The only problem with Britain’s thriving dining scene right now is knowing which restaurant to book. Everywhere you turn, acclaimed eateries are doing inventive stuff with food or just really acing the classics.
That's where the AA steps in. Sure, it might be famous for breakdown cover, but it’s also long been a big name in hospitality, handing out its annual Hospitality Awards to celebrate the best restaurants and hotels in the UK.
The 2025 award ceremony was held last week, and four restaurants in Manchester, Cardiff, London and Edinburgh were crowned the very best in the country - a handy shortlist for anyone wondering where to eat next.
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The 4 best restaurants in Britain right now, according to the AA
Manchester – Skof
Declared by Time Out this year as ‘Manchester’s best restaurant’ and recently awarded a Michelin star, the accolades keep stacking up for Skof, the first solo venture by chef Tom Barnes (of L’Enclume in Cumbria and BBC Two’s Great British Menu fame).
The brick-walled space is warm and welcoming, the service seamless, and the menu endlessly inventive. Delectable offerings include glazed langoustine with its own emulsion and aged pork fat, and confit chicken wing with dark beer - bold, brilliant cooking from a chef at the top of his game.
London – Josephine
Tucked away in Fulham, Josephine feels straight out of France - starched white tablecloths, burgundy leather banquettes and elegant taper candles. It’s the kind of cinematic bistro setting that makes you want to order a bottle of wine and linger all night.
As for the food? Well, Josephine slings out hearty Lyonnaise fare and, like all good French restaurants, has a ’plat du jour’. Previous offerings have ranged from slow-cooked veal breast to the unbeatable combo of moules mariniere with chips.
Cardiff – Gorse
Cardiff’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Gorse has quickly become the city’s most talked-about dining spot - and with good reason.
There’s no pomp here, just quiet confidence and focus on local produce. Expect classic plates like Pembrokeshire mackerel with horseradish, Gower Salt Marsh mutton with wild garlic and morel, and a Penderyn whiskey cannele to finish.
Edinburgh – The Little Chartroom
Named after its owners’ passion for sailing, The Little Chartroom is a much-hyped Edinburgh spot that is more refined than nautical. The room pairs dark wood with soft off-white walls, striking a balance between cosy and elegant.
Plates are precise but indulgent: Gleneagles Estate partridge with white pudding, Chalk Stream trout drizzled with prawn butter and a Damson trifle that’ll make you want to skip straight to dessert.
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