The recent unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland marked a significant event at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, notably uplifting the culinary tapestry of London. This year, the guide illuminated the city’s gastronomic brilliance with the awarding of ten first-time Michelin stars to various establishments, signaling a vibrant evolution in London’s dining experience. Among the shining newcomers is Dosa, located in the opulent basement of the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair, recognized for its sleek marble chef’s table that has quickly garnered acclaim in the competitive world of high-end Korean cuisine.
The debutants extend beyond Dosa, with a commendable list featuring restaurants like Oma, AngloThai, and Lita. Each of these places pushes culinary boundaries and showcases innovative flavors that celebrate cultural diversity. Caractère, 64 Goodge Street, Cornus, Row on 5, Plates, and Mauro Colagreco at Raffles also received their first Michelin stars, underscoring a heightened acknowledgment of intricate, well-executed dishes. Remarkably, Plates in Shoreditch etched its name in history as the UK’s first fully vegan restaurant to capture a Michelin star, challenging traditional perceptions of fine dining and celebrating the rise of sophisticated plant-based cuisine.
Steadily Ascending: Two to Two Stars
Two esteemed restaurants have escalated their status this year, achieving the coveted two-star rating: The Ritz Restaurant in Mayfair and Humble Chicken in Soho. Humble Chicken, helmed by the innovative chef Angelo Sato, has transformed from a conventional yakitori-centric concept into a multifaceted dining experience. Guests are exposed to a curated selection of techniques and high-quality ingredients that redefine the notion of comfort food, offering everything from artisanal buns to intricate gourmet dishes.
The Impact of Michelin: Gains and Losses
While this year’s guide celebrates impressive new stars, it also illuminates the precarious nature of culinary acclaim. London said goodbye to two long-standing Michelin stars, with Jason Atherton’s City Social and Kai shedding their prestigious recognition. Additionally, the closure of Cornerstone, Locanda Locatelli, and Pollen Street Social signifies the challenges faced by even the most established kitchens amidst changing economic landscapes.
Despite the absence of a three-star restaurant in this year’s line-up, the Michelin Guide vividly reflects London’s dynamic and ever-evolving dining landscape. The list of starred venues expands the culinary narrative, introducing fresh concepts while acknowledging storied institutions. The diversity in this year’s Michelin Guide not only paints an optimistic picture for aspiring chefs and restaurateurs but also invites food enthusiasts to explore the gastronomic innovations springing forth from the capital. With each new star, London reaffirms its position on the global culinary stage, encouraging a flavorful journey that melds tradition with avant-garde creativity.