The final round of the Toast the City Awards 2026 has arrived. After months of deliberation by judges, the public now holds the fate of the contenders in their hands. City restaurants from the Square Mile to beyond have made it to the final list, and Martin Williams has highlighted a few that stand out for both quality and charm.
Williams, a judge on the awards panel, shared his personal favorites from the final shortlist in an article for City AM. He described recent visits to venues like Poolhouse and the celebrated Liverpool St Chop House, both of which are vying for major accolades. But it’s his praise for two specific restaurants that has drawn attention—Angler and Los Mochis.
A Michelin Star in the City: Angler
Situated at the South Place Hotel, Angler has retained its Michelin star for two consecutive years. Led by Chef Craig Johnston, the restaurant combines technical excellence with a modern approach to British seafood. The menu features dishes that reflect both innovation and tradition.
At a recent tasting event, the star of the evening was the native lobster raviolo. Paired with Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Clos’ Louis Michel & Fils, it left a lasting impression. The restaurant is also notable for its senior sommelier, John Le Bihan, who has curated a wine list with over 800 offerings. The setting, combined with top-tier service, cements Angler as a must-visit for the discerning diner.
Johnston’s pedigree is formidable, having studied under Marcus Wareing and earned a Michel Roux Scholarship. The restaurant’s menu, with options ranging from à la carte to a seven-course tasting menu, ensures there's something for everyone.
Los Mochis: Tulum Meets Tokyo
Tucked away near Liverpool Street, Los Mochis has become a favorite for its bold flavors and eye-catching atmosphere. Founded by Markus Thesleff, a man known for opening half a dozen successful restaurants, the venue offers a blend of Tulum-inspired charm and Tokyo’s attention to detail.
The restaurant is particularly popular for its tacos and raw bar. Signature dishes include tuna tiradito with leche de tigre and sea bass aguachile. A six-foot yellowfin tuna delivered to the kitchen and waiters carrying nine-litre salmanazars of Rock Angel over their heads are just part of the theatrical experience.
Oma: A Hidden Gem Across the River
While OMA isn’t technically within the Square Mile, it has made an impression as the more refined sibling to Agora, a restaurant Williams praised earlier in the year. OMA, located in Borough, gives diners a front-row seat to the kitchen, with chefs preparing whole fish over flames and searing large cuts of meat directly over coals.
The restaurant’s ambiance and technique are reminiscent of some of the best Stockholm dining experiences. It might not be in the running for a Toast the City Award, but for Williams, it's a standout in its own right.
With the public vote now underway, the winners will be decided not just by critics but by those who’ve dined at these venues. The Toast the City Awards continue to celebrate the vibrancy and variety of London’s food scene.
