For LaListe’s tenth anniversary, it analysed over a thousand international sources to narrow down the absolute best of the best in the culinary scene to produce the 2026 global ranking of restaurants. And for the first time, ten restaurants from eight countries share the top spot, all with a 99.5 score, proving that gastronomy is more exciting, diverse, and competitive than ever before.
Notably, Asia is seeing a distinct rise as a global gastronomic center. No longer are these cuisines best known for low-cost street food – the investment from luxury hotel groups into high-end dining and diversification of cuisines in the West are bringing Asian flavours to the forefront. We’re also seeing Southeast Asia rise in the ranks, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Take, for example, Lung King Heen in Hong Kong, one of the restaurants tied for first place. The Michelin two-star fine dining restaurant focuses on Cantonese cuisine, and was established by Four Seasons by chef Chan Yan-tak, the first Chinese chef to earn three Michelin stars. On the menu, you’ll find traditional dishes like abalone in oyster sauce and double-boiled sea cucumber soup, and specialties like bird’s nest, braised duck liver, and frog legs. There's more to eat through in Hong Kong – take this list as your starter guide.
From Southeast Asia, the Michelin three-star Sorn in Bangkok has earned an impressive 98.5 rating, with its focus on Southern Thai cuisine and exquisite blend of tradition and modernity. Self-taught chef and owner Supaksorn Jongsiri uses ingredients from local farmers and fishermen in 14 Thai provinces while highlighting lesser-known gems from the south of Thailand. Check out more fantastic restaurants in Bangkok, recommended by Time Out.
The ten best restaurants in the world, according to LaListe:
- Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, Switzerland
- Da Vittorio, Italy
- Guy Savoy, France
- Le Bernadin, U.S.A.
- Martín Berasategui, Spain
- Schwarzwaldstube, Germany
- SingleThread, U.S.A.
- Robuchon au Dôme, Macao
- Matsukawa, Japan
- Lung King Heen, Hong Kong
Check out LaListe’s full restaurant ranking here.
Have you heard? AirAsia's new flight route connects Bangkok, Hanoi, and Luang Prabang
Plus: This stunning airport in Bhutan just snagged a major win at the World Architecture Awards
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.