We were put into a side room and had privacy but pretty much forgotten. We started with a nice array of breads. Each dish was well put together but can’t really say they were memorable. Special mentions for the fish and the dessert. Service was attentive and on point and the teas were amazing. Added a a lovely cheese platter. It was Mother’s Day but no special treatment.
Live2eaT
3
Did not make any reservation and just walked in for lunch at 1 pm.
Overall food is good but not sure if it deserves the Michelin 1 star and at this price point.
Nuts used in butter and bread was rancid. The Japanese fish and eel dish was very salty to the extent it felt like chef was using seasoning to mask the lack of freshness of the seafood. The food flavours in general is quite simple, nothing too innovative expected with Michelin.
Staff is polite but seems to be in a rush from 2 pm onwards. Did not seek permission before removing the bread and butter.
Love the lemongrass tea with mint and chef was patient to explain and show me these.
Overall I would agree with some of the other reviews that this is expensive for what you get. With a glass of red wine the meal for 1 pax is a few bucks shy of S$300. Overall still an enjoyable experience.
Rommel Irwan
5
Came here with my wife on a Thursday evening. Overall experience here:
1) Reservation: Simple and easy via website. Someone will call and provide a link to make payment for reservation confirmation.
2) Restaurant: quite hidden at the far end of Mandarin Galley (within Hilton Orchard) at the 2nd level. Environment is warm, rather homely & rustic classic European feel. We sat at the kitchen counter few sits away from another couple which started their courses early. Awesome to see the kitchen in action. I think it was a rather quiet service evening for them.
3) Staff service: superb here. The restaurant somm was not available but both front waiting staff were excellent. Friendly and took their time with us. We opted for 6 glasses wine pairing with the full 9 courses menu. Initially we wanted to take a 9 course for myself and a 6 course for my wife (she wanted the pigeon) but were informed they were not able to do so as this will disrupt the flow of service & experience for both us
4) Special request: my wife usually avoid carbs and sweet desserts. This was informed at the point of reservation and Happy, one of their front managers called me to inform that they would do their best to accommodate. My request to replace one of the sake pairing with their house made Umeshu wine is also graciously accepted :)
Since we took the full course menu, my wife’s request for her main (miyazaki beef) to be replaced with the Pigeon is also accepted.
5) Food: my favorite is definitely the cold mushroom soup (signature mushroom quartet) with chawanmushi at the bottom. The sake pairing was on the spot!
We also loved the Morel mushroom starter dish.
The Foie Gras Bao is also out of the world. I must say wife’s Pigeon main dish was better than my beef!
Also, they replaced her dessert with a nice array of fruits.
The weakest link here was the fish dish. Thought the flavor did not really jive to the whole flow.
Overall, very satisfied with our experience here
WS
5
Had a great 6 course lunch at Beni! Service was great - the hostess was warm and friendly, and explained dishes clearly. Food was good - subtle flavours that meshed really well together, and beautiful presentation. The lamb in particular was executed perfectly. I also loved the mignardises and that the kitchen was open but calm and not chaotic.
Keegan Teo
3
Staff were great. Two of the six dishes we had were exceptional, and the rest were pretty average.
1. I wish they did just one bread, and make it really good, instead of having a whole bag of mediocre ones.
2. Madai and Buri were the starters and the best courses in my view. both were full of flavours that left lingering tastes in your mouth. The Mushroom Quartet was as expected; there wasn't anything to make it particularly outstanding, which one would expect of a Michelin restaurant.
3. For Challand Duck, the breast could have been better seasoned. The foie gras was the highlight for this dish.
4. Desserts. The pistachio ice cream was pre-dessert; nothing to shout about. The main Sakura dessert was an odd combination of flavours with matcha, sakura jelly, almond crust and orange. The matcha ice cream was too sweet and overpowered everything else. Petit four at the end were pretty average.
Would give credit to the service staff for the elaborate details on each dish. Felt that they could interact or engage in a little small talk to make the dinner extra special in this cosy space. I personally like the ambience although some reviews below think otherwise. The open kitchen allows you to observe how the chefs manage the orders, and the intricacy required in their work. Food-wise, hit or miss for the courses.
Vivian Mok
5
“Disappointed” would be the one word that summarises my lunch experience with Beni today.
Brought my husband here for his birthday and nothing was done to make this occasion special for us. Not even have a thought to write “happy birthday” somewhere. Big thumbs down for this one.
Anyway, talk about food, we picked the Precieux menu ($268++).
We did enjoy the freshly baked bread and its special olive oil and had a high expectation of the food that’s coming after it.
Overall food quality is good, flavour is there, but nothing really says “WOW” on my palate.
Both my husband and I didn't particularly enjoy eating the fish with editable scales. Something could be eaten doesn’t necessary mean it’s enjoyable to be eaten. I had so many fine fish bones got stuck in between my teeth and I was very apprehensive the whole time while eating this dish.
Presentation was alright. Definitely looks better on website than in real life.
Staffs could also improve in their “storytelling” skills.
Petite four (actually 5), was actually surprisingly good considering all the above.
Overall, my rating and opinion on this restaurant is based on price-quality-ratio. In my humble opinion, I’d rather spend $268++ elsewhere.
R L
4
Went for new year and anniversary celebration. Food is ok for a Michelin 1-star restaurant with good platings, although the taste can be better in my mind. I like the different types of breads very much. Personally think the taste of truffle is not as expected. Sea urchin may best served in raw instead of half cooked. Service is good here is good and up to the standards. Atmosphere here is just simple but pleasant, so just relax to enjoy the food.
K
5
We had a really wonderful experience and delicious meal at Beni. The staff and chefs are very nice and friendly, and the food were all solidly executed. Dishes we particularly enjoyed included White Asparagus, Signature Mushroom Quartet, and the Mignardises. Would recommend a visit!
Sasa Swift
3
I rated based on the value of money. 3 of us spent $S955 including taxes. We think this place is overrated with culinary skills and good quality. Most of all, the ambiance doesn't suggest that this is a place for celebration or a quiet romantic night. A tiny room allowed only 2 or 3 tables ( we occupied 2 tables which means 4 pax). There is no privacy.
C. Y. So
5
Had a wonderful lunch at Beni. Loved every course of it. The food display is as nice as an art piece and the taste is great too. The service is meticulously good too but the explanation can be clearer. I’ve enjoyed myself and will definitely go back again.