Tucked within the bustling Central Business District at IOI Building, Les Canons by the ilLido Group brings the charm of a Parisian neighbourhood bistro into a relaxed, everyday dining setting. Inspired by the easy rhythms of city life, the all-day French bistro moves seamlessly from breakfast to after-work apéro and casual dinners, offering a repertoire of classic French comfort dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
Duck Rillettes 4.2/5
We began with a selection of small bites, starting with the Duck Rillettes ($9). The slow-cooked duck, shredded and preserved in its own fat, delivered a rich, savoury depth, best enjoyed spread over a crusty baguette. While satisfying, we found ourselves wishing for more bread to match the generous portion of rillettes.
Calamari with Cocktail Sauce 4.8/5
A standout starter was the Calamari with Cocktail Sauce ($10). Lightly battered and fried to a golden crisp, the calamari remained tender within. The accompanying Marie Rose-style cocktail sauce is creamy with a gentle tang, elevating the dish, making it irresistibly moreish.
Escargots 4.2/5
The Escargots ($12) is a quintessential French staple, featuring half a dozen snails bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. The escargots were clean-tasting, perfumed with the richness of butter and garlic. Once again, extra baguettes would have been welcome to mop up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Foie Gras 4/5
For something more indulgent, the Foie Gras ($16) offered a decadent experience. The pan-seared duck liver was beautifully caramelised on the outside while retaining a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth interior. Served atop a savoury pancake, it leaned heavily on richness, and a touch of acidity would have helped balance the dish.
Coq Au Vin 4.2/5
Moving on to mains, the Coq au Vin ($16) embodied rustic French comfort. The spring chicken, gently braised in red wine, was tender and infused with deep, savoury flavours, a hearty and satisfying option.
Pomme Puree 4.5/5
On the side, the Pomme Puree ($5) impressed with its silky-smooth texture and rich buttery finish. It is a simple yet delightful accompaniment that complements the mains perfectly.
Steak Au Poivre 4.2/5
The Steak Au Poivre ($22) stands out as one of the best-value steak frites options in the CBD. The no-frills plate features a well-cooked steak coated in a creamy peppercorn sauce, paired with crispy fries. It delivers on flavour and value, making it a compelling choice for a casual French meal in the city.
Mont Blanc 4/5
Desserts continued the classic French theme. The Mont Blanc ($9) layers meringue with light chantilly cream and sweetened chestnut puree, resulting in a nutty, creamy dessert that is indulgent without being overly heavy. The Mousse au Chocolat ($8) keeps things traditional, offering a smooth, airy texture with a deep, dark chocolate profile that will appeal to those who prefer less sweetness. Meanwhile, the Tarte Fine Aux Pommes ($9) provides a lighter finish, with its crisp, buttery pastry topped with thinly sliced caramelised apples and served alongside chantilly cream.
Mousse Au Chocolat 4.2/5
Wine takes centre stage at Les Canons, with a thoughtfully curated list of over 50 French labels spanning regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley and Rhône Valley. With glasses starting from $8 and bottles kept under $100, the programme encourages diners to enjoy wine as part of an everyday dining experience rather than a special occasion indulgence.
Tarte Fine Aux Pommes 4.2/5
Les Canons evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of earlier days when accessible French dining spots such as The French Stall, The Black Sheep Cafe and Saveur first introduced many in Singapore to approachable French cuisine. At a time when French cuisine was largely confined to fine-dining establishments, these places reshaped perceptions — much as Les Canons aims to do today.
With its approachable pricing, comforting classics, and easy-going ambience, Les Canons successfully captures the spirit of a Parisian bistro while fitting neatly into the pace of CBD life. It is a welcoming spot for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners, offering a taste of France without the formality.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Les Canons
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-07
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 89260726
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 830am – 11am (Breakfast), 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4 or 6. Walk to Commerce Street. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]