London has reaffirmed its status as a global culinary powerhouse with an impressive 28 restaurants securing spots in the prestigious La Liste ranking of the world's top 1000 dining establishments for 2026.
London's Culinary Excellence Recognised Globally
The annual La Liste guide, released on Tuesday 25 November 2025, compiles feedback from numerous publications, guidebooks and online reviews to determine the world's finest restaurants. For the second consecutive year, nearly thirty London establishments have earned their place among this elite group, demonstrating the city's consistent culinary excellence.
Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill and The Ritz Restaurant in Piccadilly emerged as London's highest-scoring venues, both achieving an exceptional 98 points out of 100. These two establishments continue to set the standard for fine dining in the capital, maintaining their dominant positions from previous years.
Standout Performers and Notable Changes
The 2026 ranking reveals some significant shifts within London's restaurant hierarchy. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught claimed the third position with 95 points, displacing last year's number three, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, which fell to sixth place with 92 points.
Other notable climbers include Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Sushi Kanesaka, both moving up the ranks in this year's assessment. The list showcases the diversity of London's dining scene, featuring everything from contemporary British cuisine to exceptional Japanese offerings.
What Makes London's Top Restaurants Special
According to Time Out food editor Leonie Cooper, Core by Clare Smyth - which holds three Michelin stars - offers an experience that is "elegant, vibrant, not pompous, and great fun." She praised its dishes as "special with immense technical brio but also a playful streak that makes it all very accessible."
Of The Ritz Restaurant, which earned its second Michelin star this year, Cooper noted: "Aside from the Michelin-starred food and all the gilt, what you are buying here is a conservative formula, complete with coat-tailed politesse, cloches, a tinkling piano and the reassurance that all remains unruffled in this privileged world."
These exceptional dining experiences command premium prices, with dinner at Core by Clare Smyth costing £225 per person and a five-course meal at The Ritz priced at £199.
Complete List of London's Top-Ranked Restaurants
Here is the full roster of London restaurants that made La Liste's Top 1000 Restaurants for 2026, along with their scores:
Core by Clare Smyth - 98
The Ritz Restaurant - 98
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught - 95
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay - 93
Sushi Kanesaka - 92.5
Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester - 92
Brooklands by Claude Bosi - 91
The Araki - 90.5
The Clove Club - 90.5
Story - 90
Row on 5 - 89.5
Kol - 86.5
Sketch - The Lecture Room and Library - 86
A. Wong - 85.5
Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal - 85.5
Endo at the Rotunda - 85
Da Terra - 82.5
Kitchen Table - 82.5
Muse - 82.5
Trivet - 82.5
Cornus - 82
Ikoyi - 81.5
The Ledbury - 81
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - 80.5
The Cocochine - 80
Humble Chicken - 79.5
Ormer Mayfair - 78
Gymkhana - 76
This impressive showing confirms London's position as one of the world's leading food destinations, offering diverse culinary experiences that compete on the global stage. The city continues to attract and nurture exceptional talent, ensuring its restaurant scene remains dynamic and innovative year after year.
