14 French eateries that will transport you to Paris

You may not ever be able to dine in a museum, but dining at Mad About Sucre is as close as it gets. The gourmet restaurant cum French patisserie cum haute chocolaterie is housed in an unassuming space with cheery yellow windows and a tantalising sweets counter. But, walk further in and you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking art gallery-style interior boasting colourful walls with ever-moving light projections that’ll transport you to an avant garde immersive art exhibit.

This summer, Mad About Sucre has introduced a limited-edition menu meant to evoke a picturesque European summer. Expect dishes with a French influence such as the French Foie Gras with Grilled Wild-Caught Prawn Salad (where the geese are not force-fed!) and Filet of Sea Barramundi, a French bouillabaisse classic reimagined with grilled wild-caught barramundi.

Desserts-wise, be prepared to be marvelled by pastries such as Kakao and Hey Peachy, which come in the shape of their namesakes! The egg and dairy-free Kakao combines rich dark chocolate, calamansi and bourbon whiskey, while Hey Peachy contains aromatic oolong tea cream and fresh juicy peach cubes. All desserts are available with a tea or cocktail pairing.

Mad About Sucre is at 27 Teo Hong Road, Singapore 088334.

Pass by Chez Suzette and you’ll be taken by its pretty al fresco patio, large arched windows, rustic rattan seats, and potted plants that beckon diners to hang out and watch the world go by.

Inside, the cosy two-storey cafe and all-day bistro is equally welcoming with minimalist decor flecked with rattan furnishings and earthy tones. It’s opened by a husband-and-wife duo (the place is named after the wife, Suzette Simon), and you can look forward to a medley of French classics and all-day breakfast items.

Line your bellies with the likes of duck leg confit, crepes, eggs benedict and egg mayo croissant, as well as freshly baked pastries, and artisanal coffee.

Chez Suzette is at 5 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088383.

Those acquainted with French wines in Singapore may know of wine distributor Aether Wines & Spirits. And it has just unveiled a new cafe, Aether House.

Nestled inside boutique hotel SO Sofitel, it emanates relaxed and stylish Parisian flair with French windows, pastel hues of mint and pink, rattan furnishings and floor tiles atypical of those in a Parisian bistro. Settle down into delish plates crafted with traditional French recipes, artisanal coffees, pastries and of course, a curation of exceptional wines.

There’s also a unique selection of wine books and collector’s editions on display in the store.

Aether House is at #01-05 SO/ Singapore, 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876.

A specialty crepes store by Merci Marcel, French Fold doles out authentic galettes enveloping tasty savoury fillings like Comte cheese, mushrooms, and ham with a sunny-side-up, as well as crepes with sweet fillings such as fresh berries and jam. You can enjoy the latter with artisanal botanical gelato from local brand Birds of Paradise.

Pots of plants, hanging foliage and botanical murals add to the lush tropical appeal of the space, which is also doused in shades of calming pine green, yellow, and wood tones.

Recently, it’s also opened a second outlet at Palais Renaissance, situated on the same premise as the current Merci Marcel flagship outlet.

French Fold is at 204 Telok Ayer Street Singapore, Singapore 068640, and 390 Orchard Road, #01-02, Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871.

Odette highlights modern French cuisine that’s guided by Chef Julien Royer’s respect for seasonality, terroir, and artisanal produce. Easily likened to a Michelin-starred experience in Paris, Odette’s fine dining and earnest meals have drawn many to its dining room. The soft natural lighting and pastel-like interiors call to its Parisian inspirations.

Odette is located at 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01-04 National Gallery, Singapore 178957, tel: 6385 0498

While Odette is named for his grandmother, chef Julien’s newest concept which opened late last year in partnership with the Lo & Behold Group is named after his mother, Claudine.

Delivering a more accessible approach to French dining (compared to Odette, anyway), he presents a menu centred around Parisian classics and traditional family recipes that the chef and his team dearly miss from home.

The interiors are equally charming too — occupying what was formerly a gothic chapel and later on modern European restaurant White Rabbit, it boasts warm hues, elegant furnishings and botanical touches that recall a French bistro.

Claudine is at 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541.

Sink your teeth into a slew of tempting French viennoiseries and pastries, from croissants to butter horns, at the new Henri, helmed by the same team behind bakery cafe Bread and Hearth. There’s a decidedly traditional French touch to its decor, with the interiors decked in rich burnished wood furnishings as well as vintage-style floral wallpaper.

If you’re there for lunch or dinner (12pm to 3pm, and 6pm to 10pm), you’ll be treated to plates like steak frites, duck confit, lamb rack with porto sauce, and pasta.

Bonus: There’s a pet-friendly outdoor seating space, too.

Henri is at 48 Pekin St, #01-01, Singapore 048778. 

If you like vintage decor and a garden-like aesthetic, you’ll be charmed by Le Jardin. Opened by the same people behind flower-themed cafe Nicole’s Flower, the restaurant serves up French and European cuisine.

There’s an outdoor space, where the vibe is casual with a vintage touch and dotted with rattan chairs, marble tables, and patterned tiles — like the ones you’ll find at sidewalk cafes in the City of Light.

Inside, it draws on Victorian decor, with crystal chandeliers and foliage overhead as well as a quaintness inspired by French garden cottages. Botanical murals further add to the mood, and it’s hard to miss the table of fresh flowers. You can bring home some of the magic too; in-house floral bouquets are available for sale.

Le Jardin is at 5 Cox Terrace, Level 2, Fort Canning Arts Centre, Singapore 179620.

For traditional and humble French cooking, Brasserie Gavroche has rustic French recipes that have been enjoyed by Parisians daily. With timeless and classic dishes like Charcuterie ($32), Salade Niçoise ($24), to mains like Gratin De Fruits De Mer Thermidor ($48) a lobster and seafood Thermidor served with butter rice, and Steak Frites Et Sauce Béarnaise ($52).

Brasserie Gavroche is located at 66 Tras St, Singapore 079005, tel: 6225 8266

For those who want the same heart and taste behind Brasserie Gavroche but for a more casual affair, Café & Bar Gavroche is their Parisian cafe alternative. We recommend dropping by in the morning while the natural light illuminates their café. With vintage mosaic tiles and cobblestone courtyard floors, you’ll easily feel transported to Europe. Try their Planche de Conchonailles ($25) as a cold platter selection or Boeuf Bourguignon ($28) if you’re looking for something more hearty.

Café & Bar Gavroche is located at 69 Tras St, Singapore 079008, tel: 6225 4869

For a lifestyle cafe that’s a blend of France and Singapore, Merci Marcel is an inspired tropical cafe. The hints of Bauhaus architecture and eclectic vintage pieces with colourful accents are a beautiful embrace of Parisian aesthetics. Open all day, their menu ranges from breakfast classics like Pain au chocolat ($3.5) and Croque Marcel ($23), their take on Croque Monsieur. Or drop by dinner for Duck Rillettes ($18) Ravioles de Royans ($22), a French dumpling pasta filled with cheese and spinach, foie gras emulsion and hazelnuts.

Merci Marcel Orchard is located at 390 Orchard Road, 01-03 Palais Renaissance, 238871, tel: 6735 2608

Founded by two French owners, this bistro uses only the freshest ingredients, mostly flown in from France. You can try their signature classics like Fois Gras Poêlé ($24), free flow Escargots on Wednesdays ($18) and Bar Façon Bouillabaisse ($38).

L’Angelus is located at 85 Club St, Singapore 069453, tel: 6225 6897

A hole in the wall cafe with rustic and homey decor, Choupinette is one for those who want something more intimate and casual. Their Egg’s Royal’s Set ($27) is their signature dish and we recommend you give it a try.

Choupinette is located at 607 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269708, tel: 6466 0613

Bistro Du Vin is a French bistro that delivers an authentic dining experience. From the furnishing to the music and memorabilia decorated around the walls, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in another country while you’re dining here. Try their Chèvre Chaud ($22), a warm goat cheese wrapped in filo pastry, honey, walnuts and hazelnuts, or Risotto de Homard ($48), a lobster tail confit with saffron risotto and seasonal vegetables.

Bistro Du Vin is located at 1 Scotts Rd, #01 – 14, Singapore 228208, tel: 6733 7763

A version of this article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.

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