EPICURE

Bacchanalia

French restaurant in a shophouse near Chinatown

December 2018

At: 39 Hongkong Street, tel 6909-6360

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-2.30pm, 6.30pm-10pm

F&B: When it comes to a restaurant located in a traditional shophouse, there’s so much to appreciate than just the food.

Like the conservation area’s amazing heritage and distinctive architecture, the stimulating parking options, not to mention the exciting climatic challenges… the list goes on. 

After all, who wants to dine in an eatery within a shopping centre or office building, where there is a mindless choice of parking spaces and insipid access without exposure to invigorating humidity or refreshing afternoon thunderstorms. 

Bacchanalia is one such standalone restaurant situated off South Bridge Road. 

This one Michelin-starred restaurant is now helmed by a chef who used to work for Joel Robuchon.

As such, the prettily plated food may remind you of the late French maestro’s, as will the prices. For lunch, it’s S$98 for two courses, S$118 for three, and S$158 for four. 

There’s a supplementary charge for certain courses too, like S$22 for the main course of Japanese wagyu, which – depending on your luck and the kitchen staff preparing it – may also come with another extra. 

As expected of a French restaurant, there is a substantial wine list. And like in a Parisian restaurant, there is a section for “normal’’ champagnes and wines by the glass (S$19-S$60 for 125ml) and a separate “premium’’ selection (S$35-S$60 for 75ml and S$55-S$95 for 125ml). 

From the time you get there to when you leave, it should be a unique experience. 

Carpark: Hongkong Street is in that wonderful area which is blessed with extremely affordable parking, either kerbside or in the open-air lot between Carpenter Street and Upper Circular Road. But whether you can find a space or not depends on karma, fate, how the stars are aligned etc. 

The alternative is the much pricier multi-storey carpark in The Riverwalk, or the cheaper but farther Parliament House basement.

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