Credit: theworlds50best.com

Last night, on the 19th of June 2018, the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards ceremony, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, took place at Palacio Euskalduna in Bilbao.

The world’s best restaurant for 2018 is again Osteria Francescana, led by Chef Massimo Bottura in Modena, coming back to the first place where it belonged already in 2016. Chef Bottura’s continued commitment in reinventing Italian culinary tradition and serving Italian contemporary cuisine using the finest produce from Italy and in particular from his region Emilia-Romagna keeps paying off and being recognized by the team behind this award.

Chef Massimo Bottura with his wife Lara Gilmore
Credit: theworlds50best.com

We at TopLuxury.Asia, being a website and guide related to Asian countries only, are going to focus on the Asian restaurants, so let’s see who made it into the list in this 2018 edition.

• #5 Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand

After being confirmed as the first and best restaurant in Asia in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant 2018 list sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna for the 4^th year in a row and being acclaimed as the best Indian Chef, Gaggan Anand scored a new record climbing up the world’s list by 2 places and becoming the first Asian restaurant to go that far.

• #17 Den – Tokyo, Japan

Restaurant Den by Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa in Tokyo, Japan, wins the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lavazza, rising 28 places to the #17 spot.

Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa on the left
Credit: theworlds50best.com

• #22 Narisawa – Tokyo, Japan

Restaurant Narisawa by Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa is a long-standing presence in the World 50 Best List: it made its first appearance as #20 in 2009 and ever since it has been featured each year landing a spot between #8 and #27.

• #24 Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet – Shanghai, China

Opened in 2012, Ultraviolet Restaurant was quickly acknowledged as the #1 culinary experience in the world. Serving only 10 customers per night, the high-tech multi-sensory experience restaurant has been featured in the list since 2015 when it debuted as #24, falling down at #42 and #41 in 2016 and 2017 respectively, it is now up again at #24.

• #28 Odette – Singapore

Odette in Singapore is a notable new entry at No.28, having opened less than three years ago. This is thanks to Chef and co-owner Julien Royer and his modern French style cuisine which gave him fame already when he was working at Jaan restaurant in Singapore.

• #41 Nihonryori Ryugin – Tokyo, Japan

Chef Seiji Yamamoto’s restaurant re-entered the list this year after being left out in last year’s edition. His modern reinterpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine granted him the #41 spotbeing also the 3^rd Japanese restaurant in the 1-50 list, it makes Japan the most represented country in Asia in this year’s edition.

• #49 Nahm – Bangkok, Thailand

Nahm is a very well known restaurant in the Bangkok scene. Opened in 2010, it ranked as #1 restaurant in Asia in 2014, the year before the beginning of Chef Gaggan’s hegemony. After having Chef David Thompson in the kitchen for many years, since 2018 the new Executive Chef is the Bangkokian Pim Techamuanvivit, which already successful in San Francisco with her first Michelin-starred restaurant Kin Khao decided to move back to her home country for a new challenge.

Although being a “50 Best” list, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants announces every year also the list of the restaurants ranked between the 51^st position and the 100^th in its annual global ranking. So let’s see the Asian entries for 2018 also in this second list:

• #54 Sühring – Bangkok. Thailand

The highest new entry on the list is Restaurant Sühring in Bangkok, Thailand. This follows on from the restaurant’s success at the 2018 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards in March, where the twin Chefs ranked at #4. Their modern German cuisine is well known in Bangkok and has been successful since its opening in 2016.

Chef Gaggan with Suhring twins Chefs.
Credit: theworlds50best.com

• #56 Amber – Hong Kong

The 2 Michelin-starred restaurant falls down this year to #56 after being in the first 50 spots for 7 years in a row since 2011.

• #59 Florilege – Tokyo, Japan

Florilège in Tokyo, Japan, rises an impressive 40 places from last year from #99 to #59. Already #3 in Asia’s 50 Best list, Chef Hiroyasu Kawate’s modern take on French cuisine is constantly growing popularity. Definitely a must-watch Chef for the next years.

• #61 Burnt Ends – Singapore

Australian Chef and Owner Dave Pynt, after winning last year’s Chef’s Choice Award, lands a spot in the list. His barbecue and grill style adds additional flavor to already prime ingredients, mastering these techniques learned from Basque Chef Victor Arguinzoniz (#10 in 2018 list with his restaurant Asador Etxebarri in Spain).

• #78 Mingles – Seoul, South Korea

Best restaurant in Seoul for 3 years in a row, Mingles by Chef Mingoo Kang confirms his rising journey in the world’s culinary scene. Not a big surprise from a student of Chef Martin Berasetegui who’s eponymous restaurant in Spain has been awarded 3-Michelin-stars since 2001!

• #80 Lung King Heen – Hong Kong

Master Chinese Chef Chan Yan Tak makes it to #80 in this year’s edition. He is a well known and globally recognized chef being awarded, first ever worldwide, 3 Michelin Stars for his Chinese (Cantonese style) restaurant.

• #92 L’Effervescence – Tokyo, Japan

Newcomer to the list, Chef Shinobu Namae from Yokohama opened his restaurant “L’Effervescence” in 2010 and landed his first Michelin Star in 2011, getting the second one a couple of years later in 2015. He previously studied with Michel Bras and Heston Bluementhal and in 2018 has been the recipient of the “Sustainable Restaurant Award” in Asia due to its environmental and social responsibility.

• #93 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana – Hong Kong

The worldwide ambassador of the white truffle and most well known Italian Chef in the Asian continent, Chef Umberto Bombana owns several successful restaurants in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China. We consider him the best Italian Chef outside of Italy and this spot on the list is just the last of many incredible awards and achievements conquered by Chef Bombana.

Chef Jessie Liu
Credit: theworlds50best.com

Last, but not least, we want to mention 24-year-old Taiwanese Chef Jessie Liu, collecting the inaugural 50 Best BBVA Scholarship and currently working at Eau de Vie, a restaurant in Melbourne CBD, Australia. She beat over 1000 contestants and impressed the judges with her contemporary version of Taiwanese dish “Zong zi” also known as rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. She will be doing a 6 week stage at Mugaritz by Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz in Spain (#10 in 2018 world’s 50 best list and holding 2-Michelin Stars since 2005) and 6 more weeks at Atelier Crenn by Chef Dominique Crenn who was awarded her first Michelin star in 2009 and was the first female chef in the USA to be awarded a second star in 2012; moreover she was awarded the best female Chef of the year in 2016.

This is a great opportunity for a rising star which we wish great success to and to meet her in the next years as owner of her first restaurant.

Congrats to all the winners and keep up the good work!

The post World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards – The Asian Point of View appeared first on Top Luxury Asia.

1. Raw

When it comes to the best fine-dining experience in Taiwan, RAW tops the list with its exceptional Taiwanese Haute Cuisine. Helmed by the renowned Chef Andre Chiang who has lots of experience working in many Michelin starred restaurants including Le Jardin des Sens, La Maison Troisgros, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire. The 60-seat restaurant offers an 8 course menu that consists of dishes that blends the traditional Taiwanese cuisine with a modern touch.

2. Le Moût

The Le Moût restaurant is located at the buzzling Taichung area in a 4-storeyed building. Headed by Chef Lanshu Chen, the winner of the “Best Female Chef” in 2014 offers some outstanding gastronomic food. The interesting aspect about the cuisine at Le Moût is that it cleverly combines the French cuisine with some unforgettable elements of the Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is ranked No.28 in S Pellegrino’s “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” list.

3. Mume

Mume is a dream project of 3 young but exceptional and experience chefs who joined hands to start their own restaurant after working at several Michelin starred restaurants. Chef Richie-Lin, Chef Kai Ward and Chef Long Xiong strive hard to provide their guests with a one of a kind dining experience. The name Mume means the plum blossom, Taiwan’s national flower.

4. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

The L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon in Taiwan offers the best French cuisine in the country. Manning the kitchen is Chef Olivier Jean an experienced chef who trained directly under Joël Robuchon at the Etoile Paris in France. Apart from the delicious cuisine, the restaurant also comes with a wide variety of around 20,000 labels of wine to choose from. The restaurant boasts of the traditional Joel Robuchon design theme with red and black colors.

5. Ryugin Taipei

The RyuGin Taipei in Taipei is a sister restaurant to the Nihonryori RyuGin in Tokyo, Japan. You’l be surprised to see the menu including a map of Taiwan indicating the places where from where the ingredients were sourced from. Chef Ryohei Hieda gained a lot of experience working under the legendary chef Seiji Yamamoto before being promoted as the Chef de Cuisine at RyuGin Taipei.

6. Ding Xian 101

If you are looking to enjoy some delicious Taiwanese food enjoying beautiful views of the city and the mountains in Taipei, then Ding Xian 101 is your best. Located in the 86^th floor guests can enjoy some mesmerizing views of the city.

7. Shanghai Pavilion

Shanghai Pavilion offers some of the best Shanghainese food in Taipei and is located in the 39^th floor of the Far Eastern plaza Hotel offering some incredible view of the city from above. Get transported into the 1920 with the old world décor and the classic Chinese music playing the background.

8. JL Studio

Chef Jimmy Lim opened JL Studio in 2017 with the main objective to offer his people with traditional Taiwanese food with an international touch. Prior to opening JL Studio, Chef Jimmy Lim has worked in various Michelin starred restaurants around the world.

9. Tairroir

The Tairroir restaurant in Taiwan offers modern Taiwanese cuisine combines with some unique French techniques and style. The dining hall can seat a maximum of 25 guests and also has 2 private dining rooms.

10. Ephernité

The Ephernite restaurant was opened in 2015 by Chef Vanessa and her husband Claude to provide the people of Taiwan with some of the best French cuisine.

Don’t forget to check out the full profiles on the website for more info on these venues!

The post Top10 – Best Luxury Restaurants in Taiwan appeared first on Top Luxury Asia.

Pic by Andrew Moore
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andryn2006/

Macau is renowned for its casinos, but is also home of a sumptuous food scene and in this article we are going to see the top 10 restaurants in Macau.

1. Jade Dragon

Jade Dragon in Macau is located in the Forbes Five-Star Nüwa Hotel inside the famous City of Dreams Casino Complex. The 2-Michelin star Chinese fine-dining restaurant is run the celebrated Chef Tam Kwok Fung who was previously working at the Michelin-starred Ying restaurant in Macau. Chef Tam Kwok Fung is also renowned for his gold medal won at the World Championship of Chinese Cooking competition in 2005. The restaurant has a large dining room along with many private dining rooms. Located on the second floor, guests can view some spectacular views of the city while enjoying some exquisite Chinese cuisine.

2. The Tasting Room by Chef Fabrice Vulin

The Tasting Room by Galliot is a 2-Michelin star restaurant in Macau that is located in the Forbes Five-Star Nüwa Hotel in the most popular Casino complex, the City of Dreams. Open in 2012 and run by owner and Chef Guillaume Galliot, the Tasting Room offers exquisite French cuisine in a lavish and spacious dining room that is well carpeted with beautiful decors. Since 2017 Chef Fabrice Vulin moved from Caprice in Hong Kong to The Tasting Room in Macau as the new Head Chef.

3. Robuchon au Dôme

Robuchon au Dôme is one of the few 3 Michelin Star restaurants in Macau that is located in the Grand Lisboa hotel. The restaurant is also presented with the Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” in 2005 for its extensive wine collection as you it hosts around 16800 labels.

4. The Eight

The Eight is another 3-Michelin star restaurant in Macau and is also located in the Grand Lisboa Hotel Complex. The exclusive Chinese Fine-dining restaurant boast a spacious dining room covered with attractive marble flooring and tables covered with mother pearl inlays. Signature dishes include the Buddha Jumping over the wall, Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Egg, Minced Pork and Black Bean, Suckling Pig filled with Fried Rice and Preserved Meat, Barbecue Pork.

5. Golden Flower

The Golden Flower restaurant is another popular Chinese restaurant that is renowned for its interior that symbolizes the Chinese Qing dynasty with its artistic décor and traditional Chinese cuisine. You can choose from a wide variety of Cantonese dishes including the Tan, Lu and Sichuan inspired dishes.

6. Mizumi

The Mizumi restaurant in Macau is a popular Japanese restaurant and that is also known for having some of the 3 best and celebrated Japanese Chefs overseeing the menu. The specialties of these chefs are each of these chefs are specialized in different Japanese dishes including the sushi, the tempura and the teppanyaki and hence you can feast on some the finest Japanese cuisine made by the best Japanese chefs in the world.

7. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana

8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana at Macau is another popular Italian restaurant run by the much celebrated master Chef Umberto Bombana. The interior is kind of romantic with some soothing Jazz music in the background and dimly lit candle lights adorning each table.

8. Pearl Dragon

The Pearl Dragon restaurant is located in the City of Dream Casino complex and offers some of the finest Chinese cuisine created by Master Chef Lam Yuk Ming.

9. Tim’s Kitchen

Next in our list is the Tim’s Kitchen, a restaurant that offers exquisite Cantonese dishes and founded by Chef Lai Yau Tim.

10. The Golden Peacock

If you are looking for some top class Indian food at Macau, then you can definitely try out the Michelin starred Golden Peacock restaurant in Macau.

Don’t forget to check out the full profiles on the website for more info on these venues!

The post Top10 – Best Luxury Restaurants in Macau appeared first on Top Luxury Asia.

In this article, we are going to review the top 10 restaurants in South Korea:

1. Mingles

Mingles is one of the top-class restaurant in South Korea that offers fine-dining at its very best. The Michelin Star restaurant is ranked 15 in the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and also ranked 89^th in the overall best restaurants in the World. As the name suggests, Mingles offers a unique Korean Cuisine that is created combining various styles combining Spanish, French and Japanese cuisine along with his own personal touch.

2. Jungsik

Jungsik in Seoul is one of the best ultra-modern Korean restaurants headed by Chef and owner Jungsik Yim and offering delicious Korean cuisine prepared using seasonal ingredients and traditional Korean flavors. Opened in 2009, the restaurant has been ranked in “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants”.

3. La Yeon

The La Yeon restaurant in Seoul is located on the 23^rd floor of the Shilla Hotel and offers some amazing views of the city along with the lovely Namsam Park. La Yeon translates to Celebration in Korean and true to its name, it is quite a celebration the moment you enter the restaurant with its breath-taking views, upscale interior and remarkable food.

4. Gaon

Gaon is a 3-Michelin Star restaurant in Seoul that is owned by the GwangJuYo Group and is headed by Chef Kim Byung Jin, the brain behind the finest Korean cuisine offered in the restaurant. The restaurant is also widely popular with the locals for its ibaji tteok and the pyebaek that sell like hot cakes everyday.

5. Pierre Gagnaire

Looking for the best French Cuisine in Seoul, then Pierre Gagnaire is your best bet. Located on the 35^th floor, the restaurant offers a unique French fine-dining experience that will nurture your taste buds for a long time. They also have a wide range of wine collection to try from and most of it you never would have tried in Seoul.

6. Gotgan

Gotgan is another famous restaurant in Seoul that offers some of the best traditional Korean Cuisine. Located on the 50^th floor of the FKI building, you can witness some amazing views Han River and enjoying some delicious Korean dishes prepared using seasonal ingredients.

7. Bicena

Bicena is a one Michelin Star restaurant in Seoul that offers rich Korean Cuisine and is also considered to be one of the highest Korean restaurants as it is situated on the 81^st floor of the Signeil Seoul Hotel.

8. L’Amitié

One of the first boutique French restaurants in Korea, L’Amitie offers typical French cuisine using some of the finest ingredients sourced locally and using some of the best and classic French recipes. The restaurant only consists of 20 seats and without any cozy interior.

9. Soigné

Soigné in Seoul is a Michelin Star restaurant that offers traditional Korean cuisine with a horse-shoe design interior with a beaming open kitchen. Jun Lee, the Chef and owner of the restaurant takes on a gastronomic journey with meticulously prepared dishes.

10. Yu Yuan

If you are looking for the best Chinese cuisine in Seoul, then the Yu Yuan is your best bet. The moment you enter the restaurant you will be immediately transported back to china with its artistic interior based on a Chinese theme and tasty Cantonese cuisine.

Don’t forget to check out the full profiles on the website for more info on these venues!

The post Top10 – Best Luxury Restaurants in South Korea appeared first on Top Luxury Asia.

In this article we’re going to have a look at the top 10 restaurants in China which is renowned for its exclusive dining scene.

 1. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

When it comes to the top 10 restaurants in China, obviously the Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet stands among the top of the list because of its unique concept and over the top dining experience. Food is not alone the factor in Ultraviolet as it takes dining to a whole new dimension with its exemplary theatrical tactics and innovative use of technology. With just 10 seats, guests are treated to a dining experience that they have witnessed ever before in their lifetime with 360 degree video screens and exceptional lighting.

2. Fu He Hui

Another popular restaurants in China that is housed in a villa styled structure, Fu He Hui offers guests with some of the best Chinese dining experience in Shanghai. Offering an 8-course menu that features dishes created using some of the finest ingredients sourced around the world, you never could find any hint of oil or that much salt in any of the dishes.

3. T’ang Court

T’ang Court offers not only some exclusive Chinese cuisine, but also some amazing views of the Taiping and the Xintiandi lake. The prices at T’ang Court are quite reasonable when comparing with other premium restaurants in town and also exquisite dim sum and lunch.

4. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana

Chef Umberto Bombana is a renowned Chef across the globe and the 2-Michelin Star restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA is another shining example of his exemplary creations. The restaurants offers undoubtedly the best fine dining Italian restaurants in China.

5. Yi Long Court

Yi Long Court restaurant in China is renowned for providing some of the best Cantonese food in town along with some exclusive Chinese food with a modern touch. The dim sum at the Yi Long court is truly mesmerizing along with other signature dishes like Barbecued Jiangsu Kurobuta pork and Jin Hua ham.

6. Yong Foo Elite

Previously existed as a member’s only club, it has been opened to public and the beautiful Shanghainese restaurant is located in a luxurious villa and the dishes served at the Yong Foo Elite are outstanding. Led by executive Chef Zhou Tielong, the restaurant offers some of the best Shanghai cuisine in the city.

7. Imperial Treasure

Another fine dining restaurant in Shanghai is the Imperial treasure that offers its guests some of the finest dim sum in town. Every dish at Imperial treasure is created using some of the finest ingredients sourced from around the globe.

8. Diaoyutai State Guest Restaurant

The Diaoyutai State Guest restaurant is located in a guest house complex that has been previously used for housing some major government offices and also a place to house foreign delegates and important dignitaries.

9. Elba Italian Restaurant – Shenzhen

If you are looking to dine at one of the best Italian restaurants in China, then the Elba Italian restaurant in Shenzhen is not going to disappoint you.

10. MIO Italian Restaurant

Expect some of the highest quality Italian cuisine at the Mio restaurant located at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beijing. It also offers some spectacular city views along with a unique dining experience.

Don’t forget to check out the full profiles on the website for more info on these venues!

The post Top10 – Best Luxury Restaurants in China appeared first on Top Luxury Asia.

The dining scene in Japan is always bustling with a lot of high-end restaurants and in this article we are going to review about the top 10 restaurants in Japan.

1. Nihonryori RyuGin

Led by one of the celebrated Chefs in Japan, Seiji Yamamoto, the Nihonryori RyuGin is one of the best restaurants in Japan that offers traditional Japanese Cuisine with a modern touch. The 3-Michelin Star restaurant offers some of the best cuisine you can ever get with excellent customer service.

2. Quintessence

Looking for the best French Cuisine in Tokyo, then you cannot miss out on the Quintessence, the 3-Michelin Star restaurant led by Chef Shuzo Khisida. The cooking is done through a unique process where the meat is heat at low temperature to extract the intrinsic flavor from it. But securing a table at the Quintessence is quite tough as the restaurant reserves for almost a month or two in advance.

3. Takazawa

The Takazawa is ranked as one of the “Top 50 Restaurants in Asia” and yet to get the desired Michelin stars is a high class fine dining restaurant that also encloses a small bar for guests to have some of the finest drinks served by one of the best sommelier in the world.

4. Joël Robuchon

Joel Robuchon in Tokyo is another signature restaurant from the master chef that offers an exclusive French dining experience to its guests. With an elegant atmosphere and an open kitchen guests can easily interact with the chefs and have a sneak peek at the chefs weaving their magic with the food.

5. Kikunoi Honten

Opened in 1912, Kikunoi is one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Japan that offers a traditional and exclusive Japanese dining experience. The seasonal menu offered in the Japanese restaurant is created using some of the finest and natural ingredients sourced from Japan.

6. Kitcho Arashiyama

Located amidst a beautiful setting around the hills, the Kitcho Arashiyama is another quality Japanese restaurant that offers some of best traditional Japanese dishes prepared using the best natural ingredients sourced only within the country.

7. Hajime

One of the few 3-Michelin star restaurants in Japan, the Hajime is a high-quality French restaurant led by the talented Chef Hajime Yoneda who was trained by the most celebrated French Chef Michael Bras. The restaurant offers the best French cuisine with his unique Japanese touch.

8. Michel Bras Toya

Looking for the best French fine dining restaurants in Hokkaido, the Michael Bras Toya restaurant started by the legendary French Chef Michael Bras is your best bet.

9. Aragawa

If you are crazy about Japanese Beef, then the best place to step inside to taste some of high-quality and delicious beef is the Aragawa restaurant in Kobe. Headed by Chef Jiro Yamada, the Aragawa offers some of best sirloin dish made using the popular Sanda beef.

10. Pierre Gagnaire

Last but not the least, the Pierre Gagnaire restaurant in Tokyo located at the 36th floor of the Intercontinental Tokyo Hotel not only offers some of the best cuisine but also offers some mesmerizing views of the night-life of Tokyo.

Don’t forget to heck out the full profiles on the website for more info on these venues!

The post Top10 – Best Luxury Restaurants in Japan appeared first on Top Luxury Asia.