Best International Restaurants & Bars 2024
In 2024, we were fortunate to have diverse restaurant and bar experiences not only within Malaysia but also abroad across Asia, Oceania and even Africa. We are grateful for the passionate chefs and talented bartenders who have enriched our lives with their unique recipes and vibrant settings. This list honours their dedication and the unforgettable dining and drinking experiences they have created. (Restaurants are listed alphabetically by city location.)
Best International Restaurants & Bars 2024
Bali
Reasons to visit Apéritif Bali: an incredibly elegant setting where all details are given importance; an exceptional culinary experience from start to finish; highly recommend either of the degustation menus; wine lovers should definitely sign up for the wine pairing; and cocktail fans must make time for a craft drink in Pinstripe Bar.
Reasons to visit Locavore NXT: a one-of-a-kind experience, exceptional efforts in sustainability, an inspirational crew of youngsters working with passion on the project, great beverage pairings, and 100% of ingredients coming from Bali. Locavore NXT is a MUST for serious foodies.
Reasons to visit Rumari: incredible views – it’s especially pretty at sunset; the freshest of air thanks to the forest and the sea; the perfect sequence is a sundowner at The Writer’s Bar followed by dinner at Rumari; the 7-Step Journey is an excellent choice for those already burdened with too many decisions – leave it in the hands of the experts.
Reasons to visit Dome Restaurant Bali—Natural Food and Wine in Seminyak: unique, highly-engaging setting; excellent menu of shared plates celebrating international flavours and local ingredients; well-chosen natural wine list; warm and expert service; the place to be in Seminyak.
Reasons to visit Rock Bar Bali: come for the sunset at Rock Bar Bali and stay for the party at After Rock.
Bangkok
Reasons to visit Cento Bangkok: best hospitality experience of the year; a happy, vibrant atmosphere; gorgeous design, arranged for an intimate feel while still being part of the upbeat vibe; uncomplicated and delicious food menu; excellent wine list; must order the Bistec alla Fiorentina; Lemon Tart; Manuel and his team turn good food, drink and setting into magic; the place to be in Bangkok.
Reasons to visit ADHOC Bangkok: Creative and delicious food, immaculate service, stunning interior design, intimate dining spaces, Smoked Milk Ice Cream dessert, locally sourced sustainable ingredients, and a fine selection of artisanal and bio fine wines.
Reasons to visit Khaan Bangkok: creative food, sustainable practices, beautiful design, homey ambiance, awesome wine pairings, creative fermentations, and excellent service.
Hong Kong
Reasons to visit Mono restaurant Hong Kong: a fresh take and inspiring introduction to the diversity of ingredients and flavours found in South American cuisine; chef’s counter experience where you can see the kitchen crew in action; well-curated wine list featuring some intriguing labels from South America; exceptional service.
Reasons to visit Zoku: attractive indoor and outdoor spaces – the plant-lined patio is brilliant early evening (although not as great if you don’t smoke and have smokers nearby); delicious Japanese recipes with a splash of Peruvian panache; beautifully presented meals; very capable service; don’t miss the Zoku Experience dinner for a chance to see the creative abilities of the chefs and have them explain each dish in person; let the chef know if you’d like a little extra Peruvian love in the dishes for a unique twist on Japanese cuisine.
Reasons to visit Shang Palace Hong Kong: a chance to try authentic Hong Kong dim sum from a Michelin-starred restaurant; lively atmosphere filled with the buzz of happy diners energised by good food and fast service; must order any (or all) of the steamed dumplings, taro puffs and end with an egg-custard dumpling as a sweet treat.
Luang Prabang
Little Lao Culture Bar & Restaurant
Reasons to visit Little Lao Culture Bar & Restaurant: Nont and his amazing hospitality and team, cultural immersion, fantastic food fresh from the garden, jungle, and river, food-friendly cocktails, artwork and craftsmanship, 21 Jeows, sharing, stopping for a moment in time.
Reasons to visit 525 The Terrace: Awesome place for day drinking, sunset drinking or evening drinking, support a business that gives to the local community, smiling faces, great hospitality, awesome cocktails, a nice selection of eclectic, affordable wines, the tree and the magic garden, enjoy the Mekong like Bourdain used to.
Reasons to visit the Elephant Bridge Bar: delicious cocktails, innovative ingredients, top-shelf spirits, fresh local products, awesome hospitality, open-air design, suspended river hammock, yummy bar snacks, buffalo milk cheese plates, cool breezes, homage to the mighty elephant, complimentary transfers from any location in Luang Prabang town when making a reservation, and the possibility of spotting an elephant.
Macau
Reasons to visit Mesa by José Avillez, Macau: a beautiful setting; start with a cocktail at the attractive bar area; exceptional and value-for-money wine list; must order some phenomenal Portuguese wine; delicious menu of contemporary Portuguese cuisine; excellent service.
Reasons to visit Casa Don Alfonso, Grand Lisboa Macau: INCREDIBLE wine selection; warm hospitality and gracious service; a chance to try Two-Michelin-Starred recipes without travelling to the other side of the globe; must order the Pizza Rica, Capelli d’ Angelo Agrumi e Gamberetti and Sfogliatella Napoletana.
Nairobi
Reasons to visit Jiko Africa: beautiful indoor/ outdoor settings; upbeat friendly service; exciting menu of contemporary African recipes; excellent cocktails – must try the Kahawa Ni Sawa.
Reasons to visit Hero Restaurant: the only bar in Kenya and one of two in all of Africa on the World’s 50 Best Bars list; lovely rooftop setting with pretty green views; a fun superhero-themed vibe; serious cocktail menu – they even have a creation lab!
Nha Trang
Reasons to visit Hispania Nha Trang: delicious Spanish flavours made with local ingredients; unique and stylish setting; well-chosen Spanish wine list; kind and gracious staff; must try their signature Olive Martini.
Singapore
Reasons to visit COTE Korean Steakhouse: The uber cool, moody and sexy vibes; delicious barbecue dishes; exceptional salads; fantastic cocktails and wines; the free-flow Champagne and wine package; new lunch menu; also love their namesake red wine.
Reasons to visit Summer Palace Singapore: Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine; excellent wine list with several quality Chinese wines worth exploring; hand-crafted dim sum; must order the Chilean Sea Bass.
Reasons to visit FIRE Restaurant Singapore at 1-Atico: views, views, views! Seriously, this has to be the best seat in Singapore. Authentic Argentine menu. Excellent service. Highly recommend the Seasonal Communal Menu to first-timers.
Reasons to visit Manhattan—Conrad Orchard Singapore: sophisticated setting, amazing aged cocktail menu, exceptional service. I love the Solera Barrel-aged Negroni, and hubby’s fave is The Manhattan.
Reasons to visit Gingerlilly: creative cocktail menu; bamboo-aged cocktails; sonic cocktails; informative and friendly bartenders.
Seoul
Reasons to visit Geumdwaeji Sikdang (Gold Pig): amazing Korean pork barbecue; the most delicious kimchi stew (seriously a highlight). Of course, match it with soju and local beer – the perfect meal.
Siem Reap
Reasons to visit Lum Orng Farm to Table: admirable sustainable and heritage preservation philosophy; gorgeous setting; delicious menu.
Reasons to visit Infusion Bar Siem Reap: a good-looking riverside setting; excellent craft cocktails; admirable focus on sustainability and preserving local heritage.
Sydney
Reasons to visit Altitude, Shangri-La Sydney: exceptional views and service; modern Australian menu made on top-quality produce; iconic Aussie wine pairing – a must for wine enthusiasts.
The Dining Room by James Viles
Reasons to visit The Dining Room by James Viles: contemporary Australian menu; breathtaking views of iconic Sydney Harbour; try the Chef’s Table Experience; fantastic wine menu and exceptional service.
Reasons to visit Grain Bar: fantastic service crew; solid grain concept that’s done well, yet not over the top; must try their own label of gin; and you can’t leave without sipping and snapping a shot of koala-adorned In Like Flynn.
Stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Asia via The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.