So Chic review of Odette

Tucked inside the iconic National Gallery, Odette is more than a restaurant — it’s a destination. Helmed by Chef Julien Royer, this three-Michelin-starred gem offers a fine dining experience that is at once precise, poetic and deeply personal. Named after the chef’s grandmother, Odette blends heritage, emotion and contemporary creativity in every course.

We had the pleasure of experiencing this oasis ourselves, as So Chic was invited to spend an afternoon at the table — and what followed was more than just a tasting. Dining at Odette is the epitome of refined French gastronomy in Singapore: a multi-sensory, emotion-driven experience where every detail speaks of excellence.

From the flawless service to the storytelling in each course, this is not just a meal — it’s a moment. A rare and remarkable experience we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking the very best.

Chef Royer’s philosophy is clear: to honour the produce, tell stories through flavours, and connect emotionally with each guest. His French roots meet a deep respect for Asian ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both grounded and unexpected.

What makes Odette stand out isn’t just the technique — though there is plenty — but the soul behind it. Every plate carries intention. Every bite speaks.

Lunch at Odette unfolded like a story — thoughtful, precise, and beautifully paced. Here’s a look at the journey, dish by dish:

• Grignotages, served in three delicate parts, opened the experience with playfulness and refinement — a trio of bites designed to awaken the senses with elegance.

• The Jacques Cocollos oyster followed, bright and briny, allowing the purity of the product to shine through.

• The Normandy brown crab, subtly sweet and beautifully plated, offered a gentle layering of textures and flavours.

• The Trombetta zucchini was a minimalist triumph — clean, precise, and unexpectedly memorable.

• Then arrived the rosemary smoked organic egg — quite literally. Presented under a glass cloche, the moment the smoke lifted was as dramatic as it was aromatic. A signature dish that delighted both the eye and the palate.

• The mushroom tea, served in a warm ceramic cup, was a quiet revelation. Each sip unveiled earthy, umami-rich flavours with remarkable depth.

• The Shimane amadai, with its crisp golden scales and tender flesh, brought harmony and balance in every bite.

• The Kampot pepper-crusted pigeon arrived as the crescendo: beautifully cooked, boldly seasoned, and artfully plated.

• The artisan cheese selection, served tableside, provided a charming and comforting interlude before the finale.

• Dessert came in the form of “Grain de Café” — a layered composition of roasted coffee notes, silky textures, and just the right touch of sweetness.

Our personal favourite? The mushroom tea — an unassuming dish that delivered surprising complexity and depth, inviting us to pause and savour.

But the star of the show was undeniably the pigeon. Delicately prepared, with crisp skin and a tender heart, it embodied Odette’s ability to merge boldness and grace. A dish that lingered well beyond the last bite — a messenger of memory, like a pigeon voyageur carrying a flavour that stays with you.

Odette is not just a restaurant — it’s an experience. Nestled in the National Gallery, this three-Michelin-starred destination combines French culinary mastery with emotional storytelling in every dish. From the artistry of the plating to the calm elegance of the space, everything is crafted to leave a lasting impression.

Whether it’s a special occasion or a moment to savour excellence, Odette offers a refined journey for all the senses.

So Chic tip: don’t miss the signature rosemary smoked egg — an unforgettable bite with just the right touch of theatre.

Odette – National Gallery, #01-04, 1 St. Andrew’s Road
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays | Lunch: 12pm–1.15pm | Dinner: 6.30pm–8.15pm

Discover the full experience with us in this reel!