If you think the British food scene has already peaked, think again. As we cruise into 2026, the UK’s culinary landscape is looking less like a predictable menu and more like a high-octane map of global adventure. We’ve moved far beyond the days when “fine dining” just meant white tablecloths and a sommelier who looked like they were judging your shoes. Today, it’s about soul, story, and—thankfully—a serious amount of fun.
From the quiet, honey-stoned corners of the Cotswolds to the gleaming glass towers of Canary Wharf, the standard of cooking has reached a fever pitch. Whether you’re after a 17-course marathon that feels like a magic show or a plate of pasta so authentic it makes you want to call your non-existent Italian grandmother, 2026 has the goods. We’ve scoured the country, braved the waiting lists, and ruined several pairs of trousers to bring you the definitive list of where to eat this year.
Here are the 10 five-star restaurants you absolutely need to book in 2026.
1. Restaurant Journey, Cheltenham
Forget everything you know about stuffy dining rooms. Tucked away in a secret location in Cheltenham (you won’t even get the address until 24 hours before your booking), Restaurant Journey is the undisputed heavyweight champion of “fun fine dining” right now. Led by the enigmatic Jeff Lewis—who sharpened his knives at legendary spots like The Fat Duck and Ynyshir—this isn’t just a meal; it’s a high-concept expedition.
The vibe is pure speakeasy, and the food is a love letter to Jeff’s travels across more than 100 countries. For early 2026, they’re leaning heavily into their “Inca Trail” tasting menu, which whisks you from the Andes to the Amazon in seven punchy, unpredictable courses. Think bold South American spices meeting precision-engineered techniques. It’s playful, it’s unconventional, and it’s exactly what the UK dining scene needs more of. If you manage to snag one of the 16 seats, prepare for a ride.
2. Plates, London
Shoreditch has a new crown jewel, and it’s entirely plant-based. Plates, run by siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth, became the first vegan restaurant in the UK to nab a Michelin star, and it hasn’t slowed down since. Kirk’s cooking is proof that you don’t need dairy or meat to create something deeply decadent. Notably, his barbecued maitake mushroom with black bean mole is a dish that haunts your dreams. The space is minimalist and cool, perfectly matching the artistic precision on the plate. It’s food that makes you feel good without ever feeling like a compromise.
3. The Black Swan, Oldstead
Tommy Banks continues to prove that the North is a culinary powerhouse. The Black Swan isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a hyper-local ecosystem. Almost everything you eat here is grown, foraged, or preserved on the Banks family farm. In 2026, the focus has shifted even further toward ancient preservation techniques—think fermented berries and pickles that have been aging for years to reach peak funk. It’s rural, it’s rugged, and the hospitality is as warm as a Yorkshire hug. The tasting menu is a masterclass in how to respect the land while pushing the boundaries of flavor.
4. Roe, Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf used to be where dreams went to die in a suit and tie, but Roe has changed the narrative completely. Born from the geniuses behind Fallow and FOWL, this place is a sprawling, high-energy temple to sustainable British produce. The first thing you’ll notice is the massive aeroponic wall where they grow their own Padron peppers. It’s futuristic and flashy, but the cooking is grounded in waste-not-want-not ethics.
The menu is a riot. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the cuttlefish fried toast with pork skin—a salty, crunchy reimagining of a takeaway classic. Then there’s the “banana parfait,” a zero-waste dessert that uses every part of the fruit, including the skins, which are fried into a caramelised crunch. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s one of the most exciting places to eat in the capital right now.
5. Lyla, Edinburgh
Stuart Ralston’s Lyla has firmly established itself as the hottest ticket in Scotland. Located in a stunning Georgian townhouse, the restaurant focuses on seafood-heavy tasting menus that celebrate the wild Scottish coast. The atmosphere is hushed and sophisticated, but the food is vibrant. Imagine hand-dived scallops paired with unexpected citrus notes or North Sea halibut that melts like butter. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over your wine for hours, watching the Edinburgh mist roll past the windows.
6. AngloThai, London
After years of pop-ups and much-hyped residencies, AngloThai finally has its permanent home in Marylebone, and it’s spectacular. Chef John Chantarasak mixes his Thai heritage with premium British ingredients to create something entirely unique. He uses English “verjuice” and crab apples to achieve the puckering sourness usually provided by lime and tamarind in Thailand. The results are electric. The “Rhug Estate” lamb with spicy herb salad is a particular highlight. It’s a marriage of two cultures that works so well you’ll wonder why no one did it sooner.
7. Bohemia, Jersey
While technically a Channel Island gem, Bohemia remains a essential pilgrimage for any serious UK foodie. Under the leadership of Tom Earnshaw, the restaurant has reached new heights of consistency and creativity. Jersey’s incredible local produce—the royals, the dairy, the seafood—is the star of the show here. The “Surprise Menu” is the way to go; let the kitchen team show off their technical prowess with dishes that look like modern art but taste like pure comfort. It’s elegant without being pretentious, a difficult balance to strike.
8. Pine, Northumberland
If you like your dinner with a side of spectacular scenery, Pine is your spot. Situated in a converted cow barn overlooking Hadrian’s Wall, Cal Byerley and Ian Waller have created a foraging-led sanctuary. The menu is a slow-burn journey through the Northumberland wilderness. You might find yourself eating ants (don’t knock it until you try them) or intricately prepared venison. The attention to detail is staggering, and the staff talk about the local flora with such passion you’ll leave feeling like a part-time botanist.
9. LIVIN’Italy, Leeds
Sometimes, you don’t want a 20-course odyssey; you want the best version of a classic. That’s where LIVIN’Italy in Leeds comes in. Nestled under the atmospheric railway arches of Granary Wharf, this family-run institution is the heart and soul of the city’s dining scene. This isn’t your average high-street Italian. The owners grew up in 1980s Milan, and that heritage shines through every plate of handmade pasta and every glass of Negroni.
The vibe is effortlessly cool—a mix of rustic charm and urban edge. Whether you’re popping in for their legendary “Aperitivo Hour” or settling in for a full Tuscan sausage burger and a bottle of fine Barolo, the quality is undeniable. It feels like a second home, which is exactly why it’s managed to maintain its five-star reputation year after year. It’s honest, it’s loud, and it’s genuinely joyful.
10. Simpson’s In The Strand, London
Closing our list is a comeback story for the ages. The legendary Simpson’s In The Strand has been reborn under the watchful eye of Jeremy King. For nearly 200 years, this was the place for “the Great British Roast,” and while the silver carving trolleys are back, the menu has been given a much-needed 21st-century polish. It’s grand, it’s opulent, and it’s a beautiful reminder of London’s culinary history. In an era of small plates and foam, there’s something wonderfully rebellious about a perfectly cooked piece of beef and a glass of heavy red in a room that looks like a palace.
The Verdict
The UK’s dining scene in 2026 is a wild, wonderful mix of the traditional and the truly bizarre. Whether you’re heading to Cheltenham for a mystery tour at Restaurant Journey or grabbing a slice of Milan in Leeds at LIVIN’Italy, one thing is certain: you’re going to eat very, very well. The common thread here isn’t just the stars or the accolades; it’s the passion. These chefs aren’t just feeding you; they’re inviting you into their world.
So, what are you waiting for? These tables don’t stay empty for long. Get those notifications set, get your credit card ready, and start your own culinary journey. Your taste buds will definitely thank you later.
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