French cuisine may seem unapproachable or even daunting to the uninitiated, but that’s not true, not even in Singapore. To dine well and enjoy solid French fare, check out the following mix of casual bistros as well as upscale restaurants that showcase French cuisine in varying ways.
Bar-A-Thym Restaurant by Francois Mermilliod
If you enjoy watching chefs intricately prepare your meals, then head to Bar-A-Thym, where its open kitchen concept allows guests to peek into their unique cooking process that involves a plancha or flat top grill. With sustainable and ethical food procurement practices adopted by the restaurant, rest assured that only artisan-quality baked goods and sustainably sourced seafood are dished out here. From homemade charcuterie to steak tartare, there’s plenty of fine French fare to go around.
Bistro Du Vin
For a casual yet authentic French bistro experience, simply head to Bistro Du Vin, located along Scotts Road and opened by none other than Bordeaux-born, Rowan Atkinson lookalike, Philippe Pau. The director himself highly recommends the Pan-seared Foie Gras, Confit Ribeye and Isle Flottante, but feel free to order the Scottish salmon or escargots to share.
Gunther’s
Frequently touted as one of the best places in Singapore to enjoy modern French cuisine, Gunther’s is chef Gunther Hubrechsen’s eponymous restaurant along Purvis Street. Closed on Sundays, just head down any other day of the week to experience its meticulously crafted ala carte menu brimming with fine eats including Cold Angel Hair Pasta, Toro Carpaccio, Chicken Pot-au-feu and more.
Les Amis
With its three Michelin star accolade on its back, Les Amis continues to impress and prove itself worthy. Led by the highly decorated chef Sebastien Lepinoy, the restaurant boasts a memorable dining experience for those seeking meals influenced by Parisian haute cuisine. And while both lunch and dinner menus offer delicious, seasonal dishes, opt for the classic or degustation menus to truly get a taste of chef Lepinoy’s mastery.
Merci Marcel
Located at three different venues in town, Merci Marcel is a French dining concept that’s perfect for intimate brunches with friends and family. Because not only is there the toasted Croque Marcel, there are also the Ravioles de Royans and Tarte Flambee for those with a larger appetite. On top of that, you can always order cheese and charcuterie platters which showcase farmhouse cheeses sourced directly from artisan producers in Europe.
Odette
Now here’s a name that gets tossed around a lot, and for good reason. Housed in National Gallery Singapore, Odette is an elegant, French restaurant helmed by chef Julien Royer and inspired by his grandmother. With three Michelin stars and the title of Asia’s Best Restaurant 2019 under its belt, the refined locale is all about seasonal produce and bespoke menus. Come with an appetite for both food and gastronomy.
Saint Pierre
Another modern French restaurant with a series of accolades is the two-Michelin star Saint Pierre by Emmanuel Stroobant. Go for the Set Lunch that’s available as a three or four-course meal, or go big with the Adventure that displays all the best techniques and ingredients the restaurant has to offer. Saint Pierre also has the BYO Tuesdays which are corkage-free nights, as well as other highlights for special occasions.
