Nestled on the historic street of Low Petergate, York Café Rouge York is within a stone’s throw of York Minster and in the heart of the city (with happily several car parks very close by). With a wealth of history and culture around the bistro, this is the place to head for; as it is open from 9.00 am – 11.00pm (closing 10.30 pm on a Sunday); in essence great food available most of the day which can be a rarity! Running throughout the restaurant is stunning mosaic floors, which leads into stained wooden floors, creating a very unique setting with a very warm ambience. Wonderful on a cold winter’s day. The best seat in the house can be found in the stunning vaulted ceiling room full of exposed brickwork - get cosy on one of the sumptuous red leather banquette seats.
The decor allows the beauty of the food to really shine, though beauty isn’t the only thing bringing folks to Café Rouge. The restaurant buzzed with excited energy and was comfortably full with seemingly satisfied patrons. The couple seated next to us had a week back arrived into York from San Francisco and this had been there second visit to the restaurant!
However, as the rear patio offers stunning views of the York Minster while enjoying al fresco dining which will have set a diary date to return in the summer.
With a menu which would tempt any palette I started with the famous Café Rouge rich and sumptuous Lobster Bisque, a smooth lobster soup with brandy, champagne and cream served with sour rye bread. My friend Lizzie was a little jealous to say the least, however, the Croquettes de Canard which she ordered did not disappoint; crispy duck croquettes, pea shoots and frisée with the perfect accompaniment of a tangy orange & chilli marmalade.
The starters we thought, would be a hard act to follow but with the main courses we had decided upon were outstanding. My choice of Poulet Breton, a scrumptious perfectly executed roast chicken supreme with mushrooms, courgettes, leeks, herb wine sauce with a creamy mashed potato was perfectly seasoned and heartily warming on a cold Saturday in January. Lizzie chose very well too with her cooked to perfection lightly seared and medium rare 5oz minute rump steak, accompanied with French fries and a side of fresh spinach.
Our bottle of the exceptional house red wine, Languedoc-Roussillon, a soft, easy-drinking style red with lots of juicy black fruits accompanied our meal perfectly. Sadly we were too full to sample the wonderful desert menu but we will be back very soon to rectify that!
We received a tremendously high level of service from Sean Reeder and thank them for making our experience so special.
Sally Ransome
The Best Of York thoroughly recommends Café Rouge York.
Contact details and opening hours for Café Rouge York:
Address
The Adams House, 52 Low Petergate, York, North East, YO1 7HZ
01904 673293. Opening hours Mon - Sat: 9.00am - 11.00pm
Sun: 9.00am - 10.30pm. Free wifi!
