2023 sees the exciting return of our annual awards and brings with it an all-new winner in Grace & Savour.
We say it every year, but this year truly must have presented the highest calibre of restaurants yet. Whittling down the UK’s burgeoning dining scene into just 100 top spots was an excruciating job that took months of planning and deliberation by both our team, and you, our readers.
After what can only be described as a hellish two years for the hospitality industry, as it battled the various hurdles of living with Covid, 2022 saw a renewed sense of purpose and passion. Getting back to doing what they do best, our homegrown hospitality professionals have put on quite a show over the last year, wining and dining customers with flair, ingenuity, and true individuality. With a whole host of new openings included in the ranks below, there’s never been a more exciting time to explore our Great British Isles in pursuit of a once-in-a-lifetime meal. That being said, it’s some of the old-timers, the classics, that stood out to us most. While you might have already heard of them, we’re here to tell you they’re still at the top of their game and are worth adding to your eating itinerary over the next 12 months.
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. When we say this list is months in the making, we really mean it. We take huge care and pride in making sure only the very best in the industry find a place on the list, and have eaten at hundreds of restaurants over the past 12 months to whittle down the winners.
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.
While there is an 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 2023.