Singapore’s Culinary Stars Shine on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 List

Singapore’s vibrant food scene continues to make its mark on the global stage, with seven of its restaurants securing spots on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. Announced during a live awards ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, on March 25, the rankings highlight the city-state’s enduring reputation as a culinary powerhouse in the region, even as the number of recognized establishments dips slightly from nine in 2024 to seven this year. Leading the pack is Odette, a fine-dining gem at the National Gallery Singapore, which climbed to No. 7 from No. 10 last year and earned the title of The Best Restaurant in Singapore 2025.

A Culinary Beacon: Odette’s Ascent

Odette, which opened its doors in 2015, has become a symbol of Singapore’s fine-dining excellence, returning to the Asia’s 50 Best list for the ninth time. Its rise in the rankings reflects a consistent dedication to culinary innovation, blending French techniques with Asian influences under the leadership of chef Julien Royer. Named after Royer’s grandmother, the restaurant offers a deeply personal take on modern cuisine, with signature dishes like rosemary-smoked pigeon and Hokkaido uni with caviar earning international acclaim. Its latest accolade as Singapore’s best restaurant underscores its role as a benchmark for gastronomic artistry in the city-state.

Mixed Fortunes for Singapore’s Dining Scene

While Odette’s success is a high note, the overall performance of Singapore’s restaurants on the 2025 list paints a more complex picture. Of the seven establishments featured, only two—Odette and French fine-dining restaurant Les Amis—improved their rankings. Les Amis, a stalwart of Singapore’s dining landscape, jumped an impressive ten spots to No. 28, showcasing its mastery of classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist.

However, several other notable restaurants saw declines. Restaurant Labyrinth, known for its modern take on Singaporean flavors, dropped from No. 30 to No. 37, while Burnt Ends, a barbecue favorite, slipped from No. 15 to No. 38. Meta Restaurant, which fuses Korean traditions with bold, inventive dishes, fell from No. 28 to No. 39. Seroja, a newer entrant inspired by the culinary heritage of the Malay Archipelago, moved down to No. 40 from No. 31, and Euphoria, a gastro-botanica establishment on Tras Street, saw a significant drop from No. 20 to No. 48.

Despite these shifts, many chefs remain optimistic. Jason Tan, chef-owner of Euphoria, acknowledged the competitive nature of the rankings, noting that fluctuations are common in such a dynamic industry. “It’s not unusual for restaurants to rise and drop yearly as the list has always been competitive” he said. Similarly, Seroja’s chef-owner Kevin Wong, who attended the Seoul ceremony, expressed pride in securing a spot at No. 40 during challenging times for Singapore’s food and beverage sector. “It was a great result as the Singapore food and beverage industry has been very tough. To be No. 40 at this tough time is a reward” Wong stated.

Beyond the Top 50: Resilience in the Rankings

The broader Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the No. 51 to 100 rankings released on March 12, also features additional Singaporean talent. Six returning restaurants made this extended list, with Cloudstreet and Thevar climbing to No. 74 and No. 70, respectively. However, others like Jaan By Kirk Westaway, Zen, and Summer Pavilion saw declines, and newer entrants from 2024, such as Peach Blossoms and Mustard Seed, fell off the list entirely. Restaurant Born, which melds French and Chinese culinary traditions, dropped to No. 54 from No. 25, illustrating the fierce competition within the region’s dining scene.

Regional Rivals and Global Recognition

While Singapore celebrates its achievements, the top spots on the 2025 list were claimed by regional heavyweights. Bangkok’s Gaggan, renowned for its progressive Indian cuisine infused with Japanese, French, and Thai influences, ascended to No. 1, earning the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia 2025. Hong Kong followed closely with The Chairman at No. 2 and Wing at No. 3, highlighting the diversity and strength of Asia’s culinary capitals. Launched in 2013, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards aim to celebrate gastronomy across the continent, offering diners worldwide insights into the region’s best dining experiences.

A Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects

For Singapore’s chefs, the rankings are less a definitive judgment and more a snapshot of an ever-evolving industry. Han Li Guang, chef-owner of Restaurant Labyrinth, emphasized a focus on growth over numbers. “It is the same key figures in the team cooking every year and we aim to improve ourselves constantly” he said. His perspective reflects a broader resilience among Singapore’s culinary community, where innovation and consistency often take precedence over fleeting accolades.

The challenges facing the city-state’s food and beverage sector—ranging from rising operational costs to shifting consumer preferences—add another layer of complexity to maintaining a spot on such a competitive list. Yet, the presence of seven restaurants in the top 50, alongside others in the extended rankings, signals that Singapore’s reputation as a foodie destination remains strong. As the industry navigates these hurdles, the question lingers: will the city-state reclaim its peak representation in future rankings, or will regional rivals continue to close the gap?

For now, Odette and its peers stand as testaments to Singapore’s culinary prowess, offering a taste of excellence that continues to captivate diners from around the world.