Les Amis has long been Singapore’s fine dining royalty, boasting a polished reputation and an air of exclusivity. It first earned its third star in 2019 and has held onto it ever since. But after our visit, we could not help but wonder—is it fine dining, or just a very expensive lesson in playing it safe?
La Pomme de Terre Roseval au Caviar
We think you are either a fan of this restaurant or you are not. Perhaps if we lived in Singapore and visited a few more times, we would see what others do. But from our first experience, one thing was clear: the restaurant’s interior did not appeal to us at all.
It felt like we were having dinner in a mall corridor. Imagine a hallway, stores on either side, except here, the stores were tables, and the shoppers were waiters pacing back and forth. Forget cozy, intimate, or romantic. The restaurant was as characterless as a mall reception.
Artichoke – Comté soufflé – Black Truffle
We visited on Christmas Eve, looking forward to a classic French menu. And yes, it was classic. The problem? Most of the dishes were restrained to the point of being forgettable.
The ingredients were undeniably luxurious—caviar, black truffle, foie gras, langoustine, and Wagyu beef all made an appearance. Yet, for all the prestige, the food lacked character.
It was all very polished, very refined, very safe.
At times, it seemed like a luxury ingredient trap, as if throwing in premium ingredients was enough to impress, regardless of whether they actually enhanced the dish.
It does not matter how much caviar and truffle you use, the rest of the dish needs some oomph.
There is a certain expectation when dining at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Not every dish needs to be a revelation, but something should stand out, challenge, or excite. Here, everything blurred together into a well-executed but unmemorable sequence.
By the end, we were simply full, but not satisfied.
Foie Gras Terrine – Black Truffle Jelly – Black Truffle
Now, this is where Les Amis shines. The service was faultless, the wine list extensive. Plates appeared and disappeared with precision, glasses never ran empty, and the staff navigated the room like a perfectly choreographed ballet.
La Langoustine de Loctudy
Les Amis is flawless in execution but fearful in flavour. Everything feels designed to please everyone and offend no one, resulting in a meal that is, quite frankly, forgettable.
By the end, we were just bored and asked them to pack the last petit fours to go.
If you are looking for impeccable service and a safe, luxurious meal, Les Amis delivers. But if you are hoping for a culinary experience that excites, challenges, or surprises? Keep looking.
✽ The cover picture: Wagyu beef tenderloin with aromatics, natural jus & potato soufflées.
End of december 2024
Dinner
No, we would rather visit Odette again.
We thought the experience was too expensive.
Les Amis will be closed for a kitchen renovation from 1 March to May 2025, with reservations reopening on 10 April. Perhaps a fresh start in the kitchen is on the horizon.
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