Everything about this new outlet lives up to the swanky reputation of the Cafe Rouge chain, everything except its location that is…

The Venue
Overlooking Bristol’s Cabot Circus, it seems rather strange that such a pretty little restaurant should be in the midst of commercial hell. Although surrounded by other excellent bistros, you wonder who exactly would want to climb to the top of this shopping centre to try to enjoy a meal in such a stressful environment. That said, once inside you’re (almost) able to forget about the communists’ nightmare going on around you and sap up the qualities of a sophisticated eatery.

The People
This is precisely the kind of place where you’re instantly made to feel at ease and unique. From word go you’re doted upon, meaning by the time you sit down you have a sense of grandeur.

Cafe Rouge’s royal splendour is reflected in both the interior decoration and finery of the waiting staff. A touch on the formal side for some, most will surely lap up the attention they receive and the pleasant surroundings.

The Food
There are no less than five well rounded menus on display (breakfast, a la carte, lunch set menu, evening set menu and dessert), though ultimately you only need the main menu and the wine list. It’s not the cheapest place in Cabot Circus, but if fine French cuisine is your style then you will not leave disappointed.

The hors d’oeuvres are an excellent place to start, with a reliable daily soup (£4.15), a very creamy champignons de Paris (mushrooms in a garlic sauce, £4.85) and a magnificent crevettes du Cafe Rouge (king prawns in garlic and herb butter, £5.50).

There’s a list of exciting regional dishes on offer for the mains, with chicken breasts, leeks and mushrooms (Brittany, £10.25), crispy duck confit with orange liqueur sauce (Drodogne, £12.75) and lovely, thick pan-fried Toulouse sausages with a potato salad (Languedoc, £9.95).

With each dish comes a wine recommendation which is worth following as they seem to know their vino stuff. The lighter lunch dishes also deserve a mention, especially the croque monseiur (ham and cheese, £6.85) and the baguette Rouge (rib eye steak baguette, £7.95).

The Drink
As aforementioned, it’s sensible to stick with the wine recommended to your dish. However, for a great soft, fruity red go for the cabernet sauvignon (Domaine de Massia, £16.10), a crispy white try the house wine (£12.95) or if you fancy a rose try the pale coloured Cotes du Provence (£17.65). Cider lovers should check out the Cidre Breton – a cloudy, crisp Brittany gem.

The Last Word
There’s no denying that Cafe Rouge occupies a graceful, chic place on the Bristol restaurant circuit, but its hectic location is at odds with the superior food and drink available.

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