Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards unveiled its 51-100 list for 2023 on 16th March, 2023. Among the selected restaurants in the continent include Yong Fu Hong Kong by Chef Liu Zhen, the first branch of the prestigious Yong Fu outside of China showcasing refined Ning-Bo cuisine which enters the list for the first time at no. 54 (highest new entry from Hong Kong), two of JIA Group’s restaurants including ANDŌ, which enters the list for the first time at no. 61 by Argentinian Chef Agustin Balbi, and ESTRO at no. 62 by Italian Chef Antimo Maria Merone.
With Hong Kong finally opening up to tourism and re-emerging on the world stage, JIA Group is proud to claim two coveted spots on the prestigious list out of the new entries from Hong Kong. “After a turbulent few years for the food and beverage industry, I am proud that our restaurants are starting this new chapter in our city’s history on such a strong note,” says Yenn Wong, founder of JIA Group. “This recognition of excellence motivates us to continue paving the way for culinary innovation.”
About Yong Fu Hong Kong
The first outpost of Shanghai’s original Michelin-starred brand, Yong Fu Hong Kong has been the city’s authoritative voice on authentic and upscale Ningbo cuisine since opening in 2019. Nestled in the heart of Wan Chai, Yong Fu Hong Kong creates the authentic flavours of Ningbo using fresh local produce and seafood from the East China Sea. With exquisite skills and an impeccable sense for Ningbo flavours, Head Chef Liu Zhen blends the diverse variations of Hong Kong cuisine with the traditions of Ningbo, and continues to push the boundaries of Ningbo food culture.
About Andō
One MICHELIN-starred Andō is Argentine Chef Agustin Ferrando Balbi’s first restaurant, launched in partnership with JIA group. Defying labels and bending genres, Andō’s modern tasting menus are a translation of Agustin’s own unorthodox journey onto the plate, one that nods at his ancestral roots, while gazing at the lands that shaped his craft – Japan.
“Since we opened our doors at Andō in July 2020 in the most difficult period which Hong Kong has experienced due to COVID-19, I have seen continuous growth and evolution with our team and cuisine. Every day is a new learning experience and a new opportunity to reach new levels. We are truly humbled and thankful for the support we have received in these young two years since we opened our doors. I can’t wait to see what more we can achieve together as a team says Agustin Balbi, executive chef and co-founder of Andō.
About Estro
A proud Naples native, Chef Antimo Maria Merone is among the vanguard of chefs rewriting the rules of Italian cuisine. Dedicated to elevating Neapolitan cuisine through modern cooking techniques, Estro’s refined tasting menus draw inspiration from Antimo’s homeland, with each dish evoking rich memories of his ancestors, history and childhood. Bringing a global perspective to regional cuisine, Estro acknowledges Antimo’s Neapolitan roots while showcasing his innate creativity and progressive style.
“My team and I are honoured to receive this accolade by Asia’s 50 Best Awards, and to be featured among 100 top restaurants in Asia alongside some of the very best in our continent. Since opening Estro in Sept 2021 in which was a very difficult moment to open a new restaurant, I would like to thank our guests who have given us the chance to fulfil our dreams, and who continue to inspire us to express our creativity without bounds,” says Antimo Maria Merone, executive chef and co-founder of Estro.