Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: 6 Singapore Restaurants Ranked, Odette at No. 19
The Asian culinary landscape has been redrawn with the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, held in Hong Kong on . While familiar names continue to dominate, shifts in ranking and the emergence of new contenders signal a dynamic evolution within the region’s fine dining scene. Singapore continues to be a powerhouse, with six restaurants securing a place on the prestigious list.
Odette, the French restaurant located within Singapore’s National Gallery, remains the highest-ranked establishment in the city-state, though it has slipped to No. 19, down from its No. 7 position in 2025. Despite the slight dip, Odette continues to set a high standard for culinary excellence in Singapore and its head sommelier, Lesley Liu, has added another accolade to her impressive resume. Liu was named Asia’s Best Sommelier , further solidifying Odette’s reputation for exceptional wine service.
Liu’s journey to becoming a leading sommelier is particularly noteworthy. As a Taiwanese woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she’s actively working to inspire the next generation of female wine professionals. She firmly believes that a sommelier’s skill is defined by knowledge and passion, not gender or background, and mentors aspiring sommeliers through her work with the Sommelier Association of Singapore. Her dedication to the craft has already earned her the title of Singapore’s Best Sommelier in French Wines in both and .
Beyond Odette, two Singaporean restaurants experienced significant climbs in the rankings. Seroja, celebrated for its cuisine inspired by the Malay Archipelago, jumped to No. 20, a substantial rise from its No. 40 position last year. Restaurant Born, a contemporary fine-dining establishment, made an even more dramatic leap, re-entering the top 50 at No. 23 after being ranked No. 54 previously. These gains reflect a growing appreciation for diverse culinary traditions and innovative approaches to dining within the region.
Korean restaurant Nae:um likewise made a notable impact, debuting at No. 45 after being ranked No. 73 in and falling off the list entirely in . Les Amis, a French establishment, holds steady at No. 38 (down from No. 28), while Restaurant Labyrinth, known for its modern-Singaporean cuisine, sits at No. 40 (down from No. 37).
However, not all restaurants maintained their positions. Restaurant Euphoria, a gastro-botanica fine-dining restaurant, is no longer on the list, having closed its doors in . It was previously ranked No. 48 in .
The top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list was claimed by The Chairman, a Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong, moving up from No. 2 in . This marks the second time The Chairman has achieved this honor, having previously held the title in . Wing, a contemporary Chinese restaurant, secured the second position, while Bangkok’s Gaggan, the previous year’s winner, fell to third place.
The extended list, encompassing restaurants ranked from 51 to 100, also reveals shifts in the regional dining scene. Four Singaporean establishments appear on this list: Burnt Ends, a modern Australian barbecue restaurant, at No. 59 (down from No. 38); Meta Restaurant, a contemporary Korean restaurant, at No. 77 (down from No. 39); Thevar, a modern Indian restaurant, rising to No. 58 (up from No. 70); and Peach Blossoms, a Chinese restaurant, re-entering the list at No. 78 after not appearing in .
Notably, several restaurants that were on the 51-100 list in have been removed this year, including Cloudstreet, Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Zen, and Summer Pavilion. This constant turnover underscores the competitive nature of the Asian culinary landscape and the ongoing pursuit of innovation and excellence.
Peach Blossoms’ executive Chinese chef, Edward Chong, expressed his satisfaction with the restaurant’s return to the extended list, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and continuous learning within the industry. He highlighted the value of exchanging perspectives with chefs across Asia and exploring new ingredients and techniques. Looking ahead, Chong stated that Peach Blossoms will continue to refine its culinary direction, focusing on its identity and storytelling while deepening its roots in South-east Asian cuisine.
The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list serves as a barometer of culinary trends and a platform for recognizing exceptional talent. The continued presence of Singaporean restaurants, coupled with the individual achievements of figures like Lesley Liu, demonstrates the city-state’s growing influence and commitment to the art of fine dining.