The best restaurants in the UK to visit this year, according to experts

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.

Join today

Already a member?
Log in

The UK’s best restaurants have been revealed by experts, including a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in London and a modern Indian fine dining hotspot in Scotland.

Four restaurants were celebrated for cheffing up Britain’s finest food at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026.

North Yorkshire’s The Star Inn at Harome, a 14th-century country pub, charmed with its local ales, hearty flavours and commitment to hyper-local produce.

On the menu, broth of roasted hand-dived Isle of Mull king scallops meets melt-in-the-mouth A5 Wagyu beef “Rossini” with foie gras, morels and black spring truffle.

According to the AA inspector, the restaurant offers “finely tuned cooking in a worth-a-detour village pub.”

In London, a “blend of vibrant flavours and traditions” at AngloThai, Marylebone, wowed with a combination of traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients.

The AA recommended the peppercorn curry with asparagus, and said the strawberry, coconut and pandan dessert “finishes a meal nicely”.

For “classic cooking in legendary venue”, The Walnut Tree Inn in the Abergavenny countryside made the list for its informal atmosphere and daily-changing menu.

“Every dish is rock solid and reliable with a real understanding of ingredients, flavour combinations and tried-and-tested techniques,” says the AA.

In the heart of Glasgow, Swadish by Ajay Kumar plates up “modern Indian food in a sleek setting”.

The contemporary Indian menu combines traditional spicing and cooking techniques with high-quality seasonal ingredients. Its interiors feature stylish marble, mirrors and dark wood.

It is the 70th year of the AA Rosette award, which recognises restaurants for “serving food of a superior standard”.

The winners were announced at an event at Grosvenor House, London on 21 September.

Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, said: “Every year, the AA Hospitality Awards shine a light on hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, inns and chefs going above and beyond to deliver memorable experiences for guests and diners. This year’s winners showcase the breadth and quality of hospitality across the UK, giving consumers a host of trusted recommendations and inspiration for their next meal or stay.

“Behind every award is a commitment to quality and service, which is what helps set British hospitality apart, underpinning its world-renowned reputation.”

The AA Restaurants of the Year, 2026

Read more: The 50 Best Hotels in the world have been revealed