Merci Marcel’s latest outpost at Robertson Quay is a vibey date spot

French restaurant group Merci Marcel has unveiled its newest outpost at Robertson Quay, a romantic riverside spot that marries tantalising modern French cuisine with joie de vivre.

This is its fifth location and it boasts an elevated dinner menu crafted by celebrated French chef Bruno Menard, who is a powerhouse in the culinary world.

With over three decades in the industry, Bruno possesses a wealth of culinary experience under his belt. Most notably, he was formerly the executive chef of three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Osier in Tokyo in 2008. 

His latest collaboration with the Merci Marcel team features a dynamic lineup that celebrates authentic French flavours.

Set in a restored warehouse — previously a shipyard warehouse in the 19th century — along the banks of the picturesque Singapore River, Merci Marcel Robertson Quay exudes a gorgeous, laidback charm. 

It’s a great venue for gatherings and fancy dates, spiffed up with warm, dim lights and potted plants. The ambience is moody and intimate, complemented by gentle melodic tunes in the background.

If you’d like to feel the river’s calming breeze in your hair, Merci Marcel Robertson Quay also touts an outdoor terrace complete with plush, cushioned benches underneath strings of twinkling fairy lights.

The restaurant patio is much more casual — for a get-together among friends, this would be our pick. It’s also a prime spot to people-watch and check out the furkids taking leisurely evening strolls with their furparents, all with a cocktail in hand.

Start the evening with the golden-tinged crab croquettes (S$15 for three pieces), a delicious appetiser that pays homage to Singaporeans’ profound love for chilli crab. 

This is chef Bruno’s rendition of the local dish, reinvented into a trio of croquettes comprising chilli crab mayonnaise, tomato and horseradish sauce. 

Their savoury flavours, mixed with some spice and tang, will whet your appetite from the first bite. They’re also petite in size, so that you’ll have ample tummy space for the upcoming mains.

Once we’d devoured the crab croquettes, the mains followed soon after. 

First to be served was the wild porcini ravioles (S$27), a French dumpling pasta stuffed with silky cheese. This dish is uber-indulgent — nestled in a rich and velvety cep sauce (a porcini mushroom dressing), the ravioli is cooked al dente and topped with homemade granola for crunch and texture.

It’s then liberally coated with cheese shavings on top for greater oomph.

The roasted chicken breast (S$30), with a bed of tagliatelle cooked and perfumed with tarragon, lies on a decadent bed of tomato-raspberry vinegar sauce. 

We quite enjoy the addition of raspberry in the dressing, which imbues it with a tart sweetness that lifts the dish. The tomato, on the other hand, injects a hint of zestiness to the otherwise umami-rich vinegar sauce.

The creme de la creme of the menu is the hearty grilled ribeye steak (S$69 for 300g). Here, the protein is lightly charred and adorned with smoked Kampot pepper butter (the peppercorn is specially sourced from Cambodia) — a fitting enhancement to bold, flavour-forward recipes that require just a bit of fragrance, spice and creaminess to jazz it up.

The standout on the dessert menu is the indulgent rum baba (S$17). Bruno based this dish off his father’s cherished recipe, and had recreated it to be light and fluffy — a palate cleanser after a heavy meal.

Injected with a boozy rum brimming with subtle fruity notes, the rum baba is drizzled with a passion fruit glaze and paired with a side of crunchy sugar Chantilly. 

You’re treated to a good dose of rum with each bite, so those who are looking for a dessert with a mild kick should gravitate towards this.

Besides delicious food, we enjoyed some bubbly with our meal, too. 

Wine connoisseurs can also explore a curated selection of wines, some of which are sourced from various regions in France. But if you’re not quite sure what to get, the friendly staff will happily recommend the best wine pairings for your meal.

This was an invited tasting. 

For the latest eats, read about new brunch spot Bonjour by Ma Cuisine and Fan’s Cafe at Far East Plaza with S$3 shio pan and matcha. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Merci Marcel Robertson Quay to try chef Bruno Menard’s menu.