Seoul’s culinary ascent was firmly underlined recently as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants unveiled its extended 51–100 list for 2026, positioning the South Korean capital as the most prominent city in this year’s “bubbling under” rankings.
With seven restaurants featured, more than any other city, Seoul stands at the forefront of a list that reflects both the depth and shifting geography of Asia’s dining scene. Alongside San (No.54), this year’s One to Watch Award winner, the city’s presence includes Solbam (No.55), Born and Bred (No.56), Alla Prima (No.57), Soigné (No.74), Jungsik (No.87) and Kwonsooksoo (No.98), spanning everything from contemporary Korean to high-end barbecue and refined tasting menus.
The broader list spans 27 cities, with four new destinations making their debut: Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa and Nishikawa. The expansion points to a dining landscape that is increasingly decentralised, with compelling culinary narratives emerging well beyond traditional powerhouses.
South Korea’s momentum extends beyond the capital. Busan appears for the first time with Fiotto (No.99), a small, produce-led Italian restaurant that reflects a growing confidence in regional dining.
Elsewhere, Japan maintains a strong showing across multiple cities. Tokyo entries include Den (No.51), Sushi Shunji (No.63) and Sushi Saito (No.72), while Kanazawa contributes Kataori (No.82) and Respiración (No.92), signalling the rise of regional Japanese destinations beyond the capital.
Mainland China sees Beijing’s Chef 1996 (No.52) emerge as the highest new entry, joined by Shenzhen’s Fumée (No.65) and Chengdu newcomer Co- (No.69), each reflecting a different interpretation of modern Chinese dining.
Southeast Asia remains a core pillar. Bangkok places five restaurants, including Baan Tepa (No.53), Samrub Samrub Thai (No.67), Côte by Mauro Colagreco (No.91), Gaa (No.95) and returning Haoma (No.96). Singapore features Thevar (No.58), Burnt Ends (No.59), Meta (No.77) and Peach Blossoms (No.78), while Hong Kong’s entries include Ta Vie (No.68), Vea (No.70), Andō (No.88) and Amber (No.90).
Further afield, Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan (No.62) records the highest climb, rising 22 places, while Mumbai’s Papa’s (No.66) and Manila’s Toyo Eatery (No.71) continue to spotlight a shift towards more personal, chef-led dining formats.
In total, 12 restaurants make their debut on this year’s extended list, reinforcing its role as a marker of rising talent and evolving tastes across the region.
The full 1–50 ranking will be announced in Hong Kong on 25 March.
