Singapore's restaurant scene has no shortage of talent. The RAS Epicurean Star Award exists to recognise it — properly, independently, and with the rigour the industry deserves.
Nominations for 2026 are open. Here is everything you need to know.
The Epicurean Star Award is the Restaurant Association of Singapore's (RAS) flagship industry recognition programme. Now in its latest edition, the awards span 26 categories across casual dining, fine dining, experiential concepts, and specialised formats — covering the full breadth of Singapore's food and beverage landscape.
The award ceremony takes place on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at Resorts World Sentosa Ballroom, from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Casual Dining (12 categories)
Best Chinese Restaurant, Best Eastern Asian Restaurant, Best European Restaurant, Best Fusion Restaurant, Best Halal Restaurant, Best Italian Restaurant, Best Japanese Restaurant, Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Western Restaurant, Best Brunch Restaurant, Best Customer Service, and Best Fast Casual Restaurant.
Fine Dining (5 categories)
Best Chinese Restaurant, Best Italian Restaurant, Best Japanese Restaurant, Best Western Restaurant, and Best Customer Service — all evaluated against fine dining criteria of S$200 or more average spend per person.
Experiential & Visual Concepts (4 categories)
Best High Tea Restaurant, Best Hotel Buffet Restaurant, Best Standalone Buffet, and the newly introduced Best Omakase/Counter Dining Experience.
Specialised Categories (4 categories)
Best Chain Restaurant, Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Best Kiosk, and Best Newcomer Restaurant.
People's Choice (1 category)
Open to all F&B brands. Public voting runs from 27 May to 2 September 2026.
All categories except the People's Choice Award are evaluated through anonymous mystery judging. Three independent judges visit each establishment as regular customers — unannounced, across roughly three months — to assess the concept at its everyday standard.
Each judge brings one guest, and credit letters are only presented after dining. Judges' identities remain confidential throughout.
Establishments are scored across four pillars:
Culinary Excellence (40–45%) — flavour, presentation, innovation, consistency
Ingredient Quality (15–22%) — freshness, sourcing, preparation, portioning
Service & Ambience (20–30%) — professionalism, cleanliness, atmosphere
Overall Experience (10%) — value, menu coherence, memorability
This year's introduction of a third independent judge per establishment makes the results more robust and consistent — a single exceptional or off visit carries less weight, and the final outcome better reflects a concept's true standard.
Standard categories: S$150 per category (RAS Members) | S$300 per category (Non-Members)
People's Choice Award: S$100 per brand (Members and Non-Members)
RAS members save 50% on entry fees. Multiple nominations are welcome across any categories you are eligible for.
Every nominated establishment receives a complimentary seat at the gala dinner and a detailed RAS Epicurean Scorecard — a comprehensive breakdown of judging feedback with scored results across all evaluation criteria and professional recommendations from industry experts.
Winners receive a framed certificate, an engraved award plate, and winner or runner-up decals to display at their establishment.
Nomination Period Closes: 15 May 2026
Dining Credit Letter Deadline: 24 May 2026
Mystery Judging Period: 27 May – 15 August 2026
People's Choice Voting: 27 May – 2 September 2026
Award Ceremony: 16 September 2026
Download the nomination form, complete it, and submit with your entry fee payment and high-resolution logo. If you are unsure which category best fits your concept, get in touch before submitting — category selection matters, and we are happy to advise.
James Chan — james.chan@ras.org.sg | +65 9855 1200
Xianna Lock — xianna.lock@ras.org.sg | +65 9735 8194
