La Terrace: Claudine’s new casual concept brings the idyllic French countryside to Dempsey

Placid whites and earth tones envelop you as you unwind in an airy veranda, bathe in the evening sun’s golden lustre and take in a view of dogs trotting about in the green fields from the large windows. 

It’s a gorgeous scene that transports you to the idyllic French countryside, as you slowly sip on your gin and tonic and bask in the quaint ambience.

In reality, you’re actually in Singapore, at Dempsey, inside La Terrace — the newest concept by iconic French restaurant Claudine.

Claudine, which is nestled in a refurbished chapel, has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the dreamiest, most romantic dining destinations in Singapore.

Alas, the modern French restaurant, opened by chef Julien Royer of three-Michelin-starred Odette fame, is a rather opulent affair that many would save for special occasions.

Compared to Claudine, La Terrace is a much more wallet-friendly dining option.

The new casual concept is tucked away at the back of the chapel and offers an exquisite semi-al-fresco experience, where the prices are as agreeable to the eye as the setting — it’s pet-friendly, too!

Chic bites for chic vibes

Taking inspiration from the French tradition of “apero” (drinking before dinner to whet the appetite), La Terrace’s menu comprises a smorgasbord of smaller bites best suited for sharing amongst friends, with most prices sitting under the S$30 mark.

Befitting the French countryside, one surprise hit was the radishes (S$12), an unapologetically simple ensemble of fresh violet-hued radish and a Greek yoghurt-and-chives dip.

As simple as it sounds, the humble radishes shine with their incredible freshness, crunching lightly and playing nicely with the light tang of the dip.

In the same vein, La Terrace’s tapioca fritters (S$12) dazzle, despite its utmost simplicity.

With an airy, crunchy outer shell, and fluffy and slightly creamy insides, all gracefully kissed with comte cheese richness, these fritters are so light they don’t leave a trace of grease in the mouth.

As the restaurant’s “apero” theme promises, the drinks menu at La Terrace is rather robust and pampers diners with a plethora of refreshing gin and tonics — 25 different varieties (including one non-alcoholic option) from all over the world, to be precise.

For dainty and floral, the time-tested classic of Hendrick’s (S$20) would never fall short, while the Thai-sourced Iron Balls (S$28) would deliver the most charming, spice-laden profile for those craving a bit more pep in their G&Ts.

If you have an adventurous heart, La Terrace also carries the Amazzoni Maniuara (S$24), a lightly peppery and profoundly citrusy gin that is meant to replicate the taste of the Maniuara ant, a classic ingredient used in Amazonian heritage cuisine.

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Rustic and nostalgic, but sumptuous

Just as how Claudine is built with a vision of serving the homeliest, most comforting flavours of French cooking, your palate will also be frequently greeted by some very rustic (and maybe even nostalgic) flavours.

One is the La Terrace signature, the half roasted chicken (S$58, serves up to three) served atop a bed of starchy Niigata rice, gratifyingly punctuated with charred bits and bolstered with a punchy, intoxicating garlic fragrance.

Although roasted chicken is indubitably French, there’s an inkling of our local chicken rice in this dish — it’s akin to a cousin that sports a French accent.

Save for the firmer — but not dry — breast portions, La Terrace’s cook on the chicken leaves the flesh exceedingly tender, while appended with crispy slivers of brownish-red skin. 

The rice, with its mix of flavours and textures, is already captivating on its own, but becomes much more irresistible with a drizzle of the accompanying sauce that imparts a dose of umami. It’s rich enough to elevate, but still keeps the profile balanced.

If you’re privy to European flavours, the sardine toast (S$24) will be yet another familiar sight at La Terrace.

The star is the fatty, briny and potently umami sardine, dressed up with aioli and shallot pickles — undoubtedly straightforward, but positively a flavour bomb. 

At the end of the meal, pampering yourselves to desserts is also imperative since the French do their pastries spectacularly, and La Terrace is the best showcase of that finesse.

The chewy and moist freshly baked madeleines (S$16) are about as good as it gets for classic madeleines but the lemon tart (S$14) is a showstopper.

Oh, the lemon tart is divine — the amalfi lemon is gorgeously vivacious, but not face-wrenchingly zesty and is simply euphoric when slathered with the whipped meringue at the side.

While Claudine’s general price tag might be too steep for most, especially in this economy, we think La Terrace might just be the best date spot for those seeking immaculate vibes and simple, but deftly executed French cuisine.

This was an invited tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on McDonald’s cool new chicken McWraps, dropping on Apr 24 and quaint brunch spots in Joo Chiat to unwind at for lazy weekends.

Book a table at La Terrace or Claudine via Chope, then book a ride to Dempsey to enjoy your date night!