Thirteen London Restaurants Honoured with Coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for 2026
The culinary world is abuzz as the latest Michelin Bib Gourmand awards have been announced, with thirteen London restaurants receiving this prestigious accolade for 2026. This recognition celebrates establishments that deliver outstanding value for money without compromising on flavour, making fine dining more accessible to a wider audience.
What the Bib Gourmand Represents
Established in 1997 and named after Bibendum, the iconic Michelin Man, the Bib Gourmand award is specifically designed to highlight restaurants that offer tremendous value for money. It is important to note that while these venues are affordable by Michelin's standards, they may still represent a significant investment for the average diner. For context, many Michelin-starred restaurants in London typically charge between £100 and £150 per person, with some even reaching up to £400.
Notable New Recipients Across the Capital
Among the newly decorated restaurants are several Time Out favourites, showcasing the diversity and quality of London's dining scene.
- Singburi (Shoreditch): The second location of this beloved Thai restaurant has earned its Bib Gourmand. Known for its no-frills approach, it serves dishes like tiger prawn and cucumber curry, raw beef larb, and smoked pork belly Panang, with prices ranging from approximately £6 to £14.50.
- Gina (Chingford): This neighbourhood restaurant, which received a five-star review from Time Out, offers a chophouse-style menu featuring fresh local fish and proper puddings. Mains are priced between £16 and £38, with highlights including Highland beef rump with triple-cooked chips.
- Lai Rai (Peckham): A Vietnamese canteel praised by Michelin for its invigorating dishes that expertly balance spicing and natural flavours. Small plates cost £4 to £14, while larger plates are priced from £15 to £24.
- Kruk (Peckham): Located just a four-minute walk from Lai Rai, this Thai restaurant impressed with its vibrant dishes and skilful flavour balancing. The most expensive items, such as the duck mussaman curry, are priced at £19.
Full List of London's New Bib Gourmand Restaurants for 2026
The complete roster of awardees demonstrates the breadth of culinary excellence across London's boroughs.
- Calong, Stoke Newington
- Oren, Dalston
- Cadet, Islington
- Goodbye Horses, Islington
- Singburi, Shoreditch
- Canteen, Notting Hill
- Café Spice Namasté, Royal Albert Dock
- Akara, Borough Market
- Lai Rai, Peckham
- Kruk, Peckham
- Tamila, Clapham
- ssam ssam, Wimbledon
- Gina, Chingford
Other notable inclusions are Borough Market's west African diner Akara, Islington wine bar Goodbye Horses, and Dalston's eastern Mediterranean spot Oren. This list highlights a trend towards diverse, neighbourhood-focused dining that prioritises quality and affordability.
The Significance for London's Dining Scene
The Bib Gourmand awards play a crucial role in promoting accessible fine dining, encouraging both locals and visitors to explore beyond traditional high-end establishments. By recognising restaurants that offer exceptional food at more reasonable prices, Michelin helps to democratise gourmet experiences and supports a vibrant, inclusive culinary culture in the capital.
This announcement precedes the highly anticipated Michelin star awards, building excitement within the industry and among food enthusiasts. It underscores London's status as a global gastronomic hub, where innovation and tradition coexist across a wide range of price points and cuisines.
