The Ritz crowned UK’s best restaurant at 2025 National Restaurant Awards
The Ritz in London has today been named the UK’s best restaurant for 2025 at the National Restaurant Awards. After years as a regular presence on the list, the venue was awarded the top spot at the annual event, which recognises excellence on the British dining scene as voted for by leading chefs, restaurateurs and food writers from across the country.
The opulent Louis XVI dining room at The Ritz has long been a mainstay of British fine dining, and executive chef John Williams MBE joined in 2004. The restaurant was awarded its second Michelin star earlier this year, with Williams and his team offering classical French cuisine committed to traditional techniques and inspired by culinary figures such as Escoffier.
Restaurant editor Stefan Chomka commented: “As a bastion of fine French food served in unashamedly refined surroundings, The Ritz stands alone in the UK. The top 100 restaurants list reflects the diverse nature of our eating out scene and the changing trends within it, whether they be less formality, more farm to fork menus, or embracing new cuisines, but it’s also wonderful to see a restaurant unwavering in its focus finally get the recognition it merits. The Ritz is an exemplary restaurant, one fully deserving of the title National Restaurant of the Year.”
Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall in West Lancashire, which recently won its third Michelin star, took second place. Birchall was also named Chef of the Year, with his restaurant recognised for its sustainability and farm-to-table approach. Brett Graham’s The Ledbury in London ranked third.
David Carter was named Restauranteur of the Year as his new restaurant Omá entered the list at sixth place – the highest spot for a new entry this year. Carter also operates Agora, which placed at number 51. Claude Bosi became the only restaurateur with three restaurants in the top 100: Bibendum re-entered at number 39, Brooklands by Claude Bosi at number 20, and Josephine Bouchon at number 23.
The awards also recognised individual achievements. Skye Gyngell, culinary director at Spring, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the British culinary scene and her work connecting food and culture, and Aaron Potter (who opened his debut restaurant, Wildflowers in September 2024) was named Chef to Watch.
London’s dominance in the UK restaurant scene was evident, with 56 of the top 100 restaurants based in the capital.
Food Desk
For further information about the National Restaurant Awards, the full list of winners and the top 100 restaurants, visit the organisation’s website here.
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