Le Café du Marché

Charming Ambiance with Live Jazz Delight

Hidden away in a quaint corner of Charterhouse Square, Le Café du Marché effortlessly transports diners to a snapshot of vintage France through its atmospheric charm and culinary repertoire. Beneath the vaulted wooden beams and soft candlelit ambiance, complemented by gentle piano notes, it was almost easy to forget that just beyond lay the hustle and bustle of central London. As I settled into my table—mind the chill if you're positioned at the back—the initial lure was instantly apparent: this is where nostalgia meets the joy of fine dining. The staff, particularly Émilie in her reassuring professionalism and hospitality, flawlessly choreographed the evening. Even during a busy service, there was no compromise on attentiveness or warmth—a testament to their commitment to making each visit memorable.

The menu is a rich ode to classic French bistro cuisine, with hearty dishes that emphasize flavor over plate artistry. My Côte de boeuf was cooked superbly, resonating with depth and simplicity that true comfort foods embody. Accompanied by crisp frites and unexpectedly succulent foie gras, it was a meal covered in culinary nostalgia. Desserts followed similarly traditional cues; one spoonful of the signature cheesecake captured nuanced sweetness sans frills, proving indulgent rather than obligatory. Despite a minor hiccup with a bottle initially swapped out incorrectly, the adept effort made by the waitstaff, led by Cedric’s unwavering exuberance, rendered it inconsequential. As the evening crescendoed with soulful jazz tunes, and with a glass of Chablis accentuating each lingering taste, departing felt like leaving behind a cherished familiarity—one you instinctively vow to revisit. — Clarissa Cuisinier