The competitive world of elite dining has once again highlighted a Southeast Asian gem, as Singapore’s Araya secured a coveted position on the annual Forbes list of the “Coolest Restaurants” for 2026. This exclusive recognition, determined by a panel of influential culinary experts, singled out the Chilean-inspired establishment as the only representative from Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region, placing it among just ten global venues pushing the boundaries of contemporary gastronomy.
The announcement positions Araya, a sophisticated 30-seat venue located within the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, at the forefront of global culinary innovation. Helmed by Chilean chef-couple Francisco Araya and Fernanda Guerrero, the restaurant is known for its inventive approach, merging traditional Chilean flavors with modern techniques and top-tier international produce. This accolade marks another significant feather in the cap for the establishment, which has garnered international attention since its inception.
Expert Panel Determines Global Dining Trends
Unlike established guides like Michelin or The World’s 50 Best, which rely on anonymous inspectors and vast voting bodies, the Forbes list is curated by a small, influential cohort of three renowned food experts. These critics base their selections on which establishments have most impressed them in the preceding year, focusing specifically on venues demonstrating remarkable creativity and foresight in the industry.
For the 2026 list, Araya was one of only two Asian restaurants selected, sharing the honor with Tokyo’s Sushi Meino.
Contributing to the selection, food expert Kristian Brask Thomsen lauded Araya for its narrative quality and unique ingredient sourcing. He described the meal as a “captivating Chilean culinary narrative,” specifically praising the restaurant’s “seductive mix of Patagonian and Japanese produce.” Thomsen highlighted the technical precision in dishes like the French pigeon and caviar, drawing comparisons to the exacting standards found at Barcelona’s celebrated Disfrutar.
Beyond the ‘Cool’ Factor: A History of Acclaim
Araya’s appearance on the Forbes list confirms its status as a consistently lauded venue. The restaurant already holds the unique distinction of being the only Chilean restaurant globally to have received a Michelin Star. Furthermore, it boasts a Michelin Sommelier Award for its meticulously curated wine program. More recently, Araya achieved a “1 Knife” distinction at The Best Chef Awards in Milan, demonstrating sustained high performance on the international stage.
The restaurant, designed for an intimate and focused dining experience, offers varied pricing options, with lunch sets beginning at $88 and multi-course dinner experiences extending up to $368.
The full 2026 selection showcases a diverse geographical spread of boundary-pushing restaurants:
- Araya, Singapore
- Da Lucio, Rimini, Italy
- The Jane 2.0, Antwerp, Belgium
- Knystaforsen, Rydabäck, Sweden
- Largo do Paço, Amarante, Portugal
- LuMi, Sydney, Australia
- Rocio Tapas y Sushi, Málaga, Spain
- Row on 5, London, United Kingdom
- Sons & Daughters, San Francisco, United States
- Sushi Meino, Tokyo, Japan
The inclusion of Araya on this exclusive roster reinforces Singapore’s position as a dynamic global culinary hub where established expertise meets innovative vision, signaling to diners worldwide that Southeast Asia remains a crucial destination for cutting-edge gastronomy. Interested diners are advised to secure reservations well in advance, given the restaurant’s limited seating and growing global profile.