London's Culinary Scene Shines with 10 New Michelin Stars in 2026 Awards
The prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland has unveiled its latest accolades for 2026, and London's dining landscape is celebrating a significant boost. In a ceremony held in Dublin, ten establishments across the capital were honoured with new Michelin stars, highlighting the city's ongoing innovation and excellence in gastronomy.
First-Time Stars for Promising Newcomers
Among the standout recipients is Legado in Shoreditch, a Spanish restaurant that opened just last summer and has quickly made its mark. Helmed by Nieves Barragán Mohacho, the visionary chef behind Mayfair's acclaimed Sabor, Legado's inclusion reflects its rapid ascent in London's competitive culinary scene.
Other debutants include Tom Brown at the Capital in Knightsbridge, a fish-centric fine dining spot that launched in 2025. Led by the former head of the now-closed Cornerstone in Hackney Wick, this restaurant brings a fresh perspective to upscale seafood.
In Mayfair, Ambassadors Clubhouse has earned its first star for its high-end Punjabi cuisine. Part of the esteemed JKS group, which includes Michelin-starred venues like Trishna and Gymkhana, this establishment showcases the diversity and sophistication of modern Indian cooking.
Notable Additions and a Two-Star Triumph
The awards also recognised several other new openings, such as the intimate Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, located on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate in the City. With only twelve seats, this venue offers an exclusive dining experience with panoramic views.
Labombe by Trivet on Park Lane, a spinoff of Bermondsey's Trivet, and The Kerfield Arms in Camberwell, a gastropub, both received their inaugural stars. Additionally, Corenucopia by Clare Smyth in Pimlico gained recognition as a bistro version of the three-star Core in Notting Hill.
Korean cuisine was celebrated with Somssi by Jihun Kim at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Mayfair, while Michael Caines at the Stafford hotel in St James's also secured a first star.
In a remarkable achievement, Bonheur by Matt Abé in Mayfair was awarded two stars despite opening only in November 2025. Taking over the historic site of Le Gavroche, this fine-dining restaurant focuses on classical techniques under chef Abé, who previously worked at the three-star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea.
Row on 5 on Savile Row was elevated to a second star, building on its debut success from the previous year.
Closures and Changes in the Michelin Landscape
While London welcomed new stars, the 2026 guide also noted some departures. Humo in Mayfair officially lost its star following chef Miller Prada's exit at the start of 2025. Moreover, several one-star restaurants have closed since the last awards, including La Dame de Pic, Bibendum, Lyle's, Dosa, and The Five Fields, with Club Gascon in Smithfield set to shut next month.
No new three-star restaurants were added in London this year, but the influx of fresh talent and diverse culinary offerings underscores the city's dynamic and evolving food culture. These awards not only honour individual excellence but also reinforce London's status as a global dining destination, where tradition meets innovation on every plate.
