Cafe Rouge (Hampstead)

Cafe Rouge in Hampstead is a must for me when I am in the area. The staff have always been accommodating from the outset - we are given a table with which we are content, we do not have to wait long for orders to be placed or for food to arrive. I find the service to be an exemplary pace - I feel neither impatient nor rushed.

Also, the dining room itself is particularly ambient in my opinion, warm and whimsical.

The menu furnishes diners with great scope but I consistently order the same things because they are SO GOOD. The onion soup is fantastic, loaded with a giant crouton and gruyere cheese. And croque monsieur - the bread is lovely and the cheese is always melted and perfect. Even the pommes frites, which let's face it , can be found anywhere, are tender and crispy and flavorful. The creme brulee is sublime and a mug of coffee to go with is the perfect end to an always-delightful meal in Hampstead.

I couldn't say enough good things about the place.
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Karyn - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, June 15, 2008

I think most people know what cafe rouge is about. Reasonably French food, reasonable prices, nothing fancy. I was here on a Sunday and they were swamped. With a little patience we were served, and everything was alright. I did want to comment that the service, despite being a little slow, was fantastic. All the staff were very friendly despite the hordes of people. Clearly someone's doing something right, as this kind of busy afternoon is usually synonymous with bad service.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Sunday, February 10, 2008

everything excellent and best in uk the cafe rouge
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raj
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 21, 2007

The worst service I've ever had to put up with. Rude and obnoxious waiters whom I've had to complain about.

I had a coffee there one evening and sat outside. As soon as my order arrived I was told without being given a bill what I owed them. I asked if i could pay after my coffee but was told that the policy was to make the customers pay beforehand if they sat outside. I duly paid and then noticed two differents parties also sat outside who did not have to pay until they asked for the bill at the end of the meal.

Frankly, if I'm in Hampstead, I'm hardly going to be the sort of person to run off without paying for my coffee. It left a sour taste in my mouth.

Eating is hardly a better experience, except that some of the menu is good, some is not. If you know what to eat and don't expect much this makes a tolerable quick bite.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, January 11, 2006

My partner and I went as a birthday treat a couple of days ago. The service was ok, some the food was good (the mussels starter was nice).

I was dissapointed with the microwaved mash potato, the restaurant was about 10% full so why they had to recook ready prepared food I don't know.

Prices are lower than most restaurants but, sadly, so was the quality of the food.
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Jim
Wednesday, October 19, 2005