These Restaurants Just Won a Michelin Star in the 2026 UK & Ireland Awards

Twenty-two new stars were awarded at the Dublin ceremony. 

The way in which we decide where to eat is changing at an unprecedented rate. Once upon a time, we ate at restaurants that were nearby and convenient. Then, critics in newspapers told us where we should go and, very often, where we should not. In recent years, it has been the online persona – the influencers – that have kept us up to date with the reservations we need to make. In amongst all this instruction stands the Michelin Guide – a directory of the restaurants ‘worth making a special journey for.’

Since its launch in the early 20th century, the guide has taken its share of criticism, from both those in the club and those outside. Some chefs infamously ‘returned’ their awarded stars and others lamented being downgraded. Commentators called out the body for its apparent bias toward Western cuisine, and some queried the morality of locations receiving a guide based on sponsorship. But despite its flaws, the guide remains a benchmark of quality and a coveted accolade within the restaurant industry. “It’s the one thing we chefs do respect, and it’s the one thing we really desire,” The Ritz Restaurant’s executive chef John Williams told Elite Traveler last year, shortly after the restaurant received its second star.

See also: Michelin-star Recipes to Make at Home

Who won a Michelin star for Great Britain & Ireland in 2026?

Last night, the UK and Ireland’s biggest culinary stars gathered once again to find out who had been bestowed an award in the 2026 Michelin Guide. A total of 20 restaurants were awarded their first Michelin star, including Nieves Barragán Mohacho’s Legado; Labombe by Trivet; Somssi, a Korean tasting-menu-first restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair; Gordon Ramsay High, a chef’s table on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate – all in London. Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove received its first Michelin star in 50 years courtesy of Maré by Rafael Cagali and Jöro became Sheffield’s first starred restaurant. The region now has 174 one-Michelin-starred restaurants.

Maré chef-patron Rafael Cagali said: “I’m incredibly proud of the whole team for this recognition. From the beginning, Maré has been about thoughtful cooking and creating a place that feels genuinely special for our community. To be acknowledged by Michelin in our first year, and to see Brighton & Hove recognized in this way, means a great deal to all of us.”

New additions to the two-star clique are Bonheur by Gordon Ramsay alumni Matt Abé, which went straight in with the double mere months after opening, and Jason Atherton’s Row on 5, bringing the UK and Ireland’s total to 23.

Despite anticipation, there were no new three-star restaurants, with the total remaining at ten. Special mention goes to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay which can now celebrate its 25th year of three stars. Despite chef-owner Angelo Sato’s vocal ambitions for a third star, London’s Humble Chicken has remained at its previous two-star station – but 2027 is a new year, and there’s no doubt Sato’s determination will be more powerful than ever.

Perhaps the biggest news of the night though, was the lack of controversy. After Michelin’s shock downgrade of many restaurants in the US guide last year (including Alinea, Masa, and The Little Inn at Washington), chefs across the UK and Ireland were nervous to see if the region might also be in for a shakeup. Fortunately, the awards this side of the Atlantic were less dramatic with no three or two stars demoted. Ten restaurants were removed from the guide but – bar Humo in London and The Bridge Arms in Kent – most were due to closure rather than a drop in quality.

And, despite rumours that the Michelin Green star was no longer being awarded, seven new restaurants were recognized for their sustainability efforts. Bib Gourmand – which recognizes high-quality restaurants at a lower price point – is still as respected as ever with thirty-seven new badges given.

Where was The Michelin Guide Ceremony 2026 hosted?

Following 2025’s Glasgow event, Michelin’s 2026 awards ceremony was hosted in Ireland at the Dublin Convention Centre. Chefs, media, and hospitality leaders from across the region were in attendance.