Harden's survey result
Summary
“Discreetly tucked away from more fashionable eateries and with a lovely atmosphere” – this charming veteran of over forty years’ standing near Smithfield Market is “an old favourite which doesn’t change much… hope it never does!”. “A lovely take on a French bistro/brasserie”: its combination of “rich and comforting, old school, classic French food in a warm and convivial setting” makes for a “stylish and low-key” destination that’s “romantic” by night, and also a “good place for a quiet and atmospheric business lunch near the City”.
Summary
Now in its 40th year, this “charming, family-run brasserie”, “hidden away near Smithfield Market”, is “about as close as you’ll get to France” without leaving Blighty. With a “great atmosphere, but still quiet enough to be able to chat”, it’s “a great place to seal a business deal” – but equally “French is always best for romance!”. In the evenings, “regular live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere”.
Summary
“You actually feel as though you might be in a brasserie in France” at this City-fringe “favourite”, tucked away in an atmospheric former warehouse, near Smithfield Market (and long predating the trendification of the area). “A great staple for both business and pleasure”, it “has a lovely atmosphere with a real, vibrant buzz which should surely impress” either a client or date. The “pleasing”, solid Gallic fare offers “decent value”, but “it is the overall experience that makes it stand out”.
Summary
A “charming” old-style Gallic brasserie (est. 1986), with a “genuine French ambience, in an interesting setting tucked away on the edge of the City” near Smithfield Market. Its classic cuisine remains well-rated, and live jazz in the evenings adds to a special appeal that many find “romantic”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Café du Marché?
22 Charterhouse Sq, London, EC1M 6DX
Restaurant details
Café du Marché Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Old school, classic French food from a short set menu; rich and comforting in a warm, convivial setting"
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £36.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
22 Charterhouse Sq, London, EC1M 6DX
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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