ODETTE Review – A Night Among the Stars

Your journey to Odette begins even before you step through the doors. The restaurant’s entrance, located within the Singapore National Gallery, exudes elegance. The classic arch doors, reminds you of a grand European estate.

The heart of Odette’s philosophy lies in bringing authenticity and the bounty of nature straight to your plate. Chef Julien Royer’s childhood memories of foraging and cooking with fresh ingredients from his family’s gardens in France serve as a constant source of inspiration. The restaurant’s very name, Odette, is a tribute to his grandmother, who instilled in him a love for food and the importance of family.

The interior features soft, neutral tones with accents of wood and stone, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Very homely and comfy. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space during the day and the dining area is spacious yet intimate, with enough gap between tables for privacy.

Works by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng add highlights to the interior, re-imagining the beauty of Odette’s raw ingredients into surreal elements. Her vision shapes every detail of the design, including the striking centerpiece in the main dining hall.

Odette offers two menus for both lunch and dinner: a vegan/vegetarian, priced at S$348, and a seasonal seven course-r priced at S$498. Expect each dish to be crafted with the finest ingredients, and an experience that will leave you enchanted and awestruck (Hopefully).

Some of the dishes you might encounter:

GRIGNOTAGES
The meal begins with appetizers or “amuse-bouches” in french. A selection of little treats to awaken your palate. Grignotages simply mean “snacking” or “snacks”.

These small bites are well crafted, each offering a unique and unexpected flavour combination that sets the tone for the meal ahead. The mushroom soup was especially memorable, a rich and intense broth of mushrooms and truffles.

MAZAN WHITE ASPARAGUS
Hokkaido sea urchin and Kristal caviar add a touch of luxury to this seasonal favourite, brightened by the zest of Menton lemon. The briny richness of the sea urchin melds with the delicate pop of caviar, while the citrusy notes of the lemon cut through, creating an interestingly balanced dish.

SHIMA AJI ‘CRUDO’
Freshly sliced Japanese amberjack sings with the tartness of rhubarb and a hint of smokiness from the cream. A touch of kaffir lime adds a refreshing note.

ROSEMARY SMOKED ORGANIC EGG
This dish is essentially an egg smoked in rosemary, which infuses it with a delicate, aromatic flavour. The egg is then poured from eggshell into a creamy potato foam, with savoury chorizo Iberico bits adding a touch of textural and flavour contrast.

The presentation was theatrical and dramatic, with dry ice clouds spewing out of the wooden box vigorously as the dish was brought to us.

MANJIMUP BLACK TRUFFLE
This seasonal dish features a chunk of langoustine (spiny lobster) bathed in the earthy, luxurious aroma of the Manjimup black truffle, generously shaved on top. Lee fondue adds a touch of creamy richness. This was delicious. A harmony or flavours literally. A standout.

JEJU ABALONE & FOIE GRAS DUO
A luxurious pairing of tender abalone and melt-in-your-mouth foie gras, brought together by a rich shiitake mushroom and pork broth, with a touch of yuzu for a bright finish.

SCOTTISH BLUE LOBSTER
The sweetness of Scottish blue lobster shines in this dish, accented by the depth of Kyoto miso and the subtle bitterness of endive. A silky sake beurre blanc ties everything together.

KAMPOT PEPPER CRUSTED PIGEON
This dish is a study in contrasts – the tender, juicy pigeon is encased in a flavourful Kampot pepper crust, while sweet cherries and earthy black garlic add complexity. A hint of Amaretto adds a touch of sophistication. Served alongside a fluffy meat bun, perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.

BLANC
Dessert was a dish named ‘Blanc’ with its subtle flavors of sake, vanilla,and milk.

DOUCEURS
A selection of desserts for a perfect ending to your Odette experience.

So, is Odette worth the splurge? Unequivocally, yes. It’s an indulgence for the senses, a celebration of culinary artistry, and a night you might remember for years to come.

For reservations, Odette website