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Le Cafe du Marche, London,

Le Cafe du Marche

4.8 (1651)
£41 and over
French
22 Charterhouse Square, Charterhouse Mews, London, EC1M 6DX

Make a reservation

A photo of Le Cafe du Marche restaurant

Le Cafe du Marche

4.8
£41 and over
French
Barbican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
Open for over three decades, Le Cafe du Marche remains a family run, independent French restaurant. Tucked down a cobbled mews on the corner of historic Charterhouse Square and a stones throw from the Elizabeth Line & Farringdon Stations, we offer honest French food in a convivial and characterful setting. Crossing the threshold, guests feel they escape the hustle and bustle of the Square Mile and instead are transported to the south of France. We have live jazz in the evenings

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    French, Contemporary French, European
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:15 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Antonio Pineda
  • Catering
    Our two or three course menu is changed daily, based on seasonal ingredients and produce. Menu displayed is sample only.
  • Private party facilities
    Le Cafe du Marche, open for nearly 30 years, is an independent, family run restaurant located down the end of a cobbled mews near Smithfield meat market. Renowned for it's ‘bonhomie’ and relaxed atmosphere, Le Cafe du Marche serves up formal dining in beautiful surrounds.
  • Neighborhood
    Barbican
  • Parking details
    <br><br />There are 'pay and display' places in the NCP car park in the square next to the restaurant. In the evenings, you can park in the nearby streets (single yellow lines).
  • Public transit
    The nearest tubes are Farringdon and Barbican with the Elizabeth Line a 5 minute walk away. Overground: Farringdon Thameslink.
  • Entertainment
    Piano and double bass, or solo pianist, play jazz music every evening in the Café.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

Concierge
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What 1,651 people are saying

Le Cafe du Marche reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • City of London

    Best Overall

  • City of London

    Best Ambiance

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Le Cafe du Marche LLP offers "superb food" with a "wonderful ambiance" and friendly service in a charming French bistro setting. Guests highlight the "delicious food with some unusual twists" and an "extensive wine list." Known for its "great atmosphere" featuring live jazz, it ensures a "memorable experience" for all visitors.
1,651 Reviews
  1. Ian

    London7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I use this restaurant form time to time and it never disappoints. The food is excellnt with a good selection of wines and friendly service

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kate

    London2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Has been my favourite restaurant for more than 20 years and still as great as ever.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kirsty

    London19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food is wonderful. The surroundings are delightful and the wine list is extensive. The service was quick and helpful, even when they overcharged us they quickly and politely resolved it. We had forgotten how much we enjoyed it here.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Paul

    Mexico City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was good, and the dishes were well executed.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Susan

    London16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food with some unusual twists. Pretty dining room with background jazz

    Is this helpful?

  6. Simon

    Hertfordshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As good as ever - a perfect place for a relaxing lunch with an old friend.

    Is this helpful?

  7. John

    Kent8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Used this restaurant some years ago. However, just as I remember. Food of an excellent standard in a beautiful setting. Staff attention to detail and a very cordial welcome make for a very enjoyable experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Michael

    London4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb food, splendid service and wonderful ambiance, a real treat

    Is this helpful?

  9. Paul

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect (and I mean perfect!) pre-dinner meal before a show at Barbican Theatre. Fabulous food (A chef who knows which flavours and textures work), service outstanding (from everyone, at every touch point we were made to feel very welcome) and ambience (could have been in France!).

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kerry

    Essex6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 25, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely little restaurant - great food and lovely atmosphere - will definitely return!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    French, Contemporary French, European
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–2:15 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Antonio Pineda
  • Catering
    Our two or three course menu is changed daily, based on seasonal ingredients and produce. Menu displayed is sample only.
  • Private party facilities
    Le Cafe du Marche, open for nearly 30 years, is an independent, family run restaurant located down the end of a cobbled mews near Smithfield meat market. Renowned for it's ‘bonhomie’ and relaxed atmosphere, Le Cafe du Marche serves up formal dining in beautiful surrounds.
  • Neighborhood
    Barbican
  • Parking details
    <br><br />There are 'pay and display' places in the NCP car park in the square next to the restaurant. In the evenings, you can park in the nearby streets (single yellow lines).
  • Public transit
    The nearest tubes are Farringdon and Barbican with the Elizabeth Line a 5 minute walk away. Overground: Farringdon Thameslink.
  • Entertainment
    Piano and double bass, or solo pianist, play jazz music every evening in the Café.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Le Cafe du Marche is a popular choice for a romantic date night. Guests frequently highlight the candlelit, intimate atmosphere, live piano and double-bass jazz, and cosy French-bistro feel that make evenings feel special. Expect attentive, discreet service and classic French dishes (many recommend the côte de boeuf and sharing options). For the most romantic experience, book an evening table and mention any special occasion so staff can help make it memorable.

Le Cafe du Marche serves lunch and dinner on a regular weekly schedule. Lunch is Tue–Fri 12:00–14:15, and dinner is Tue–Sat 18:00–21:30. If you're planning a special visit (late dinners or holidays) it's wise to call ahead, many guests recommend booking, especially for evening service when the restaurant gets busy.

Portions are generally generous and hearty, many guests describe the dishes as well-sized and filling, especially sharing plates like côte de boeuf or the rack of lamb. Several reviews praise “hearty portions” and good value on the fixed-price menu. As with any bistro, there are occasional remarks about a main or two being smaller than expected, so if you have a big appetite consider ordering a starter and a side or choosing a sharing main.

It depends on your aim: for the full romantic, musical experience pick Friday or Saturday evening when the jazz duo is usually playing. For a quieter, more relaxed meal, ideal for business lunches or quieter conversation, choose a weekday lunch (Tue–Fri) or an early weekday dinner. Guests often recommend midweek for a calmer vibe and weekends for atmosphere and live music.

Yes, the team is known for accommodating special requests. Guests report the staff handle birthdays (playing Happy Birthday), dietary needs and seating preferences with care. For allergies, celebrations or specific table requests, call ahead and the welcoming staff will advise and do their best to arrange it. If you have mobility or other accessibility needs, mention them when booking to ensure staff can prepare.

Busiest: Friday–Saturday evenings (live jazz nights) when the atmosphere is buzzy and reservations are in high demand. Quietest: weekday lunches (Tue–Fri) and early weekday dinners tend to be calmer, ideal for conversation or a relaxed business lunch. Guests recommend early evening slots if you prefer a less noisy dining experience.

Yes, families do dine here and guests often celebrate birthdays or bring younger family members. The atmosphere is relaxed and many parties include teens and multi‑generation groups. There’s no mention of a children’s menu in the available sources, so for younger diners consider an earlier seating and call ahead about menu flexibility or simpler options.

For a lively, atmospheric evening with live jazz choose Fri–Sat dinners when the pianist and double-bass often play. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for weekday lunches (Tue–Fri) or an early weekday dinner when the restaurant is less busy. Guests also recommend early evening service for more relaxed conversation and to avoid peak noise later in the night.

Yes for family-friendly seating, guests regularly bring families, celebrate birthdays (including older relatives) and report staff are welcoming to groups of all ages. The venue is cosy with two dining rooms, so you can often find a table that suits a quieter family meal. For accessibility specifics (step-free access, wheelchair facilities), information isn't explicit in the sources, call ahead to confirm any mobility needs and request a suitable table.

Casual dress is the stated dress code. Guests typically dine in smart-casual attire, comfortable but neat, which suits the restaurant’s relaxed yet refined French-bistro style. For special occasions you may choose to dress a bit smarter, but there’s no formal requirement.

Warm, convivial and unmistakably French, guests describe candlelit tables, exposed brick, low lighting and a buzzing yet intimate bistro vibe. Live jazz or piano-and-double-bass in the evenings adds charm without being overpowering. Service is consistently called friendly, professional and unobtrusive, creating a relaxed, romantic and slightly old‑world atmosphere that many guests return to again and again.

Yes, guests report separate or semi-private rooms (a ‘Rendezvous’ room and adjoining dining areas) and several groups have used the space for celebrations and events. However, the restaurant-provided listing marks private-party options as not allowed, so it’s best to call and confirm availability, capacity and any booking terms if you’re planning a private event.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. London
  4. City of London
  5. Barbican

Make a reservation

A photo of Le Cafe du Marche restaurant

Le Cafe du Marche

4.8
£41 and over
French
Barbican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
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