1: A good story
When a particularly great nomination lands in the postbag, our first port of call is to scope out the website. First off, does the menu look interesting and like something we’d like to eat? And better still, is there a good story hiding in the ‘About Us’ section? Many of our Best Local Restaurants offer a sense of personality even online – explaining a little about who they are and how they’ve found their way into the wild world of running a restaurant business. We might find the owner was formerly a lawyer and is now both the chef and the farmer, or that they spent more than a decade under the wing of Raymond Blanc OBE. It’s where we catch a glimpse of the spirit that draws together a team and brings a restaurant to life.
2: Owner operated
Lots of small neighbourhood restaurants take bookings over the phone or email, rather than paying a fee to an instant booking platform. The best places diligently called us back to confirm our table, or had the chef juggling with emails to let us know they were looking forward to welcoming us. We loved seeing talented chefs from top establishments putting in a solid Wednesday lunch shift in their own solo venture – and in some truly off-beat locations too. There’s no B-team in these restaurants.
3: Diversity in the dining room
Without exception, the best dining rooms are ones filled with a varied group of people. It’s heartening to look around a restaurant and see couples, families with new babies and groups of friends all sitting alongside one another, united by a love of good food, a comfortable, inviting setting, and an accessible price point. At Bavette, our Best Local Restaurant champion of 2024, owners Sandy and Clément had hosted 1st birthday parties and 90th celebrations within their first few months of opening.
4: Table talk
Restaurants with real warmth and personality help you brush off a gruelling journey within seconds of walking through the door. Prompt attention, a glass of water poured and a menu in hand and your shoulders drop as you anticipate a pleasant meal ahead. Better still are the staff that move beyond perfunctory interactions without it feeling forced. At Fino in Cromer we found the service was artfully adapted to the dynamics of our group. Or when we’re doing alone, striking up a genuine conversation is always appreciated. The underlying message is: you’re seen as a person, not just a customer.
5: Audible approval
It’s easier to listen out for happy eaters when dining alone, and more often than not when you’re in an excellent local restaurant, you’ll catch the sound of neighbouring tables enjoying their food — an audible sigh of appreciation or some enthusiastic analysis — that confirms you’re not the only one enjoying your meal. We heard some customers patting themselves on the back for their brilliant discovery and, often watch as diners make a repeat booking on their way out.
6: Most wanted
After any meal eaten on behalf of the Good Food Guide, we ask ‘would I come back here and spend my own money?’. If yes, it’s considered worthy of our recommendation. But when it comes to Britain’s best locals, we often find ourselves wishing we had the restaurant on our own doorstep. After a particularly brilliant visit to our Yorkshire and North East winner of 2025, Long Friday, our reporter said: ‘I'd consider moving house if it meant having this place as my local.’
Nominations for Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026, in partnership with Square, are now open here.
