Tokyo's Sézanne tops Asia's 50 Best Restaurants; Singapore has 9 on list

Sézanne in Tokyo was named The Best Restaurant in Asia, at last night's awards ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. — Photo: Asia's 50 Best Bars

Sézanne in Tokyo was named The Best Restaurant in Asia at last night's awards ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.

Helmed by chef Daniel Calvert, Sézanne offers neo-French cuisine that showcases modern classics with expert precision, incorporating high-quality Japanese ingredients.

Situated on the seventh floor of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, the restaurant draws inspiration from the town of the same name in France's Champagne region. The dining experience includes an extensive selection of rare champagnes, artisanal sparkling wines, and vintage cuvées.

Sézanne debuted on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list at No. 17 in 2022, and 15 spots to No. 2 last year.

The crew of Sézanne at the awards ceremony in Seoul last night.

The 2024 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants was revealed on Mar 26 at an awards ceremony held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, Seoul, South Korea. The ceremony was held in collaboration with host destination partners Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

This year’s list includes restaurants from 19 cities across the region and eight new entries.

Singapore led the rankings with nine entries in total, while Bangkok is represented by a total of eight restaurants on the list, with Gaggan Anand coming in at No. 3. Two Hong Kong eateries round up the Top 5 – The Chairman came in at No. 4, while Wing was this year's highest climber, moving up an impressive 32 spots to No. 5.

While Malaysia did not have any restaurants in the Top 50 this year, Kuala Lumpur restaurant Dewakan did manage to make it to No. 56 on the 51-100 extended list, the only Malaysian establishment to do so.

Hong Kong's Wing was the highest climber of the year.

As for the other awards given out last night, Bangkok's Nusara won the Art of Hospitality Award, while fellow Bangkok spot Haoma (No.90) won the Sustainable Restaurant Award. Mineko Kato from Tokyo’s Faro took home the coveted title of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, and Kevin Lu of Taipei's Logy was named Asia's Best Sommelier.

Last but not least, Sung Anh of Seoul restaurant Mosu won the peer-voted Chefs’ Choice Award.

“It is truly uplifting to witness such a rich array of exceptional dining establishments spanning 19 cities in Asia, including eight exciting newcomers," William Drew, director of content at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, said in a press release.

"Special acknowledgement is in order for the entire Sézanne team: its impeccable cuisine, hospitality and innovative approach has resulted in the restaurant becoming a must-visit destination.”

Created from the votes of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential gender-balanced group of 318 experts made up of food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and regional culinary leaders.

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 complete list

1. Sézanne (Tokyo)
2. Florilège (Tokyo)
3. Gaggan Anand (Bangkok)
4. The Chairman (Hong Kong)
5. Wing (Hong Kong)
6. Nusara (Bangkok)
7. Sühring (Bangkok)
8. Den (Tokyo)
9. La Cime (Osaka)
10. Odette (Singapore)
11. Sorn (Bangkok)
12. Le Du (Bangkok)
13. Mingles (Seoul)
14. Narisawa (Tokyo)
15. Burnt Ends (Singapore)
16. Neighborhood (Hong Kong
17. Potong (Bangkok)
18. 7th Door (Seoul)
19. Fu He Hui (Shanghai)
20. Euphoria (Singapore)
21. Onjium (Seoul)
22. Logy (Taipei)
23. Masque (Mumbai)
24. Toyo Eatery (Manila)
25. Born (Singapore)
26. Indian Accent (New Delhi)
27. Mono (Hong Kong)
28. Meta (Singapore)
29. Samrub Samrub Thai (Bangkok)
30. Labyrinth (Singapore)
31. Seroja (Singapore)
32. Caprice (Hong Kong)
33. JL Studio (Taichung)
34. Mume (Taipei)
35. Villa Aida (Wakayama)
36. Ling Long (Shanghai)
37. Ando (Hong Kong)
38. Les Amis (Singapore)
39. Sazenka (Tokyo)
40. 102 House (Shanghai)
41. Mosu (Seoul)
42. Baan Tepa (Bangkok)
43. Lolla (Singapore)
44. Avartana (Chennai)
45. Goh (Fukuoka)
46. August (Jakarta)
47. Cenci (Kyoto)
48. Anan Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
49. Chef Tam's Seasons (Macau)
50. Meet the Bund (Shanghai)