With views over the square there are a few patio tables at the front of the restaurant, however the outside belies the interior; a cavern of a place with nooks and crannies offering a more intimate option to the main expansive dining spaces.  On this wet Saturday morning there was a very relaxed atmosphere with subtle lighting appropriate for the time of day which was accompanied by the gentle strains of Pink Martini’s Sympathique.

Cafe Rouge Highgate

The breakfast menu is extensive and we opted for the special deal of main, hot drink and juice at the very reasonable price of £9.95 each. I ordered smoked salmon with crushed avocado on sourdough toast which came topped with a perfectly poached egg while the other half couldn’t resist the buttermilk pancakes with banana and salted caramel sauce. Everything arrived promptly, food and drink just the right temperature and was delicious.

Service though not overly friendly was quick, efficient and polite. Overall a good rather than great experience, but we left happy and satisfied customers; I’m sure we’ll be back.