Celebrating Britain’s Diverse Dining Scene
SquareMeal, the UK’s leading independent restaurant guide, has revealed its highly anticipated list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025. This annual compilation highlights the country’s finest dining establishments, with a unique twist it excludes London-based restaurants, allowing the incredible variety of the wider UK dining scene to take centre stage.
The UK Top 100 Restaurants list is crafted through a combination of thousands of reader votes and expert opinions from SquareMeal’s in-house critics. This year’s list provides an authentic representation of Britain’s diverse and evolving food landscape.
Regional Dining Shines
One of the most exciting aspects of the list is the rise of regional dining scenes that continue to compete with the capital’s restaurant offerings. Birmingham leads the charge with five entries, including Grace & Savour, which ranks in the top 10, and Opheem, a two Michelin-starred gem. Manchester, too, is making waves, with Skof, Higher Ground, Another Hand, and The Sparrows all making an appearance, showcasing the city’s culinary prowess.
Scotland has once again solidified its position as a world-class food destination, with three new Edinburgh entries securing spots in the upper half of the list. Lyla, from Stuart Ralston, takes the impressive number 11 spot, while Montrose and Fhior follow closely at 33 and 34 respectively. Scotland’s strong representation continues with another seven Scottish restaurants across the list. Additionally, regions such as North Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Berkshire are well-represented, reflecting the wide-reaching excellence of British dining.
A standout performer this year is Kevin Tickle’s Heft in Cumbria, which has made a remarkable leap of 54 spots, moving from number 72 last year to number 18 in 2025, claiming the title of the highest riser.
Restaurant Sat Bains Takes Top Honour
Topping the prestigious UK Top 100 Restaurants list for 2025 is Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottinghamshire. Under the expert guidance of chef Sat Bains, the restaurant continues to deliver an exceptional dining experience, combining creativity with the finest British produce.
Chef Sat Bains expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying: “We are committed to maintaining both consistency and relevance in everything we do, constantly evolving our approach to ensure we offer the finest dining experience while showcasing the best of the UK’s produce. After 25 years of staying true to our vision in our corner of Nottingham, we are honoured to be recognised as the number one restaurant in the UK.”
Since relaunching as Restaurant Sat Bains in 2002, the establishment has earned numerous accolades, including its first Michelin star just one year later. Over the years, it has evolved into a complete dining destination, with an urban kitchen garden, al fresco courtyard, lounge bar, and rooms for overnight stays. Yet, its philosophy remains unchanged: to provide a completely unique and unforgettable experience for guests.
Setting the Standard for Fine Dining
Restaurant Sat Bains has long been regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the UK, and its influence extends beyond its own doors. Many renowned chefs, including Gareth Ward (Ynyshir), Alex Bond (Alchemilla), and Niall Keating (Luna), have honed their craft at Sat Bains’ kitchen, going on to earn Michelin stars themselves.
SquareMeal’s Managing Editor, Ellie Donnell, commended the restaurant’s lasting impact, saying, “The fact that Sat Bains’ two Michelin-starred restaurant has been operating for 25 years is a remarkable achievement. As the UK’s dining scene becomes increasingly competitive, reaching this milestone highlights the restaurant’s continued relevance and success.”
Sat’s inventive tasting menus are bold and distinctive, embracing risks that pay off with delightful surprises. Above all, they celebrate the pure joy of eating, highlighting the beauty of flavour in every dish. A huge congratulations to the team!
