Les Bouchons Rochester Review: New French Steakhouse In A Two-Storey Colonial-Style Bungalow Filled With Vintage Art

By Karmen on 11 Mar 2022

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

There's something about colonial-style buildings that seem almost romantic and glamorous, isn't it? That's why I had my eyes wide open at the news that Les Bouchons has opened a new outlet at a British colonial-style bungalow at Rochester.

P.S. Check out the Botanic Gardens extension, opened in 2021, that has galleries in colonial buildings plus a cafe, hiking trail and garden playground.

Keep reading to find out more!

Les Bouchons is best known for its steak frites and French cuisine served in a casual chic environment. After 20 years since its first restaurant opened its doors, they've set up their latest outpost in an impressive location at Rochester Commons.

Ambience At Les Bouchons Rochester Commons

Set in a gorgeous black & white two-storey bungalow built in the 1940s, the restaurant has the same relaxed and cosy ambiance but with an elevated touch.

At the entrance is a photo-worthy domed tunnel covered in vines which lights up at night.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Pet owners are welcome to bring their furry friends to dine at the al fresco area surrounded by lush greenery.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The outdoor area also has a pétanque court - a rare sight in Singapore - where diners can indulge in the French boules sport with a cool drink in hand. The game involves competing with others to see who can throw the metallic balls closest to a smaller ball known as a cochonnet, with everyone enjoying pastis between turns.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

If you prefer sitting out of the sunlight, there's a choice of the stylish first floor, wine cellar-esque second floor that's filled with over 2000 wine bottles, and the breezy balcony area.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The restaurant is decorated with charming vintage paintings sourced from French vintage stores, and there's even a fully functioning old-school cash register.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Food At Les Bouchons Rochester Commons

This bistro offers an elevated menu, including a range of new dishes exclusive to the outlet, as well as a curated wine list of approximately 100 labels that include old and new world, rare and vintage selections, with most from France.

The new and outlet-exclusive menu items include:

Starters

I might be biased as beetroot is a personal favourite, but the French Heirloom Beetroot Salad ($17) makes for the perfect starter to a meat-centric meal. Light and refreshing, this salad has different varieties of beetroot so every bite stays interesting.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The truffle aroma hit hard once the French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil ($16) landed on the table. The truffle taste, however, wasn't as prominent, but no matter as this uber rich soup had a decadent creaminess and intensely full-bodied taste.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Mains

Starting on a high note, the Grilled Canadian Pork Chop ($44) had just the right amount of fat for that burst-in-the-mouth texture along with a meaty bite. It came with salt on the side but didn't need any with how well-seasoned it was.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Of course, we had to try their signature Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet ($50), which is available at all Les Bouchons restaurants. All was usual with the steak - well-seasoned, lean yet tender. But for those who won't have anything but super fatty cuts, this French-style steak might not be your cup of tea!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The pièce de résistance of the meal was the Grilled Sirloin Wagyu ($78). Made with Japanese Hokkaido Black Wagyu, this beautifully marbled steak had a lovely char, a sublime umami flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Desserts

The Île Flottante ($13) presentation is on point but holds up taste wise as well. It had a fluffy and airy meringue made of egg whites with a creamy and sweet custard. Psst, order a coffee to go with this light dessert, they're said to be the perfect pairing.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

As a self-professed crème brûlée connoisseur, I'm generally skeptical of attempts to alter (read: taint) this simple dessert, but boy does Les Bouchon do it right! Served in a shallow plate, their Crème Brûlée ($13) had a perfect crackling caramelised sugar on top of a smooth and rich custard that's infused with orange liquor, balancing the sweetness with a bright citrus note and hint of bitterness.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Other desserts include the Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) which needed a lot more lava, and the creamy Truffle Brie Maison ($10) that'll be a hit amongst mascarpone lovers.

Les Bouchons at Rochester is currently running a Soft Launch promotion from now till 31 March 2022 where diners can enjoy 10% off the total bill (not applicable for the Weekday $32++ 3-Course Set Lunch and/or with any other promotions, discounts and privileges unless otherwise stated). The restaurant also has plans to launch a breakfast and tea time menu.

Les Bouchons at Rochester Commons
Address: 10 Rochester Park, Rochester Commons, Singapore 139221 (6-minute walk from Buona Vista MRT)
Opening hours: Tues to Sun (Closed on Monday); Breakfast: 10 - 11.45am (coming soon); Lunch: Tue to Fri: 12 - 2pm, Sat and Sun: 12 - 3pm; Teatime: 2 - 5pm (coming soon); Dinner: Tue to Thu: 6 - 10 pm, Fri and Sat: 6 - 10.30pm, Sun: 5 - 9pm

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