The leading authority in global gastronomy and the international drinks scene, 50 Best, will be hosting the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, in Seoul, South Korea on 25 March 2025. After a successful 2024 run, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will return once again to Seoul, a city swiftly cementing its reputation as a global culinary hotspot.
Numerous Korean establishments already hold top spots in various 50 Best rankings, mirroring the nation’s growing influence on the world’s dining landscape. From ancient palaces and serene temples to bustling markets and the scenic Han River, Seoul exudes vibrant charm and boasts a sophisticated culture, all set against a backdrop of a deeply rooted and evolving culinary heritage.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 will encompass an extensive events programme, formulated in partnership with the official host destination partners, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), and Seoul Metropolitan Government. The programme culminates in the much-anticipated awards ceremony on 25 March 2025, when the eagerly awaited rankings for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be revealed, including the coveted title of The Best Restaurant in Asia.
Among the events that from the core of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants celebrations include the thought-provoking #50BestTalks, a forum
addressing key issues in hospitality and society; the 50 Best Signature Sessions, a series of collaborative dining events where 50 Best chefs team up with celebrated local talent for exclusive one-off experiences; the Chef’s Feast, showcasing Seoul’s finest culinary creations and local ingredients; and Meet the Chefs, a media roundtable. These events will be capped off by the countdown and awards ceremony itself.
The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards ceremony saw SÉZANNE in Tokyo named both The Best Restaurant in Asia 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, as well as The Best Restaurant in Japan 2024.
Prior to the live awards ceremony, a selection of pre-announced accolades are also presented to celebrate noteworthy establishments across Asia. These Special Awards and the 51-100 list undergo a meticulous selection process, and are intended to spotlight both emerging and established restaurants and individuals in the region.
These include:
Asia’s Best Female Chef Award – This award extends an opportunity to celebrate women in gastronomy who persist in elevating the bar of excellence through their skills, expertise, and artistry.
Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award – This award acknowledges excellence in restaurant service and dining experiences.
American Express One to Watch Award – Returning annually, this recognition is awarded to restaurants that demonstrate the gastronomic excellence, innovation, and culinary potential to break into Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking in future years.
The extended 51-100 list –Created from the overall voting process and announced in advance of the awards ceremony, this extended list underscores 50 Best’s commitment to championing the diversity of talent behind Asia’s dining landscape and puts forward a wider selection of establishments for gourmands to discover.
The 50 Best brand will continue to highlight even more restaurants, bars, and hotels worldwide through the 50 Best Discovery platform and its 50 Best lists, special awards, and content series. For over 20-plus years, 50 Best has carved its place as a trusted guide to current and emerging trends in the industry, while cultivating diversity, innovation, and inspiration across the hospitality sector.
Organised by 50 Best’s parent company, William Reed, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants sums up the opinions and experiences of over 350 restaurant industry experts in Asia. 50 Best partners with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process.
Learn more about 50 Best via the platform’s official website, or follow 50 Best on Instagram and YouTube for more updates.
Featured image: 50 Best
