Bistro Gaston

Bistro Gaston is a French bistro and wine bar at 25 Keong Saik Road, built around the food and wine of Burgundy. The owner comes from the region, and the menu sticks to hearty, comforting French dishes.

It runs as an all-day bistro, so it works for a long lunch, an early glass of wine or a full dinner. The mood is friendly and relaxed.

What to order

Start with Burgundy classics. Escargots come in pastry shells with garlic and parsley butter. Gougères are small cheese puffs, and croquettes bourguignonnes are filled with Époisses cheese and smoked ham. Oeuf en meurette, a poached egg in red wine sauce with bacon and onions, is another dish from the region.

For mains, the beef bourguignon follows a recipe the menu credits to Madame Daurelle. Other choices include:

• Pôchouse bourguignonne: a fish stew with barramundi, mussels and scallop
• Poulet Gaston-Gérard: free-range chicken in a creamy mustard sauce
• Charcoal-grilled steaks, such as ribeye with béarnaise or flank steak with shallot sauce
• Sharing plates for groups, such as braised rabbit legs in mustard sauce or a large grilled beef rump

There is also a charcuterie and cheese list. Look for jambon persillé, a ham and parsley terrine from Burgundy, and Comté aged for different lengths of time. Desserts include profiteroles, pain perdu made with brioche and a tart of the day. The chef also writes up specials that change often, depending on what is good at the market, so ask the staff what is on.

The wine list

Wine is a big part of a visit here. The list leans heavily towards Burgundy, and house wines come by the glass or carafe. Before dinner, try a kir, the Burgundy aperitif of white Aligoté wine with blackcurrant liqueur. If wine is your main interest, our guide to wine bars in Singapore has more ideas.

Good to know before you go

• Tables can be booked through the bistro's website, which uses Chope.
• A private room called La Cabane can be booked for groups and events.
• There is a set lunch and a brunch menu, as well as the main à la carte menu.
• Gaston Mini Mart, the bistro's shop, sells French wines, cold cuts, terrines and condiments, in person or online.
• Ask about the corkage policy if you plan to bring your own bottle.

Getting there

Keong Saik Road is a short street of restored shophouses on the edge of Chinatown. The bistro's website says Outram Park MRT station is about a five-minute walk away, using exit H. If you drive, there are car parks nearby, including one at Craig Place.

Nearby

A Hotel Chinatown is further along Keong Saik Road. HENRI Wine Bistro & Bakery on Kreta Ayer Road is a short walk away, and Burma Social is on Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar. Our Tanjong Pagar and Keong Saik guide covers the area in more detail. You can also browse more European and Italian restaurants or all restaurants in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. Menus are on the Bistro Gaston website.