The team behind Maison François in London's St James's - a traditional brasserie and wine bar owned by François O’Neill - has headed south of the river with this second restaurant. Café François takes inspiration from California’s delis, Montreal’s bistros, and Paris’ cafés, offering an array of affordable French dishes, as well as dishes that have been inspired by more international influences. O’Neill works alongside executive chef Matthew Ryle and Ed Wyand who head up the front of house.
The all-day café in London’s bustling Borough Market covers two floors. Downstairs, diners can find a deli counter and rotisserie, while upstairs there is an open kitchen which is visible through a glass wall, as well as two dining rooms.
At breakfast time, there are a variety of savoury and sweet pastries, sandwiches, and eggs to choose from. The bakery is situated in house, and the patisserie is visible thanks to a custom designed cabinet in the dining room.
Cafe Francois seamlessly switches into lunch service, offering sliced to order rotisserie chicken, classic salads, escargot by the half dozen, plates of Bayonne ham and steak tartare. If that doesn’t take your fancy, you can also choose a steak sandwich with Béarnaise sauce, or a delicious roast soft shell crab banh mi. Upstairs, the open kitchen turns out everyone’s favourite brasserie classics, from Toulouse sausage with lentils to vadouvan curry with monkfish, or even a whole lobster with fries to share.
Director of wine, Daniel Illsley, has focused on international and sustainable bottles to create an intriguing wine list, while the cocktail menu sticks to well-loved classics. If you find yourself in Borough Market, Café François is perfect for all dining occasions, be it a quick rotisserie chicken sandwich to go, or a full-blown dinner in its elegant dining room.