If you’re hankering for an authentic French meal and can’t afford the time to travel to Paris, fret not. We’ve found some hidden gems right here in Singapore to satisfy your craving. Cuisine française is all about pleasurable visual and culinary refinement where every dish is a flavourful work of art. From fine to casual dining, here are 5 French restaurants with a winning combination of food and ambience that are worth visiting.

Gunther’s

Tucked into a conserved shophouse along Purvis Street, Gunther’s is a Michelin restaurant offering quality French cuisine. Chef Gunther Hubrechsen himself hails from renowned restaurants such as Le Bouquet, Restaurant Gravin van Buren in Belgium and L’Arpege in Paris.

His local establishment boasts a cosy vibe with modern interiors which make the perfect setting to partake in the many delectable creations on the menu. Dishes like Tomato “Belle Vue” with Iberico de Bellota ham and Roasted suckling pig in Kriek beer sauce and confit of date (which serves 2 and needs to be pre-ordered) are just some of the many options for your dining pleasure. If you are in the mood to indulge, try any of their caviar specials paired with a nice glass of champagne.

Saint Pierre

Situated at One Fullerton overlooking Marina Bay, Saint Pierre is another Michelin French establishment not to be missed. Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux, Emmanual Stroobant, Head Chef, KimKevin De Dood and Chef Patissier, Jonathan Allaert are all part of the highly experienced and dedicated team that ensure you get a top-class gastronomic experience every time.

With specially curated menus featuring delicacies such as conch sashimi and live langouste tartare with grated wasabi, and oscietra caviar paired with wagyu beef carpaccio. With numerous accolades and awards under its belt, coupled by a charming ambience, Saint Piere is the perfect place for any classy rendezvous.

Fleur De Sel

Fleur De Sel can be found along the quaint pavements of Tras Street. With a contemporary design incorporating a bar counter and skylight, it is helmed by Chef and owner Alexandre Lozachmeur, who has worked under international chef-extraordinaire Alain Ducasse.

Begin with Le Foie Gras de Canard with sautéed mushrooms and brioche with duck jus vinaigrette before delving into a slow cooked and roasted Welsh Lamb rack or any of their seafood mains for something lighter. Make sure to leave room enough to savour their fine cheeses or scrumptious desserts. This is a must try if you have a penchant for classic French cuisine.

Au Petit Salut

Surrounded by the lush greeneries in the Dempsey enclave lies Au Petit Salut. Enjoy your meal inside or al fresco from the wraparound patio and bond with nature.

There is a range of culinary choices here—and the combination of southern French influence with a touch of Asian flavours—is peppered in each dish. Popular appetisers like Hokkaido scallops with pumpkin puree, walnut oil powder and crispy Black Forest ham to the traditional Caprese, will not disappoint. While mains consisting of Cod Fillet with Parisienne potatoes, Hollandaise ‘Nicoise’ and black truffles can be had with sides of salad, sautéed mixed vegetables or a range of mash potatoes.

Les Bouchon

If you’re looking for a steak and fries, similar to the ones you get in typical Parisian bistros, check out Les Bouchon located at Ann Siang Hill. The décor and feel is basic with dark wood accents contrasted by white table cloths and an against-the-wall wine rack as well as a stone slated bar.

Here, you can find common French fares like Burgundy Escargots with Garlic Butter, Grilled Fillet of Salmon with “Sauce Vierge” and Brochette of Marinated Lamb. House specials include Grilled Jumbo Prawns in Olive Oil and of course their famous “Super Entrecote” and 1Kg Giant “Cote de Boeuf” (which is ideally shared between 2). The best part is they are all served with mixed salad and a free flow of home-made French fries.

Image credits: Au Petit Salut, Gunther’s, Les Bouchons and Saint Pierre