Hello Café Rouge fans! So you're planning a visit to Café Rouge, but you're not really sure what the prices look like, what's actually on the menu right now, or whether you need to book a table first. Sound familiar? It's a common problem, and honestly, you're not alone in wondering about it.
That's exactly why this article exists. We're giving you a complete overview of the Café Rouge menu with all prices for 2026, so you can plan your meal, budget properly and turn up feeling confident rather than guessing. Let's get stuck in, shall we?
A Little Taste of France on the High Street: Café Rouge
If you've ever fancied a croque monsieur without hopping on the Eurostar, Café Rouge is probably the name that springs to mind. This French-inspired casual dining chain first opened its doors back in 1989, bringing a slice of Parisian bistro charm to British high streets, and it's been a go-to for relaxed lunches, date nights and family get-togethers ever since.
Think classic French comfort food done in an approachable, everyday way: steaks, moules, baguettes, and plenty of bistro-style plates that feel a bit special without being fussy. It's the sort of place that suits pretty much everyone, whether you're after a leisurely weekend brunch or a midweek dinner that doesn't break the bank.
Worth knowing that the estate has shrunk over the years, with around nine locations nationwide as of 2026, so it's always worth checking what's near you before you plan a visit. And if you're wondering what a meal will set you back, our breakdown of Café Rouge menu prices UK 2026 should give you a handy steer. Fancy a little French flair without leaving Blighty? This could be just the ticket.
Café Rouge menu prices UK 2026: what you'll actually pay
Café Rouge has shrunk to around nine sites across the UK, but the French bistro classics are still there. Here's a realistic look at what a meal will set you back in 2026 — treat these as guide prices, as menus and costs vary by location.
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Starters to kick things off
The French classics you'd expect, plus a few sharing-friendly bits. Perfect with a glass of something cold while you decide on the main event.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| French onion soup with gruyère crouton | 7.95 GBP |
| Baked camembert with cranberry and sourdough | 9.50 GBP |
| Garlic bread with parsley | 5.25 GBP |
| Prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce | 8.25 GBP |
| Chicken liver pâté with toast and cornichons | 8.50 GBP |
| Escargots with garlic butter | 9.95 GBP |
| Soup of the day with crusty bread | 6.50 GBP |
Salads with a French accent
Lighter plates that still feel properly bistro. Great for lunch if you're saving room for dessert.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Niçoise salad with tuna, egg and olives | 13.95 GBP |
| Chicken Caesar salad | 13.50 GBP |
| Goat's cheese and beetroot salad | 12.95 GBP |
| Warm duck and orange salad | 14.95 GBP |
| Side salad with house dressing | 4.50 GBP |
Burgers and sandwiches
Comfort food with a French twist — the burger comes with brie, obviously.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Café Rouge burger with brie and bacon | 16.95 GBP |
| Steak baguette with caramelised onions | 13.95 GBP |
| Croque monsieur | 11.50 GBP |
| Croque madame with fried egg | 12.50 GBP |
| Chicken and bacon club baguette | 12.95 GBP |
| Merguez sausage baguette | 12.50 GBP |
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Bistro mains
The heart of the menu — hearty French plates that feel like a proper dinner out.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Steak frites with peppercorn sauce | 21.95 GBP |
| Coq au vin with mash | 18.95 GBP |
| Boeuf bourguignon | 19.50 GBP |
| Duck confit with dauphinoise potatoes | 21.50 GBP |
| Fish and chips with mushy peas | 17.95 GBP |
| Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs | 20.95 GBP |
| Toulouse sausage with lentils | 16.95 GBP |
Vegetarian plates
There's more than just a token option here — the veggie dishes get proper French treatment too.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mushroom bourguignon | 15.95 GBP |
| Vegetable crêpe with cheese sauce | 13.50 GBP |
| Ratatouille with rice | 14.50 GBP |
| Goat's cheese tart with rocket | 13.95 GBP |
| Halloumi and roasted vegetable salad | 13.50 GBP |
Sides to share (or not)
Because chips and garlic bread deserve their own section, frankly.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Frites | 4.50 GBP |
| Dauphinoise potatoes | 5.25 GBP |
| Garlic bread | 5.25 GBP |
| Green beans with shallots | 4.75 GBP |
| Rocket and parmesan salad | 4.50 GBP |
| House fries with aioli | 5.25 GBP |
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Puddings — save room
The puddings are arguably the best bit. Yes, you're having the crème brûlée.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Crème brûlée | 7.50 GBP |
| Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream | 7.95 GBP |
| Tarte tatin with crème fraîche | 7.95 GBP |
| Cheese board with crackers and chutney | 8.95 GBP |
| Profiteroles with chocolate sauce | 7.50 GBP |
| Ice cream selection | 5.95 GBP |
Breakfast and brunch
Weekend brunch is a big deal at Café Rouge — pastries, eggs and all the French staples.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Croissant with butter and jam | 4.25 GBP |
| Pain au chocolat | 4.50 GBP |
| Eggs benedict | 11.95 GBP |
| Full English breakfast | 13.50 GBP |
| French toast with berries | 10.50 GBP |
| Omelette with cheese and herbs | 10.95 GBP |
Drinks and hot drinks
From a proper café crème to a glass of house red — the drinks list has a distinctly French feel.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Café crème | 3.50 GBP |
| Pot of tea | 3.25 GBP |
| Fresh orange juice | 3.95 GBP |
| House red wine (175ml) | 6.50 GBP |
| House white wine (175ml) | 6.50 GBP |
| Kir royale | 8.95 GBP |
| French lager (330ml) | 5.50 GBP |
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Lunch and set menus
The set menu is where the value's at — a couple of courses without the full-price damage.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Two-course set lunch | 18.95 GBP |
| Three-course set lunch | 22.95 GBP |
| Two-course dinner set menu | 21.95 GBP |
| Three-course dinner set menu | 25.95 GBP |
| Children's two-course menu | 9.95 GBP |
Reference prices, last updated 31.10.2026. Prices may vary by branch.
What's new at Café Rouge in 2026?
You might be wondering what's changed at Café Rouge this year. Well, the brand has been around since 1989, so it's no newcomer, but it's definitely keeping up with the times. From what I can see, many branches are now offering more vegetarian and vegan options than ever before. Think hearty mushroom bourguignon, plant-based burgers, and dairy-free desserts. It's not just a token salad anymore, which is great news if you're trying to eat less meat or you've got friends with dietary needs. Also, if you're a fan of convenience, you'll be pleased to hear that online ordering and table booking seem to be more widely available. I've noticed that several locations now let you book a table through their website, and some even offer click-and-collect or delivery. That said, it's always worth checking your local branch's page, as things can vary.
Another thing that's likely on your mind is the price. With everything going up these days, you're probably wondering if Café Rouge has changed its prices for 2026. From what I've gathered, prices have seen a slight increase in line with inflation, but they're still pretty reasonable for a casual French-inspired meal. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials and app deals too, as many branches are pushing their loyalty apps with exclusive offers. For instance, you might find discounts on set menus or happy hour deals on drinks. Just remember, these can change, so it's best to check the app or website before you go. Overall, Café Rouge seems to be adapting to what we want in 2026: more choice, more convenience, and still that familiar French charm.
Café Rouge nutrition: calories, protein, fat and carbs at a glance
Let's be honest, nobody goes to Café Rouge to count every single gram. But if you're keeping half an eye on what's on your plate, it helps to know roughly where you stand before you order. A quick heads-up first: Café Rouge doesn't publish a full nutrition breakdown for its UK menu, so the figures below are approximate estimates for a typical portion, put together from similar bistro-style dishes. Treat them as a rough guide rather than gospel, portion sizes vary by dish and by kitchen, and if you have an allergy or a specific dietary need it's always worth asking the team directly. With around nine locations across the UK in 2026, the menu stays fairly consistent, but recipes and sides can shift, so use these numbers as a friendly ballpark, not a strict rulebook.
| Item | Calories (kcal) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French onion soup | 320 | 11 | 16 | 30 |
| Steak frites | 850 | 45 | 45 | 65 |
| Coq au vin | 620 | 42 | 30 | 28 |
| Boeuf bourguignon | 680 | 40 | 38 | 32 |
| Croque monsieur | 720 | 32 | 42 | 52 |
| Duck confit | 780 | 38 | 58 | 22 |
| Salade niçoise | 480 | 24 | 30 | 24 |
| Crème brûlée | 430 | 6 | 30 | 34 |
| Tarte tatin | 400 | 4 | 18 | 56 |
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Visiting Café Rouge in London: what to expect from your local branch
If you're anywhere near a big city in the UK, chances are there's a Café Rouge within reach. For this local section, let's talk about popping into a branch in London. It's the kind of place that's been part of the British high street since 1989, so there's a fair chance you've walked past one without really clocking it. Fancy a bit of French-inspired comfort food without hopping on the Eurostar? That's the appeal.
Keep in mind that the brand isn't everywhere these days. There are around nine locations across the country as of late 2026, so it's worth checking the official site at caferouge.com before you set off. Search for your nearest branch, have a quick look at the opening hours for that day, and if you're planning a weekend visit or a big group meal, booking ahead is the sensible move. Nothing worse than turning up hungry and finding the place packed.
On the atmosphere side, expect the familiar Café Rouge look: warm, brasserie-style interiors, a bit of Parisian-inspired decor, and a menu that leans into classics like steak frites, croques, and bistro-style plates. It's casual dining rather than fine dining, so it works nicely for a relaxed lunch, a pre-theatre bite, or a family meal where nobody wants to dress up. Prices for 2026 will vary by branch and by what you order, so do check the menu at your chosen location rather than assuming the numbers are the same everywhere.
Here's my honest tip: treat your local branch as a convenient treat rather than a destination in itself, and you'll have a lovely time. Check the branch details online, sort your table, and go for something comforting off the menu. Oh, and if you're a fan of the classic French onion soup or a decent croque monsieur, you'll feel right at home. Have you got a Café Rouge near you? Let me know how your local one measures up.
Vouchers, Gift Cards and Ways to Save at Café Rouge
Now, before you start planning your next French-inspired outing, it's worth knowing how to keep the bill down. Café Rouge has been knocking about since 1989, and with around nine locations across the UK as of 2026, it's the kind of reliable spot where a little savvy goes a long way. Start with the official website and sign up to the newsletter, as that's usually where seasonal offers, set-menu news and limited-time deals get announced first. It's also worth checking whether there's an official app or a loyalty programme running when you visit, since these things tend to change over time. And if you're heading out at lunchtime, keep an eye out for lunch or pre-theatre style set menus, which often work out better value than ordering à la carte. Students, it's always worth asking at the till whether there's a student deal on the go, though it's best to check directly with your local branch rather than assume.
If you're stuck for a gift, a Café Rouge gift card is a lovely little present for the francophile in your life, whether they'd rather have a leisurely breakfast, a steak frites dinner or just a glass of something French. You can usually arrange these through the official site or in the restaurant itself, so do double-check the current options and any terms before you buy. The same goes for vouchers and coupons: rather than hunting for random codes that may not work, stick to the official channels and ask your local restaurant about any current promotions. And because prices and offers shift around, it's always worth comparing the menu prices before you go so you know exactly what you're spending. Fancy a bit of la vie en rose without the Paris price tag? A little homework goes a long way.
Opening Hours
Here's the thing about Café Rouge: there's no single set of opening hours for the whole chain, because each of the roughly nine UK locations runs to its own schedule. Your best bet is to check the page for the branch you fancy on caferouge.com before you set off, especially if you're planning a late lunch or an early dinner. To give you a rough idea, though, most restaurants tend to follow a pattern like this:
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 22:30 |
| Saturday | 09:30 – 22:30 |
| Sunday | 09:30 – 21:00 |
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The Story of Café Rouge: From a Single Bistro to a British Favourite
Picture this: it's 1989, and a little French bistro opens its doors in London. That was the birth of Café Rouge – a place that brought a taste of Paris to the UK. Founded by a group of friends who wanted to share their love for French cuisine, the first Café Rouge was all about simple, hearty dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe. You could say it was love at first bite for the British public.
From that single restaurant, Café Rouge grew steadily, becoming a familiar sight on high streets across the country. With its iconic red awning and classic French décor, it offered an escape to France without the ferry. Over the years, it became a go-to spot for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. The menu evolved, but the commitment to French classics like steak frites and crème brûlée remained strong.
Today, Café Rouge continues to be a beloved part of the UK's dining scene, with around nine locations as of 2026. While the brand has seen changes over the decades, its essence remains: good food, friendly service, and a touch of French flair. Whether you're popping in for a croque monsieur or a glass of wine, you're part of a story that started over thirty years ago. Curious about the menu? Check out the Café Rouge menu prices UK 2026 for a taste of what's on offer.
Alternatives to Café Rouge
If you fancy a change from Café Rouge's French bistro vibe, here are a few solid spots worth trying across the UK.
- Nando's: Perfect if you're after something livelier and a bit more casual, with its peri-peri chicken and help-yourself sauce bar. It's a great shout when you want bold flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere rather than a sit-down bistro.
- Lounges: These neighbourhood café-bars have a similar all-day, relaxed feel, so they're ideal for everything from a lazy brunch to an evening drink. The quirky, individually styled venues make them a lovely alternative if you like a local spot with character.
- Côte Brasserie: If it's the French bistro experience you're really after, Côte delivers classic dishes like steak frites and crème brûlée in a smart, comfortable setting. It's arguably the closest match to Café Rouge in style, making it an easy swap.
- Frankie & Benny's: A good pick for families and groups who want familiar comfort food and generous portions without any fuss. It's a dependable alternative when you're after a casual, crowd-pleasing menu that keeps everyone happy.
- Bill's: Bill's has a similar relaxed, all-day appeal with a menu spanning brunch, burgers and seasonal plates. It's a nice option if you want that cosy, informal dining feel with a slightly more modern British twist.
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Café Rouge: your questions answered
Prices across the menu generally run from around 3.25 GBP for something small up to about 25.95 GBP for a main, so there's plenty of room to spend as little or as much as you fancy. Starters, salads, burgers and sandwiches, mains, sides and desserts all sit within that spread, and the lunch and set menus are usually the friendliest on the wallet. It's casual dining, so don't expect fine-dining prices, but do check your local branch as things can vary.
Yes, vegetarian dishes get their own section on the menu rather than being an afterthought, which is always a good sign. You'll also find vegetarian-friendly picks among the starters, salads, sides and desserts, so you won't be stuck with one lonely choice. If you're vegan or have allergies, it's worth having a quick word with the staff before you order.
You can book ahead through the official website at https://www.caferouge.com/, which is handy if you're planning a weekend meal or bringing a group. Walk-ins are often fine too, but booking takes the stress out of it, especially at busy times. It's worth confirming your local branch's details before you set off.
Opening hours vary by location, so there's no single answer that covers every branch. Your best bet is to check the individual restaurant page on the official website before you travel. Breakfast is on the menu too, so some locations open nice and early.
Café Rouge has a habit of running offers, and the lunch and set menus are often the simplest way to keep the bill down. For current vouchers and promotions, have a look at the official website rather than relying on older codes floating around online. Signing up to their newsletter is usually the quickest way to hear about new deals.
Some branches do offer delivery or collection through the usual platforms, but availability isn't the same everywhere. Since there are only around nine locations in the UK, it really depends on how close you are to one. Check your local restaurant's page or give them a ring to see what's on offer.
Café Rouge first opened its doors back in 1989, so it's been part of the British high street for a long time. These days there are roughly nine locations across the country, which is a good reminder to check that there's one near you before planning a visit.
So, Is Café Rouge Worth It in 2026?
If you've read this far, you're probably weighing up whether Café Rouge deserves a spot on your next lunch or dinner list. Honestly? For a relaxed, French-inspired bite without the fuss, it still has plenty of charm. Since 1989 it's been doing its bistro thing, and while the brand is now down to around nine locations across the country, those that remain feel like a proper little escape from the high street. The menu spans everything from a light starter to a hearty main, and with prices stretching from 3.25 GBP to 25.95 GBP, you can keep it cheap with a set lunch or push the boat out for a full three courses. Just remember to check your nearest branch before you go, as availability really does vary now.
Whether you're after a cosy breakfast, a leisurely afternoon salad or a full-on steak frites kind of evening, it's worth having a browse of the Café Rouge menu prices UK 2026 before you head out, so there are no surprises when the bill lands. Our advice? Book ahead if you're going at peak times, keep an eye out for the lunch and set menu deals, and treat it as a dependable, unfussy choice rather than a special-occasion splurge. Fancy giving it a try? Have a look at the official site, find your closest branch, and see if it tempts you.
