The recent unveiling of the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2025 marked a significant moment in the culinary timeline of London, celebrated amidst the picturesque surroundings of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. The guide revealed a remarkable evolution in the city’s dining scene, showcasing a total of ten London restaurants that have been awarded their inaugural Michelin stars. Among these emerging gastronomic stars is Dosa, a hidden gem located within the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. This chef’s table venue has quickly gained acclaim for its sophisticated Korean offerings, helmed by the talented executive chef Jihun Kim. The ambiance, characterized by a beautifully crafted marble counter, sets the stage for an exquisite dining experience that blends innovation with tradition.
Breaking barriers in the culinary realm, Plates, situated in the vibrant district of Shoreditch, has achieved a historic milestone as the first fully vegan restaurant in the UK to receive a Michelin star. This recognition underscores the culinary community’s growing acceptance and endorsement of plant-based cuisine, elevating it to esteemed culinary heights. It serves as a compelling reminder of the vast potential within vegetarian and vegan options, which have often been overlooked in fine dining. The success of Plates resolves a stereotypes about vegan offerings, proving that creativity and quality can coexist beautifully on the plate.
In addition to the first-time star recipients, the guide acknowledged two esteemed establishments moving up to the coveted two-star level: The Ritz Restaurant in Mayfair and Humble Chicken in Soho. The latter, a favorite among culinary enthusiasts for its unique yakitori-inspired approach, has made significant strides under the guidance of chef Angelo Sato. Humble Chicken has transformed into a culinary hotspot, dazzling patrons with its inventive use of ingredients—from delightful buns to sophisticated dishes that exhibit culinary prowess. The elevation of these restaurants emphasizes London’s diversification and maturity in its culinary offerings.
Maintaining a Competitive Edge
However, Michelin’s evaluation is both rewarding and punishing. This year, the guide also witnessed the fall of prestigious institutions as two establishments, City Social and Kai, lost their Michelin stars. The departure of not just one but several notable restaurants, including Cornerstone, Locanda Locatelli, and Pollen Street Social, which have closed their doors, serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of Michelin ratings. The dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of London’s restaurant scene means that chefs and restaurateurs must continually innovate to maintain their standing.
While no restaurant attained the highly sought-after three-star ranking in 2025, the Michelin Guide has undeniably thrown a spotlight on the resilience and diversity that define London’s dining realm. With new entrants like Dosa, Oma, and AngloThai enriching the city’s culinary narrative, the future looks promising for food lovers and chefs alike. The evolving Michelin landscape not only highlights exceptional culinary talent but also reflects a city that is unafraid to push boundaries and explore a rich tapestry of global influences in its cuisine.