Looking to get your French fix without breaking the bank? Here are seven authentic French restaurants serving classics like French onion soup, croque monsieur, and more
Want fine French food without white tablecloths, tiny portions, avant-garde platings, and a bill that looks like a phone number? We’ve got your back with our round-up of seven of our favourite French restaurants in Singapore that serve up authentic dishes like duck confit, galettes, French onion soup, and French wines at prices that won’t break the bank.
Garçons
French food doesn’t always have to be a stuffy, haute dining affair. Chef-owners, Enoch Teo and Immanuel Tee, serve up classic French fare with modern flair at reasonable prices. On the menu you’ll find favourites like oxtail stew ($19.20), French onion soup ($7.90), escargots ($12.90), and the signature duck rillete served with pickled gherkins and a rustic French baguette ($8.60)
Breton Restaurant & Bar (Previously The French Stall)
Little India might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re on the hunt for French food, but Breton Restaurant & Bar has gained quite a following for its affordable and authentic French dishes. While its rebranding has placed a focus on affordable lobster ($39!), the French classics that earned this restaurant its name still remain. The crowd-pleasing favourite, the lamb shank in Breton “BBQ” sauce, still goes for a pocketーfriendly $26.
Breton Restaurant & Bar, 544 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218166. p. 6299 3544
Saveur
First opened in a coffee shop in Joo Chiat, this no-frills restaurant has opened four branches across Singapore, where they serve up hearty French standards like beef bourguignon ($20.90), signature duck confit ($14.90) and steak frites ($29.90). Also not to be missed is the créme brûlée ($5.90).
La Petite Cuisine
Searching for French food without the chi-chi ambience? Then make your way to this humble eatery at Serene Centre to savour some unpretentious and delectable French cuisine like escargots ($15.50), duck confit ($17.50) and dory in basquaise sauce ($14). Don’t let the simple and unpolished exterior of the shop dissuade you; the food here is the real deal.
La Petite Cuisine, #01-05 Serene Centre, 10 Jalan Serene, Singapore 258748, p. 6314 3173.
O’Batignolles
Owned by Parisian-born couple, Antoine and Marie, this cosy French bistro cuts out the middleman and works directly with independent vineyards in France, allowing them to price great wine brands at extremely affordable prices – from $7 a glass to $35 a bottle. Their extensive menu features over 50 French wines, some of which are only exclusive to the restaurant. You won’t go hungry here either, as the menu offers French classics like quiche lorraine ($14), duck parmentier ($24), and croque-monsieur ($20).
O’Batignolles, 2 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069247, p. 6438 3913
Ô Comptoir
Love crepes? This industrial-style creperie should already be one of your favourite dining spots. First-timers should try their signature dish, the galette, a savoury buckwheat crepe filled with combinations of meat, cheese and vegetables. They even offer Asian-inspired versions like the Khao San Road ($20). Wash down your crepe with their huge selection of reasonably-priced French-style ciders.
Ô Comptoir, 79 Circular Rd, Singapore 049433, p. 6534 7645; Open Sun-Fri 11am-12am. Closed on Sat.
Entre Nous Crêperie
Another place to get your fix of authentic French Crêpes is Entre Nous Crêperie, which specialises in cuisine from Brittany (the birthplace of the confection). Set up by a French couple, the crêperie dishes out both savoury and sweet crêpes with equal flair. Of the savouries, the Entre-nous with mashed avo, garlic, cream and fresh prawns will keep you satisfied without feeling full. You’ll want to save room for dessert too – toppings for the sweet crepes include everything from homemade sorbet to grated coconut. Down yours with a glass of French apple cider for the full experience.
Entre-Nous Crêperie, 27 Seah Street, Singapore 188383, p. 6333 4671