We’re Smart Unveils the Top 10 Best Vegetable Restaurants from Japan
Top 10 Japan is part of the We’re Smart Green Guide, to be released in November in Valencia (Spain)
Japan’s Top 10 of the We’re Smart Green Guide were announced during The We’re Smart TOP 10 Award Ceremony for Japan 2024 in Niigata, with special guests of honour, Chef Begoña Rodrigo (Valencia,Spain) and Chef Keiko Kuwakino (Niigata, Japan), both awarded five radishes by We’re Smart. The culinary powerhouses collaborated on creating original and healthy plant based bento boxes, showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine. Chef Begoña Rodrigo, an ambassador of Albufera rice (Spain), will cook a paella rice accompanied by Bodegas Nodus Valencian wine, and Chef Keiko Kuwakino, renowned for working with Niigata’s famous rice, Koshihikari, together prepared a delicious rice-based lunch for the guests and participated in a debate on both rice cultures.
Chef Keiko Kuwakino, The Vegetables Chef® Frank Fol, Chef Begoña Rodrigo
Niigata Tourism Association: "We are delighted to celebrate Niigata Prefecture's recognition as a culinary destination for Japan's finest vegetable restaurants. This honour underscores our commitment to showcasing the rich flavours and traditions of our region. Gastronomy is a vital part of Niigata's identity, and we look forward to sharing our culinary heritage with the world."
This is the Top 10 of Best Vegetable Restaurants 2024 in Japan
Chef Kanji Kobayashi, Villa Aida
Kanji Kobayashi, Chef and owner of Villa Aida "It is a privilege for Villa Aida to receive this prestigious award. As the culinary world evolves, we are witnessing a growing appreciation for the health benefits and cultural richness of plant-based cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the traditions of shojin ryori, we are committed to using our expertise to promote sustainable and ethical dining practices. By focusing on local ingredients and creating memorable culinary experiences, we aim to inspire others to embrace the power of plant-based food"
The Vegetables Chef®, Frank Fol, Initiator of We're Smart
Frank Fol, initiator of We’re Smart: ‘This top 10 reflects the diversity and creativity of Japanese plant-based cuisine. From traditional dishes with a modern twist to groundbreaking concepts, these restaurants prove that plant-based food can be not only delicious, but also extremely refined.’
Two new Five Radish restaurants and 18 newcomers
63 Japanese restaurants feature in this year’s We’re Smart Green Guide, with no less than 18 new entries. In addition to these newcomers, some established restaurants are also rising: restaurant Florilège and restaurant Maz receive the top score of five Radishes, L’Esperance rises to four Radishes.
Winners of the We’re Smart Awards will be announced in November in Valencia (Spain)
On December 10, 2024 we will find out which other restaurants are featured in the We’re Smart Green Guide 2024. During a live show in Valencia (Spain), the European Green Capital of 2024, the worldwide Top 10 of Best Vegetable Restaurants will be presented and at the same time the winners of We’re Smart Awards will be announced.
