Are you a fine-dining lover heading to Singapore? And this in search of the possibly best three-star Michelin restaurant here? Maybe a nearby luxury hotel would also suit you? Then I might help out. When my husband and I planned our fourth stopover in Singapore, we wanted to stay in a part of the city where we had not been before. Plus, we longed for having a second dinner at the three-star Michelin Restaurant Les Amis Singapore where we had eaten back in 2019. It was awarded two Michelin stars back then, and we enjoyed here maybe one of the best meals we ever had. As regulars at COMO Hotels and Resorts, we knew about the recently opened COMO Metropolitan Singapore. And as it is located in the Orchard Road area – where Les Amis Singapore is too – , we found it perfect for our purposes.
Before coming to our recent Singapore trip, here first a brief look back at our earlier stays in this city. Precisely, I want to go into the lodgings where we have already stayed. Plus, I would like to let you know why Restaurant Les Amis Singapore stood out to us at the time.
Fabulous luxury hotels in Singapore – our past choices
When visiting Singapore for the the first time in 2015, my husband and I wanted to be at the famous Raffles Hotel Singapore.
This longtime landmark with its colonial-style architecture is some kind of “living national monument”. And we enjoyed our stay here immensely. Having said that, rates here have skyrocketed meanwhile – after a costly renovation.
On our return visit to Singapore in 2016, we opted for another prominent hotel in town. It is about the favorably located Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.
This accommodation – opened in 2010 – is on the historic Clifford Pier only steps away from some major attractions. My husband and I loved the contemporary guest room with unobstructed views of the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay in particular.
When coming back to this city in 2019, we chose yet another hotel. And this time it was in the historic Tanjong Pagar district. This area, not that known with non-natives, is just south of Chinatown. Its situation is not only central enough but has an additional feature. Precisely, there are lots of beautiful ancient shophouses lining the streets. Unfortunately, the property we stayed at the time – Six Senses Maxwell,
a restored colonial-style building – does no longer operate under the Six Senses brand. It closed down in May 2020 after being opened only in December 2018.
On our last Singapore trip in 2019, we had been looking for a dining spot to celebrate a special occasion. This led us to the award-winning Les Amis Singapore (two Michelin stars at the time). First, we found the pricing a bit steep yet it soon became evident that Restaurant Les Amis is a top-tier dining experience worth every penny! Not only the food – modern French classics with ingredients sourced from France – was excellent,
but the ambiance and the service too. And the same was true for the wines – they were happy to show us the really impressive wince cellar
back then. As we had so fond memories of our dinner at Les Amis Singapore, my husband and I craved for another visit to this place!
Our 2025 Singapore stay in style
Now to our recent Singapore style, which was short but intense. We used this city as stopover destination back home from Australia where we spent a wonderful time in Western Australia (find my posts here: itinerary, staying & dining in style, best activities). When flying in from Perth late in the evening, we skipped the dinner on this day. And as we flew out the evening after next – again late – , we only had one full day for our Singapore adventure. During the day, we revisited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the evening, we dined at Restaurant Les Amis Singapore, again for a special occasion as last time.
In the following, I want you to know how it was staying and dining in style in Singapore. And I have a third treat for you as well, at least in case you are a pastry lover. This is because Hotel COMO Metropolitan Singapore – where we lodged –
houses a pastry shop of the celebrated Cédric Grolet.
He used to be pastry chef at the Michelin starred Restaurant Le Meurice in Paris. And he has become a social media sensation with millions of followers because of his new approach on pastry.
1. Hotel COMO Metropolitan Singapore
As already informed, we chose this hotel because we had experienced satisfying stays at other COMO properties in the past. In the case of COMO Metropolitan Singapore, it is the first of the locally based COMO hotel group to open in Singapore. Unfortunately, upon our late arrival, we were told that it was COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s second anniversary. Thus, a huge party was underway. That meant that the lobby lounge and the rooftop bar were closed to hotel guests. They referred us to their COTE Restaurant & Bar for a drink, but their barman “forgot” us after handing out the menu. So, we left and tried their main restaurant, COMO Cuisine. Sadly, it was almost empty and they were preparing to close for the night. In consequence, we retreated to our room for a night cap from their (complimentary) mini bar.
Guest rooms
After this – not that ideal start – we settled into the guest room, one of 156 in total over 11 floors. It was clean-lined and contemporary, furnished with high-end furniture. I liked how stylish it was, but I was perplexed that there was already some damage (missing closet handle, scratched floor). And the lighting setup was barely understandable. Yet overall, I was content with the room (Emerald Room).
I not only liked its design but also its size (36 sqm) and its city views through wall-to-wall windows. Plus, I found it moderately priced (410 S$/250 SFR/324 US$ without breakfast).
Facilities
As to COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s facilities, the 19-story tower gathers all the COMO brands under one roof, from the mentioned luxury hospitality to the fashion retail to wellness and dining. As to the spa, there is the first-rate COMO Shambhala. Plus, two floors are here for Club 21, a fashion retailer. Then there are the already mentioned COTE Singapore, an outpost of a Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse, COMO Cuisine and Cédric Grolet Patisserie (see the section after next). Plus, you find the Sky Bar and the Lobby Lounge on the premises.
Apart from our breakfast at Cédric Grolet – see further down – , my husband and I had breakfast at COMO Cuisine too. As to its interiors, I would describe them as a bit strange, mildly put. The supports are covered with silver foam sheets tied with bands. And the chairs have the appearance of such ones you use in an outdoor setting. They serve a cuisine representing Singapore’s different populations groups. In terms of breakfast, a continental one is available plus a number of hot dishes. To my surprise, the offerings at the breakfast counter (continental) only included pastries, cereals, yoghurt pots, seasonal fruits, green salad and toast. That was it, you found here no cheese, cold cuts or bread (other than toast).
Regarding the Sky Bar on the roof top – along a lovely pool – ,
we only had a look around. You really have impressive city views from here. And the present server was friendly enough to show us the premises.
In the Lobby Lounge Bruno is on duty. This is the hotel’s resident robot barista, a real fun thing! And the offer is complimentary for hotel guests.
Service wise, we generally considered the staff throughout the hotel as polite, considerate and helpful.
2. Restaurant Les Amis Singapore
I have already shared some details about Les Amis Singapore above.
Again, we had here one of the most memorable dinner we ever had! It was even more impressive than last time, maybe because we had this time the tasting menu (565 S$/343 SFR/447 US$) or they had received their third Michelin star in the meantime. But first things first. We were amiably received by the host, who ushered us to the same (excellent) table we had last time. The interiors had been redone since our visit in 2019, yet the dining room kept the same elegant attire it had.
Unchanged was also the graceful attitude of the staff. Even the maître d’ was the same as last time.
Just as on our first visit, he made a great contribution to making our dinner a truly enjoyable one!
Back story Restaurant Les Amis Singapore
Les Amis Singapore is a thoroughly French Restaurant that has been in business since 1994. At the time, it was Singapore’s first independent fine-dining spot. It was founded by like-minded friends – hence the name “Les Amis”, “Friends” in English – who loved France, its culture and cuisine. The chef here is Sebastien Lepinoy, who has been in charge since 2013. He uses only prized seasonal ingredients, sourced from all over France. In 2016, he made Les Amis one of just six restaurants to be rated two-stars when the Michelin Guide debuted in Singapore. And that was not all! In September 2019, just weeks after we dined here for the first time, the dining spot was promoted to three stars.
Regarding our recent experience at Les Amis, food wise, it even exceeded our (skyhigh) expectations.
Food experience at Restaurant Les Amis Singapore
It was a true epicurean experience from A to Z at Restaurant Les Amis Singapore, one highlight followed another. As mentioned we opted for the Tasting Menu, which came in 13 parts. In contrast to most other fine-dining spots, bread plays a major role throughout the dinner. The experience started with a large loaf of Sourdough Bread that was presented before us. After enjoying a slice with their Beillevaire Artisanal Butter, already the snacks came with another piece of bread, a mini croissant. Next was one of my personal favorites of the meal, Parisian Style Egg Mimosa with Oscietra Caviar from Sologne. Again, it was paired with a small baguette. Minutes after the course was served, another savory pastry arrived. And then it was time to make our choice from a richly stocked bread trolley. It was delivered after the fish course, Line-Caught Turbot form L’Île-d’Yeu.
A granita made of five different summer herbs cleaned the palate. Then the dinner proceeded in the same excellent vein it started! A fabulous Duck from Vendée with Foie Gras made up the main course. Eventually, the cheese trolley appeared, from which the maître d’ put together two plates for us to share according our wishes. And of course, bread came with it as well. The pre-dessert was their signature dark chocolate tart, decorated for the occasion. An Apple Soufflé with Calvados and Cider Ice Cream followed. Finally, the feast was rounded up with a few petit fours.
Before leaving the restaurant, it was time for a visit to the wine cellar – as last time. Again, it was filled with an astonishing selection of French wines.
3. Cédric Grolet Singapore
Back story Cédric Grolet
Now to the star patissier Cédric Grolet. As already mentioned he did his most important career step at the restaurant at Hotel Le Meurice in Paris when he became head pastry chef in 2013. At the time, the restaurant was helmed by Yannick Alléno (from 2003 to 2013) who got three Michelin stars in 2007. When Alain Ducasse took it over in 2013, he gave Grolet the chance to create the desserts on his menu. Although Le Meurice lost its third star three years later, this seemed to have no negative impact on the head pastry chef’s further career. Alain Ducasse gave him two tasks. First, he wanted him to cut back the sweetness and instead highlight the natural tase of the ingredients. Second, he should create desserts that stimulate the senses. And so Cédric Grolet specialized in fruit-based desserts that look identical to the real fruit.
In 2018, he was named the “World’s Best Pastry Chef” and opened his first pastry shop within Le Meurice Paris. A second one in Paris followed soon, then three more in London, Singapore and Saint-Tropez. And he expanded his product range from sculpted fruits to piped floral pastries, croissants and others. In 2025, the successful entrepreneur opened his latest shop, and this in Monaco at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. At the same time, he also joined as the executive pastry chef for this venue.
My history with Cédric Grolet
Although I am not an avid social media user, I became aware of Cédric Grolet on Instagram. Here he has been publishing posts about how he makes his appealing sweet creations for ten years. From what I read, he meanwhile has over 20 million followers. Plus, he leads a team of 450 employees. I found this impressive and wanted to visit one of his shops on my travels the first time an occasion arises.
To my total surprise, I discovered that there was a Cédric Grolet shop at the hotel my husband and I had booked for our recent Singapore stopover (COMO Metropolitan Singapore). Of course, I took the chance to have breakfast here, which was easy to arrange by the way. In this context I have to admit that I was a bit worried about the outcome of this experience. This was because the Google critics for this spot were not really good. And this was the case not only for Singapore but for at all his other shops I checked. So, I was curious what would be in store for us at Cédric Grolet Singapore.
How it was at Cédric Grolet Singapore
We had booked the first slot in the morning (08:30 AM) on a weekday). Upon arrival, we found the stylish café astonishingly unbusy.
We had pre-ordered a savory breakfast set for 85 S$ (52 SFR/68 US$) per person, which includes a a sweet part too. Alternatively, you can opt for a sweet breakfast set only (60 S$/37 SFR/ 48 US$). And there is also the option to go for à la carte. While this might sound like a lot of money for a breakfast, you get much value for money.
First, they served a giant Croissant, followed by the second (savory) course. Here we could make our choice out of Avocado Toast, Benedict Croissant, Quiche Lorraine or Jambon Beurre (basically a ham sandwich). My husband selected the Avocado Toast, I went for the Quiche Lorraine. Before I could savor my croissant, the quiche came. And I could not believe how huge it was. The avocado toast was a bit less so but still big. Finally, the sweet part was served. It was about two beautiful waffles paired with vanilla double cream and caramelized pecan custard. I would describe them as normal in size but the accompaniments were rather substantial.
In terms of how everything tasted, the quality met my (high) expectations. I took the Croissant away and had it later in the afternoon. It was still excellent, lighter and less buttery than I expected. The quiche was rich and flavorful, one of the better I have ever had. And the waffles were exquisite (and beautiful), different from all the others I have ever tasted. Plus, the caramelized pecan custard was heavenly! I spooned up the rest when we finished the waffles … As to the service, it was friendly, subtle and attentive. A staff member brought me more napkins when he thought I could use them, and he was right! The experience we had at Cédric Grolet was wonderful – I cannot fault it at all. And I cannot understand the bad reviews!
Date of stay: September 2025
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The post Where to go in Singapore for great 3-star Michelin dining plus nearby lodging first appeared on Swiss Traveler
