Café Marlayne

A group of us had pre theatre dinner at the cafe. The place was mobbed being a Saturday night and just before the show started. The 'menu du jour' differed from that on the website. The beetroot soup starter was lovely though I was surprised by how rapidly it was prepared (making me suspect it was not freshly made). For the main, there was only one meat free option so not much of a choice for me (and it contained my least favourite fish). As the portion was simply grilled fish on a bed of creamy butter beans (that were partially cooked) I ordered some chips to make up for the small meal. Turns out I was not the only who felt the same way and similar orders were made by others who had opted for this choice. Dessert options were extensive and again was served too rapidly! Dessert was disappointing as it was not as fresh as you'd expect and was soggy from being defrosted. Throughout, the service was mixed - some relaxed stafff and some rushed, unfriendly and somewhat, rude (flinging dishes onto the table, clearing while we were still eatting, no recommendations on the wines or meals). We wouldn't rush back to the Cafe despite its handy location by the theatre.
Would recommend the place for its pretty decor, location and during quiet times.

Cafe Marlayne on Thistle Street is mine and my husband's favourite restaurant. We have tried the one on Antigua Street a few times and always thought that, although the food isn't quite as nice, its still a lovely place.

However, we went last night and will never go to the Antigua street one again. Our waiter was rude and snobby, we had a 20 minute wait inbetween starter and main and then when the mains were brought out my husbands was wrong so we were sat waiting for another 5 minutes for his to come out and then it was a msotly fat piece of steak and then when we wanted desert we had to wait for him to bring the menu, which he forgot, came over to our table and said 'oh did I forget to put that down' then 5 minutes later when we were ready to order he gave us a dirty look and said 'are you SURE you don't want to wait a bit longer'. The waiter had a 'Im better then you' attitude the whole way through and quite frankly shouldn't even be font of staff house at a mcdonalds.

Still, would fully recomment the Thislte street branch.

Had a great meal here yesterday on the pre-theatre deal - top-notch ingredients, beautifully cooked and served by friendly and efficient staff. Fantastic value for money, and I'll definitely visit again soon.

Had a fixed price lunch on a Sunday which was fairly good value for money for freshly prepared food. There was no brunch menu or other choices available.

The service was okay and prompt though seeing a waitress clearing a table and sweeping crumbs onto the floor was a bit of a negative.

Was very disappointed there was no vegetarian options at all for my wife and the only alternative that was on offer at short notice was gnocchi, or a sandwich. This is not a place to eat if you are vegetarian or a carnivore who wants a meat free dish as an alternative.

Would we go back? Not sure...

Lovely front of house staff, nice decor but the 2 times I've visited the experience has been let down by the food. It doesn't seem to be on par with the sister place in Thistle street.

Not sure if I'll go back to Antigua St, just take the walk up to Thistle St. in the future. Shame as it has potential.

Very good bistro-standard food on our visit one recent Monday evening. An order of four variously cooked rib-eye steaks was a very reasonably priced and pleasant experience, as was the dessert menu: all home made. As it was quite quiet, the sweary chef was audible at our table; for that reason, I may ask for a table further from the kitchen next time! But I'll definitely be returning.

Looking forward to visiting often! Popped in today saturday at 1145am, unfortunately between breakfast and lunch. Place was hopping and staff extremely helpful and pleasant. Super coffee and more than 8 gorgeous tarts, tortes, cakes to choose from, plus pastries and croissants Fruit and frangipane deep tart was incredible, with a delicious crust showing real skill. Key lime tart, sticky toffee, carrot cake, fruit tarts... Checked out lunch menu, with incredibly good ingredients for real value. Atmosphere was great. So refreshing to find! My only criticism is that weekend breakfast all day would be perfect, but I guess we have Vittoria's for that.