The Ritz London Named National Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 National Restaurant Awards
- Discovering Hospitality
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
The Ritz London, led by esteemed veteran chef John Williams MBE, has officially claimed the top spot on the prestigious UK Top 100 Restaurants list for the first time. After years of consistent recognition, the iconic establishment has been named National Restaurant of the Year by Restaurant magazine.
Now in its annual celebration of culinary excellence, the National Restaurant Awards are voted for by the UK’s most respected chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers. The awards recognize not only innovation and creativity, but also enduring commitment to craft.
The Ritz's ascent to the top is a testament to Williams' leadership and the team’s dedication to classical French cuisine. With more than 20 years at the helm, Williams has maintained the restaurant’s hallmark of refinement and technical precision, inspired by the traditions of legendary chefs such as Auguste Escoffier. Earlier this year, The Ritz was awarded its second Michelin star, further solidifying its position among the UK's most prestigious dining destinations.
“As a bastion of fine French food served in unashamedly refined surroundings, The Ritz stands alone in the UK,” said Stefan Chomka, editor of Restaurant. “While the list reflects evolving trends such as informal dining, farm-to-fork menus, and global cuisines, it is truly gratifying to see a restaurant that remains steadfast in its identity receive the recognition it so richly deserves.”
Other top rankings include:
2nd place: Moor Hall in Lancashire, helmed by Mark Birchall, who also took home the Chef of the Year accolade following the restaurant’s third Michelin star earlier this year.
3rd place: The Ledbury in Notting Hill, last year’s winner, continued to showcase excellence in modern European cuisine.
The UK Top 100 Restaurants list continues to celebrate the dynamic and diverse nature of the British dining scene, spotlighting establishments that range from cutting-edge modern concepts to timeless classics.
