Orchard, Dempsey & Holland Village

Orchard Road is Singapore's main shopping street, and its malls and side streets hold some of the city's longest-running French restaurants. Dempsey Hill, a former army barracks a short drive away, has become a leafy dining enclave of converted colonial buildings.

Les Amis in Shaw Centre holds three Michelin stars for Parisian haute cuisine, trolley service and a large wine cellar. Bistro du Vin, from the same Les Amis Group and in the same building, serves seasonal classics such as cassoulet, duck confit and escargots. On Dempsey Hill, Claudine (Michelin Selected) is Julien Royer's neo-brasserie in a restored colonial chapel, cooking chou farci and coq au vin. Summer Hill in Claymore Connect, just off Orchard Road, is a sunny bistro known for its weekend Brunch Trolley.

Book Les Amis well ahead, and reserve Claudine and Summer Hill for weekends. Smart casual works at the bistros; dress up a little for Les Amis. Orchard MRT station is a short walk from Shaw Centre and Claymore Connect, while Dempsey is easiest by taxi. Prices run from mid-range brunch to top-end tasting menus.