Booking

OPENING TIMES
MONDAY TO SUNDAY
8AM TO 6PM

"After a stroll with the dinosaurs of Crystal Palace Park or a window shopping trip around the famous Crystal Palace Triangle, visit this authentic French café for a cafe creme and the finest pastries this side of the Channel."

The Venue

The Café St Germain is one of those Crystal Palace veterans. Situated opposite the world famous Crystal Palace park, it not only offers some welcome alfresco dining but over the years it has become a real hub of the community. From the terrace it has a semi-Parisian view of the famous Crystal Palace antenna, winking at you in the morning bloom like the Eiffel Tower's cheeky little brother.

The heated patio has about a dozen or so tables which are generously umbrella’d in the summer months and covered in the winter months. Inside are two levels of seating with an array of marbled tables, wood-effect walls and classic framed French pictures which gives the place a friendly, but typically French appeal. A glass-fronted cabinet full with an ever-diminishing array of freshly baked pastries and delicious cakes.

The Atmosphere

With the wooden décor and the original looking French apparel, you could very well be in the heart of Paris's Montmartre. The easy listening tunes drift over the tables and mix with the steam from a well-used industrial size coffee machine. A heated terrace with a dozen or so tables sits out front. The staffing is non-intrusive but friendly and effortlessly efficient.

The Food

From English breakfasts to Croque Monsieurs, Spanish omelettes to stuffed ciabattas, the extensive menu here at Café St Germain represents much of Europe. The Baguette Pancetta is merely a glamorous name for a BLT, but with thick slices of griddled back bacon, crunchy iceberg lettuce and fat tomato slices smothered in mayonnaise and served in a crisp warm baguette. It’s delicious enough to forgive its pretension. Alongside the Full English offerings there are continental breakfasts which include a crumbly melt-in-the-mouth croissant and the rich, dark joy of a pain au chocolat, all come freshly baked and are tres authentic. Breakfast and lunch aside, there are bistro-style specials every day at remarkably reasonable prices.

The Drink

A wide selection of good coffees are on offer in addition to juices, soda and selection of teas, with babyccino's and milkshakes to appease the little ones. The cafe au lait is as authentic as you would get even in the heart of Paris. If you need something a little stronger there is a short wine list and selection of spirits and liquers.

Authentic Italian digestivi are always available.

The Last Word

Café St Germain is a Crystal Palace gem. Cheap, cheerful, fast and efficient, it's the perfect place for breakfast or brunch and is on the doorstep of south London's very own Eiffel Tower.

Contact

Cafe St Germain
16-17 Crystal Palace Parade,
London, SE19 1UA

Tel: 020 8670 3670

Monday - 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 6pm

OPENING TIMESMONDAY TO SUNDAY 8AM TO 6PM