ANA or JAL First Class: Whose Menu Actually Wins?

When comparing ANA and JAL First Class menus, Japan Airlines (JAL) holds a slight edge for its highly creative, Michelin-starred Japanese Washoku tasting menus and legendary, ultra-premium beverage selections like Champagne Salon. Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways (ANA) excels with its stellar, modern Western-inspired dishes, reliable Krug champagne pairing, and its iconic "THE CONNOISSEURS" culinary partnership program.

• Washoku Winner: JAL is the undisputed champion for traditional Japanese fine dining, partnering with world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants like Ishikawa and Kohaku.
• Western Menu Champion: ANA delivers a superior Western culinary experience with structured caviar services and collaborations with legendary French dining houses.
• Beverage Battle: JAL serves the ultra-rare Champagne Salon on flights departing Japan and Louis Roederer Cristal on inbound flights, while ANA counters with its classic, highly prized Krug Champagne.
• Omotenashi Spirit: Both airlines exhibit legendary Japanese hospitality, offering multi-course in-flight dining journeys paired with exceptional premium sakes like Juyondai and Aramasa.

Why is Japanese in-flight dining considered the best in the sky?

Japanese airlines have elevated in-flight dining to an art form that rivals the world’s best ground-based restaurants. At 35,000 feet, your taste buds are naturally dulled by dry air, requiring chefs to meticulously adjust seasoning and umami profiles. Both All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) master this by utilizing natural umami found in dashi broths, seasonal sea vegetables, and perfectly aged fish.

This dedication to culinary excellence is rooted in the legendary hospitality and service culture of Japan. The presentation of each course is designed to evoke a sense of the current season, from cherry blossom notes in spring to matsutake mushrooms in autumn. The result is a dining experience that is both nourishing and deeply memorable.

What is on the JAL First Class menu?

The JAL First Class menu is a spectacular showcase of traditional Japanese gastronomy. For its Japanese Washoku menu, JAL collaborates with Chef Hideki Ishikawa of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant "Ishikawa" and Chef Koji Koizumi of "Kohaku" to curate multi-course seasonal tasting menus.

A typical JAL Washoku feast starts with delicate appetizers known as Zensai, such as silky egg tofu topped with fresh grilled summer corn. This is followed by Owan, a clear soup course relying on highly refined dashi to clear your palate. For main courses, JAL features slow-braised wagyu beef in sweet soy glaze or pristine grilled sablefish marinated in saikyo miso.

JAL is continuously innovating to stay at the cutting edge of global gastronomy. In early 2026, the airline announced an exciting partnership with Chef Natsuko Shoji, the internationally acclaimed owner of Tokyo's elite private restaurant "été." Chef Shoji brings a beautifully modern, art-inspired perspective to the premium cabins, fusing delicate French techniques with seasonal Japanese sensibilities.

The Western menu is supervised by Chef Shinobu Namae of the two-Michelin-starred "L'Effervescence" in Tokyo. This menu focuses heavily on culinary sustainability and clean flavors, offering dishes like roasted Maine lobster with herb butter or prime tenderloin of beef. Each Western meal begins with a high-end caviar service, typically presented with traditional garnishes.

What is on the ANA First Class menu?

ANA takes a highly systematic and incredibly successful approach to its onboard dining through its signature "THE CONNOISSEURS" program. This program brings together 16 esteemed chefs, beverage experts, and ANA’s own in-house culinary specialists to craft a constantly rotating menu. The airline's international menus have repeatedly received prestigious global culinary accolades for their exceptional quality.

To keep the dining experience fresh, ANA regularly expands this culinary collective. In late 2025, ANA welcomed Chef Shuto Sugita of the legendary French restaurant Ginza L'Écrin and Chef Yasunori Kitajima of Kamakura Kitajima to the program. Their exclusive French and Japanese creations are served on select long-haul flights throughout 2026, bridging the gap between classical culinary techniques and contemporary presentation.

While ANA’s Japanese menu is outstanding, many frequent flyers argue that ANA actually shines brightest with its Western multi-course meals. The Western menu often features collaborations with global institutions like Joël Robuchon, offering a level of decadent French dining that is hard to match in the skies. A favorite among travelers is ANA's classic caviar service, which is served in its own jar on a bed of ice, accompanied by traditional blinis, chopped egg yolk, chives, onion, and sour cream.

For the main course, ANA's beef filet is widely regarded as one of the best in commercial aviation. The catering teams have mastered reheating steak in convection ovens, delivering a perfect medium-rare beef tenderloin at altitude. This is paired with rich potato purées, seasonal root vegetables, and a savory red wine jus.

How do the drink menus compare for premium sake and Champagne?

The beverage list is where the battle for supremacy between JAL and ANA First Class reaches its peak. Both carriers invest millions annually to stock some of the world's rarest sakes and champagnes.

For champagne enthusiasts, JAL is legendary for serving Champagne Salon (such as the 2015 vintage) on flights departing Japan. Because Salon only produces champagnes in exceptional years, this is an ultra-exclusive privilege. On inbound flights, JAL maintains premium standards by pouring Louis Roederer Cristal or Bollinger La Grande Année.

ANA counters with its own iconic partnership. Since 1986, ANA has proudly poured Krug Grande Cuvée as its flagship first-class champagne. Krug is a crowd favorite, beloved for its nutty, rich flavor profile that holds up beautifully under cabin pressure. Having a glass of free-flowing Krug poured at altitude is a defining highlight of the ANA experience.

The competition is equally fierce for Japanese sake. JAL famously stocks Juyondai, an incredibly elusive and expensive sake, alongside other premium labels like Isojiman. ANA's curated sake list features modern cult favorites like Aramasa No.6 X-Type, Kokuryu Daiginjo Ryu, and selections from the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute.

For spirits, both airlines offer world-class selections, but ANA is famous for its Japanese whisky lineup. You can sample rare bottles like Suntory's Hibiki 21 or special limited editions. JAL also features excellent Japanese whiskies and premium shochu, ensuring travelers experience the best of Japan's spirits culture.

How do the mid-flight snack and dessert options compare?

One of the greatest luxuries of flying First Class on a Japanese carrier is the extensive "anytime" dine-on-demand menu. Long after the main meal service has concluded, passengers can order from a wide selection of hot snacks, comfort foods, and sweet treats.

For many travelers, the ultimate comfort food at 35,000 feet is a hot, steaming bowl of ramen. ANA features a legendary partnership with Ippudo, serving their famous "Sora Ton" (tonkotsu) ramen, complete with springy noodles, rich pork broth, and classic toppings. JAL offers its own highly popular "Air Ramen" series, which often features collaborations with iconic Japanese noodle brands like Kyushu Jangara.

The dessert menus are equally impressive and showcase a beautiful fusion of Eastern and Western pastry arts. JAL’s desserts are highly artistic, often featuring delicate fruit tarts and matcha-infused creations designed in partnership with Chef Natsuko Shoji. ANA offers decadent, multi-layered chocolate cakes, fresh seasonal fruit platters, and traditional Japanese wagashi sweets that pair perfectly with a hot cup of green tea.

Does the airport lounge dining match the onboard experience?

To truly appreciate the culinary journey offered by these five-star carriers, you must consider the pre-flight ground dining. Before you even step on board, your culinary adventure begins with an exclusive lounge service comparison.

At Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, the JAL First Class Lounge offers a highly sophisticated, restaurant-style experience. The centerpiece of this lounge is "Sushi Tsurutei," where professional sushi chefs hand-press fresh nigiri to order right in front of you. Additionally, the lounge features the "JAL Salon," where you can enjoy premium Japanese whiskeys, craft sakes, and even high-end Japanese caviar paired with specialty vodka during limited promotions.

ANA's Suite Lounge focuses on delivering an elegant, cozy, and highly personalized environment. In addition to a comprehensive hot and cold buffet, the lounge features the "DINING h" restaurant concept at Haneda, offering a full à la carte menu with freshly prepared steak, seasonal seafood, and dessert. Guests can also visit the noodle bar to order hot bowls of tempura udon, tonkotsu ramen, and savory Japanese chicken curry.

Which airline should you choose for your next first-class flight?

Choosing between JAL and ANA First Class dining comes down to your culinary and beverage preferences. If you want traditional, Michelin-starred Japanese Washoku paired with legendary champagnes like Salon or Cristal, JAL is the clear choice. If you prefer decadent French-inspired Western courses, a classic caviar presentation, and the rich complexity of Krug champagne, ANA will exceed your expectations.

Beyond dining, consider a deep-dive first-class comparison of the cabins. ANA's Boeing 777-300ER features 'The Suite' with a massive 43-inch 4K screen, while JAL's brand new Airbus A350-1000 features a revolutionary first-class cabin design with sliding doors and personal wardrobe closets.

Both products represent the absolute pinnacle of commercial aviation. If you are ready to experience these magnificent menus, start planning your journey by booking with points to maximize credit card rewards. Check award space on partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Virgin Atlantic, or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan today to secure your seat.