A short and high yielding enantioselective synthesis of (−)-bestatin, a naturally occurring aminopeptidase inhibitor, is described via l-proline-catalyzed asymmetric α-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).