We weren’t kidding when we said “French is the new Italian,” and Balzac Brasserie’s at least partly responsible for cementing that trend; although it seems the Italians are striking back with newbies like Trattoria Gallo D’oro and OTTO Locanda.

This dimly-lit, romantic outfit has vintage furnishings imported from France and old books by French writer Honoré de Balzac, which serve as quite the ideal complement to comforting bistro classics courtesy of chef Jean-Charles Dubois, formerly of The French Kitchen.

Unpretentious eats like a simple heirloom tomato salad ($18) make for a light and refreshing starter, especially in the sweltering heat, while special mention goes to the full-flavored lobster bisque accompanied by sautéed mini Qweli prawns ($16)—so incredibly restorative you’ll find yourself slurping up every last drop. But that’s not the only thing that’s executed well at Balzac Brasserie.

The quintessential duck confit ($26) is every bit as crisp as you’d want, without suffering the all-too-common fate of being dry on the inside. The Black Angus entrecôte ($34) with its heaping mountain of hand-cut fries isn’t just a pretty face—perfectly medium-rare and tender, it almost didn’t need the béarnaise. Even the macaroni and Gruyère gratin ($8) is a very enjoyable rendition, mac and cheese fans would be pleased.

Wait staff at Balzac Brasserie, too, are a friendly crew that strike that rare balance of being professional yet welcoming. We reckon if you can do the traditional stuff right, you’re a winner in our book. Take our advice and swing by at least once with that special someone; we’re not betters by nature, but we’re willing to wager that you’ll be back.

Eat this at Balzac Brasserie: Dubois' lobster bisque. It's one of I-S Magazine's 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2012).