NYCReview
Marché du Sud
This spot is Permanently Closed.
The market-meets-restaurant concept is not a new one in New York City, and Marché du Sud isn't all that new either. A few years ago, this place opened up in the East Sixties aiming to be a "French version of Citarella," presumably without all the awful people shopping in it. The market portion of the restaurant sells a wide array of imported products that people from France and people that wish they were from France get nostalgic over, and there is also a bakery, a butcher, a wine bar, and a partially enclosed garden on site. Not to mention the restaurant itself, which specializes in Tarte Flambée - basically a French pizza for those of us that need our food explained in children's terms.
Even despite the fact that Marché du Sud sounds a little bit on paper like France Pavillion in Epcot Center, the food here is pretty damn good. We happen to really like those pizza things, and the restaurant also serves very well executed French classics that are simple and delicious. The bakery is a great spot for a croissant and some coffee, and there's even an unexpectedly excellent burger on the lunch and dinner menu. It's all a little bit strange, especially when you take into account that they play the absolute worst music you could ever imagine at remarkably high volume, but Marché du Sud is an underappreciated restaurant in this area. It's not something that you need to make a special trip for (save that for Epcot), but neighborhood-types take note. This place will surprise you.