Cafe Rouge, Manchester

Last time i went to Cafe Rouge, i was with my housemate.
We were stood at the front waiting to be seated for a few minutes before anyone noticed us so just ended up sitting ourselves down. We had to ask at the bar to be served. Bearing in mind this was 4pm on a wednesday, and there were only 3 tables in the restaurant.
We had olives and humous to start, which came out quickly.
He had the baguette poulet and i had the poulet breton (they forgot my mash) which i had to ask for. The food took quite a while to come out but was nice when it arrived.
For dessert we shared the tarte au citron and the coupe rouge. Both were delicious and arrived quickly.
I would highly recommend the desserts and the coffees but the service does need a lot of improvement.

Its a chain and it is what it is...however the service is awful.

Un vrai plaisir de retrouver cela sur Manchester. une carte simple et efficace et surtout un bon rapport qualité prix. Le personnel est très très sympa, convivial et parle français.

In Cafe Rouge (Red Cafe, that is) the outdoor seating reminds you of relaxed atmosphere of a provincial French tavern where you can drink your coffee to the sound of a hurdy-gurdy. Checkered chairs with wooden backs, neat round tables... Step inside - and you sink in the red-hot glow of a Parisian cabaret, or that cafe in Montmartre where a yet unknown poet composes his seminal verses.

There is a personal story attached to this particular Cafe Rouge. I had my Valentine's meal there in 2005, before which my companion and I went to see a play at the Library Theatre. We had a problem in our relationship, and, interestingly enough, the play was "The Real Thing" by Tom Stoppard. The play was about love, (in)fidelity, trust, and forgiveness, and the entire meal turned into a conversation on those topics. We both were growing older, as well as growing apart, and since then Cafe Rouge, with its strikingly dark interior with bourlesque posters on the walls, has been the epitome of this romantic date turned into a heartfelt, intimate discussion about the future.

Since then I've only been to Cafe Rouge a few times for a coffee, but I have always liked the ambiguity of its interior and exterior. The "typically French" menu may be lacking the exclusivity of the now extinct Petit Blanc in King St, but this is perhaps what helped to sustain Cafe Rouge during the recession, while Le Petit Blanc had to close down.

Another great thing about all Cafe Rouge restaurants is their location. This is especially true for Deansgate's Cafe Rouge because there you do have the chance to transport yourself somewhere to the Continent, provided your imagination is good. And if you're happy to be staying in Manchester, then you may simply enjoy your cigarette and a glass of Merlot, while watching the busy street, busy people, and a line of impressive buildings on the opposite side of the road.

Found the food here to be poor and the serivce very poor. I had been to a cafe rouge before and found the food ok but this time the food took nearly an hour to arrive and was of a very low standard. Doubt I will visit any of their restaurants again.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable, and the baguettes are highly recommended :)

Went here for a drink on sat night 9th may 09. The bar service was quite slow but it was very busy with diners, we sat outside & enjoyed watching everyone go by, the atmosphere was great, the prices were average.

Cafe Rouge is my favourite restaurant. Although it is a chain, each restaurant is individually styled and has a cozy, decidedly French feel. It seats a large number of people and is always busy - a good sign. The food is reasonably priced and always good quality. The staff are always friendly and efficient. Many of them are French, which adds to the atmosphere. The menu is lovely with loads of choice, and vegetarians are well catered-for. It is not expensive, particularly taking into account the quality. I have never been disappointed yet.

I used to love Cafe Rouge but after my last experience I’ve had second thoughts. The service in this restaurant was terrible. We waited over an hour for our main course and when it arrived it didn’t even taste very nice. We weren’t even told why our meal was delayed. I have been to other Cafe Rouge restaurants and had a lovely meal so maybe this was a one off. I won’t be going back to this particular one in a hurry though.

Whenever I’m in Manchester I also visit Cafe Rouge on Deansgate. The thing I love the most is the Laid back atmosphere, great French bistro style food and more importantly great value for money. The best dish is the Beef bourguignon with Dauphinoise Potato Mmmm!! I also like the fact that they always have a special offer running, like 2 courses with Wine for £12 and you can use High Street Vouchers there too which helps pay the bill !!! It may not be the best restaurant in Manchester but for me its one that I will go back to time after time. A great place for a casual meal with freinds after a hard days shopping.

Service in this restaurant is not as good as the TC one. Still love the creme brulee