Harden's survey result
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”.
Summary
“A magic wand of romance is waved as you enter!” at this “seductive Gallic number” – “a classic little bistro”, “tucked away down a cobbled lane in Clerkenwell” and occupying “cosy”, ancient-feeling premises. In the early nineties it was one of London’s better-known destinations, but nowadays it feels like “very much a hidden gem”. Foodwise – “who said the classics can’t be fun?”; its traditional offering delivers “consistently tasty food and an interesting little wine list”. “The brilliant chaps playing live jazz in the corner on many evenings add much to the charm, character and ambience of the place”.
Summary
“Just the kind of spot you expect on the market square of a small French town” – this “delightful stalwart, hidden at the back of a cobbled mews off Charterhouse Square”, is an “unchanging old friend” to its big fanclub. “Convivial, candlelit and very romantic”, its menu is “not gourmet, but it delivers classic Gallic cuisine served with a lot of charm”; and regular jazz helps “adds to the great ambience” in the evening.
For 33 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
"Charming local brasserie. Great french bistro food and good value for money. Live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere, service is friendly. A great find in this part of town."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £41.95 | £49.95 |  |
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| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
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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