French Restaurants in Singapore

How to choose French restaurants in Singapore

French cooking has shaped fine dining around the world, and Singapore is no exception. The French restaurants in Singapore on this list range from long tasting menus to simpler meals. Some chefs follow classic recipes closely. Others add Japanese or local ingredients to French methods. Start by deciding how formal you want the evening to be.

Fine dining or bistro?

Fine dining

French fine dining usually means a set tasting menu of many small courses. Meals often start with an amuse-bouche, a small bite from the chef. They end with petits fours, tiny sweets served with coffee or tea. Odette, in the City Hall and Clarke Quay area, and Les Amis, in Orchard, are both listed under Fine Dining. Saint Pierre in Marina Bay and Lerouy in Orchard and River Valley also serve French food.

Bistro-style meals

A bistro is a small, relaxed restaurant with hearty food. Think steak frites (steak and chips), duck confit and onion soup. Some places sit between the two styles, with a shorter lunch menu and a longer dinner menu. Check each listing and the restaurant's website to see how formal it is.

What to order

• Foie gras: fattened duck or goose liver, often seared or served as a smooth terrine.
• Duck confit: duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat, then crisped.
• Escargots: snails baked with garlic and parsley butter.
• Bouillabaisse: a rich fish stew from the south of France.
• Cheese course: a selection of French cheeses, served before dessert.
• Desserts: look for crème brûlée, soufflé or tarte Tatin, an upside-down apple tart.

Menu words to know

In French, "entrée" means a starter, not a main course. "Plat" is the main dish. "Dégustation" means a tasting menu. "Fromage" is cheese.

Not every restaurant serves every dish. Tasting menus change with the seasons, so check the current menu online. If you love steak, the Steakhouses & Grills page has more choice.

Best areas for French food

Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar has the most choice. Its restored shophouses hold many small, chef-run restaurants. French picks here include Ma Cuisine, Fleurs de Sel, Bar-Roque Grill and Euphoria. Browse Restaurants in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar for more. Orchard and River Valley suits a long lunch between shopping trips. Marina Bay and City Hall are close to the main sights, so dinner fits easily after a day of touring. In Bugis and Kampong Glam, Gunther's also serves French food.

Booking, dress and etiquette

• Book early. Top French restaurants can be booked out weeks ahead. Many take online bookings and ask for a card to hold the table.
• Try lunch. Set lunch menus are often shorter and cost less than dinner.
• Dress smart casual. A collared shirt or a neat dress works well. Avoid shorts and flip-flops at fine dining places.
• Share your diet needs. Tell the restaurant about allergies when you book.
• Wine pairing is optional. Many tasting menus offer matched wines, and some offer non-alcoholic pairings. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18, so please drink responsibly.
• Know the rough cost. A dinner tasting menu at a top French restaurant can cost several hundred dollars per person. Prices change, so check before you book.
• Expect added charges. Prices marked "++" mean a service charge and GST (goods and services tax) will be added. Tipping is not expected.

FAQs about French restaurants in Singapore

What is the dress code at French restaurants in Singapore?

Smart casual is the norm. Fine dining rooms prefer neat clothes, so avoid beachwear. Bistros are more relaxed.

Are there affordable French restaurants?

Yes. Bistro-style places and set lunches at fine dining restaurants are the best value. Check each listing for its style.

How long does a French tasting menu take?

Plan for two to three hours at dinner. Lunch menus are usually shorter.

Do French restaurants cater for vegetarians?

Many can prepare a vegetarian menu with notice. Ask when you book, not on the day.