Odette is top restaurant in Asia on World's 50 Best List 2023, which spotlights South America’s rising role in gastronomy

After a year’s hiatus, French fine-dining restaurant Odette has reclaimed the coveted title of ‘Best Restaurant in Asia’ in this year’s edition of The World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards. The sole Singapore representative on the list was ranked No. 14 — a marked improvement from its No. 36 position last year. Odette last snagged the top spot among restaurants in Asia in 2021 at No. 8 on the list. 

It is currently ranked No. 6  on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. 

In addition to its ascent on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings, Odette has another reason to celebrate. Chef-patron Julien Royer was honoured with the Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award. This accolade is bestowed to chefs who have made a significant positive impact on the culinary community and is chosen by a distinguished panel of leading chefs from across the globe. 

Royer says: “Every year, recognitions like this continue to remind us that our craft—one that requires so much dedication, effort and absolute passion—is tremendously rewarding and an absolute honour.”

“We will always challenge ourselves to deliver more indelible experiences, and to be better for our next generation,” he adds. 

The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list was unveiled at an award ceremony in Valencia, Spain. In its 21st edition, it showcased outstanding restaurants from 24 territories across five continents. 

7 restaurants from Asia on the list

Among the restaurants in the top 50, six other Asian culinary gems have secured their place, with three of them being new entries.

Bangkok contributed two additions — Le Du (No. 15), which was crowned the top spot in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list this year and serves modern Thai-inspired cuisine centred around seasonal ingredients, while progressive Indian restaurant Gaggan Anand came in at No. 17.

Three restaurants from Tokyo made the cut. Den (No. 21), which was Asia’s Best Restaurant last year, continues to gain popularity with its innovative dishes. Others include Florilège (No. 27) and Sézanne, which was a new entry at No. 37.

Strong showing from Lima restaurants  

Restaurants from Peru had a strong showing on the list, with the top spot going to Central from Lima, which takes diners on a journey through 15 distinct Peruvian ecosystems, from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the towering Andes at 4,200 metres. Some diners in Singapore would be familiar with the Central, which held a pop-up residency by the Mandala Club last year.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, says: “Virgilio Martinez, Pía León and the whole Central team have truly paved the way in celebrating indigenous ingredients through their innovative dishes and warm hospitality. Their commitment to research, respect for their country’s heritage and promotion of Peru’s unique biodiversity is unmatched.”

Three other restaurants from the Peruvian capital of Lima also made the cut: Maido at No. 6, Kjolle (a new entry at No. 28), which is run by chef Pía León, wife of Central’s Virgilio Martinez, and Mayta at No. 47.

The No. 2 restaurant went to Disfrutar from Barcelona, a culinary collective led by Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas. This is followed by Madrid’s Diverxo (No. 3), known for its 12-course menu that includes roasted baby octopus with jamón essence and mochi bonbons with Thai-style dulce de leche. 

Other key award recipients include Pía Salazar of Nuema in Quito, Ecuador has been honoured with The World's Best Pastry Chef Award. Her expertise lies in transforming fruits and vegetables into sweet masterpieces, such as her coconut creation infused with umami-rich yeast and black garlic. 

The Beronia World's Best Sommelier Award went to Miguel Ángel Millán of Diverxo in Madrid, Spain, Meanwhile, Atomix (No. 8), the beloved New York establishment, has been bestowed with the Villa Massa Highest Climber Award and the title of The Best Restaurant in North America.

The annual World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards is compiled by a British media company William Reed. The rankings are determined through a voting panel of 1,080 esteemed international restaurant industry experts. These experts represent 27 regions worldwide, with each region having 40 members, including a dedicated chairperson. 

Additional reporting by Jaz Low