The unveiling of the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2025 at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum marked a significant event in the culinary calendar. The spotlight once again shone brightly on London, a city that continues to redefine gastronomic excellence. The recent guide revealed a remarkable surge in Michelin-starred establishments, particularly in the capital, which is quickly becoming a playground for culinary innovation and a hotbed for food enthusiasts.
This year, ten remarkable London eateries celebrated their entrance into the Michelin-star arena, a testament to the city’s culinary prowess. Leading this charge is Dosa, nestled within the illustrious Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. Renowned for its impeccable Korean cuisine, this chef’s table experience is helmed by the visionary executive chef Jihun Kim, whose exceptional attention to detail and artistic presentation have catapulted Dosa into one of the must-visit dining spots in London.
In addition to Dosa, the list of new Michelin star recipients includes several other standout venues like Oma, AngloThai, Lita, and Caractère, among others. Particularly noteworthy is Plates, which has achieved the historic milestone of becoming the UK’s first fully vegan restaurant to earn a Michelin star. This accolade not only champions plant-based cuisine but also signals a shift in the culinary landscape towards inclusivity and sustainability, recognizing the importance of diverse dietary preferences.
London also witnessed the elevation of two restaurants to the coveted two-star status: The Ritz Restaurant and Humble Chicken. The Ritz, iconic for its opulent dining experience, continues to symbolize sophistication in gastronomy. Humble Chicken, a formidable contender under chef Angelo Sato’s direction, has transformed from a yakitori-inspired vision to a sophisticated establishment that marries bold flavors with exquisite technicality. Its evolution underscores the dynamic nature of London’s food scene, where innovation is key.
However, the world of Michelin stars is known for its capricious nature. Notably, two beloved London establishments—City Social and the renowned Chinese restaurant Kai—lost their Michelin stars this year. Additionally, the guide faced the departure of three other longstanding restaurants—Cornerstone, Locanda Locatelli, and Pollen Street Social—due to closures. These losses serve as a stark reminder of the highly competitive environment within the culinary world, where standards are perpetually high and the need for creative evolution is paramount.
While no restaurant reached the esteemed three-star plateau this year, the 2025 Michelin Guide symbolizes more than just accolades; it reflects the resilience and ever-changing nature of London’s dining landscape. As new stars emerge, and others fall from grace, the narrative of London’s gastronomy continues to evolve, inviting food lovers to explore and engage with an increasingly diverse and vibrant culinary experience. The anticipation for future developments is palpable, suggesting that the journey of culinary excellence in London is far from over.