The famed French museum has fully opened in the beautiful heritage building atop Fort Canning Park, and there’s more to it than ancient Asian artifacts and classical works of art. Here’s where to eat and shop when you’re at the Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris.
FOOD & DRINK
For cocktails…
If you’re an Ethan Leslie Leong/Maison Ikkoku/Bar Stories groupie then Fort (#01-02/03) should be the next cocktail destination. While it’s positioned as a full-fledged degustation-based modern European restaurant, Leong’s forte still lies in kooky cocktails. The dim and predominantly concrete space is offset by super reflective mirror counter-style tabletops and various forms of Edison lightbulbs. There isn’t a drinks menu, so everything here is made bespoke. Just be warned, it’s all quite sweet.
For French fare…
It’s a welcome relief to find out that Balzac Brasserie (#B1-08) lives again, after closing their Hotel Rendezvous digs a few months ago. The cozy restaurant still follows the same bistro feel, but in plusher surrounds. The mahogany wood palette is now swapped for a serene dove gray and wood color scheme, but the food remains hearty and delicious. There are dishes of summer truffle ravioli and braised wagyu beef cheek, complemented by an extensive wine list.
For Indian-Mexican food…
Next door to Balzac Brasserie is Myra’s (#B1-05/06/07), a classier reincarnation of its original East Coast beach bar premises. The open-concept restaurant retains its mixed-bag menu of hearty Mexican and North Indian fare. Don’t ask us why the two are combined, but crowd-pleasers like fajitas, burritos and nachos, alongside tandoori chicken and curries isn’t a bad option for large groups. Plus, they’ve got jugs of sangria and margaritas.
For a sweet tooth craving…
Peeking out behind the museum shop is Giojio Concepts (#01-01), an Italian-style gelataria serving Giovanni L gelatos from Hamburg. The same spot houses American chowder stall Seattle Pike Chowder, which serves scallop, South Pacific, smoked salmon and Manhattan chowders.
SHOP
For trinkets…
The museum’s official shop La Boutique Pinacotheque (B1) sells a little bit of everything. From books dedicated to art and handmade precious stone jewelry to decorative homeware and various posters and postcards of the galleries’ key works. The airy store is located next to Myra’s.
For a slice of Singapore…
Heritage brand and boutique Arch Singapore (#01-04/05) has set up shop in the museum, too. The store is lined with 2D and 3D art pieces that have been carved into thin wood veneer boards. The extremely detailed works depict various scenes from the flora and fauna native to Singapore and the region and iconic monuments like Marina Bay Sands to traditional kebaya.
