The Taste of Triumph: Tokyo's Sézanne Crowned Asia's Best in a Dazzling Seoul Ceremony

Oh, what a night it was in Seoul! For the very first time, this vibrant, dynamic city played host to the prestigious 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, an event that truly — and honestly — felt like the culinary heartbeat of an entire continent. Held amidst much anticipation at the opulent Grand Hyatt Seoul on March 26th, the air crackled with excitement, a sort of joyous hum, as the region’s brightest gastronomic stars, chefs, restaurateurs, critics, and aficionados gathered. You could practically taste the anticipation, the sheer thrill of it all, couldn't you?

And then, the big moment. The coveted top spot, the absolute pinnacle of this year’s list, went to none other than Sézanne from Tokyo. Yes, Tokyo again, proving its enduring, undeniable pull in the fine dining world. Led by the immensely talented Chef Daniel Calvert, Sézanne — perched elegantly within the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi — ascended to No. 1, a truly remarkable achievement. It’s a testament, one might say, to their unwavering commitment to French technique, yet with an ever-so-subtle, exquisite Japanese sensibility. Truly, a deserving champion.

But of course, Sézanne wasn't alone in its brilliance. The competition, in truth, was fierce, wasn't it? Just imagine! Singapore's sophisticated Odette, a beacon of modern French cuisine, held firm at a respectable No. 2. And who could forget Gaggan Anand, that powerhouse of progressive Indian artistry in Bangkok, securing a well-deserved No. 3? Tokyo’s Den, known for its playful yet profound approach to Japanese dining, landed at No. 4, while Hong Kong’s Wing, with its contemporary take on Cantonese classics, beautifully rounded out the top five. A veritable feast for the senses, these establishments are, each telling its own unique culinary story.

Beyond the top fifty, the awards night itself unfolded with a series of truly special recognitions. Take, for instance, the legendary Seiji Yamamoto of Ryugin in Tokyo; he was rightly bestowed with the Icon Award, a tribute to a career that has, without a doubt, shaped the very landscape of Japanese fine dining. And then there's the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, a particularly meaningful accolade as it's voted for by the chefs themselves — it went to Yusuke Takada of Osaka’s La Cime. What an honour, to be recognized by your peers, by those who truly understand the relentless pursuit of perfection in the kitchen, right?

The future, too, got its moment in the spotlight. Seoul’s very own Lamia by Pierre Sang, a fresh, vibrant voice in the city's burgeoning food scene, was crowned the One To Watch. It's exciting, isn't it, to see new talent emerge and be celebrated in such a grand fashion? Furthermore, sustainability, an increasingly vital conversation in our world, saw Singapore’s Whitegrass earn the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its exemplary practices. And honestly, who doesn't adore a perfectly crafted dessert? Mineko Kato of Fleurage in Tokyo was celebrated as Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, and truly, her creations are works of art, you could say.

Other notable triumphs included Seoul’s Mingles, which impressively clinched the Highest Climber Award, a testament to its upward trajectory and consistent excellence. And Hong Kong's Ando, a new, exciting player, made a splash as the Highest New Entry. Osaka’s Lampo, meanwhile, gracefully accepted the Art of Hospitality Award, a nod to that intangible, yet utterly essential, warmth and impeccable service that transforms a meal into an unforgettable experience. It’s all part of the magic, isn’t it?

Organized by the venerable William Reed, the entire selection process is, for what it's worth, meticulously curated by a diverse panel of 318 anonymous culinary experts, including chefs, food writers, and restaurateurs, from across the entire Asian continent. Their collective wisdom, their discerning palates, ultimately shape this influential list, providing, one might argue, a vital snapshot of the region's dynamic gastronomic evolution. And this, of course, is all made possible with the generous support of principal sponsors S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, whose commitment to fine dining is, well, legendary.

So, as the last awards were handed out and the champagne flowed, the focus already, quite naturally, shifted to what’s next. The sister event, Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, is set to light up Bangkok on July 16th. But for now, the echoes of Sézanne’s victory, and indeed, the collective celebration of Asian culinary artistry, continue to resonate, reminding us all just how rich, how diverse, and how utterly captivating the dining scene across this incredible continent truly is. And that, dear reader, is a beautiful thing.