Odette (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | Julien Royer |
| Headquarters | Singapore , Singapore |
Area served | Singapore |
Key people | Julien Royer (Chef) |
| Products | French-Asian cuisine |
Odette is a dining establishment in Singapore launched in 2015 by chef Julien Royer in partnership with the local Lo & Behold Group. The restaurant presents a blend of French cuisine infused with Asian, particularly Singaporean, elements.
Acknowledged as one of Asia’s premier dining venues, Odette holds three Michelin stars and was ranked the top restaurant in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2020.
Description
Situated within the Supreme Court wing of the National Gallery Singapore, Odette spans 3,100 square feet and offers French fare enriched by Asian and Singaporean influences. The establishment’s name honors Royer’s grandmother, whose culinary principles—centered on ingredient respect and simplicity—inspired his cooking philosophy. His vision was to deliver contemporary fine dining without the conventional formal ambiance.
The venue accommodates 38 patrons along with a private room seating eight. The interior design, crafted by London-based Universal Design Studio’s Sacha Leong, employs a palette of white and soft pink hues. A suspended artwork titled A Theory of Everything, created by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng—who is married to Royer’s business partner Wee Teng Wen—symbolizes the kitchen’s dedication to simplicity.
Notable dishes feature rosemary-smoked organic eggs, mushroom tea, and heirloom beetroot preparations. Royer procures high-quality ingredients worldwide—from Australia, Japan, and Europe—supporting artisanal producers. He harmonizes tradition with innovation by integrating classical techniques alongside contemporary interpretations. Odette also practices sustainable menu planning to reduce food waste by maximizing ingredient utilization.
History
Founded in 2015 by Julien Royer, originally from Auvergne, France, Odette emerged after Royer’s tenure as head chef at Jaan within Swissôtel The Stamford in Singapore. National Gallery CEO Chong Siak Ching, a frequent diner at Jaan, invited Royer to establish a restaurant inside the museum. Collaborating with local entrepreneur Wee Teng Wen of Lo & Behold Group, Royer departed Jaan in June 2015 to initiate Odette. Construction commenced that summer with an investment estimated in the seven figures. The restaurant officially opened its doors on 2 November 2015.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Odette implemented air and surface purification technologies and introduced "Odette at Home," a takeout multi-course dining option. This initiative accounted for around 40% of the restaurant’s revenue during 2020.
Reception
Odette has received widespread acclaim from critics and industry bodies alike. Annette Tan of Condé Nast Traveler hailed it as among the world’s finest dining experiences, while The Straits Times commended its refined ambiance and outstanding culinary offerings.
The restaurant swiftly earned recognition, securing "Best New Restaurant" at the G Restaurant Awards in its inaugural year and "Restaurant of the Year" in 2018. The Michelin Guide granted Odette two stars in 2016, elevating it to three stars by 2019. It claimed the top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2020 and placed second in 2021, having debuted at ninth position in 2017 and steadily climbed thereafter.
On the international front, Odette entered The World's 50 Best Restaurants list at number 86 in 2017, progressing to 28th in 2018 and reaching 18th place in 2019. Julien Royer earned the "Chef of the Year" title at the World Gourmet Summit in 2017, repeating his success from 2014. Additionally, Odette won "Restaurant of the Year" and "Old World Wine List of the Year" awards at the 2019 World Gourmet Summit ceremonies.