If you’re a fine palate – like us at Evan Evans – and don’t want to spend too much but still convey delectable and quirky cuisine, some Michelin-starred restaurants may be for you.
As of 2023, according to Michelin’s website, in Britain, there are 169 Michelin-starred restaurants – amongst them, 8 are rated three-star, 18 are two stars, and 143 are one star. Additionally, 8 of them have been rated Green Star – Michelin’s sustainability print.
In a nutshell, this is what Michelin stars mean in hospitality…
- One Star: The restaurant is considered “very good in its category”, has a quality menu and prepares cuisine to a high standard.
- Two Stars: The restaurant has excellent cuisine and has something exceptional to offer.
- Three Stars: The restaurant has exceptional cuisine “worth a special journey” and serves distinct dishes executed to perfection.
- Green Star (since 2020): the restaurant is at the top of its game regarding sustainable practices.
Because we wondered which food establishments could be worth visiting on your journey in the UK, we filtered them down by moderate spending (££), so you wouldn’t have to dig too far to find both affordable and incredible.
Here’s our selection of delicious and affordable one-Michelin-starred restaurants in London and beyond:
- Wild Honey St James, London
- St. JOHN, London
- The Coach, Marlow, UK
- Pipe and Glass, Yorkshire, UK
- Star Inn at Harome, Yorkshire, UK
- Bridge Arms, Dover, UK
- Casa Fofo, Hackney, London
- Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham, UK
- Sabor, Heddon Street, London
- Barrafina, Dean Street, London
- Jamavar, Mayfair, London
- Trishna, Blandford Street, London
- Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmonds, UK
Here’s a map to find them at a glance, and we added more details for each of the restaurants below.
Modern British
Wild Honey St James, London
Evening 3-course menu = £75 per person
Part of the Sofitel London St James hotel, since its opening in 2019, the restaurant Wild Honey St James has been recognised for its distinctive modern European cuisine. For Chef Anthony Demetre, it’s all about the flavours. His creative menu attracts many foodies from worldwide to the British capital.
St. JOHN, London
Menu and prices vary per day
You’ll have a nice experience at St. JOHN as this is the place to try new things like cuttlefish or ox tongue. To the dedicated and knowledgeable staff, seasonality matters the most: the same ingredients and dishes are on the menu, but the varieties change regularly.
The Coach, Marlow, UK
No Meat A La Carte = £9.50-30 for a Main Course
Meat A La Carte = £14.50-30 for a Main Course
With charming staff, tasty cooking and reasonable prices, The Coach is a pub for everyone, with ‘Meat’, ‘No Meat’ and ‘Sweet’ Menus. Mostly cooking pub dishes in the size of starters, it’s best to order a few to share with your loved ones. And don’t leave without trying the succulent cottage pie or The Coach profiteroles!
Pipe and Glass, Yorkshire, UK
Prices vary per menu
Pipe and Glass was initially the gatehouse of Dalton Park, the owners have converted this place into a cosy dining inn, and you’ll love the lush and colourful terrace. As Head Chef James Mackenzie knows everything about Yorkshire’s best local foods and seasonality, he included the most delicious region’s signature dishes on its authentic menus.
Star Inn at Harome, Yorkshire, UK
Winter Tasting Menu = from £125 per person
The Star Inn at Harome boasts delicious local produce, such as fish from Whitby, meat from the Yorkshire Moors and vegetables from its kitchen garden. Head Chef Steve Smith loves using these simple dishes while giving them a more modern touch.
Bridge Arms, Dover, UK
Chef’s Menu = £85 per person
In 2021, Daniel and Natasha, owners of nearby Fordwich Arms, took over what was formerly The White Horse. Bridge Arms, located in the charming village of Bridge within the Nailbourne Valley – not too far from Canterbury – is a warm and friendly restaurant that offers plenty of sophisticated specialities like fish cooked on the grill.
Modern Cuisine
Casa Fofo, Hackney, London
Sample Menu = £62 per person
Located on the busy Dalston High Road, Casa Fofo is an open-kitchen restaurant that constantly innovates its dishes, fueling its inspiration mostly from Pacific influences. Italian chef Adolfo de Cecco combines interesting Asian flavours with Mediterranean traditions; and offers vegetarian options that are equally original.
Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham, UK
A La Carte Menu = from £60 per person for Two Courses
Nestled in the historic spa town of Cheltenham, Le Champignon Sauvage is David and Helen Everitt-Matthias’ little food gem. Helen manages the service, while David takes care of the food – using the best British ingredients and mixing them with delicious French dishes.
Spanish
Sabor, Heddon Street, London
Prices vary per restaurant area
Founded by Nieves Barragan and José Etura, Sabor is a must-try address for the most exquisite Spanish food. From Andalucían tapas to Galician seafood, this one-Michelin-star restaurant is located on Heddon Street and offers different areas – The Counter and El Asador. Here you can try incredible dishes like Segovian suckling pig or even octopus cooked in copper.
Barrafina, Dean Street, London
A La Carte = £14-30 for a Main Course
Spanish institution Barrafina‘s main menu uses the day’s best produce, like scallop tartar or turbot with Ajada sauce. The food is so exquisite that it’ll last for a while on your palate, and you’ll want to try everything.
Indian
Jamavar, Mayfair, London
Tasting Menu = from £105 per person
A La Carte = £20-40 for a Main Course
Created by the founders of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in India, Jamavar is a fine dining concept that replicates the culinary traditions of India. The one-star restaurant is named after “the 16th-century lace shawls of Kashmir” and was first opened in 2001 at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, where it became famous for its pan-Indian cuisine.
Trishna, Blandford Street, London
5-course Tasting Menu = £80 per person
Lunch and Evening Menu = from £40 per person
You’ll find Trishna, another excellent Indian restaurant in Marylebone Village, this time with a more contemporary menu and a wine list from emerging regions of the world. Awarded a Michelin Star in 2012, the kitchen proposes original creations, succulent curries and biryanis. The restaurant’s best dish? Brown crab from Dorset with butter and red chilli. Yummy!
Mediterranean
Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmonds, UK
3-course Fixed Menu = £40 per person
A La Carte = £24-30 per person
Located in cottages from the 1820s, Pea Porridge is today a one-Michelin-star restaurant that kept the original cast iron bread oven. Run by a lovely couple, the place is cosy with wooden furnishings and quirky artwork. On the menu, you’ll find a delicate combination of North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes with ingredients cooked over charcoal, beech, oak, birch or pine cones.
And if you fancy something sweet during your visit to the capital, why not try a traditional Afternoon Tea at The Rubens or The Milestone? Although, if you had enough food, you could continue your visit with our unique sightseeing tours.
