Welcome to La Terrace, Claudine’s answer to elegant but casual and relaxed French home cooking, delectably delicious with an affordable price point.
Affordable French dishes by a Michelin-starred chef? What a dream. When it comes to date night, I personally prefer dinner and drinks at a romantic restaurant. Almost every restaurant in the Dempsey enclave is high on my must-visit list, but none of them compares to Claudine. Who can say no to French fare served within an old chapel? But like most price-conscious Singaporeans, the price tag often means saving Claudine for an extra special celebration. Luckily for me (and other fellow frugal diners), the newly opened La Terrace is the answer to all our desires without the price tag – perfect for celebrations big and small.
La Terrace review: A secret garden within the famed Claudine
While you can enter La Terrace through Claudine’s restaurant area, I took the little hidden path through the greenery. You can’t see the alfresco area from the path, so I was very immersed in my Secret Garden moment when I stepped into the patio area, which was bathed in golden hour sunlight. On the way in, I spotted furry friends along the way, eagerly greeting the wait staff who came out with water bowls. Picturesque doesn’t even begin to cover how beautiful it looked.
From the inside, it feels like stepping into a luxury cottage in the middle of the lush French countryside. The interior captures a cosy but elegant ambience in an attempt to steer away from the intimidating fine dining vibe.
I’ll admit I still felt a little stiff (it’s Claudine, after all), but it didn’t take long for me to sit back with my dining companions and enjoy a spirited catch-up about our recent travels and work woes. Plus, we were treated to a wonderful view of the sunset.
French homecooking, done family-style
While Claudine serves high-class French fare, La Terrace does the same in an approachable way. Communal-style plates are perfect for group get-togethers – that means you get to try a bunch of different things!
In French fashion, you can find radishes ($12) on the menu served as a cold appetiser. Instead of large radish slices, La Terrace uses breakfast radishes, which are milder and sweeter with a hint of spice. The creamy garlic yogurt dip cuts through the peppery flavour, leaving your palate refreshed.
I even had the pleasure of trying zucchini flowers ($24) for the first time at La Terrace! These were expertly fried in a tempura batter, which created a crispy exterior. The zucchini flowers weren’t mushy and remained crisp with no greasy mouthfeel and a mild vegetal taste. Paired with the seasoned cottage cheese, they were delectably savoury and delicate.
The tapioca fritters ($12) are like levelled-up tater tots, and I’m absolutely here for it. They’re crispy on the outside and airy on the inside, with a texture similar to a potato. The big surprise is the filling of halloumi and comte cheese, which adds an extra layer of umami.
For a true treat yourself moment, go for the Hokkaido scallop crudo ($26). Diced in hearty chunks and dressed in yuzu kosho, it’s complemented by sweet blood orange segments and peppery radish slices. The chive and extra virgin olive oil cut through the acidity and bring a rounded balance in flavour.
Chicken rice, the French way
Decision paralysis be gone because when it comes to large plates, La Terrace offers a single option – the half-roasted chicken ($58). It’s a familiar dish made with staple ingredients you might have in your pantry. While it’s meant to be simple and without surprises, don’t underestimate how much you’ll enjoy it.
This La Terrace signature is a masterclass in how food doesn’t need any bells or whistles to be delicious. The only fanfare involved is a rich chicken jus served tableside, drizzled over a perfectly roasted half chicken that sits on a bed of Niigata rice. Add confit garlic, spring onions, and crispy chicken skin to the mix, and you’ve got yourself the most elevated pot of chicken rice you’ll ever have.
The secret is in the preparation. After a 12-hour brine, the chicken is vacuum-sealed and steamed for two hours before being dry-aged and roasted to utter perfection. That’s how you get crispy skin and moist chicken breast. It’s a labour of love and dedication that deserves full appreciation.
Every element in the dish is impeccably seasoned – I could continue eating the rice without chicken because of how fragrant it was. And if you need extra salt, add more chicken jus! The team leaves the sauce at the table because even they know that sauce and rice are the best combination.
Desserts you can’t skip
The one thing I highly recommend if you plan a visit to La Terrace: leave room for dessert. Just like the appetisers and main dish, La Terrace’s sweet treats are an absolute delight that’ll leave you with fond memories of an evening well spent.
I’d come back just to snack on the madeleines ($16) with a glass of wine. These bite-sized beauties are dusted with icing sugar and served warm – one of life’s little luxuries I adore. They’re crisp on the edges and pillowy soft inside. I had to resist ordering another portion for myself – that’s how good they were.
Alternatively, the lemon tart ($14) is a true balance of flavours. The lemon curd boggles my mind. How it’s able to hold its shape after being sliced, yet it’s velvety smooth without being gelatinous or firm, I’ll never understand. All I know is that it’s sweet and tart in equal measure, and the acidity is soothed by the vanilla cream served on the side. What a perfect ending.
La Terrace: Class up your next casual get-together
For anyone who finds Claudine a little intimidating or out of reach, La Terrace is the perfect alternative. Sophisticated without the sternness, you get the opportunity to savour Michelin-starred level food without the heart-aching price point. It’s affordable and impressive, ideal for date nights or classy get-togethers with friends, family, and the furkids.
I’d consider La Terrace a gateway into fine dining. After trying the food here, you might even be tempted to make a reservation for Claudine. I can relate because I’m thinking about it now.
Must-try dishes: Half-roasted chicken, freshly baked madeleines, zucchini flowers
How much: Small plates start from $8, half roasted chicken at $58, desserts from $14
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 5pm – 9.30pm; closed on Tuesdays
Address: La Terrace, 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541
