Led by widely respected chef and restaurateur Henry Harris, the celebrated dining room above The Three Compasses pub in Clerkenwell secured the coveted top spot, having been a mainstay on the list since its opening in November 2022.
Alongside business partner Dave Strauss, Harris has earned widespread acclaim for his deeply comforting French cooking, warm hospitality, and unwavering sense of charm, delivering simple dishes, inspired by the bouchons of Lyon and classic Parisian bistros, with precision.
Bouchon Racine, which was ranked fifth on last year’s list, took the top spot from French fine dining restaurant The Ritz.
A charming temple to great gastronomy
“French cuisine has topped the list again in 2026, but this time round it is the cosy and homely Bouchon Racine rather than the glamour of The Ritz that has taken the top spot,” says Restaurant editor Stefan Chomka.
“Not only is Bouchon Racine utterly charming, but it is also without doubt serving some of the best traditional French food in the country, and its victory this year once again demonstrates that you don’t need a vast team or a huge budget to be named the best. Henry Harris’ food is sensational with flavour put before anything else. This is more than just a bistro; it is a temple to great gastronomy and is well deserving of this year’s top spot.”
For the first time ever at the National Restaurant Awards, Osip and The Ritz claimed second place. Merlin Labron-Johnson’s Osip, located in the Somerset countryside, has continued to win praise for its refined farm-to-table ethos and deeply seasonal cooking, while The Ritz London remains one of the capital’s defining dining destinations under executive chef John Williams MBE.
The National Restaurant Awards is Restaurant’s annual countdown of the top 100 restaurants in the UK as voted for by the UK’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and food writers. The winners were announced last night (8 June) at a ceremony held at Magazine in London.
Celebrating industry legends
Other awards presented on the night included Restaurateur of the Year 2026, which went to Adam Byatt for his outstanding contribution to the UK restaurant industry and his enduring influence on London’s dining scene. Celebrated for his seasonal and sustainable approach to cooking, Byatt continues to shape modern British hospitality through his acclaimed restaurants.
Later this month, he will open Rosina, his first Italian restaurant, joining Michelin-starred Trinity, which ranks at number eight in this year’s list.
Chef Simon Rogan was presented with the Outstanding Industry Contribution Award in recognition of his lasting impact on British dining and his pioneering approach to farm-led, hyper-seasonal cooking. From the internationally acclaimed L’Enclume in Cartmel to his wider restaurant portfolio, Rogan’s influence can be seen across an entire generation of chefs and restaurants.
Legado, from chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, was named this year’s Highest New Entry, cementing the chef’s reputation as one of the UK’s most influential culinary voices. Barragán Mohacho was also awarded Chef of the Year following the success of her much-anticipated second restaurant, which has earned Square Opening of the Year.
A total of 29 new restaurants entered the top 100 this year, reflecting the continued dynamism and evolution of the UK dining scene. Among them is Dara Klein’s Tiella, which has quickly established itself as one of the country’s most exciting openings alongside Vraic, Teal by Sally Abé, Tollington’s, Winsome and Bavette were welcome additions to the list. Meanwhile, The Devonshire retained its title as Gastropub of the Year.
Regional awards were also presented across the UK. Ynyshir was named Best Restaurant in Wales, while Edinburgh’s Timberyard made a triumphant return to the list, taking Best Restaurant in Scotland as well as Cocktail List of the Year. In Northern Ireland, The Muddlers Club claimed the regional title following a standout year.
The full list of the UK’s Top 100 Restaurants can be found at the National Restaurant Awards website.
The full list of awards
● The National Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Estrella Damm - Bouchon Racine
● Square Opening of the Year - Legado
● Outstanding Industry Contribution, sponsored by TheFork - Simon Rogan
● Trailblazer of the Year, sponsored by SevenRooms - Maria Bradford
● Chef to Watch, sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna - Meedu Saad
● Restaurateur of the Year, sponsored by Chapman Ventilation - Adam Byatt
● One to Watch, sponsored by Woods Foodservice – Oudh 1722
● Chef of the Year, sponsored by HG Walter - Nieves Barragán Mohacho
● Wine List of the Year, sponsored by Charles Heidsieck - Mountain
● Cocktail List of the Year - Timberyard
● Highest Climber - Planque
● Gastropub of the Year - The Devonshire
● Best Restaurant in Wales, sponsored by Square - Ynyshir
● Best Restaurant in Scotland, sponsored by Liberty Wines and Charles Heidsieck - Timberyard
● Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland - The Muddlers Club
● Liberty Wines Service Award - The Cottage in the Wood
● Estrella Damm Sustainability Award - BiBi