Best Sake List (outside Japan)

Best Sake List (outside Japan)

Best Sake List (outside Japan)

Criteria

The Best Sake List (outside Japan) category highlights lists that focus almost exclusively on sake or have a particularly strong selection of sake within a broader offering. Knowledge of sake among restaurateurs and sommeliers around the world is growing rapidly, alongside the appreciation of Japanese culture, cuisine, and design. Despite the different origins, raw materials, and production techniques of sake and wine, the sake sections of lists are judged by the same criteria of breadth, depth, height, balance, selection, accuracy, originality, suitability, design, and value.

Criteria

The Best Sake List (outside Japan) category highlights lists that focus almost exclusively on sake or have a particularly strong selection of sake within a broader offering. Knowledge of sake among restaurateurs and sommeliers around the world is growing rapidly, alongside the appreciation of Japanese culture, cuisine, and design. Despite the different origins, raw materials, and production techniques of sake and wine, the sake sections of lists are judged by the same criteria of breadth, depth, height, balance, selection, accuracy, originality, suitability, design, and value.

WINNERS

Alba

Middle East & Africa | Regional Winner

Dubai, UAE

ALBA is a brand-new restaurant, located in the Dubai Opera district, offering a «MeditarrAsian» concept that blends the bold flavors of Asian cuisine with a touch of European sophistication.

The menu features a variety of Asian classics, reimagined with a Mediterranean twist, an extensive selection of sake by the glass and thoughtfully curated wine list showcasing an exquisite selection of grower champagnes and Burgundy wines.

Website

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant

South & Central America and the Caribbean | Regional Winner

Nassau, Bahamas

Graycliff Restaurant
Graycliff Restaurant is the first five-star restaurant in the Bahamas and Caribbean. The restaurant’s cuisine epitomizes elegance in the finest continental and Bahamian tradition with a menu that is both tasteful and distinctive.

The secret recipes at Graycliff have set its reputation in the hallmark of the rich and famous. Creative culinary innovation has resulted in a variety of sumptuous dishes that is distinctly its own. Bahamian dishes have been creatively transformed into sophistication and refinement with the end result being an international reputation for Bahamian cuisine.

Wines, Cognacs, Armagnacs and Ports

The wine cellar has over 275,000 bottles with over 5000 selections from 23 countries, acquired over decades by Graycliff’s owner and CEO, Enrico Garzaroli. He is passionate about the quality of the wines he seeks out and carefully adds to his collection, which is the 3rd largest private collection in the world.

A wine connoisseur’s dream with some of the rarest vintages in store, the cellar’s inventory ranges from such wines as an 1865 Château Lafite, to the oldest and one of the most expensive bottles in the world, a 1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein from Bremer Ratskeller in the ”Rheinghau” Region, priced at US$200,000, to today’s most popular vintages.

In addition to the considerable wine inventory, Graycliff also boasts a Cognacteque, a unique collection of Cognacs, Armagnacs, Whiskey, Rum and more – one of the largest such collections in the world. The Cognacteque and Wine Cellar are constantly expanding as the CEO makes new finds to add to his collection.

Website

Sushi Nakazawa

North America | Regional Winner

New York, USA

Sushi Nakazawa NY opened in 2013, and serves the omakase of Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, formerly an apprentice at Sushiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. We currently have locations in New York City and Washington, D.C., with an additional LA location opening this year.

Our beverage program features over 600 selections for wine, and over 200 selections for sake. Despite the ratio of selections, we are a sake-focused restaurant, offering two different sake pairings and one wine pairing.

For both categories, our ethos is producer-driven depth, with an aim to feature vertical/horizontal selections from our listed wineries and breweries.

Website

The Chedi Andermatt

Europe | Regional Winner

Andermatt, Switzerland

Since its opening in 2013, The Chedi Andermatt has been one of the most desirable luxury resorts in the world, with its casual five-star deluxe atmosphere.

Surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps, this architectural masterpiece of Alpine chic combines Asian-inspired elements, authentic hospitality and classic European comfort. This symbiosis has no peer and makes The Chedi Andermatt “Different to All”.

At 1447 metres above sea level, you enjoy unforgettable moments in our five-star deluxe hotel. 119 elegant, generous rooms and suites, five award-winning restaurants and bars, a cutting-edge heath club, a unique wine cellar and the 2400 square metre spa transform The Chedi Andermatt into an inspiring place of restoration and enjoyment. A place where for a decade now you have been able to Live, Taste, Sense and Create the Difference in its most satisfying form.

The region does its part too. Whether skiing world-class slopes, biking, hiking or golfing, you can look forward to spectacular adventures in the Andermatt mountains at any time of year. It’s no wonder that in 2023 The Chedi Andermatt once again received the top rating by Forbes Travel Guide, and continues to rank as one of Europe’s leading hotels.

Website

Sushi Nakazawa

Global Winner

New York City

Sushi Nakazawa NYC opened in 2013 to unanimous critical acclaim. Shortly after opening, the restaurant was awarded 4 stars from The NY Times, and was awarded a Michelin star in 2018 which has been retained every year since.

The beverage program is one of the largest and deepest among Japanese restaurants in the United States, with 600+ wine selections and approximately 150 saké selections.

Since NYC, Sushi Nakazawa DC opened in 2018.

Website

Telephone: (212) 924-2212

Jing Restaurant, Constance Halaveli

Middle East & Africa | Regional Winner

Halaveli, Maldives

The Constance Halaveli is a luxury resort located in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives. The resort is situated on its own private island that offerS stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

The resort features a variety of dining options, including three restaurants and two bars. Guests can indulge in international cuisine, fresh seafood, and local Maldivian dishes. The resort also offers private dining experiences and in-villa dining for a more intimate experience.

Jing is set in a serene area half way along the Halaveli jetty,and bar offers the perfect fusion of Asian and European cuisine. Ideal for candlelit dinners where the lapping of the ocean against the shore creates a pleasant ambiance for a sumptuous dinner.

Overall, the Constance Halaveli is a luxurious and relaxing resort that offers guests a range of experiences and activities to enjoy during their stay in the Maldives. With its stunning location, modern amenities, and exceptional service, the resort is the perfect destination for couples, families, and anyone looking for a memorable holiday in the Maldives.

Website

Telephone: (960) 666 7000

Tsunami

Australasia | Regional Winner

Western Australia, Australia

Tsunami offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, in a romantic and unique atmosphere. Dine inside amongst the walls filled with wine, sake and whisky, specially sourced from near and far, or in the garden sheltered by the vines and twinkling fairy lights.

Serving exceptional food and service for over 20 years, Tsunami is more than your average Japanese restaurant. From a world class Japanese fusion menu in Tsunami Izakaya, to dinner with a show in our teppanyaki bar – Tsunami Ko, the biggest sake list in WA that can be purchased in store, and one of Perth’s premium wedding & function venues.

Website

Email: bookings.tsunami@gmail.com