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Tucked inside Hyde Park Corner, Marc’s Café by Marc Jacobs arrives with serious credentials: the first permanent café of its kind globally, and a bold fusion of fashion, food, and design. Set within Maison Deux, this intimate 20-seater doesn’t just trade on the Marc Jacobs name; it leans fully into it, offering a dining experience that feels as curated as a runway collection.
There’s an unmistakable sense that this is more than just a café. It’s a brand world brought to life, with Johannesburg cast as an unlikely but fitting stage for a concept that blends New York energy with Parisian finesse.
The Vibe
The space is small but considered; the ambient lighting, tactile finishes, and signature Marc Jacobs motifs (like cute daisies and buttons) create a setting that’s equal parts polished and playful. It feels exclusive without being intimidating, the kind of place where you might stop in for coffee and end up lingering longer than planned (which we did).
There’s a quiet luxury to the experience, but it’s softened by a sense of fun. Every detail, from plating to presentation, feels intentional, making it as much about the visual experience as it is about what’s on the plate.
The Food
The menu draws inspiration from New York café culture with a French-leaning culinary approach, all tailored to local tastes. It’s thoughtful and layered, with dishes designed much like fashion pieces – built around texture, contrast, and composition.
My favourite dish was undoubtedly the Hell’s Kitchen Chicken. This sweet, spicy and savoury sarmie is a decadent combination of soft brioche, perfectly crumbed chicken, a touch of honey, and a spicy jalapeño sauce, all balanced with a refreshing coleslaw. Every bite was heaven.
The Rouge Remix is also well worth a try. The rigatoni is tossed in a rich Napolitana sauce with garlic and fresh basil, and the flavoured ricotta adds a creamy, indulgent touch. I couldn’t resist adding some chilli for an extra kick, which elevated the dish beautifully.
The Marc’s Harvest Salad is a work of art on a plate and offers a more refined option, with beetroot and butternut presented in multiple forms, showcasing a surprising level of technique for a café setting.
Breakfast and brunch hold their own here too, with bagels and waffles that feel elevated rather than expected. I highly recommend the Downtown bagel. The smoked brisket is tender and flavorful, complemented by seasonal greens and caramelised onions. You also have a choice of either honey mustard aioli or homemade BBQ sauce.
Dessert
This is where Marc’s truly shines. The entremets (each inspired by a Marc Jacobs fragrance) are intricate, elegant, and unmistakably the stars of the show.
From chocolate-heavy creations to lighter, citrus-forward options, each dessert is constructed with precision, balancing flavours the way a perfume blends notes. The macarons, named after New York neighbourhoods, add a playful, highly giftable touch.
If you’re coming here, dessert isn’t optional; it’s the main event.
Drinks
Coffee is taken seriously, with beans prepared on a La Marzocco machine and a menu that ranges from classic cappuccinos to flavoured lattes like the Madison Vanilla or Hazelnut No.5.
There’s also a strong focus on matcha, iced drinks, and mocktails, many of which echo the fragrance-inspired theme of the desserts. The Golden Hour, Little Red Dress, and Lavender Muse Matcha are must-tries.
Time Out Tip
Seating is limited, so timing matters. Pop in for a quick coffee and pastry, or plan ahead and make it a full experience, but whatever you do, don’t skip the desserts.