UK’s ‘best city for food’ has 88 Michelin star restaurants | UK | Travel

People choose travel destinations for a variety of reasons, from historic and cultural sites to natural beauty. But increasingly, a vibrant food scene is a non-negotiable for travellers.

Whether you’re dreaming of heading to the south of Spain for authentic tapas, France for its gourmet food options, or Japan for ramen and sushi, it’s undeniable that good food can make all the difference to your trip.

A ranking has revealed the best foodie destinations for 2026, and luckily for Brits, coming in at number four is a British city with a huge selection of restaurants, vibrant street food scene, and traditional pubs. The study, carried out by car rental firm SIXT, looked at factors from the number of dining experiences such as food tours on offer, to the number of restaurants in the World’s 50 Best directory, to come up with their rankings.

Number four in the worldwide rankings, and number one in the UK, is perhaps unsurprisingly London. Boasting 88 Michelin-starred restaurants in total, including six establishments that have been awarded three of the prestigious stars, it’s certainly a hotspot for fine dining.

But it’s not just pricey restaurants that put London on the foodie map. The city is packed with unique food and drink experiences to suit all sorts of budgets, and in addition to classic British cuisine, you can pretty much find restaurants serving food from any country in the world.

If you’re looking for truly classic British cuisine, then it’s worth visiting some of the city’s old-school pie and mash shops. M. Manze on Tower Bridge Road is considered the oldest in the capital, and here you can enjoy homemade pies with generous servings of mash and ladles of liquor. Or head to the charmingly old-fashioned Fryers Delight in Holborn, one of the few remaining fish and chip shops to still use beef dripping.

For a more modern take on British cuisine, book a table at Berners Tavern, which offers stylish surroundings and a menu full of seasonal produce from the UK. Or for an upmarket, yet quirky, take on British food, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal draws on “historical events and recipes dating back as far as the 13th century” for a truly unique foodie experience.

London is also famous for its pubs, which vary from the cosy and classic to chains, modern bars, and gastropubs. According to data from the Mayor of London’s office, the capital had 3,535 pubs as of 2023, so it’s not exactly difficult to find a place to have a pint.

Historic pubs include Ye Olde Mitre, which is tucked away in an alley in Holborn. First opened in 1547, this cosy, wood-panelled pub feels like stepping back in time. The Grapes In the Limehouse area is a similar age, and is set on the banks of the Thames looking across Docklands, so you can enjoy river views with your drink.

The Harwood Arms in Fulham holds the distinction of being London’s only pub with a Michelin star, and its focus on game and wild foods makes it the perfect spot to try the best of British produce. Its three-course set menu costs £79, which is pricey, yet gives you the full Michelin starred culinary experience.

London’s markets are a great place to sample local and international cuisine, and there are plenty to explore around the capital. Borough Market is one of the most popular and brings in lots of tourists. But it’s worth braving the crowds to browse the selection of over 100 traders selling everything from French patisserie treats to artisanal cheeses and freshly-caught fish.

Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden also has lots of interesting, independent food outlets all set in one huge food hall. Head to Pick & Cheese, which claims to be the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant. Its focus is on British cheeses, and you can grab different varieties from the belt as they zoom by, along with crackers, nuts and other accompaniments.

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