Café Rouge

I love a deal and the prix fixe menu is a great way to spend 8.50 on 2 course. Check out the specials too which, although aren’t bargains, are tasty and well done. The lamb shank (jarret d’ane) is etched on my Dad’s memory as one of his favourites.
And if you didn’t know, this Café Rouge has a deal with the Showcase cinema — bring your film tix within 2 weeks of watching your film and get a 2 for 1 deal on your meal (after 5pm)! Can’t complain about that!

Coming here for a pre-​cinema bite to eat, I went for the moules, which was pretty tasty, didn’t disappoint. Its very easy to be disappointed by seafood. They have a thai style mussels dish on the menu which I fancy going back and trying, looking forward to a repeat food experience at a restaurant is my thumbs up to it. And there is an extensive menu if moules aren’t your thing. As there was a crowd of us, it took a while for our meal to be served, we were a bit rushed, so if you’ve bought tickets to the cinema, then give yourself time to eat and relax. Café Rouge is a chain but it doesn’t have that chain fast food atmosphere. The art deco french brasserie feel really translates brilliantly in this space, in the whirlwind of activity, its a place where its nice not to be in a hurry.
I may not go out of my way to eat here specifically but its a nice pre-​cinema or apres shopping dinner spot. Also though it can appear a little pricey, it can work out good value. There are loads of special offers and 2 for 1 meal deals, we had vouchers with us when we went although the same night they were doing special offers for customers with cinema tickets.

Although this place isn’t very traditional for a French restaurant — as it claims to be — it is a good fun place to go out to and does deliver delicious food. Also, being located at the top of Cabot, it always gets pretty busy and has a good atmosphere — attracting all the tired shoppers!
I’d also note that they have outdoor seating areas (which are undercover because of Cabot) and have heaters in the winter! I personally think it’s nice to have a chain store that’s different from Italians — there are too many pizza places that have gone big in my opinion! The prices here are on the higher end, but it’s worth checking online if you’re thinking of going because recently they have started offering great discounts such as buy one get one free. I think this must have something to do with the recession and lack of customers — but its worth taking advantage of!
I have only been here a couple of times, but it’s a nice evening out and you can dress up smart without feeling out of place. I would however note that it is not brilliant for vegetarians. However, I’d say give it a go for something a bit different!

Pomme de terre. Sauvignon blanc. Voulez-​vous coucher avec moi? Those three phrases/​words are just about the limit of my French vocab so I found deciphering what exactly was on the menu rather difficult. Luckily for me there is an English translation underneath so I know that I’m not ordering the ‘flamegrilled cat in garlic sauce with fishy chocolate sauce’. I too am a fan of the décor and Edith Piaf serenading the customers over the speakers. My favourite is the Baguette Poulet. Most dishes are simple but simplicity is best! Along with great service and kind prices, Café Rouge is chouette!

Good food, good location. Like the previous reviewer I am a fan of the décor. I was impressed with her «Faux-​rustic and quasi-​French chic designed» description of café rouge. I was just going to say ‘it was nice’.
The guy that served us was friendly and maybe even a real French person. Realism! It was a nice day so we sat outside on the terrace overlooking all the shoppers at Cabot Circus. I’d recommend the Poulet Breton: chicken strips on a herb mash with leek in a white wine cream sauce. All in all very nice indeed and 47.1g of protein to boot. How do I know this? I’ve just seen it on their website whilst I was checking if I’d spelt ‘poulet’ correctly. I did. Go me.
I assume my girlfriend would recommend the Confit de Canard. I base this assumption not on any verbal confirmation but the manner in which it was destroyed on it’s arrival. Clean plate on that side of the table come meals end!
I’m no gastronaut but i think this a great little restaurant. Give it a try. I have one piece of advice for you though. When trying to get the attention of the waitress to obtain the bill make sure you haven’t engaged your cloaking device. We were clearly invisible to the girl who dutifully served the other 2 tables either side of us. Exasperated by my futile attempts to get her attention with subtle body language (waving my debit card in her face) I had to rely on old fashioned spoken word. This worked a treat, I think this will catch on.

Try the sea bass– you won’t be disappointed!
But then again, everything from their breakfast, lunch AND dinner menu is tasty.
I wish I had enough money to go here more (or the one on Park St). Its well priced, but out of my price range for consuming often.
The staff were so, so friendly.
I like the décor alot too. Faux-​rustic and quasi-​French chic designed… i’m possibly easily impressed at times, but I know what I like, and I adore this place.