Le Café du Marché

French·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Le Café du Marché

Bronze Award

Le Café du Marché has been around for 30-odd years and there’s “no risk of it changing” any time soon. If you loved it back in the day, you’ll love it now as it still feels as fresh as a daisy – a traditional bistro where there’s “never an empty glass”. The exposed beams, large mirrors, prints and candlelit tables set a mood matched by a menu that won’t shake the foundations of the mews in which it lives.

The fish soup with associated accoutrements is all you’d hope for, côte de boeuf is a mighty slab for two to share, and the open lobster ravioli shows a more refined side with its embellishments of pea purée and beurre blanc. The menu changes monthly with some daily additions such as a soup and market fish to spice things up (super-fresh grilled John Dory, say), while desserts such as apple and quince tart deserve your full attention.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
French
Ambience
Cosy, Romantic, Traditional, Unique
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Wheelchair access
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

It is an unfortunate truth that half of restaurants close within their first year of trading, so there is always something extra special about dining out somewhere that has stood the test of time. Enter long-standing French restaurant Le Cafe du Marche, which was founded by Charlie Graham-Wood way back in 1986 and remains an independent, family-run restaurant to this day.

Le Cafe du Marche is housed in a converted warehouse, built on the foundations of the coach houses for the neighbouring Charterhouse and once a storage warehouse for St Barts. Much of the building’s original features remain in tact, although the dining room here certainly doesn’t feel outdated or industrial, with Le Cafe du Marche managing to seamlessly blend its more rustic elements with romance and whimsy - think crisp white tablecloths, wicker chairs, potted plants and plenty of natural daylight (come nightfall, the room is romantically lit by candlelight). Add to that specials written up on blackboards and smartly dressed waiters and it would be easy to fool yourself into thinking you are dining out in rural France, rather than the heart of the Square Mile.

As for the menu here, expect a regularly changing offering which makes the most of seasonal ingredients and has a provincial French accent. The menu is a set offering, with diners able to choose between two or three courses; to begin your meal, you might order a warm bowl of soup or pate de campagne with rhubarb chutney served atop toasted sourdough. Main courses meanwhile (all served with frites and green salad) could encompass the market fish of the day or English rack of lamb with wild mushrooms and dauphinoise potatoes.

To finish, discover the dessert of the day or end on a savoury note with a cheese board. If you prefer liquid afters, check out Le Cafe du Marche’s carefully considered list of regional French wines.


FAQs

Can you book Le Cafe du Marche?

Yes, booking in advance is recommended although walk-ins are welcome when there is space.

Helpful? 0

Does Le Cafe du Marche open for lunch?

Yes, the restaurant does open for lunch on select days.

Helpful? 0

Does Le Cafe du Marche offer vegetarian options?

The menu here changes often, but there is usually at least one vegetarian option available.

Helpful? 0

Can you book at Le Café du Marché?

Yes

Helpful? 0

This venue also offers

Le Café du Marché
Private Group Dining

Le Café du Marché

Le Café du Marché
Wedding Venues

Le Café du Marché

Location

22 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London, EC1M 6DX

020 7608 1609 020 7608 1609

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-21:30
Wed 18:00-21:30
Thu 18:00-21:30
Fri 18:00-21:30
Sat 18:00-21:30
Sun Closed

Reviews

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18 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Sarah G

29 May 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5
Never fails

An independent French restaurant - just on the outskirts of the City between Farringdon and Barbican.  An institution that never fails - fabulous food and atmosphere.  Would highly recommned for the best experience.

Chris L

05 April 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Jason H

18 October 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 4

Henry C

06 September 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Andrew H

27 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Why go to France when it is on your doorstep. Always a pleasure and if the pianist is there, even better.

Anon

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Always great food authentic french

ken M

15 June 2017  
Excellent French based food and service.

Matthew F

28 May 2017  
French brasserie.

Sue S

09 May 2017  
Everything was wonderful from the service to the sublime food and relaxing atmosphere.

Iain B

04 May 2017  
Stunning Food, wonderful ambience, zero pretention. Cote De Bouef a must.
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