Japan’s capital city is a gastronomic zone for locals and tourists alike. World’s 50 Best has named Den in Tokyo as the best Asian restaurant for 2022. The list was selected and voted on by a panel of more than 350 international chefs and restaurant critics.

Den has two Michelin stars and has been in the top 10 on the World’s Best list for the past years. It offers high-end cuisine with a few quirks. A customer can find thinly sliced carrots cut in the shape of smiley faces in the restaurant’s signature salad. The restaurant’s specialty “Dentucky Fried Chicken” is served in a fast-food takeout box decorated with jokes and a goofy photo of the chef. It also has a pillar where customers can write thank you messages. Aside from offering playful and innovative dishes, Den also challenges the stereotype of typical high-end restaurants because of its fun atmosphere. Head chef Zaiyu Hasegawa often welcomes the guests with his chihuahua named Puchi. Other Japanese restaurants made it to the top 50 list.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2022 (Top 10)

1. Den (Tokyo)
2. Sorn (Bangkok)
3. Florilege (Tokyo)
4. Le Du (Bangkok)
5. The Chairman (Hong Kong)
6. La Cime (Osaka)
7. Suhring (Bangkok)
8. Odette (Singapore)
9. Neighborhood (Hong Kong)
10. Nusara (Bangkok)