An "exquisite" yet "unassuming" restaurant in the Cardiff suburb of Pontcanna has been named among the UK's best.

The National Restaurant Awards took place on Monday (June 9), celebrating "the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK restaurant scene, honouring the best chefs and operators across the country".

Awards handed out at the annual event included:

  • National Restaurant of the Year
  • Gastropub of the Year
  • Chef of the Year
  • Cocktail List of the Year
  • Wine List of the Year
  • Opening of the Year
  • Best Restaurant in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (four individual awards)

A list of the UK's top 100 restaurants was also revealed, featuring one Cardiff-based restaurant - Gorse.

The best restaurants in the UK

The best restaurants in the UK, according to the National Restaurant Awards, are:

Why Gorse is among the UK's best restaurants

Gorse was ranked the 56th best restaurant in the country at the National Restaurant Awards.

It has been described as a "tiny yet brilliant modern Welsh restaurant" and made history in 2025 by bagging Cardiff its first ever Michelin star.

The National Restaurant Awards said: "Not bad going given that Gorse is the chef’s debut restaurant and had been open for less than 12 months."

The "unassuming" Pontcanna restaurant (named after the shrub) is focused on seasonal Welsh produce and is fronted by chef Tom Waters.

The awards website continues: "Gorse is one of the most accessible fine dining restaurants on this list offering tasting menus from as little as £60 per head.

"But the longer tasting menu is where the kitchen’s ambition shines, with standout dishes including the likes of Pembrokeshire mackerel with horseradish, lovage and apple; roasted kelp custard with N25 Kaluga Hybrid caviar; and a clever dish of rhubarb partnered with toasted hay cream, egg yolk jam and lavender. 

"Service is polished but relaxed with the minimalist Nordic-inspired 22-cover interior keeping the focus firmly on the food.

"Striking a balance between classic and new wave winemakers, Gorse’s wine list complements Waters' cooking beautifully but don’t miss out on the restaurant’s signature Martini, which is flavoured with local seaweed."

Customers agree Michelin star Gorse is "exquisite"

It's not just the experts who love Gorse, but customers as well, with it boasting a 4.8 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 25 reviews.

Surpurlatives used to describe the Pontcanna restaurant by visitors include "exquisite", "unbelievable" and "outstanding".

One person, commenting about their experience at the restaurant, said: "I had the 10 course menu with wine pairings - each course was delicious and the wine was paired perfectly.

"The staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Well deserving of a Michelin star."

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Another customer added: "Exquisite just about covers it.... sublime food, fantastic atmosphere, open kitchen and prep areas makes for an enhanced experience watching the meticulous detail from Tom and his team.

"Matched with really interesting and very reasonably priced wine (especially the 5% Contero Moscat meaning I could enjoy the dessert even more).

"Pontcanna continues to shine in the food universe."