Restaurant Au Jardin of George Town is Named No. 39 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 List

The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list has been revealed, including one of George Town’s finest dining destinations, Restaurant Au Jardin.

The region’s most anticipated night in the food world has finally arrived with the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ceremony. Just for one night, the industry’s greats descended upon the Kerry Hotel Hong Kong to celebrate each other’s work and dedication to the art of cooking and hospitality. Decided by a voting panel of 250 members, this year’s list sees recognised restaurants from the usual cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. However, names from smaller towns have also broken onto the rankings, namely Bali’s Ubud, Kasauli in India and our very own George Town, Penang. Keep reading for more about Malaysia’s sole representative on the rankings and the full list of establishments. 

PENANG PRIDE

A name any Malaysian gourmand would know, Restaurant Au Jardin stands tall amongst the mighty members of our dining industry. Its menu tells the tale of Malaysian produce, crafted to the tune of sustainability and chef Su Kim Hock’s mastery in the kitchen. The restaurant is no stranger to earning accolades, including being named No. 100 on last year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 list, signifying a 61-spot jump to this year’s ranking of No. 39. 

At its location in Hin Bus Depot, Restaurant Au Jardin serves menus that balance sophistication and approachability. River shrimp and zucchini roasted in fig leaves, salted lettuce with whelk tartare, and, of course, its iconic hay-aged Penang duck with blackened banana and banana blossom—these are the kinds of dishes you can expect on its degustation menus. Diners will also find a pleasant element of whimsy and playfulness in its dishes. Case in point: a yellow capsicum-passionfruit sorbet palate cleanser served Magnum-style AKA an ode to one of our nation’s favourite ice cream sticks.

Behind the pass, Su, alongside his team, is the image of focus and diligence. But this serious façade is just a single layer to the chef’s affable nature, which diners will be privy to in any conversation with him. Outside the restaurant, he plays an active role in the dining community—both Malaysian and beyond—participating in food festivals, collaborations, and more. With that, Restaurant Au Jardin’s impact extends well beyond its walls. 

ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026 – THE FULL LIST

Below is the complete Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list with an asterisk (*) denoting new entries and two asterisks (**) denoting re-entries. 

1. The Chairman, Hong Kong 
2. Wing, Hong Kong
3. Gaggan, Bangkok
4. Mingles, Seoul
5. Nusara, Bangkok
6. Meet the Bund, Shanghai
7. Chef Tam’s Season, Macau
8. Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, bangkok
9. Ling Long, Shanghai
10. Ru Yuan, Hangzhou – Highest New Entry Award
11. Fu He hui, Shanghai
12. Sorn, Bangkok
13. La Cime, Osaka
14. Onjium, Seoul
15. Masque, Mumbai – Art of Hospitality Award
16. Sézanne, Tokyo
17. Lamdre, Beijing – Highest Climber Award
18. Sühring, Bangkok
19. Odette, Singapore
20. Seroja, Singapore
21. Sazenka, Tokyo
22. Logy, Taipei
23. Born, Singapore **
24. Neighborhood, Hong Kong
25. Potong, Bangkok
26. Eatanic Garden, Seoul
27. Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, Bangkok **
28. Maz, Tokyo 
29. 102 House, Shanghai **
30. Naar, Kasauli *
31. Florilège, Tokyo
32. Estro, Hong Kong
33. Myoujyaku, Tokyo
34. Crony, Tokyo
35. Caprice, Hong Kong
36. Le Du, Bangkok
37. Narisawa, Tokyo
38. Les Amis, Singapore
39. Au Jardin, Penang *
40. Labyrinth, singapore
41. Mosu, Seoul **
42. August, Jakarta
43. Bium, Seoul *
44. Locavore NXT, Ubud *
45. Nae:Um, Singapore
46. Mono, Hong Kong
47. Wana Yook, Bangkok *
48. La Bourriche 133, Shanghai
49. 7th Door, Seoul
50. JL Studio, Taichung

Find more BURO food and drink reads here.