A short and high yielding enantioselective synthesis of (-)-bestatin, a naturally occurring aminopeptidase inhibitor, is described Via L-proline-catalyzed asymmetric alpha-amination of 3-phenylpropionaldehyde as the key reaction. The methodology also involves a Pd-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of an allylic acetate giving a trans-oxazoline in a highly diastereoselective manner (dr > 14:1). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.