[Review] La Table d’Emma: Comforting French food from Paris to Alsace, France

If you’ve always thought French food is only for fancy, “atas” occasions, La Table d’Emma might just change your mind. Tucked within the cozy and homely setting of Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre at Chinatown, this warm and welcoming bistro serves up traditional French cuisine made with heart and soul.

The moment you step into La Table d’Emma, you’re greeted by a homely and welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a warm French home than a restaurant. The space is bright and airy, with high ceilings and large windows that let natural light flow in gently. Whimsical butterfly lights hang from above — a nostalgic nod to Chef Michael’s childhood home – while shelves lined with books and bottles of wine add a cosy, personal touch to the space.

The Story Behind La Table d’Emma

A native of Alsace in northeastern France, Chef Michael Muller began his culinary journey at the young age of 17 in a humble, family-run restaurant. Over 22 years in Singapore and a career that spans iconic kitchens like Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower and JAAN, Chef Muller brings both skill and soul to his cooking. He has also coached Singapore’s team for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or. The name La Table d’Emma is a heartfelt tribute to Chef Muller’s wife – “Emma’s Table” in English – reflecting the sense of family, warmth, and love that is woven into every dish.

Today, his menu is a thoughtful expression of his roots, blending the refined flavours of classic French cuisine with the soulful, comforting traditions of Alsatian home cooking. And what truly defines his food is the spirit of authenticity and generosity – where every sauce, stock, and pastry is made from scratch, just like in a traditional French family kitchen. As La Table d’Emma marks its first anniversary, diners can look forward to a refreshed menu that takes you on a flavourful journey from Paris to Alsace, France.

Drinks

Blueberry Fizzy Elixir ($13)

We tried the Blueberry Fizzy Elixir, similar to a fizzy blueberry float – made with an almost dessert-like concoction of vanilla ice cream, blueberry syrup, blueberry purée, and soda. While the magical drink leans slightly on the sweeter side, the refreshing fizz balances it out. It is surprisingly filling, so you might want to share this one or save it for dessert.

Les Entrées

French Onion Soup En Croûte ($26)

The French Onion Soup En Croûte is a comforting classic done right – a hearty soupe à l’oignon with a rich, deeply flavoured broth and surprising bits of Emmental cheese, all covered under a golden puff pastry crown. You can break the golden crispy pastry right into the soup for that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or crack it in gradually to keep it crunchy between spoonfuls. Either way, we found it to be a soul-warming dish that tastes better than it looks – rustic, satisfying, and full of depth.

Tender Octopus Fricasseé ($30)

The Tender Octopus Fricassée was a lovely dish featuring generous portions of chargrilled Mediterranean octopus, served with warm confit potatoes and a bright, zesty sauce vierge. The octopus was beautifully tender, easy to cut and even easier to savour with each bite. With its hearty serving size, this dish is perfect for sharing (up to four people comfortably), though it could easily pass off as a main course at other places. Personally, I found this dish to be very worth it for its price.

Les Plats

Traditional Pot-Au-Feu of My Childhood ($42)

The Traditional Pot-au-Feu of My Childhood was the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth from the very first spoonful. Served straight from the pan it was cooked in, this kitchen-to-table presentation added to its rustic, home-style charm.

The beef, which has been braised for 72 hours, was absolutely gorgeous (probably one of the best I’ve ever tasted) – poached to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection in a rich, aromatic vegetable stock. The vegetables were soft but never mushy, just like a lovingly prepared home-cooked soup. On the side, roasted bone marrow paired with zesty horseradish cream and crusty bread created a luxurious, melt-in-the-mouth sensation that elevated the entire experience. Simple, comforting, and incredibly well-executed, it’s a dish that can be shared between two.

Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole ($42)

The Lobster and St Jacques French Raviole is a decadent treat that is better when shared. Each handmade ravioli is filled with a light scallop mousse, topped with a fresh, tender lobster tail, all bathed in a rich, creamy lobster sauce infused with fragrant tarragon. The sauce is luxuriously umami-packed – a real flavour bomb – but it can get a little ‘jelat‘ after a few bites, so best to enjoy this one with a friend. The ravioli’s slightly irregular shape adds to its homemade charm, staying true to the restaurant’s cozy, artisanal vibe.

Les Desserts

Kaya Mon Amour ($16)

Kaya Mon Amour is Chef Muller’s playful and heartfelt twist on Singapore’s iconic kaya toast – and honestly, it is one of the best re-creations we’ve had. This dessert brings together a warm, buttery Kougelopf filled with housemade gula melaka kaya and a chilled pandan mousseline cream, paired with a super smooth Kaya Parfait Glacé.

The vibrant green colour is all natural – extracted from real pandan leaves over two nights. Even the kaya ingredients are sourced from Geylang Serai, so it doesn’t get more local than this. It is a clever blend of French technique and Singaporean flavours, and you can really feel Chef Muller’s love for both in every bite.

Verdict

La Table d’Emma is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for hearty, soulful French food with a homely twist. The restaurant was buzzing with office crowds during our weekday lunch – lively, but not too chaotic. While the wait for mains was a little long after the appetisers, it was a pleasant surprise when Chef Muller himself came out to serve the dishes.

With his warm Singaporean accent and clear love for local flavours, it’s obvious this place is close to his heart. The portions are generous (so come hungry or be ready to share), and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and welcoming compared to the usual stiff French fine dining spots. Plus, with their current lunch promo, the prices are pretty reasonable for the quality you’re getting.

Promotions

From now to 31 July 2025, La Table d’Emma is offering a 1-for-1 Bastille Set Lunch at $60++ available daily, inclusive of appetisers, mains and desserts.