I'm no expert on French food although my knowledge is sufficient to tell me that it has plenty to offer. However, this is one of the better dining experiences I've experienced in awhile and I felt it was appropriate to make it my first review.

The setting is modest, certainly not ostentatious but homely. You've got your candlelights and a fair few wine stands and displays. I was quite happy to find that most of the sound created from the main road outside was relatively muffled.

For my dinner, I ordered the pan-fried foie gras for starters and confit de canard as my main course. The food took awhile (20-25mins) to arrive although we were served some nice bread rolls in the meantime. I was happily surprised to find that the bread was soft and the crust was crispy.

The foie gras was good although I was initially surprised by the somewhat small portion. It was well marinated and the flavour was forthcoming with every bite.

The confit de conard really stood out in my mind. The meat was came right off the bone the moment I skewered it with my utensils. The crispy skin, combined with the rich, salty taste of the duck was quite superb. I found that the meat actually went very well with the sauteed potatoes it was served with and would really help if one found the dish too salty for their liking. Apparently I am told however that that was the way the French enjoyed their duck.

Again, I will acknowledge my limited experience with French food, but from what I know the price here is relatively affordable, perhaps even good value given the quality of the food. All in all, I was appreciative enough not to crack any jokes at the expense of the French that evening, which is quite a commendation given my prejudices against certain.. grotequeries of their culture.

This is located next to a temple along the main Balestier Road, somewhat near the Esso stations. It is a nice quiet and small place.

[Update: this has now moved to combine with their other outlet, Makarios at the National Library Drama Centre on level 3]

There are paintings in the shop on sale for thousands of dollars, and a chart of the produce of the different regions of France.

Le Troquet used to operate the cafe at the old Alliance Francaise - how's that for credentials? They also operate Makarios at the National Library.

I have not had better duck confit anywhere else in Singapore and even outside - and I have tried many. The skin is done crispy and the fats infuse into the duck, without being dry.

The set dinner is a good bet too, and comes with one glass of wine, a starter, a main, a dessert, a coffee or tea for $48 + service charge.
Set lunches are much cheaper at $18 + service charge, but I've not had the chance to come for lunch.

As they are set up with a small kitchen, be prepared for a long wait if there are too many diners with orders to fulfil at the same time. Weekdays are often a good bet, or get there early on Saturday night.

While the word "Balestier" does sound someone French, its probably known for many other things other than French food. I chanced upon this place while looking for a quick lunch and decided to check out the restaurant.

Once inside, there is a homely feeling which takes you away from the busy Balestier Street. I tried the set lunch of pumpkin soup, chicken shashlick and a tea ($18+). The pumpkin soup was a little bland but the chicken shashlick had nice soft and tender touch. I tried the dessert degustation which had a variety on their in house specialities such as the chocolate brownie, the creme brulee, and many yummy items which would make you go to the gym for the next few days to work out. It is a good option if you want to try lots of desserts without having full portions of it.

Overall, a pleasant experience indeed.

Recently tried this restaurant (or if one goes by the name, it actually means a bistro or French slang for a small wine drinking shop), located in an unlikely place for French food.

The restaurant is on Balestier Road sandwiched between the "House of TauSar Pia" and a Car Windscreen Repair shop run by by an Indian man.

I had salad and the Duck Confit and the Crème Brûlée for dessert, plus coffee.
Only had a glass of their house red wine which was good; did not have a chance to try their wine menu, but I understand from the other reviews that it is top notch.

The staff/owner is real friendly and provide service with a homely feel.
Finally a reasonably priced place for real French food in Singapore, albeit in an unlikely setting.

Le Troquet is an unusual find among the light shops of Balestier. It serves French food cooked simply and effectively - plates are presented without the excess sometimes seen in "Noveau French" but good clean cooking.

Run by two sisters- I like it for its duck confit, the foies gras was a tad cold, the whole dining experience was very nice.They also have a branch at the National Library. I also enjoyed their lamb shank.

Prices were about $45 a person for the set menu including a glass of red.