led tasting menus have shot this small Cambridge restaurant into the spotlight. Co-owner Alex Rushmer doesn’t call Vanderlyle a vegetarian restaurant, rather he has found there is enough variety in plant produce to satisfy all appetites.

Over £80
Vegetarian
SquareMeal UK Top 100
James Street

99. James Street

19 James Street South, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT2 7GA

Niall McKenna’s long-established modern bistro and Belfast favourite continues to push boundaries with enthusiasm. At James Street dishes are simple but vibrant; ethically sourced produce is grilled over charcoal and prepared with satisfaction in mind.

£30 - £49
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Damson Restaurant

100. Damson Restaurant

Winterbourne, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8BB

Well placed within a transformed country pub, chef Henry Kremer-Ireson’s restaurant Damson is all about flavour-driven creativity and seasonal menus. Attentive and personalised service and an easygoing atmosphere along with a brilliant wine list, elevate things further.

£50 - £79
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100

We’d suggest making your way through the list above, if you love to keep up with all the latest hot-spots in the world of hospitality in the UK. However, if you’re looking for something a little more specific, you might like to explore some of our dedicated area guides. We have all sorts of city guides, from best restaurants in Edinburgh to wide spectrum guides like the best restaurants in Yorkshire. Just head straight to the search bar to look for something specific!

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