Les Amis

When Chef Sebastien Lepinoy places his signature “La Pomme de Terre Roseval au Caviar” before a guest at Les Amis, time seems to pause. The pristine Roseval potato, crowned with glistening Kristal caviar and delicate herbs, represents more than culinary artistry—it reflects three decades of consistent excellence that has earned Les Amis a 2025 Global Recognition Award. In the highly competitive landscape of global fine dining, this recognition honors establishments that go beyond delivering exceptional meals to becoming cultural institutions. Les Amis is the only restaurant in Asia to have achieved the “Three Pillars”: three Michelin stars, five Forbes Travel Guide stars, and a Wine Spectator Grand Award, which has been held continuously for 29 years.

This Singapore institution has steadily demonstrated how classical French cuisine can be preserved and adapted outside of France. Opening as Singapore’s first independent fine dining restaurant in 1994, Les Amis has maintained a consistent focus on authenticity while guiding the careers of the next generation of chefs. Its influence extends beyond its dining room, having trained numerous Michelin-starred chefs who now lead some of Asia’s most respected kitchens, making Les Amis a destination for diners and a key contributor to the region’s culinary progression.

Culinary Mastery and Innovation

Les Amis remains dedicated to pure French haute cuisine, sourcing over 90 percent of its ingredients directly from France to ensure authentic sourcing and regional character. Chef Lepinoy’s daily communication with French suppliers enables access to seasonal items seldom available elsewhere in Asia—from sun-ripened Provence peaches to rare Le Ponclet butter from near-extinct Celtic breed cows. His approach acts as a clear guide for diners through France’s regional traditions, presenting ingredients at their optimal stage through classical methods developed over years of training with chef Joël Robuchon.

The kitchen’s precision extends beyond ingredient selection to include sustainability practices initiated during the restaurant’s 2015 renovation. Custom-designed Charvet equipment, advanced filtration systems, and water-saving technologies reduce environmental impact while increasing operational efficiency. Menus are redesigned four times annually to follow French seasonal cycles, with further updates as specific ingredients become available or retire from peak condition. This ensures each presentation reflects the best possible quality and timing.

Service Excellence and Hospitality Philosophy

The Forbes Travel Guide five-star service at Les Amis reflects a guest-focused philosophy where anticipating needs helps make dining a smooth and engaging experience. Staff possess deep knowledge of their specialties, whether presenting artisanal cheeses from Mons Formage Affineur or describing the origins of Burgundy vintages from the 3,000-label wine collection. The sommelier program includes one of Asia’s largest cellars, with over 8,000 bottles stored under controlled conditions, and the recently added Magnum Room offers private tastings among over 100 large-format bottles representing France’s major wine regions.

Guest feedback often notes the efficient coordination between service and kitchen teams, with servers responding naturally to personal preferences while sharing “intriguing details about ingredient origins and preparation methods to encourage deeper appreciation.” The restaurant’s reservation system manages everything from small gatherings to formal private dinners across five distinct spaces, including the chef’s table for guests wishing to observe the kitchen at work. TripAdvisor reviews frequently describe experiences as “stunning, simply stunning” with “excellence in taste, presentation and service” remaining a consistent theme.

Cultural Identity and Dining Experience

The restaurant’s design evokes a French salon environment through considered details that transport guests from Singapore’s Orchard Road into a setting influenced by the Parisian elegance of the 18th century. Three large arches in textured black stone open into interiors with European chandeliers, curated artwork, and velvet-covered walls that suggest a private gallery. The two floors accommodate 102 seats arranged for intimacy and comfort, creating a setting where the narrative of each course receives equal importance to its flavors.

This approach extends to the educational aspect of each meal, where servers provide context on regional traditions, ingredient origins, and Chef Lepinoy’s culinary background. The balance between maintaining French culinary heritage and applying modern sustainability measures shows how institutions can adapt while preserving their core identity. Les Amis offers not just French cuisine, but complete sensory experiences where design, sound, service rhythm, and ingredient quality operate together to uphold the founders’ intent of sharing French culture and gastronomy with guests who value culinary skill at the highest professional level.

Looking ahead, Les Amis is committed to continuing its role as a leading reference in fine dining while supporting new culinary talent and refining sustainable practices in luxury hospitality. Its dedication to seasonal menu evolution, wine program development, and chef mentorship ensures its continued influence on Asia’s dining scene. A 2025 Global Recognition Award affirms not only the restaurant’s strength in cuisine and service, but also its position as a cultural representative that has enhanced Singapore’s reputation as a fine dining destination while maintaining the principles of French haute cuisine for guests seeking carefully crafted dining experiences.