City with 4 of the best restaurants in the UK — and it’s not London
One UK city has four best restaurants to their name (Image: Getty)
The top 100 restaurants in the UK have been revealed, with one English city being home to four of them. A whole host of venues have made it on the prestigious list, including everything from affordable dining options to exceptional experiences.
They have been ranked based on their “performance, value and quality” by SquareMeal. Every venue included on the top 100 list is said to merit its place among the UK’s leading restaurants. The SquareMeal experts said: “It’s no secret that the UK’s restaurant sector is facing formidable challenges.
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“And yet, with each year that passes, hospitality pros continue to invest everything they have into projects for the love of what they do.”
Topping the list is Wilsons in Bristol, which holds one Michelin star. It is run by Mary Wilson and Jan Ostle, and the restaurant is marking their 10th anniversary this year.
Second spot went to Skof in Manchester, followed by Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms in Nottingham in third. Despite not ranking in the top three, Birmingham certainly has something to shout about.
The West Midlands city has four restaurants on the list for 2026, which is celebrating all that the UK has to offer outside of London.
Aktar Islam’s restaurant Opheem is the highest ranked in the city (Image: Birmingham Mail)
Birmingham’s top four restaurants
Opheem
Address: 65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ
Sitting in the number 21 spot, Opheem is the highest ranked Birmingham restaurant. It is described as a “modern, plush eatery” that offers “elevated, modern Indian plates alongside shaken cocktails and wine”.
Opheem is Michelin starred and is run by Aktar Islam. They change their menu seasonally so is updated multiple times throughout the year. Diners can experience five or 10 courses depending on how long they want their experience to last.
Address: 27 Warstone Ln, Birmingham B18 6JQ
Experience fine dining in the restaurant by Alex Claridge, which has been ranked 51 on the top 100 list. They serve “provocative, playful tasting menus” that feature seasonal ingredients.
The Wilderness promises a unique dining experience as the restaurant sits in a restored factory, “to the soundtrack of rock, punk and heavy metal.” They are Michelin Guide Recommended and have 3 AA Rosettes.
Address: 1464 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2NT
Coming in at number 87 in the UK is Riverine Rabbit, which first started in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the work of Ash and her wife Erin, who makes sure to get to know farmers and source sustainable ingredients.
Ash won Michelin Young Chef of the Year 2025 and the Rabbit has been recognised by the Michelin Guide for a Bib Gourmand last year. Riverine Rabbit offers a choice of two menus daily, which changes day to day.
Address: 4 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AA
Rounding up Birmingham’s impressive choice of restaurants on the list is 670 Grams, at number 87. Located in a former custard factory, the chefs say they take inspiration from “the diverse culture that’s within the heart of the country”.
670 Grams offer a tasting menu that is “globally influenced” and want the restaurant to be “approachable to everyone”.
