Australian-owned Shanghai restaurants Laris (pictured left) and M on the Bund, were two of only three mainland Chinese eateries to make the Miele Asia Guide’s 2009/2010 Top 20.

Laris, founded by Australian chef David Laris, debuted on the Top 20 list coming in at number 8, while Shanghai long-time favourite, M on the Bund, jumped three places this year to make it at number 14 on the list.

Thousands of people from around the world cast more than 98,000 votes for the best restaurants in 18 countries across Asia with 450 restaurants in 16 countries making the final cut.

The best restaurant in Asia went to Hong Kong’s L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

Laris, located in Shanghai’s historic, colonial style Three on the Bund building, was praised for its “eclectic” menu selection which draws on David Laris’ “Australian-Greek heritage, strong grounding in French classics and experience in the Asian cities of Macau, Hong Kong and Hanoi.”
In a statement, Miele said that the pricey menu did not daunt the steady stream of visitors "who rave about the elegant ambience, artful execution of the menu and seamless service that make for a complete, unforgettable culinary experience.”

M on the Bund was founded by Australian restaurateur Michelle Garnaut 10 years ago. M’s chef, Hamish Pollitt, was commended by voters for striking a “comfortable balance of classic familiarity and artful surprise” and incorporating “touches from contemporary Australian cuisine, French classics, and tastes of the Mediterranean and the Maghreb in the spirit of comfortable invention.”

The only other mainland Chinese restaurant to make the Miele Asia Guide’s Top 20, was Beijing Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant. Da Dong, which boasts three outlets across the capital is famous for its super lean and crispy Peking duck.

Miele's Top 20 for Asia 2009/2010:

1. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Hong Kong
2. Iggy’s, Singapore
3. Robuchon a Galera, Macau
4. Jaan par Andre, Singapore
5. Les Amis, Singapore
6. Mozaic, Bali, Indonesia
7. Gunther’s Modern French Cuisine, Singapore
8. Laris, Shanghai, China
9. Ku De Ta, Bali, Indonesia
10. Yung Kee, Hong Kong
11. Bukhara, New Delhi, India
12. Beijing Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, Beijing, China
13. Zanotti II Ristorante Italiano
14. M on the Bund, Shanghai, China
15. Nobu, Hong Kong
16. Caprice, Hong Kong
17. Antonio’s, Cavite, Philippines
18. Aubergine, Manila, Philippines
19. Fook Lam Moon, Hong Kong
20. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Tokyo