Pragati Shukla, NDTV, Updated: May 02, 2013 14:56 IST
Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list is created from The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of over 900 international leaders in the restaurant industry, each selected for their expert opinion of the international restaurant scene. The Academy comprises 26 separate regions around the world.
There is no pre-determined check-list of criteria; for example an interesting experience in a simple establishment, where exceptional innovation was discovered, could be judged better than a more opulent meal from a widely feted restaurant team. The results are a simple computation of votes. "Given that this well-constructed list is based on personal experiences it can never be definitive, but we believe it is an honourable survey of current tastes and a credible indicator of the best places to eat around the globe."
1. Narisawa - Tokyo, Japan
Refined techniques blended with a reverence for nature.
Narisawa has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Asia and The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Japan.
2. Nihonryori Ryugin - Tokyo, Japan
Precision cooking, melding tradition with boundary-pushing ideas.
Nihonryori Ryugin has also won the Chefs' Choice.
3. Nahm - Bangkok, Thailand
The world's finest authentic Thai cooking from David Thompson.
Nahm has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Thailand.
4. Amber - Hong Kong, China
Delicate food in a stunning space with a touch of Dutch.
Amber has also been awarded The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in China.
5. Restaurant Andre - Singapore
The home of 'octaphilosophy' is Singapore's premier restaurant.
Restaurant Andre has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Singapore.
6. 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana - Hong Kong, China
A taste of Italian showmanship and superbly executed cuisine.
7. Mr & Mrs Bund - Shanghai, China
Playful haute French bistro with chef Pairet's signature twists.
8. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet - Shanghai, China
Ultra-avant-garde, multi-sensory dining in a mystery location.
9. Iggy's - Singapore
Beautifully balanced food and service at Hilton hideaway.
10. Gaggan - Bangkok, Thailand
Indian street food given contemporary treatment by brilliant chef.
11. Waku Ghin - Singapore
Fine Japanese dining at Marina Bay Sands.
12. Caprice - Hong Kong, China
Classic French dining in the heart of Hong Kong.
13. Lung King Heen - Hong Kong, China
Three-star dim sum specialist with harbour views to die for.
14. Les Amis - Singapore
A perennially popular and elegant neighbourhood gem.
15. Bo Innovation - Hong Kong, China
Extreme - and extremely good - Chinese food.
16. Quintessence - Tokyo, Japan
Faultless French techniques executed in Japanese capital.
17. Dum Pukht - New Delhi, India
Clay pot cooking taken to new heights.
Dum Pukht has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in India.
18. The Chairman - Hong Kong, China
Seasonal, locally sourced and organic Cantonese cuisine.
19. Eat Me - Bangkok, Thailand
Atmospheric, laid-back restaurant with flair on the menu.
20. Wasabi by Morimoto - Mumbai, India
India's premier Japanese restaurant comes roaring back.
21. Hajime - Osaka, Japan
Artistic interpretations of rich plant life.
22. Jaan - Singapore
A restaurant and chef that live up to their location.
Jaan has also won 'One to Watch'
23. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon - Hong Kong, China
Bringing sexy back to French cuisine.
24. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon - Singapore
Productive counter cooking, Asian-style.
25. 28 HuBin Road - Hangzhou, China
A showcase for the Chinese province's unique regional cuisine.
26. Bukhara - New Delhi, India
Traditional feasting dishes at legendary New Delhi destination.
27. Sushi Mizutani - Tokyo, Japan
Idiosyncratic destination serving world-beating nigiri.
28. Indigo - Mumbai, India
Mediterranean-Indian fusion in a glamorous setting.
29. Sra Bua By Kiin Kiin - Bangkok, Thailand
Molecular Thai cuisine by way of Denmark.
30. Varq - New Delhi, India
Brilliantly executed street food in a fine-dining setting.
31. Takazawa - Tokyo, Japan
Über-creative husband and wife team in Roppongi
32. Shinji by Kanesaka - Singapore
Omakase restaurant from Japanese masters.
33. Kahala - Osaka, Japan
Established but experimental East-meets-West destination.
34. Franck - Shanghai, China
Parisian-style panache in Shanghai's French quarter.
35. Osteria Mozza - Singapore
Upscale Italian-American in downtown Singapore.
36. Bo.lan - Bangkok, Thailand
Bold and brilliant Thai cooking in chic surroundings.
37. Robuchon au Dôme - Macau, China
French finesse among the clouds.
38. Nihonbashi, Colombo - Sri Lanka
Minimalist and accurate Japanese cooking in Sri Lankan capital.
Nihonbashi has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Sri Lanka.
39. Sushi Saito - Tokyo, Japan
Hidden gem of a seven-seat sushi destination.
40. Fu1015 - Shanghai, China
Traditional cooking with a twist in historic surroundings.
41. Indian Accent - New Delhi, India
Creative and ambitious modern Indian food.
42. Ishikawa - Tokyo, Japan
Masterful melding of luxury with humble ingredients.
43. Gunther's - Singapore
French fine dining in a stylishly inviting setting.
44. Karavalli - Bangalore, India
Strictly regional cooking from India's south-west.
45. Jade on 36 - Shanghai, China
High-rise, high-end gastronomy and exceptional views.
46. Yardbird - Hong Kong, China
Beak-to-tail eating, Japanese Style.
47. Don's - Hanoi, Vietnam
Globe-trotting eclectic cooking that feeds wanderlust.
Don's has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Vietnam.
48. Fook Lam Moon - Hong Kong, China
Traditional family-run Cantonese favourite still going strong.
49. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck - Singapore
Superlative Chinese specialist in the Lion City.
50. Mozaic - Bali, Indonesia
Unique multinational collaboration on tropical isle.
Mozaic has also won The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Indonesia.
The other award categories -
Lifetime Achievement Award Asia
Paul Pairet
Asia's Best Female Chef
Duongporn 'Bo' Songvisava
Asia's Best Pastry Chef
Janice Wong
Chefs' Choice
Seiji Yamamoto of Nihonryori Ryugin, Japan
One To Watch
Jaan, Singapore
© All photos of restaurants and dishes belong to the corresponding restaurants.
© All other photos and information - Asia's 50 Best Restaurants sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, Singapore, February 2013
