Dempsey Hill’s newest restaurant is made for chill hangs. Shrouded by lush greenery and parked right behind the former chapel that houses Claudine, La Terrace is yet another French dining concept by chef Julien Royer. While the two restaurants share a kitchen (and owner), La Terrace is a more laid-back extension of its dressier predecessor, with both indoor seating and an airy outdoor patio that welcomes furkids; Basically, it’s an unfussy, relaxed alternative that’s suitable for casual everyday meals as well as special occasions.
Inspired by the picturesque terraces of Provence, La Terrace overlooks open fields and lets in lots of natural light and breeze – while providing shade – with its semi-open design. Tasteful earth-toned decor like bamboo shades and paper lamps add on to an overall chic yet cosy ambience.
Menu-wise, the restaurant focuses on French home-style sharing plates to match its convivial environment – think simple, classic flavours that still pack a satisfying punch. Start your meal with crispy, cheese-filled tapioca fritters ($12) to get your appetite going, and follow with the tempura battered zucchini flower ($24) with a tangy, savoury dip, or indulge in scallops crudo ($26) made using diced Hokkaido scallops drizzled in yuzu kosho dressing and orange juice for extra zing.
Get your protein fix with the half roasted chicken ($58), which feeds around three, and make sure you leave some space for the classic lemon tart ($14) or freshly baked Madeleines ($16).
Gin fans are in for a treat with La Terrace’s curated line-up of 25 gins – floral, citrusy, spiced, or even non-alcoholic, you name it, they’ve got it. Otherwise, there’s also a good selection of wines and crafted cocktails to down with your meal.
If you’re celebrating a special event, book the 12-seater private room that’s decorated with preserved flowers.
La Terrace only opens in the evening, from 5pm to 12am – which is just as well since the mid-afternoon heat at Dempsey can get pretty unforgiving. Do note that the restaurant is closed every Tuesday. Find out more about La Terrace.
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