The best French-style restaurants and cafés in Singapore

This French café is as photogenic as it gets: potted plants line the rattan bar and there’s garden space out back that’s drenched in sunlight. It’s a beautiful place to kick back and while the afternoon away. Brunch plates look just as appetising, including organic eggs (from $20) served atop sourdough bread, refreshing salads (from $16), beef tenderloin carpaccio ($22), and more.

Located just across the road from his classic French restaurant Brasserie Gavroche, the 40-seater Café & Bar Gavroche is Paris-born chef Frederic Colin’s re-imagination of early 1900s Parisian coffeehouses – a quaint, Art Nouveau-style space filled with rattan chairs, cobblestone floors, and elegant tiled paintings. The antique bar is stocked with an array of spirits from artisanal winemakers, and the kitchen churns out traditional French treats, including tartines (from $9) and the croque monsieur ($16). 

Chez Suzette offers a quiet escape from the bustle of city life. The charming café feels homely and cosy with its cream-washed walls and earth-toned rattan fixtures, and the food options provide a hearty mix of pastries, savouries, and French wine labels. For an authentic experience, start with some escargot ($16) and duck confit ($29), before rounding it off with the signature crepe suzette ($15).

Inspired by the owners’ travels to France, Simplicité is an ode to the many romantic Parisian cafés that line the streets. Expect a comfy, clean interior, paired with soothing European-style cuisine. Slurp up some French onion soup ($11) or tuck into a belly-warming bowl of chicken 

Le Jardin, which means ‘the garden’ in French, is a blooming wonderland nestled within Fort Canning Park. The floral-themed space is reminiscent of chic Parisian cafés: grab a seat at the pet-friendly alfresco terrace, under the shade of trees; or head indoors and dine in the company of lush flora and fauna. When surrounded by that many pretty sights, it is hard not to feel like the main character in your life.

This garden-themed café in the heart of Kampong Gelam is a lush hideout away from the heat and crowds. The space is adorned with botanical artwork, hanging plants, and blooms everywhere. Food-wise, the menu focuses on halal French-inspired cuisine starting with pastries, mini cakes, and – of course – croissants. You can also expect heartier fare like pasta, grilled meats and more if you're looking for something savoury.