Julien Royer

CHEF-OWNER, ODETTE

Award-winning Chef Julien Royer is co-owner of Odette, a three Michelin-starred modern French restaurantlocated at the iconic National Gallery Singapore. Born into a family of 4th generation farmers in Cantal, France,Royer spent his childhood foraging and harvesting in his family’s backyards. It cultivated in him an appreciationfor all that Mother Nature has to offer. To this day, those experiences continue to shape his philosophy andinspire him to bring authenticity to the table, underpinned by the principles of French cuisine though his years inAsia have infused his approach with a sense of place. In addition to being Chef-Owner of Odette, he is Chef-Patron of Claudine, a French neo-brasserie in Singapore, as well as founder of one Michelin-starred Louise, aFrench bistronomy-style restaurant in Hong Kong. 

As a restaurateur, Royer has come to be recognised aroundthe world for bringing a refreshing perspective on French dining and takes pride in grooming the next generationof talent, providing a platform for people to shine.Established in collaboration with The Lo & Behold Group, Odette offers a constantly evolving menu guided byRoyer’s lifelong respect for seasonality, terroir and artisanal produce sourced from boutique producers aroundthe world.Odette is named in tribute to Royer’s grandmother, one of his greatest influences in life and in thekitchen, and reflects her belief in always ensuring that the fundamental pleasures of enjoying a meal aredelivered in the most thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner.Royer has devoted years to forging lasting relationships with some of the finest boutique producers from aroundthe globe–including suppliers from Japan, France and Australia.

He takes pride in offering guests a uniqueopportunity to taste these exceptional ingredients at their peak in his restaurant in the heart of a city that is itselfat the crossroads of the world. The result of this devotion to sourcing is an inspired effort that celebrates andrespects seasonality, terroir as well as the skills of some of the world’s top boutique producers.“Odette is ultimately a celebration of people,” says Royer. “The people who grow and nurture our produce; thepeople who cook; the people who serve; and the people who entrust us with the honourof serving them.”Royer led Odette to its historic debut on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 list at 9th place–the highest newentry in the history of the list. The restaurant was also inducted into the prestigious Les Grandes Tables DuMonde in thesame year. In 2019, Odette received three Michelin stars and topped the Asia’s 50 BestRestaurants list to become Singapore as well as Asia’s Best Restaurant, while rising to No. 8 on World’s 50 BestRestaurants in 2021.In 2022, Odette was awarded thecoveted Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, whileChefJulien received the highest honour from Les Grandes Tables du Monde as the Restaurateurof the Year.In 2023,he was awarded the esteemed Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award, the only peer-voted accolade inThe World's50 Best Restaurants programme. The award honours a chef who has made a positive contribution to the globalculinary scene over the last year, as chosen by the teams behind the restaurants featured in the annual list.

Royer’s first venture into the kitchen under the legendary Michel Bras in Laguiole instilled in him a respect for theintegrity and purity of each ingredient in every dish. His career then took him from the French West Indies toLondon, before landing in Singapore in 2008. He has presented at events including Madrid Fusion Manila, aprestigious culinary conference, Ubud Food Festival, where he was the only Singapore-based chef present asone of the headlining personalities, and at Chefs Club in New York. Hehas served as mentor as well as judge atthe San Pellegrino Young Chef Competition, and was one of twelve global culinary superstars featured atHangar-7’s illustrious Michelin-starred guest chef concept Restaurant Ikarus, Austria