Cafe Rouge is one of my favourite restaurants, ever. As a child my dad used to take my sister and I to the Richmond restaurant where breakfast, lunch or dinner was a favourite time spent there. The smell of freshly roasted coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, baked croissants, sugar cubes in little white bowls, chic vogue prints and pictures of French icons and landscapes on the walls whilst jazzy French music played softly in the background. Although the Richmond restaurant no longer exists, along with a few other memory inducing locations, Cafe Rouge still brings the same memories whichever one I go to. My mum loves it, I love it and hopefully one day Emily will feel the same.
Last Sunday we visited Cafe Rouge, the Thanet branch at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs. We were visiting for my birthday lunch. There were 6 of us in total, 4 adults and 2 children. Thanet’s Cafe Rouge is like a tardis. Looks can very much be deceiving. Outside it looks like a small restaurant, with its little outdoor eating area and reflective windows, but on the inside, it’s huge. The staff are friendly, sometimes it feels though that there’s not enough staff to compete with the flowing crowd of people as it’s no surprise it’s a popular restaurant of choice at Westwood.
The decor here is like something out a Parisian Vogue magazine. There’s a huge wine glass chandelier hanging on the ceiling, vogue prints, pictured of famous 60’s icons such as Bridget Bardot and many more casually overlooking the paintings and stencils of famous architecture.
Their decor is interesting, beautiful and it’s across the walls, behind the bar, on the tables and in the bathrooms. You can’t help staring at their decor that pays homage to French fashion, iconic black and white images of chic French models and actresses. It’s the perfect place to refuel after retail therapy or if you’re in the mood for a leisurely lunch, or date night without the kids.
We went about midday and at first it seemed quiet, a few tables chatting with their coffee and light bite meals, but within minutes the place was bustling. Families, friends, all ages chatting, drinking, chilling, reading, eating. It was a nice atmosphere and you could see the chefs busily preparing food in the kitchen at the back.
I’ll admit I’m a sucker for their steak and frites. It’s pretty much my go-to meal. I have it all the time when I visit.
What we ordered:
- 1 pate
- 1 baguette
- 3
rumpreplaced with filet for the same price as rump steaks & frites
- 1 petite children’s meal
- 1 children’s meal
- 1 Duck with cherry sauce
- 2 desserts
- 1 glass of red
- 2 glasses of white
- 2 glasses of water
- 3 beers
- 1 bottled beer
Discount: 30% off food + 1 free Pink Beefeater G&T
Total: £114
The verdict:
Sam had never been to the restaurant before but he seemed to enjoy it. His brother and sister in-law being huge fans loved it, so did their daughter, Emily was a little up and down (damn growing pains) and I well, I will forever love this place. The steak was perfection. Just delicious and I melted into the tarte tartin for dessert.
I think whatever your view of Cafe Rouge, if you haven’t been you should go. It may be expensive but the food is delicious. Plus if you sign up for their birthday club, you’ll receive amazing deals and offers throughout the year. They have menus for even the littlest of appetites. Even though Emily was poorly, she still enjoyed it before having a nap.
Things you should know:
- Disabled access
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor seating
- You can order some of their food from their menus on Just Eat under Stack & Grill
Opening times:
Mon – Thurs: 9.00am – 10.00pm
Fri – Sat: 8.30am – 10.00pm
Sun: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Missy, Me & Him 