Top 20 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In London 2026
London’s fine-dining scene continues to blossom, and for 2026 it’s a city of world-class gastronomy, from timeless French-inspired bastions to adventurous global cuisines. In this curated list, our editorial team of Balance Journal (in an elegant, modern, slow-luxury tone) celebrates the best Michelin star restaurants in London across 1–3 star levels.
Each selection offers a unique atmosphere and concept, from intimate chef’s counters to opulent dining rooms – and a signature style of cuisine. We describe what makes each venue special and highlight a must-try dish or experience, ensuring a richly detailed guide to London’s highest culinary echelons.
Through this review, we’ll be shortlisting the top 20 best Michelin star restaurants that you must pay a visit to at least once.
Editor’s Pick:
These are our top five Michelin Star Restaurants in London, hand-picked by our Balance Journal Editors.
| No. | Restaurant | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
EDITOR'S PICK Restaurant Gordon Ramsay |
Chelsea | Classic fine dining & landmark Michelin experience |
| 2 | Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester | Mayfair | Elegant French cuisine & luxury dining |
| 3 | Hélène Darroze at The Connaught | Mayfair | Modern French tasting menus |
| 4 | Sketch – Lecture Room & Library | Mayfair | Art-led fine dining & special occasions |
| 5 | Core by Clare Smyth | Notting Hill | Seasonal British Michelin-star cooking |
Top 10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In London 2026
Here are our top 10 best Michelin star restaurants in London that have gained popularity due to their fantastic flavours, exceptional quality and the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – Chelsea (3 Michelin stars)
Set in a Georgian townhouse on Royal Hospital Road, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is Gordon’s first flagship and exudes refined elegance.
The dining room is formal but not stuffy, making it the kind of place where polished wood paneling and soft lighting set a luxurious but welcoming mood. Under Chef de Cuisine Kim Ratcharoen, menus celebrate modern French techniques. The focus is on highest-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, so each course, whether a classic terrine or a delicate seafood dish – feels both timeless and precise.
Must-try dishes: For a taste of Gordon Ramsay’s signature flair, we roast veal sweetbread. Its tender meat is complemented by subtle garnishes, exemplifying the restaurant’s mastery of balance. Beyond the food, the impeccably trained team makes every guest feel special. Whether celebrating an occasion or simply indulging in luxury, a meal here is the epitome of upscale British fine dining.
2. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester – Mayfair (3 Michelin stars)
Hidden behind the doors of The Dorchester hotel, Alain Ducasse’s three-star dining room is pure glamour. At the entrance you’re greeted by a polished service team and the dining room itself is stunning with polished dark woods, artful candlelight and refined table settings combine to create an intimate yet sumptuous atmosphere.
The concept here is naturalité, a balance of modern innovation and classical French refinement. On the menu are seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes that feel both contemporary and nostalgic.
Must-try dishes: We recommend ending the meal with that famed Rum Baba. Valrhona chocolate sponge is drenched in aged rum syrup and topped with a dollop of vanilla Chantilly, an ethereal finish that every Ducasse guest should experience. Throughout the meal, expect exceptional ingredients and perfect technique, dishes can be rich yet delicate, intense yet fresh, reflecting Ducasse’s exacting standards.
Dining here is an exercise in slow luxury, where every detail, from dish composition to table-side service – is handled with consummate care.
Book your table at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
3. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – Mayfair (3 Michelin stars)
Tucked in Mayfair’s Connaught Hotel, Hélène Darroze’s three-star restaurant offers an ambience of warm intimacy. While the dining room features elegant wood panels. The effect is hushed luxury, imagine rich fabrics, gentle lighting and attentive but friendly service. Hélène’s cooking blends her French Basque heritage with British seasonal flair. Dishes are precise and full-flavoured, think best-of-Britain produce enhanced by exotic touches. Each dish is crafted with technical brilliance and a storyteller’s creativity.
Must-try dishes: is the signature Baba au Rhum with Armagnac, as well as the braised lamb or beef cheeks, each beautifully balanced and layered in flavour. Throughout the meal, the delightful service team ensures the atmosphere stays relaxed and personal, making even high-end tasting menus feel approachable. Every visit to Hélène Darroze is a harmonious blend of French artistry and British soul.
Book your visit to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
4. Sketch: Lecture Room & Library – Mayfair (3 Michelin stars)
Stepping into Sketch is like entering a living art installation. This three-star venue is famous for its bold, maximalist decor, think pastel velvet seating, ornate chandeliers, and quirky touches (even the bathrooms are a design spectacle). Tucked upstairs behind a whimsical façade, the Lecture Room & Library offers an exotic contrast: it feels like gilded classical opulence, with crisp black-and-white tiled floors and plush banquettes. Despite the visual flamboyance, the mood in the Lecture Room is intimate and refined, a dramatic yet soothing space for a special meal.
Culinary director Pierre Gagnaire brings his avant-garde French cuisine to match Sketch’s flair. The multi-course tasting menus are theatrical: Michelin notes that each course often arrives as several smaller dishes simultaneously, creating a sense of abundance. The flavours are ingeniously layered, for example, red mullet is turned into a savoury tartare paired with delicate cucumber granité, or venison served with a bed of black pudding.
Balance Journal recommends asking for the 13-course tasting menu, if only to experience the full creative range. Each dish is a work of art, literally and figuratively, and often presented with playful surprise (smoking domes, hidden compartments, etc.). This is London dining turned up to eleven: decadent, original, and utterly unforgettable.
5. Core by Clare Smyth – Notting Hill (3 Michelin stars)
Notting Hill’s Core is modern British fine dining at its peak. The space was recently refreshed to feel softer and even more elegant, think muted greys and warm lighting. Core’s concept is to showcase perfect ingredients through meticulous British technique. Every dish is eye-catching and immaculately composed.
The kitchen handles everything with restraint and style. Indeed, Clare Smyth’s famous Potato & Roe starter, a cloud of potato encasing brioche and caviar, is beloved for its stunning presentation and balanced flavours.
For a signature experience, Balance Journal suggests booking the 7-course tasting menu. You’ll sample classics alongside seasonal innovations: for instance, the Core-teser chocolate torte dessert is a must-try finale, a personal rendition of the opera cake that is both artistic and deeply satisfying.
Throughout the meal, the staff remain approachable and attentive, creating a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. Core is all about letting the food speak – and it speaks volumes with its nuanced, contemporary British language.
Book your meal at Core by Clare Smyth.
6. The Ledbury – Notting Hill (3 Michelin stars)
The Ledbury is the gold standard of modern British cuisine in London. Set in a grand Georgian townhouse, the dining room feels refined but inviting, think cream-coloured walls, blue accents, and a friendly service team.
What really stands out is the chef’s craftsmanship. Owner-chef Brett Graham is known for working closely with suppliers (even raising his own livestock) to secure the finest ingredients. These land on plates in dishes that are beautifully balanced and layered. Nothing at The Ledbury is overdone, instead, complexity is achieved through harmony and subtle skill.
Must-try dishes: The editors at Balance Journal always advise trying The Ledbury’s signature tasting menu, especially after the appetisers. Each course is a little masterpiece: from silky custard topped with caviar to rye-crumbed duck with blackberries. One standout is the Cod in Beetroot Broth, which transforms humble ingredients into something transcendent.
Whatever you choose, the impact comes from technique and seasoning. Dining at The Ledbury feels like enjoying Britain’s best, quietly confident dishes that surprise and delight at every turn.
Book your table at The Ledbury.
7. Gymkhana – Mayfair (2 Michelin stars)
Gymkhana brings the glamour of colonial India to central London. The décor is dark and rich: heavy wood paneling, hunter-green leather banquettes and glowing lanterns create a clubby, masculine vibe. The atmosphere is convivial and buzzing, perfect for a sophisticated night out. The cuisine is high-end modern Indian, led by exec chef Will Bowlby. The menu fuses North Indian classics with creativity and Michelin-worthy precision.
Must-try dishes here include the Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops and Kid Goat Methi Keema, both cited by Michelin as standouts. We particularly recommend the Lamb Chops, marinated in fragrant spices and cooked to succulent perfection. Each bite offers layers of smoky, spiced flavor that balance comfort with finesse. Complement this with old-world Indian cocktails or a glass of vintage champagne. Gymkhana’s slow-luxury approach shines in every detail, from embroidered throw pillows to meticulously plated curry dishes – all making you feel immersed in India’s lavish past.
8. Ikoyi – Westminster (2 Michelin stars)
Ikoyi is London’s temple to West African-inspired fine dining. The restaurant’s entrance is subtle, a dimly lit elevator ride takes you up to a sleek dining room in minimal greys. Then the kitchen’s vibrant cuisine takes over. Ikoyi’s concept (from Chef Jeremy Chan) is using top British produce with bold West African spices. Expect tasting-menu courses that push boundaries: in recent menus one finds Aged Turbot with Egusi Miso or Suya with Creamed Peas.
One dish that embodies the Ikoyi magic is the Smoked Jollof Rice, a theatrical signature. It arrives under a cloche and is aflame-smoked at the table, filling the air with aroma. The rice itself is perfectly seasoned with tomato and spice, and it’s served simply so you taste each layer. Dining here is an adventure for the palate, yet elegantly paced. The tone is chic but laid-back: wood-panelled walls, leather chairs and a short walk-up bar. Ikoyi shows that luxury can be both experimental and utterly delicious.
9. A. Wong – Pimlico (2 Michelin stars)
A. Wong is London’s celebrated embassy of regional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant itself is bright and modern, with high ceilings and a panoramic bar that looks into the kitchen. Its focus is a curated journey through China’s provinces – Michelin even calls the tasting menu “Collections of China” with dishes as unique as the country’s diversity. Each recipe is Andrew Wong’s inventive take on a traditional fare, so you might have Peking duck pancakes followed by northern dumplings and then an eastern sweet dessert. The service is friendly and knowledgeable: you might begin with a craft cocktail in the Forbidden City bar downstairs, then ascend for dinner.
Our must-try at A. Wong is the housemade Dim Sum Tasting Menu (lunch only). Each dumpling and bao is a little work of art, for example shrimp and pork Har Gao with just-right chewiness. These delicate parcels showcase the kitchen’s skill. For dinner, the multi-course menu might include things like deep-fried pig trotters or black truffle rice to highlight different regions. Through it all, expect polished tableside service and an elegant-but-warm dining room. A. Wong proves that Chinese fine dining can be as refined and revelatory as any top Western tasting menu.
10. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – Knightsbridge (2 Michelin stars)
At Dinner by Heston, history is turned into haute cuisine. Housed in the Mandarin Oriental, the dining room is sleek and contemporary, grey banquettes, minimalist design, yet warm and inviting.
The concept is famously based on a 14th-century British cookbook, The Forme of Cury. However, Heston’s interpretations are thoroughly modern and playful. Every dish comes with a story: Michelin cites, for example, his famous “Meat Fruit” – a chicken liver parfait molded and glazed to look like a mandarin orange, it’s as delightful to see as it is to eat.
Must-try dishes: We recommend ordering the Meat Fruit as your starter, not just because it’s iconic, but because it delivers bright citrus flavor and creamy umami in one bite. Equally fun is the Tipsy Cake, a boozy bread pudding served with a warm caramel sauce. Beyond the whimsical dishes, the restaurant showcases refined technique: beef sirloin is perfectly cooked, and venison is tender and sweet.
All in all, Dinner is a plush celebration of Britain’s culinary past, serving it up with theatrical finesse. Expect exquisite plating, impeccable service, and a dining experience that’s both unique and utterly luxurious.
Book your table at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
Top 20 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In London 2026
Here we’ve listed the top 20 best Michelin star restaurants in London that you can give a try.
11. Trivet – Bermondsey (2 Michelin stars)
Trivet is a breath of fresh air in Bermondsey: unfussy, bright and full of personality. The 2-star restaurant has a casual-chic decor, white walls, wicker chairs and lots of plants, projecting a laid-back vibe unlike many fine-dining rooms. The kitchen, by contrast, is quietly ambitious. Dishes are seasonally led and inventive without pretence. Each plate balances a few components expertly, focusing on pure flavours and technique.
Signature Trivet dishes might include Pigeon & Persimmon (juicy pigeon breast with sweet fruit) or their playful Turkish Breakfast dessert with cinnamon flavours, both cited by Michelin inspectors. We suggest starting with the Beetroot Tartare, a vegetarian gem with vivid colour and tangy lift. Move on to the pigeon, it exemplifies Trivet’s style with nicely browned meat and a saucy persimmon chutney. The menu changes often, but always offers surprises that reward sharing and lingering. In all respects, Trivet delivers modern British cooking that feels genuine and joyful – perfect for those who savor an inventive meal in a comfortable setting.
12. Cornus – Belgravia (1 Michelin star)
Cornus is a hidden gem of modern British seafood and seasonal cooking. The interior is refined but understated, think linen-draped tables, soft lighting, and a quiet elegance. The food likewise lets great ingredients shine without fuss. Much of the menu showcases the best of Britain’s southwest coast. You’ll find things like sweet Devon crab and Newlyn cod, all prepared with a restrained, expert touch.
A dish not to miss is the Devon Crab with Brown Crab Mayonnaise and Coriander. Each strand of crab meat is sweet and succulent, paired perfectly with the creaminess of the mayonnaise. Alternatively, try the Brill en Croute if available, delicate fish encased in golden pastry. The wine list at Cornus leans into elegant whites and Champagne, a lovely match for the menu.
Overall, this is the kind of place where luxury feels warm and measured, great service, fine details, and dishes that celebrate simple, exquisite British produce.
13. OMA – Borough (1 Michelin star)
OMA has the distinction of being London’s first Greek Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s a lively, fun spot tucked near Borough Market; finding it requires spotting a modest sign and climbing a narrow staircase to a spacious dining room.
The atmosphere is electric and welcoming, with a covered terrace overlooking the market – the perfect people-watching perch. Inside, the modern space is uncluttered, focusing attention on the vibrant Greek cooking from Exec Chef Panayiotis (notably, this was first UK project for Andy Oliver of Mamasan).
The menu at OMA emphasizes big-flavoured sharing plates. Standouts include Spanakopita (spinach pie) with a flaky wrapper and rich filling, and Giouvetsi (lamb baked in orzo) with deep tomato spice.
We recommend starting with the Black Rock Oysters (poached in oxtail broth) , they capture the essence of OMA’s inventive approach. There’s also a great list of Greek (especially coastal) wines to complement the meal. In short, OMA combines Greek conviviality with Michelin-star execution, an atmospheric, flavourful must for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
14. KOL – Marylebone (1 Michelin star)
KOL is Marylebone’s answer to luxury Mexican dining. The restaurant’s marble bar and tall ceilings set an elegant scene, but it never feels staid, warm lighting and attentive service keep the vibe vibrant. Owner Sergio Uy and Chef Jorge Vallejo present Mexican cuisine with very British sensibilities. Seasonal produce and local proteins are given Mexican seasonings and techniques. For example, the kitchen applies hyper-seasonal vegetables to classic recipes with creative flair.
Don’t miss the Langoustine Taco with Smoked Chilli and Sea Buckthorn, a signature dish Michelin praises. The delicate langoustine (Norway lobster) is paired with a crisp tortilla and a hit of smoky chile and tart berry, creating a playful surf-and-turf bite.
Other highlights include bright ceviches, a smoky mezcal cocktail selection, and a small downstairs “Mezcalería” for after-dinner drinks. KOL’s interior adds to the charm: plants hang from the ceiling and the space feels both grand and cozy. It’s a glamorous spot to sample Mexican flavors at their finest, with a modern twist.
15. AngloThai – Marylebone (1 Michelin star)
AngloThai marries the best of Thai and British gastronomy under one roof. The chic dining room is simple and modern, letting the food be the star. Co-owner John Chantarasak is himself half-Thai, and the kitchen reflects that duality. The menu is playful and inventive Thai – not traditional street food but elevated, ingredient-driven dishes. Even the tables are made by Thai artisans, underscoring the fusion of cultures.
Highlights to try include the Brixham Crab with Caviar and Coconut Ash Cracker. It’s a glamorous starter: sweet British crab meat dressed with oscillating notes of salty caviar, coconut foam and served on a crispy black cracker. Other must-orders are the Tom Yam Gai soup and the crunchy soft-shell crab. Service at AngloThai is cheerful and knowledgeable, explaining the stories behind each dish. This restaurant offers a smart, contemporary take on Thai cuisine – luxurious yet cheeky in the best possible way.
16. Plates London – Hoxton (1 Michelin star)
Plates London is Britain’s first vegan Michelin-starred restaurant, but its style is decidedly high-end. The interior feels earthy yet sleek: rustic plaster walls, slate floors and warm wood accents give a natural vibe, but the tables are laid out in a modern, gallery-like fashion. Chef Kirk Haworth (with his sister Keeley) applies classical French techniques to vegetables and pulses, crafting dishes that vegans and omnivores alike can admire.
A standout from the menu is the Maitake Mushroom with Black Bean Mole. This dish exemplifies Plates’ ethos: woodsy Australian maitake is paired with a silky, Mexican-inspired black bean mole and vibrant garnishes. The flavoUrs are rich and balanced, and it looks beautiful on the plate. For dessert, the Raw Cocoa Gateau is a must, a creamy chocolate-coconut creation that is unexpectedly luscious despite being vegan. At Plates, every vegetable and grain is treated with respect; even without meat or dairy, the results are deeply satisfying. The atmosphere encourages leisurely enjoyment, and guests often remark on how refreshingly inventive a meal here feels.
Book your table at Plates London.
17. Sollip – Southwark (1 Michelin star)
Sollip is the intimate Korean-inspired restaurant in Southwark where calm meets creativity. Stepping inside, you’ll find yourself in a tranquil dining room washed in pastel colours, an immediate contrast to the bustling city outside. The husband-and-wife team (chef husband did stints at Europe’s top kitchens) combines European technique with Korean traditions. The result is a set menu of impeccably executed, often surprising compositions.
For example, one recent menu included a Tarte Tatin with Pickled Daikon, Courgette Flower Stuffed with Crab and Tofu, and Pork with Wild Garlic, leading to a Ssuk (mugwort) Pain Perdu for dessert.
Must-try dishes: We highly recommends trying the Crab-Stuffed Courgette Flower: a delicate, beautiful bite where tender spring flower envelops sweet crab meat and silky tofu, brightened by a light broth. Each course is playful yet elegant. The service is warm and detail-oriented, making each guest feel catered to. Sollip proves that Korean fine dining can be soft-spoken and sophisticated – an unforgettable contrast of flavors in a serene setting.
Book your table at Sollip online.
18. Akoko – Fitzrovia (1 Michelin star)
Akoko is a refined showcase of West African flavors in central London. The intimate dining room is stylish yet unpretentious, featuring earthy tones and curated African art. Founder Aji Akokomi aims to elevate West African cuisine, and the menu reflects that dedication. Michelin explains that the kitchen adds creative spins to classic recipes from Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria – think Jollof Rice, Attiéké, Yassa – all while honouring their authentic flavours. Local British ingredients of excellent quality are woven into these traditions, so a dish like jollof might be built on UK-grown rice and perfectly spiced local vegetables.
A must-try here is the Nigerian Jollof Rice. It arrives as a fragrant, tomato-laced pilaf, subtly smokey and deeply savoury, often paired with tender grilled meats or stews on the side. Each grain is separate and vibrant, a testament to the kitchen’s care. Equally impressive is the Senegalese Chicken Yassa, chicken simmered with caramelised onions and citrus, served over fluffy rice.
Service at Akoko is friendly and storytelling; the chefs often greet tables personally, explaining ingredients. Dining here feels like an exploration of Africa’s rich culinary heritage presented with Michelin-star polish.
19. Restaurant Story – Southwark (2 Michelin stars)
Restaurant Story lives up to its name with ever-changing, narrative-driven cuisine. The interior is modern and light-filled, with an upstairs private dining room overlooking the main space. Michelin notes it recently added a handsome second storey for private dining. Tom Sellers (a former Gordon Ramsay sous chef) crafts a surprise set menu that evolves each season. The concept is to tell a story of British ingredients through each course’s progression. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming; you can feel the team’s pride in telling these culinary tales.
Menu highlights are luxurious and imaginative. Indeed, one recent standout was a Scottish Langoustine in a silky bisque, followed by Hay-aged Aged Lamb with earthy accoutrements. The food is boldly flavoured yet refined.
Must-try dishes: We recommend trying the Lobster Riesling Bisque, a classic Story opener: rich lobster stock finished with Riesling wine and cream, served with a parmesan crisp. Each spoonful is cozy and comforting yet brilliantly executed. Throughout, a charming front-of-house team ensures the vibe stays convivial. Restaurant Story offers a sophisticated, narrative dining experience, contemporary British cuisine that surprises and delights at every chapter.
Book your table at Restaurant Story.
20. Barrafina (Dean Street) – Soho (1 Michelin star)
Barrafina on Dean Street is a Soho institution known for its vibrant tapas scene. This is the outpost of the famed London tapas group that doesn’t take reservations – lines often form outside, a testament to its lively atmosphere. The space is compact and centered around a handsome L-shaped marble counter where diners sit shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s buzzy and communal, where ordering by pointing at neighbors’ plates is part of the fun. The menu mixes timeless Spanish favourites with daily specials that use the freshest seafood – think mackerel, carabinero (shellfish), sardines, and more.
Start with the Tortilla Española, Barrafina’s version is creamy, with fluffy eggs and potatoes, perfect for sharing. Other must-tries include Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) and Patatas Bravas (potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), which capture Spanish home cooking at its best. Because everything is cooked right in front of you at the counter, it feels authentic and immediate.
Don’t miss any daily blackboard specials – they often elevate simple ingredients with extraordinary skill. Barrafina’s appeal lies in its unapologetic energy and top-tier tapas: it’s casual dining, but every dish is prepared as if for royalty.
Book your table at Barrafina Soho.
Summary
From the regal elegance of Michelin three-stars to inventive one-star kitchens around the globe, London’s top restaurants in 2026 reflect the city’s cosmopolitan flavour and dedication to craft.
Each venue on this list offers a distinctive journey: timeless French grandeur at Hélène Darroze or Ducasse, experiential creativity at Sketch and Story, comforting reinventions of British classics at Dinner by Heston and The Ledbury, and bold ethnic visions at Gymkhana (Indian), KOL (Mexican), Ikoyi (African), A. Wong (Chinese), and others.
In every case, the atmosphere is as thoughtfully designed as the food, whether a cozy pastel-hued room at Sollip or a dramatic futuristic counter at the Mandarin Oriental’s Dosa (now awarded a star), turning each meal into a luxurious experience.
We encourage readers to consult the links above to explore menus and reservations. Ultimately, this curated selection represents London’s very best dining – a seasonal tapestry of world-class cuisine that Balance Journal recommends for those seeking truly exceptional culinary moments.