Timberyard, Edinburgh
'So many aspects of a visit to Timberyard are Narnia-adjacent – from the potion-like fermentations in the stone shed outside to the watery soundscape in the bathrooms – that your time there is spellbinding even before you've eaten anything. Many of the meal's highlights are treasures from Scotland's chilly seas; sweet, silky langoustines in beach rose vinegar; an Isle of Barra scallop as big as a duck egg; smoked red mullet with bergamot and Octomore whisky. A real event of a cheese course arrived with a full frame of honeycomb, wine was generally poured from jeroboams, even the petits fours – rose-flavoured pastilles ('our version of Tangfastics') and delicate, pine-infused choux bun mouthfuls – were presented with the most demure but purposeful sense of occasion. It's a restaurant that has its very own spirit.' – Inspector AR
Singburi, Shoreditch, London
'2025 has been the year of the Thai restaurant in London. They have been coming thick and fast with the return of Som Saa, the expansion of Speedboat Bar and Plaza Khao Gaeng, and the arrival of new names from Thailand such as Khao Sō-i from Chiang Mai. The most talked about, however, had to be Singburi, which reopened at a new location in Shoreditch in June. There was a lot of excitement about the move but a lot of hand-wringing from devotees of the original who didn't think they could love shiny new build Singburi the same. So maybe it didn't feel entirely sure of itself at the start but it's settled in now and feels like an essential Shoreditch restaurant. I’ve been solo as well as with friends, family, and colleagues and it has hit the right notes every time. The regularly changing seasonal menu makes every visit interesting and it’s not crazily priced either so it’s not a “one and done” sort of place you tick off the list and don't return to. There's always something new to get excited about alongside mainstays like aubergine pad phet, lamb riblets, and dill sausage that I find myself thinking whenever I'm in E1.' – Inspector AH
Taverna Trilussa, Rome
'A spectacular cacio e pepe at Taverna Trilussa in Rome's Trastevere neighbourhood. The best example I've seen all year of simple, classic brilliance – something pared back to its bare bones but simultaneously brilliantly executed. Seeing an elderly Roman couple on the next table share a pan of it while clasping each other's hands may have helped it clinch the top spot.' – Inspector NL
Bottega Caruso, Margate
'A total standout was a pop-up at Bottega Caruso by a Croatian cook (not chef) called Duncan Roberston (a friend of the Bottega Caruso team), who created a stunning menu of traditional dishes from Zagreb – the feast was called Purgerica. Like Simona's food (founder of Bottega Caruso), it was rustic and beautiful, a window into a food culture not widely available in restaurants here in the UK, and included beautiful venison pašticada (braised sweet and sour venison), and sour cherry strudel made with homemade hand-pulled dough called vučeno tijesto. The accompanying Dalmatian wines were stunning, and the whole evening so memorable.' – Inspector ML
Ona, Lagos, Nigeria
'Lagos’ restaurant scene has seen a real re-invigoration over the past five to seven years, and Ona (opened in 2022) is one of the best examples of this fresh, spirited energy sweeping through the local hospitality scene. Chef Obehi’s philosophy sees local West African produce reimagined with global influences, for a menu that’s ambitious, playful, and speaks to local and international audiences alike. Truthfully, I would revisit each of my dishes, but the sambal fried rice with smoked antelope was a standout. Topped with prosciutto and brûléed egg, it's masterfully unique and vibrant, blending savoury, woody and fragrant flavours. The food offering is complemented by a strong cocktail list too. I especially enjoyed a mimosa livened with pepperfruit (a native peppery berry). The beach club-style decors make it an easy place to while away an afternoon.' – Inspector OT
Ebi Sushi, Derby
'You wouldn’t expect to find some of the best sushi you’ve ever eaten in a nearly 30-year-old hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Derby city centre. And that’s exactly why Ebi Sushi is my meal of the year. It gives real meaning to the phrase "hidden gem", a term that’s been overused by annoying food review videos showcasing anything but. At Ebi Sushi, egos and expectations are left at the door. Inside, you’re met with calm, thoughtful service and traditional food that is delicious, nourishing and prepared with quiet purpose. In a world of flashy concept restaurants and chains, it feels a genuine privilege to eat somewhere that has been quietly getting on with it for almost three decades, without a whisper of PR and without even a website.' – Inspector CP
Rare Bird Distillery, Malton, North Yorkshire
'Classic pie and pint - updated with corn-fed chicken, thyme and apricot in a Sauternes jelly. From Food to Remember butchers in Malton and consumed at outdoor tables of Rare Bird Distillery on a summer's day with a refreshing contemporary hazy IPA.' – Inspector JA
The Hop Pole Inn, Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire
'A beautifully restored community-owned pub in glorious countryside where locally sourced ingredients (some from the pub kitchen garden) are allowed to shine thanks to the skill and passion of chef Charlie Rawlings. I could eat here every week. Pictured is a bowl of warm braised lentils with chunks of roast squash, tenderstem broccoli, roast tomatoes and creamy soft goat’s cheese - a well designed dish, beautifully balanced and perfectly executed.' – Inspector WR
Agnes and Sherman, Houston, Texas
’One revelation of a two week trip to Texas was that fusion food can be good, actually. As proved by Agnes & Sherman in Houston. Chef Nick Wong’s combination of American Diner sensibilities and Chinese-American upbringing throws up some unexpected combinations that just work. Scallion pancake dough is cooked into deep-dimpled breakfast waffles with scoops of sambar honey butter, egg foo young gets Bayou-fied with gumbo-spiced gravy and crawfish, and lap cheong gives a rich, fermented hum to wedge salad that crispy bacon bits could only dream of. It was not just an unforgettable meal, but an ideal primer for the diversity and relationship between food in America's most culturally diverse city.' – Inspector AT
Lucky Lychee, Winchester
'As someone who eats for a living, being asked to name my most memorable meal is not an easy pick. But in a year of some astonishing meals, Nicole Yeoh’s exhilarating and satisfying food is hard to forget - I’ve tasted nothing like it. Without fuss and with a great deal of skill she brings something fresh and delicious to Chinese and Malay culinary traditions.' – Inspector CE
