London’s vibrant culinary scene has received significant global recognition with two of its establishments, Ikoyi and Kol, being named among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The prestigious list, now in its 23rd edition, was unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony held in Turin, Italy, on Thursday, June 19th, celebrating gastronomic excellence from across the globe.
Ikoyi’s Remarkable Ascent
Ikoyi, located on the Strand, achieved a particularly noteworthy position, securing the number 15 spot. This marks a dramatic climb from its 42nd position in the 2024 rankings, earning the restaurant the coveted ‘highest climber’ accolade for 2025. Its placement at 15th also represents the best performance by a UK restaurant on the World’s 50 Best list in nine years, underscoring a significant moment for British gastronomy on the international stage.
Co-founded by Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale, Ikoyi is celebrated for its distinctive and innovative approach to cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its unique culinary style that expertly blends West African and Asian spices with carefully sourced British ingredients. Rather than a traditional à la carte menu, Ikoyi offers a blind tasting experience, guiding diners through unexpected flavour combinations. Notable dishes that have drawn acclaim include a refined version of jollof rice and an inventive plantain dish, both exemplifying the kitchen’s creative ethos.
Kol Joins the Ranks
Also representing London on the esteemed list is Kol, the Michelin-starred high-end Mexican restaurant situated in Marylebone. Helmed by acclaimed chef Santiago Lastra, Kol secured the 49th spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. Kol first debuted on the list in 2023 and has since maintained its reputation for pushing the boundaries of Mexican fine dining.
Kol’s philosophy centres around using predominantly British ingredients to create authentic yet innovative Mexican dishes. This commitment to local produce results in a unique expression of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has garnered particular praise for its acclaimed dishes, including a delicately crafted langoustine taco and a striking whole grilled octopus served with bone marrow, showcasing chef Lastra’s inventive use of ingredients and technique.
Global Context of the World’s 50 Best
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list serves as an annual benchmark for the global fine dining scene, compiled from the votes of over 1,000 international culinary experts. The 23rd edition of the list features restaurants from a diverse array of locations, representing 32 cities and 22 countries, highlighting the global reach and influence of this ranking.
This year’s list saw dynamic movement, including the introduction of 10 new entries and the re-entry of four establishments that had previously featured. The highly anticipated top position for 2025 was awarded to Maido, located in Lima, Peru. Led by chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, Maido’s recognition at the pinnacle of the list further cements Lima’s status as a global culinary powerhouse.
Significance for London’s Culinary Landscape
The inclusion of both Ikoyi and Kol on this globally recognised list reinforces London’s position as a leading international culinary capital. Ikoyi’s remarkable climb, in particular, signals a growing appreciation for its bold and unconventional approach, while Kol’s continued presence highlights the city’s capacity for housing high-quality international cuisine filtered through a local lens. Such accolades not only celebrate the achievements of individual restaurants and chefs but also draw further attention to the depth and diversity of London’s gastronomic offerings, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.
