As much as we at Secret London may wax lyrical about the food scene here in London, we’re more than happy to admit that there are top-notch restaurants all around the United Kingdom. Indeed, some of the best restaurants in the world can be found around this country, ranging from MICHELIN-starred spots to affordable local eateries.
For example, West African fine-dining restaurant Shwen Shwen was recently named one of the best new restaurants in the world. And that’s in Sevenoaks, of all places! Further hammering home just how good the country’s restaurants are, the National Restaurant Awards recently released its 2026 list of the best restaurants in the UK. And an intriguing London spot serving up French fare above a pub took home the crown.
The National Restaurant Awards named Bouchon Racine the number one restaurant in the UK. The site, which is located above Farringdon’s The Three Compasses pub, secured the top spot after having been a mainstay on the list since it opened in late 2022.
Despite being a relatively unassuming spot, Bouchon Racine beat out MICHELIN-starred restaurants such as The Ritz (in joint 2nd place), The Ledbury, and Ynyshir. The National Restaurant Awards praised Bouchon Racine for “deeply comforting French cooking, warm hospitality, and unwavering sense of charm.”
The best restaurants in the UK
According to The National Restaurant Awards, these are the very best restaurants in the UK. Among them are restaurants found in Somerset, Lancashire, Wales, and, of course, London.
- Bouchon Racine, London
- The Ritz, London & Osip, Somerset (joint 2nd place)
- Dorian, London
- The Ledbury, London
- Restaurant Moor Hall, Lancashire
- Ynyshir, Powys, Wales
- Mountain, London
- Trinity, London
- Woven by Adam Smith, Berkshire
- Legado, London
National Restaurant Awards special awards
As well as ranking the country’s best places to eat, the awards also highlighted certain people and restaurants for special recognition. These included:
- The National Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Estrella Damm – Bouchon Racine
- Square Opening of the Year – Legado
- Outstanding Industry Contribution, sponsored by TheFork – Simon Rogan
- Trailblazer of the Year, sponsored by SevenRooms – Maria Bradford
- Chef to Watch, sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna – Meedu Saad
- Restaurateur of the Year, sponsored by Chapman Ventilation – Adam Byatt
- One to Watch, sponsored by Woods Foodservice – Oudh 1722
- Chef of the Year, sponsored by HG Walter – Nieves Barragán Mohacho
- Wine List of the Year, sponsored by Charles Heidsieck – Mountain
- Cocktail List of the Year – Timberyard
- Highest Climber – Planque
- Gastropub of the Year – The Devonshire
- Best Restaurant in Wales, sponsored by Square – Ynyshir
- Best Restaurant in Scotland, sponsored by Liberty Wines and Charles Heidsieck – Timberyard
- Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland – The Muddlers Club
- Liberty Wines Service Award – The Cottage in the Wood
- Estrella Damm Sustainability Award – BiBi
You can read the full list of The National Restaurant Awards’ top 100 restaurants in the country here.
