North Yorkshire leads the way as the county with the highest number of top quality restaurants in the UK outside London according to the latest AA rankings.

The AA has today (Thursday, October 13) published The Restaurant Guide 2023 which features the UK’s top dining destinations.

More than 1,400 restaurants that have been awarded Rosettes for culinary excellence by the AA’s professional inspectors are included in the guide.

And in terms of counties, North Yorkshire tops the lot with 68 restaurants featured in the guide.

This is followed by Devon with 59 entries and Cumbria with 57 restaurants featured.

The Northern Echo: Chef Tommy Banks of the Black Swan at Oldstead Picture: Northern EchoChef Tommy Banks of the Black Swan at Oldstead Picture: Northern Echo (Image: Supplied)

There are also several new additions to this year's guide from North Yorkshire including The Black Swan at Oldstead near Thirsk, Middlethorpe Hall and Spa in York and Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall in Ripon.

Now in its 29th edition, The Restaurant Guide 2023 provides food lovers with breakdowns of restaurants by county, including a detailed description of each destination, information on latest chef changes, opening times and sample menu prices.

And for those looking for the best establishments in the UK’s culinary scene, the guide features all 3, 4 and 5 AA Rosette restaurants.

Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Media, said: “We are delighted to publish the leading guide to the UK’s top dining destinations, with 150 new establishments added to The Restaurant Guide 2023.

The Northern Echo: A dish served at The Punch Bowl in Low Row in the Yorkshire Dales Picture: AAA dish served at The Punch Bowl in Low Row in the Yorkshire Dales Picture: AA (Image: AA)

"From Northern dtars to the heart of England, Scotland to the capital, the restaurants in this year’s guide demonstrate the high quality of culinary experiences across the country, offering delicious food and service of the highest standard.”

In addition to notable wine lists, award-winning venues and the best new restaurants, the Restaurant Guide includes over 150 restaurants that are featured for the first time.

The book is available for £17.99 in bookshops and online.

The Northern Echo: Allium at Askham Hall, Askham, is featured in the guide Picture: AAAllium at Askham Hall, Askham, is featured in the guide Picture: AA (Image: AA)

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