Many restaurants claim to be the best in the UK, but only one holds the official title. The Ritz Hotel in London, which boasts two Michelin stars, was voted the country's top restaurant at the 2025 National Restaurant Awards. The winner was selected by a panel of 200 leading UK chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers, making it a prestigious accolade.
YouTube Critic's Visit
Gary Hanna, who runs the popular YouTube channel Gary Eats, headed to the central London venue to see what all the fuss was about. He treated himself to the three-course menu, which cost £98 excluding service and drinks. For his starter, he enjoyed the Orkney scallop with spiced carrot and vadouvan. He followed this with the Suffolk lamb, black garlic, and mint, and finished the meal with a bramley apple and blackberry soufflé.
First Impressions
Before Gary began eating, he was taken aback by the grandeur of the restaurant. He said, 'I can't tell you how stunning this restaurant is. I do possibly have the best seat in the house because I'm looking at the grand splendour of this restaurant. Quite stuffy to say the least but service is amazing.'
Starter and Main Course
On his starter, Gary described the scallop as 'beautiful' and 'stunning,' but it was the main course that truly impressed him. Before eating, he dismissed any concerns about portion size, saying, 'This to me is absolutely stunning and I do mean stunning. The cooking on the lamb looks amazing. It has certainly come up pink. The attention to detail.' He continued, 'It's Suffolk lamb. With the beautiful jus. Amazing. Artichokes is sensational, it's going to be very soft and it is. Not the biggest plate of food, but this is going to be quite filling. I love it. Anyone who follows the channel knows how much I enjoy lamb, but this is next level lamb.'
Dessert and Overall Experience
The dessert was also a winner, with Gary praising the presentation that left him 'astounded.' He called the soufflé 'outrageously good.' Summing up the overall experience, Gary didn't hesitate in awarding the restaurant a rare 10 out of 10, calling it 'absolutely fantastic.' He admitted he had been 'a bit of a skeptic' before arriving but was blown away by the food and service.
Gary said, 'The best restaurant, 2025. I've been to some amazing restaurants, three Michelin stars, two Michelin stars. This is up there, I haven't been to every restaurant in the country but I loved what I had there. Opulence, that's what it was. I think that's an experience I would love to do time and time again. I absolutely loved it.' He added, 'There was nothing there I could fault. For a really special occasion, definitely try it. And go for the set menu. I'm giving it 10/10. I think it is absolutely fantastic.'
