The Ritz London has been named the Best Restaurant in the UK 2025 at this year’s National Restaurant Awards, held at The Magazine London. Spearheaded by veteran chef John Williams MBE, the restaurant has climbed to the top of the prestigious list having been a regular feature in its ranks for many years.

Joining The Ritz London in 2004 as Executive Chef, Williams has two decades of experience under his belt at the helm of one of London’s most recognised culinary institutions, delighting diners in the Louis XVI dining room with dishes that exemplify the union of theatre and gastronomy. Working with a brigade of talented chefs, the restaurant won its second Michelin Star this year, testament to their commitment to classical French techniques, inspired by the likes of Escoffier and other practitioners of haute cuisine.

“As a bastion of fine French food served in unashamedly refined surroundings, The Ritz stands alone in the UK. The top 100 restaurants list reflects the diverse nature of our eating out scene and the changing trends within it, whether they be less formality, more farm to fork menus, or embracing new cuisines, but it’s also wonderful to see a restaurant unwavering in its focus finally get the recognition it merits. The Ritz is an exemplary restaurant, one fully deserving of the title National Restaurant of the Year,” says Restaurant editor Stefan Chomka.

Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall, which won its third Michelin Star this year, was awarded second place on the list, plus the Birchall himself won the coveted Chef of the Year award.

The full list of awards:

• National Restaurant of the Year: The Ritz
• The Square Opening of the Year: AngloThai
• Highest New Entry: OMA
• Best Restaurant in England sponsored by Estrella Damm: The Ritz
• Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland: The Muddlers Club
• Best Restaurant in Wales sponsored by Square: Ynyshir
• Best Restaurant in Scotland sponsored by Liberty Wines & Charles Heidsieck: Lyla
• Chef of the Year sponsored by HG Walter: Mark Birchall
• Restaurateur of The Year sponsored by Chapman Ventilation: David Carter
• Chef to Watch sponsored by Belazu: Aaron Potter
• One to Watch sponsored by Woods Foodservice: One Club Row
• The Estrella Damm Sustainability Award: The Free Company
• Gastropub of the Year: The Devonshire
• The Service Award sponsored by Liberty Wines: Woven by Adam Smith
• Wine List of the Year sponsored by Charles Heidsieck: Row on 5
• Cocktail list of the Year: BiBi
• Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Seven Rooms: Skye Gyngell