TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, announced its Travellers’ Choice™ awards for top restaurants around the world.
This year’s awards recognise 528 restaurants overall, including the top 25 fine dining in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Canada, Europe, India, Mexico, South America, South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S. This year, TripAdvisor has also awarded some of the best bargain dining establishments around the world. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period.
“Eating is such a big part of a travel journey so we’re incredibly excited to recognise the top places to eat at in Singapore that have been recognised by millions of global foodie travellers from the TripAdvisor Community,” said Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “There is a ‘must try’ list for any occasion, whether you feel like splashing out on the town or having an amazing meal that’s friendlier on the wallet.”
Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Asia:
1. DK David's Kitchen at 909 – Chiang Mai, Thailand
An establishment that prides itself as a family run restaurant, DK David’s Kitchen at 909 offers exquisite French dishes with a modern Asian touch. A TripAdvisor reviewer stated, “The entire experience, from arrival to leaving, was top notch. I watched David personally greet each table and engage in conversation. It is easy to see that he desires each guest to have a wonderful dining experience. The food was excellent. David and his staff can rightfully be proud of the dining experience that they have created here!”
2. Restaurant Locavore – Ubud, Indonesia
Chefs Ray and Eelke mix up the best local flavours and seasonal produce to serve up carefully crafted and unique contemporary European fare. Gushed a TripAdvisor reviewer, “The five-course menu turned out to have about 18 courses, and each was better than the last one! The fresh ingredients, careful preparation, creative presentations, and obvious enthusiasm of all of the staff made this another memorable meal at Locavore. It is definitely a 'must do' every time we're in Ubud.”
3. TRB – Beijing, China
Nestled in an extraordinary setting of a beautifully restored ancient temple located near The Forbidden City, TRB offers an unforgettable dining experience serving European culinary delights, accompanied by impeccable service. “The food was a delight for the eyes, and delicate, delicious and sometimes surprising in creative ways. Staff were attentive, friendly, not intrusive and professional. There is a clear demonstration of both passion and invention - to be rewarded in the high pressure stakes of the restaurant scene! Well done, and thank you,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.
4. Restaurant Andre – Singapore
French-trained chef André Chiang opened his eponymous restaurant in October 2010, offering exceptional, high-concept Mediterranean-influenced cuisine in Singapore. One TripAdvisor reviewer claimed, “The service, the extra treats, the concept of the 8 points of his [Chef Andre] philosophy which the menu is based around, the fact that the wine list is like a bible and something you could take home and read for the evening… You can't tell a restaurant what they should do like this as the quality is in their uniqueness - but Andre gets it exactly right. Just to top things off, Andre himself made a tour of the tables at the end of the service and spent a few minutes talking to us about his menu and some of the thinking behind particular dishes.”
5. Hakushu – Shibuya, Japan
A small, family-run establishment that is a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Hakushu is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef that is served up in ‘teppanyaki’ style. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “A small cosy family place where you talk to your neighbours and watch the grandmother cook the most delicious and tender Kobe beef on a hot plate. Simple and delicious. A very unique atmosphere: book early and don't miss it!”
6. Tapas Molecular Bar – Chuo, Japan
Situated on the 38th floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Tapas Molecular Bar promises to offer a unique molecular gastronomical experience with an unparalleled view of the city skyline. Travellers are advised to book early as they only cater for eight guests at a time with two sittings per day. A TripAdvisor reviewer raved, “What an experience. My first contact with molecular cuisine and I was stunned by the technical aspects of it but also, and more importantly, by the wonderful flavours. Spectacular! The menu is all set so no need to scratch your head for an hour choosing what you want. The chef is right in front of you working out the dishes and serving you whilst giving all the explanations on what's in your plate. That makes it interactive and very enriching.”
7. Café des Amis – Pattaya, Thailand
Travellers can expect meticulously prepared haute-cuisine-style dishes and more than 300 gins and spirits in a romantic ambience with mood-setting soft piano sounds and jazz blues. “It has a beautiful atmosphere, amazing staff, delicious food and fab owners. The gin collection is second to none and it is nice to have a good wine selection in Thailand. The biggest asset here however is the staff. Nothing is too much trouble, everything runs smoothly and the food is some of the best in Thailand,” praised a TripAdvisor reviewer.
8. Spiral – Manila, Philippines
A comprehensive international buffet at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Spiral offers 21 dining ateliers – French for artistic workshop stations – that reflect the best of global cuisines. “It is without a doubt the best buffet experience I have had in Manila. It had so much seafood on offer and a variety of different kinds of styles of cuisines from different countries. The restaurant is big so you don't feel like you’re bumping to each other when getting food, and even though you think you've tasted everything you'll find there's something you missed out on,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.
9. Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud – Ubud, Indonesia
Situated in an enchanting setting amidst lush forests, tall palm trees and the beautiful Ayung River, is Swept Away, the signature restaurant of award-winning property The Samaya Ubud. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “Best meal we had in Ubud so far. Service is impeccable. The setting is stunning (you are sitting above a river and just the sound of the water running is terrific). Bread comes with truffle and fig butter - what a combination! One piece of advice - go for lunch instead of dinner to take the most advantage of the view. 5 stars.”
10. Mandarin Grill – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The flagship restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Mandarin Grill is set to delight meat lovers with exceptional dishes boasting the best meat cuts such as Sher Wagyu Tomahawk Steak and Grilled Boston Lobster Thermidor. A TripAdvisor reviewer mentioned, “Service was unobtrusive but attentive and the food served was nicely presented and tasty. Overall, a restaurant I would return to, especially if you are looking for a good grill without anything fancy except good food and service.”
Singapore’s Top 10 Cheap Eats Revealed
1. Old Airport Rd Food Centre: This iconic 40 year-old hawker centre houses the highest number of locally-renowned favourites compared to any other food centres in Singapore. All-time favourite stalls include ‘Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee’ for a delicious plate of fried prawn noodles and ‘Chuan Kee Satay’ for Hainanese-style grilled skewered meats.
2. Zam Zam: Located in the heart of Arab Street, this decade-old Indian Muslim eatery is popular amongst both locals and tourists alike for its crisp murtabak (stuffed pancake).
3. Komala Villas Restaurant: This Indian vegetarian restaurant dates back to 1947 and features Indian cuisine from the North and South – it is highly-rated particularly for the friendly service patrons can expect when they visit.
4. Chinatown Complex: With over 250 food stalls, this popular food complex sits right in the middle of Chinatown and is a great place for travellers to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines like chilli crab, carrot cake, dim sum and prawn noodles at an affordable price.
5. Makansutra Glutton's Bay: Overlooking the scenic view of Marina Bay, this food centre is famous for seafood favourites such as chilli crab and sambal stingray (spicy stingray served on banana leaf).
6. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice: Popular for its fragrant Hainanese chicken rice and a delicious dipping sauce, this restaurant has been a crowd favourite since it was first established back in 1968.
7. Food Republic @ Wisma Atria: Conveniently located along Singapore’s shopping belt at Orchard Road, shopperscan enjoy local favourites and other popular Asian cuisines such as pho or bibimbap after a day of retail therapy.
8. Ya Kun Kaya Toast @ China Square: Having served up the classic Singaporean breakfast for 72 years, Ya Kun’s time-tested menu of freshly toasted kaya bread and buns served with half-boiled eggs is still a winner with both locals and tourists alike – the China Square outlet is especially loved for its convenient location.
9. Malaysian Food Street: Experience a taste of Malaysian fare at Resorts World Sentosa by ordering favourites such as the Penang char kway teow (stir-fried noodle dish), KL claypot rice and Klang bak kut teh (meat dish cooked in herbal soup).
10. Satay By The Bay: Situated near popular attractions such as Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, this food joint is a tourist favourite for its delectable selection of satay (seasoned and skewered grilled meat) and seafood.
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Restaurants in the World:
- Martin Berasategui – Lasarte, Spain
- Maison Lameloise – Chagny, France
- L'Auberge de l'Ill – Illhaeusern, France
- Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Great Milton, England
- Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 – Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, Italy
- Alinea – Chicago, Illinois
- Waterside Inn -- Bray on Thames, England
- Voila Bistrot – Paraty, Brazil
- Adam’s – Birmingham, England
- Azurmendi Gastronomico – Larrabetzu, Spain
For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travellers’ Choice Restaurants, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, go to:www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Restaurants.
-ENDS-
