The 20 Best Restaurants In Asia
From Thailand to Korea and places in between, here are 20 of the best restaurants in Asia, serving a wide variety of cuisines.
Gaggan
Restaurant, Thai
Narisawa
Restaurant, Japanese
Founded in 2012 by French chef Paul Pairet, Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet is a restaurant that is sure to make a lasting impression with its innovative cuisine and ‘fully immersive dining experience.’ Ultraviolet features one table with ten seats in a room with no décor, just lights, music, sounds and, of course, scents, the experimental food is the star of this show. Described as a ‘sensory play,’ guests are served 20 exquisite courses perfectly prepared, creating a night you won’t forget. Reservations are obligatory.
Nihonryori RyuGin
Nihonryori RyuGin
Nihonryori RyuGin impresses discerning diners again and again with its delicious modern Japanese cuisine. Chef-owner Seiji Yamamoto and his culinary team focus on the bounty of Japan, making each ingredient shine and allowing guests to savor it in all its glory. Winter, spring, summer or fall, you’ll find something new at RyuGin as the menus change with the seasons. They are open for dinner only.
Nihonryori RyuGin, Ground Floor, 7-17-24 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, +81 3 3423 8006
Restaurant André
Restaurant, French
Amber
Restaurant, Bar, French
nahm
Restaurant, Asian, Thai
Located at the Hotel Metropolitan by COMO, nahm offers authentic yet creative Thai cuisine bursting with flavors from spice to smoke to bitterness and more, all working together in perfect harmony. Chef-owner David Thompson and his team pay attention to every detail when producing their edible art. The interior is equally impressive with its sleek, modern décor and views of the outdoor pool. From the décor to the food, and whether you’re an epicurean or a novice of Thai cuisine, nahm will not disappoint. It is open weekdays for lunch and nightly for dinner.
1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana
8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana
Named after Federico Fellini’s 1963 film 8 1/2, 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana, as you may have guessed, specializes in delicious Italian cuisine, with a contemporary spin. The culinary genius Chef Umberto Bombana, also known as the ‘King of White Truffles’, opened 8 1/2 in 2010 to the delight of foodies looking to sample mouthwatering recipes made with the best seasonal ingredients available. You might find dishes such as the homemade cavatelli shellfish ragout and sea urchin on the menu, along with many other delectable choices.
8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana, Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +825 2537 8859
Waku Ghin
Bar, Restaurant, Dessert
Jungsik
Jungsik
Offering a fine-dining experience, Jungsik, located in Seoul, specializes in New Korean cuisine, meaning chef-owner Jungsik Yim utilizes techniques from not only Korea but also from around the world. Procuring the finest seasonal ingredients from local purveyors, the chef and his team create an array of beautifully plated dishes, such as octopus with octo mayo.
Jungsik, 11 Seolleungro 158-Gil, Gangnamgu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 2 517 4654
Jaan
Restaurant, European
L’Effervescence
Restaurant, French
Les Amis
Les Amis
Opened by a group of four men in 1994 in the center of the Orchard Road shopping area, Les Amis specializes in luscious contemporary French cuisine, with many products sourced from France. At the helm is Chef Sebastien Lepinoy, who spent well over a decade at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (also on this list). He and the other talented members of his crew create exquisite dishes such as Japanese tenderloin with green asparagus and ‘poivrade’ sauce and pigeon breast stuffed with foie gras and wrapped in Colonnata lard and savoy cabbage.
Les Amis, 1 Scotts Rd, #01-16 Shaw Centre, Singapore, +65 6733 2225
Hajime
Restaurant, Japanese, Contemporary, Asian, Fusion
Founded in 2008 by Chef Hajime Yoneda, the eponymous Hajime is a unique restaurant, as the chef explores many natural themes through his cuisine. Themes include earth, space, and nature and how they balance each other. For Chef Hajime, it is all about thought and how much he puts into his dishes, which ultimately makes each recipe truly special. Offering three tasting menus, standard, short (for people who don’t have a lot of time or are not super hungry) and vegetarian, they cater to everyone.
Fook Lam Moon
Restaurant, Chinese
Specializing in classic Cantonese cuisine, Fook Lam Moon was established in 1948 as a catering service, with its first brick-and-mortar establishment opening in 1972, expanding to several more locations over the years. From the very beginning, only the highest quality ingredients were used, just like today. Within a lovely, polished interior, guests can savor the flavors of roast suckling pig and wok-fried frog leg’s with lobster, black beans, and chili sauce.
FU1015
Restaurant, Chinese
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon offers guests tantalizing classic French cuisine in tapas-style portions all within a stunning interior of red and black décor. At the helm is Executive Chef David Alves, and he and his team create delicious options such as Le Pigeon, which is slow-cooked French pigeon with foie gras and smoked bacon along with chicken bouillon and petit raviolis, and La Cerise, a sweet concoction of cherry mousse in a white chocolate tube with gingerbread ice cream.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Shop 315, 334 & 401, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2166 9000
Iggy’s
Restaurant, European
Fu He Hui
Restaurant, Chinese
Another restaurant from the Fu empire (see Fu1015 a few spots above), Fu He Hui offers discerning diners a spread of vegetarian Shanghainese cuisine that will even have carnivorous eaters not missing the meat. Featuring only a tasting menu, you don’t have to make any decisions here; you can sit back and relax and enjoy the courses as they come. The interior is beautifully adorned with neutral colors and natural elements such as stone and wood, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Lung King Heen
Restaurant, Chinese
Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, Lung King Heen specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine. Meaning ‘View of the Dragon,’ the restaurant’s culinary team, headed by Chef Chan Yan Tak, who was the first Chinese chef to earn three Michelin stars, procures the finest and freshest local ingredients for mouthwatering dishes such as the barbecued suckling pig, crispy pork ribs with osmanthus and pear, and baked whole abalone puff with diced chicken. Between the food, the incredible service, and the beautiful views of the harbor, this culinary experience will be one to remember.
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