If the French food you are after comes as tiny portions, fancily garnished on unusually large plates, then perhaps Brasserie Gavroche is not for you. What they do serve up remarkably though are rustic French staples, paired with decor reminiscent of the quintessential, cosy Parisian brasserie.

Located on Tras Street - accessible enough for the CBD crowd, but quiet enough for a long meal with someone special - the attention to detail at Brasserie Gavroche is evident. Hand-picked antique furniture from the 1930s and 1940s has been imported from Paris - including the charming main door and precious period pieces within the main space, laid out beneath three-horned chandeliers and surrounded by large mirrors hung on walls while the long, wooden bar counter is from the original Cafe de la Paix. The restaurant’s layout allows for skylight to stream in; the natural lighting adding a perfect touch to the ambience. To top that off, framed recipes from the chef’s grandfather line the wall, lest you forget what this restaurant is really about - authentic, hearty French cuisine.

The focus on tradition should be unsurprising, considering the people behind this gem. Chef and owner Frederic Colin, formerly St. Regis Singapore’s executive chef, and his wife Charlotte have done all they can to recreate Paris in the heart of Singapore. Many recipes, as the frames on the wall might suggest, come straight from Colin’s grandpa Henri. That, topped with the chef’s worldly experience, makes this a rare and wonderfully authentic taste of Paris right here in Tanjong Pagar. (Apr 2012)

"There’s been an unmissable renaissance of old school-inspired French brasseries, with this spot leading the recent charge. Chef and owner Frédéric Colin, formerly The St. Regis Singapore’s executive chef, and his wife, Charlotte, have gone to great lengths to create this nostalgic throwback." -I-S Asia-City

"It's all about homemade goodness in this one, with chef Colin serving heartwarming French fare inspired by his grandfather's recipes." -Lifestyle Asia

"Expect hearty French classics and decor straight from the 1930s at Brasserie Gavroche. Three-horned chandeliers, dark wood antique furniture, art deco lampshades and reddish-brown leather banquettes set the scene at this white-tableclothed brasserie and bar. Framed old photographs and recipes by chef Frédéric Colin’s grandfather complete the picture." -Time Out Singapore

"The air, thick with French accents, immediately transports you to an insouciant old world bistro in the City of Love. The place was teeming with diners the night we were there, yet the French waitstaff were extremely efficient, swiftly moving between the linen-clad tables." -Appetite Asia

"For the francophiles amongst you, this is definitely a place you need to add to your must-visit list and be sure to try the baked pork terrine pie with duck liver and Grandpa Henri's fish quenelle with crayfish sauce, they are both to die for." -Great New Places

It's hard to go wrong with any of the dishes here, but the salsify fries are a must try, a healthy alternative to traditional french fries.

Their Steak Frites et Sauce Béarnaise was one of the best main courses on the menu. And trust us, there were plenty to choose from! The beef was rich in flavour and wonderfully tender.

Seafood dishes, too, are a treat. The Atlantic Cod with Spinach and Cream, with a side of green peas, was fresh, succulent and perfectly paired with a chilled glass of white wine. Both dishes are fine examples of what the restaurant excels in - simple yet heartwarming fare. Also highly recommended is Grandpa Henri’s Fish Quenelle with Crayfish Sauce, almost souffle-like in texture with rich crayfish stock that is more like bisque. The richness and sweetness of the seafood was remarkable, cooked in bread that melts in your mouth.

And of course, the desserts. Classic French staples like Crepes Suzette were of course excellent but the Mille-feuille aux Fraises - paper-thin puff pastry stacked with luscious cream and strawberries - was the clear winner. And they come with complimentary madeleines, right out of the oven! Hard to resist, even after all those fries. (Apr 2012)

"Expect hearty French classics and decor straight from the 1930s at Brasserie Gavroche. Three-horned chandeliers, dark wood antique furniture, art deco lampshades and reddish-brown leather banquettes set the scene at this white-tableclothed brasserie and bar. Framed old photographs and recipes by chef Frédéric Colin’s grandfather complete the picture. Think dishes such as pork terrine pie with duck liver ($22), bone marrow and parsley purée on toasted Poilâne bread ($18), traditional pork hotpot ($35) and – grandpa Henri’s recipe – fish quenelle (creamed dumplings in the sharpest of sharp-ended ovals) with crayfish sauce ($33)." -Time Out Singapore