Last night, the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2025 was unveiled at the prestigious Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, marking a significant milestone for London’s vibrant dining scene. This year’s guide particularly shines a spotlight on the capital, with ten restaurants achieving their first Michelin star, demonstrating the diversity and innovation present in London’s culinary offerings.
Among the newly awarded Michelin stars, Dosa stands out, located within the refined confines of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. This chef’s table experience brought to life by executive chef Jihun Kim has earned acclaim for its exquisite design and dedication to delivering exceptional Korean cuisine. The atmosphere, marked by its striking marble counter, complements the carefully crafted dishes served, reinforcing Dosa’s position as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Other notable London newcomers include Oma, AngloThai, and Caractère, each bringing unique flavors and concepts that cater to a range of palates. The recognition received by these establishments underlines a trend where traditional boundaries in cuisine begin to blur, allowing for exciting, cross-cultural culinary expressions.
Of particular significance this year is Plates in Shoreditch, which has made history as the UK’s first fully vegan restaurant to receive a Michelin star. This accolade highlights a seismic shift in the culinary landscape, where plant-based cuisine is increasingly recognized and celebrated at an esteemed level. The achievement of Plates serves not only as a testament to the creativity in vegan cooking but also reflects a broader societal shift towards sustainability and health-conscious dining, aligning perfectly with the evolving preferences of today’s diners.
In addition to the new stars, two noteworthy establishments—The Ritz Restaurant in Mayfair and Humble Chicken in Soho—were elevated to two-star status this year. Humble Chicken, in particular, has made impressive strides since its inception. Spearheaded by chef Angelo Sato, this restaurant showcases an innovative approach to yakitori, continually pushing the envelope with its ingredient-driven menu. The restaurant’s evolution into a celebrated culinary experience embodies the dynamic nature of London’s gastronomy, where innovation and quality are paramount.
However, the Michelin Guide isn’t solely about growth and accolades. This year, it also heralded the loss of recognition for two establishments: Jason Atherton’s City Social and Mayfair’s Kai, reminders of the competitive and often mercurial nature of the culinary world. With the closure of other establishments including Cornerstone, Locanda Locatelli, and Pollen Street Social, the guide reflects the inherent challenges faced by restaurateurs. These significant shifts illustrate that while new talents are emerging, the landscape remains fluid, shaking up long-standing favorites.
The 2025 Michelin Guide serves as a testament to the creativity, resilience, and adaptability of London’s culinary landscape. While the city may not have welcomed a new three-star restaurant this year, the emergence of novel concepts and the refinement of established favorites signal a bright future. The Michelin stars awarded reflect a city in continual evolution, where traditions meet bold innovations, and culinary excellence forms the bedrock of a stimulating dining experience. As diners, we can anticipate even greater surprises and pioneering trends in the times ahead.
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