The AA Rosette award scheme has been recognising culinary excellence across the UK since 1956 and is perhaps the second biggest honour a restaurant can receive, behind a Michelin star.
Restaurants can be awarded up to five Rosettes, though very few achieve that rating, reserved for establishments at the pinnacle of fine dining.
Across South Yorkshire, for 2024/25, there are just two restaurants, both in Sheffield, with three AA Rosettes, conferred upon ‘outstanding restaurants that achieve standards that demand national recognition well beyond their local area’.
There are another five restaurants with two AA Rosettes, awarded to ‘the best local restaurants’, including two in Doncaster.
Below is the full list of restaurants in South Yorkshire with two or three AA Rosettes, serving up what inspectors have called ‘ambitious’, ‘exciting’, ‘skilful’ and ‘top-notch’ dishes.
5. JÖRO, Sheffield city centre
The acclaimed Sheffield restaurant JÖRO combines the best local produce such as Barnsley lamb with Nordic and Japanese-inspired flavours and techniques. It's currently located in the Krynkl shipping container complex on Shalesmoor, on the edge of Sheffield's trendy Kelham Island district, but is set to move to a new home in an old paper mill near Oughtibridge, nestled beside the River Don in picturesque countryside on the edge of the Peak District. It has three AA Rosettes, with an inspector praising the 'edgy modern rustic feel'. Pictured is head chef and co-owner Luke French in the kitchen. | JÖRO Photo: JÖRO
6. The Stag, Lightwood Lane, Middle Handley
The Stag restaurant is located at the Devonshire Arms pub in the pretty village of Middle Handley, technically just outside Sheffield in Derbyshire, but with a Sheffield postcode. It has two AA Rosettes, with an inspector commending the 'great' hospitality, 'efficient' service, and locally sourced food. | National World Photo: National World
7. The Mucky Duck, Eel Pool Road, Drakeholes, Doncaster
The Mucky Duck is nestled in the picturesque countryside on the outskirts of Doncaster, overlooking the Chesterfield Canal. The pretty 18th-century pub has plenty of character, with a feature fireplace and wood panelling, and there's a children's play area too. It has two AA Rosettes, with an inspector commending the 'skilful cooking' on display in the 'pub classics and modern British favourites' served up there. | Google Photo: Google