If you’re looking for unbeatable service, great food and an authentic taste of France, Cafe Rouge does not disappoint. Whether it’s a quick cafe au lait and a crepe, or a glass of sauvignon blanc and a quiche lorraine, it’s all on offer at Cafe Rouge.

The Venue
Set in the gorgeous location of Cardiff’s Mermaid Quay, overlooking the harbour, Cafe Rouge’s location fits its relaxed atmosphere. On the corner of a row of restaurants that line the Quay, Cafe Rouge sits between Terra Nova and Harry Ramsden’s. Its large glass frontage gives you a brilliant view of the Bay outside, including glimpses of the Pierhead Building and the water itself, which takes on a beautiful aquamarine hue in the afternoon sunshine.

The restaurant is set up for around eighty covers, with a bar to the right as you walk in and seating ranging from cafe-style woven chairs, to the more comfy booths at the rear of the restaurant.

The restaurant is reminiscent of early twentieth-century France. The walls are dotted with French art nouveau prints like the famous Chat Noir, evoking the feel of an authentic Parisien cafe. This is married with chateau style: chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and a large open oak cupboard serves as a home for the cash register. The walls are hand painted with little images of muffins and pots of tea. Additionally, there is an outside seating area if you wish for a cool sea breeze over a coffee in the morning.

The Atmosphere
French songs play in the background allowing you to enjoy your coffee, lunch or dinner, without the excessive bombardment of the senses like some restaurants. Depending on the time of day and the day of the week, Cafe Rouge attracts all manner of people, from a group of friends congregating over a coffee and a crepe, to an elderly couple out to enjoy a light lunch. The staff are extremely attentive and you are never left waiting for a menu or your bill; no matter how busy it gets. It seems the staff thrive on activity, and never let your expectations down.

The Food
Be prepared to test out your French when ordering food. Cafe Rouge leaves no room for English pronounced dishes. A variety of options are available for either a light lunch or an evening meal. The baguettes are particularly good. The baguette poulet (£8.50) is char grilled chicken, coated with a tangy oregano and Dijon mayonnaise, stuffed generously into a soft, freshly baked baguette. A traditional French sandwich, croque monsieur (£6.95) is served with Gruyere cheese. Both dishes are served with a small salad with French dressing and chips.

For evening meals, Cafe Rouge offers Plats de la Maison. These dishes offer an authentic taste of French cuisine and include dishes such as seabass buerre blanc (£11.95). Other dishes on the menu itself include Plats Regionaux such as poulet Breton (£9.95), which is tender strips of chicken, leeks, and mushroom, sauteed in a creamy white wine sauce and served with a mash dotted with herbs. Also on offer is a fixed menu for two at £7.95 per person, served Monday to Friday 12-5pm.

The Drink
One of the big selling points of Cafe Rouge is that wine suggestions are provided beneath some of the dishes on the menu. The legume Breton, a variation of the poulet Breton without the chicken, comes with a wine recommendation of Rose Le Merle; a rose from Provence.

Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays d'Oc (La Serre) at £3.75 for 175ml, and £14.95 for a bottle, is a dry, yet fruity wine which is a delicate accompaniment to any light lunch. The Merlot Vin de Pays d'Oc (Belles Roches) at £3.30 for 175ml and £17.95 for a bottle is a smooth red that bursts onto the taste buds, and combines well with any steak dish.

The Last Word
If you want to relax, watch the world go by, and eat some very good French food and drink in a beautiful location, then Cafe Rouge is a great spot.