I walked into Les Amis Singapore last Tuesday around 7 PM, stepping out of the humid Orchard Road air and into what felt like a different era. Located right in the Shaw Centre, this three Michelin stars restaurant has a reputation that precedes it. Recognised as one of the finest Michelin starred restaurants in Singapore, Les Amis is a testament to the culinary excellence that the Les Amis Group has been cultivating for over three decades. I wanted to see if the classic French fine dining experience still holds up in a city that constantly chases the next big trend in its vibrant food scene.
Immersing in the Michelin Guide’s Three Stars Dining Experience
The atmosphere hit me the moment I handed over my coat. The dining room is stunningly elegant, bathed in soft, warm lighting. It feels timeless rather than trendy, with plush carpets that absorb the sound of footsteps and conversations. The tables are spaced far apart, giving diners a real sense of privacy. The air conditioning was quite strong—I was glad I brought a light jacket to drape over my shoulders. It is a quiet, refined space that immediately tells you to slow down and settle in for a long evening of exceptional cuisine.
I opted for the Seasonal Tasting Menu, which sets you back about $450+. When you dine at this level at one of Singapore’s top Michelin restaurants, you are paying for absolute precision, and the kitchen delivered exactly that. The standout of the night was the Brittany Blue Lobster. The flesh was sweet, delicate, and cooked to an exact tenderness that offered just a slight resistance when bitten. It sat in a light but incredibly complex sauce that tasted of deep seafood reduction and butter. It smelled faintly of the ocean and rich cream, arriving at the table at the perfect warm temperature.
Celebrating Excellence: The Art of Fine Dining at Les Amis Singapore
Next came the Wagyu beef course, showcasing the mastery of the chef and the culinary team. The meat featured an edge-to-edge even doneness that practically melted on the tongue. It was paired with a classic French dark sauce, deeply reduced and intensely savory without being overly salty. The presentation across the board was minimalist and exact. There were no theatrical smoke clouds or bizarre artistic smears on the plate—just beautifully cooked ingredients taking center stage.
The service was flawless. The staff hovered just out of sight but appeared the exact second my water glass dipped below the halfway mark. Our server explained each dish with genuine enthusiasm and deep menu knowledge, adjusting the pacing of the meal perfectly to match our conversation. This level of service is part of what makes dining at a three Michelin stars restaurant like Les Amis a true celebration of the art of hospitality.
The Les Amis Group Legacy: A Testament to Integrity and Excellence
Les Amis Singapore is more than just a restaurant; it is a cornerstone in Singapore’s culinary landscape, managed by the renowned Les Amis Group. The group has been awarded numerous accolades over the years, reflecting their commitment to excellence and integrity in the food industry. Their reputation as one of the best chefs and culinary teams in the world is well-earned, and their influence extends beyond French cuisine to impact the broader Asian cuisine scene in Singapore.
Notes on Reservation and Dining Experience
If you plan to visit, I highly recommend booking a reservation at least three to four weeks in advance. The demand for tables at Les Amis is consistently high, a clear indicator of its standing among the world’s top Michelin restaurants. If the dinner prices make you wince, try booking a lunch reservation instead. The lunch tasting menus run between $200 and $350++, offering the exact same impeccable service and culinary technique for a much softer hit to your wallet. Also, ask for one of the corner tables when you book—they offer the best vantage point of the beautiful dining room while keeping you tucked away.
Discovering the Flavours and Mastery of World Renowned Chefs
Les Amis Singapore offers diners a chance to savour exceptional cuisine crafted by world renowned chefs who have mastered the art of French cooking. The cuisine here is a harmonious blend of classic techniques and contemporary flair, allowing guests to discover a selection of flavours that are both refined and memorable. The restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence is evident in every course served, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in Singapore.
Staying True to Tradition While Embracing Innovation
While Les Amis plays it safe with classic French cuisine, the mastery and precision in execution keep it relevant and exciting. The restaurant’s approach is a reminder that excellent cooking does not always require wild experimentation; sometimes, it is about perfecting the fundamentals. This philosophy has earned Les Amis three stars in the Michelin Guide Singapore, placing it among a select list of restaurants worldwide that offer an exceptional dining experience worth a special journey.
A Culinary Celebration Worth the Time and Price
The entire meal took just under three hours. If you are not prepared for a long, drawn-out dining experience, the pacing can feel a bit slow. However, for those who appreciate the art and performance of fine dining, this is part of the charm. The price tag is staggering once you factor in the mandatory 10% service charge and 9% GST, but the experience justifies the cost for special celebrations or milestone events.
The Broader Singapore Food Scene and Its Michelin Starred Gems
Les Amis Singapore is part of a vibrant ecosystem of Michelin starred restaurants in the country, which has been recognised by the Michelin Guide since it was first published for Singapore in 2016. Singapore was the first country in Southeast Asia to be awarded Michelin stars, and the list of restaurants continues to grow, featuring a diverse range of cuisines including Asian cuisine, French, Japanese, and more. The presence of restaurants like Les Amis highlights Singapore’s status as a global food destination managed by some of the best chefs in the world.
Final Thoughts: A Testament to Culinary Excellence and Integrity
Les Amis Singapore is not an everyday restaurant, and it is not trying to be. It is the perfect spot for a major milestone celebration or a dinner where you want to experience French culinary fundamentals executed at the absolute highest level. Just clear your schedule for the evening, bring a good conversation partner, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable dining experience that truly embodies the pinnacle of fine dining and culinary excellence.
This review and experience reflect the essence of what makes Les Amis a three Michelin stars restaurant: a combination of exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and a dining atmosphere that honours the art of fine dining. It stands as a shining example in the Michelin Guide and a proud member of the Les Amis Group, continually awarded and recognised for its mastery and commitment to excellence in the world of gastronomy. To learn more about the culinary scene in Singapore, make sure to visit our website.