The story
Maison Demarcq occupies a historic townhouse at 2 rue Saint-Pol, the oldest street in Cambrai. It was here that the Peace of Ladies was signed in 1529, and where Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed with his wife. The Demarcq family—Patrice, Marylène, their son Antoine, and his partner Élodie—opened the restaurant in 2012 after years running other establishments in the region. The building’s elegant grey, white, and black interiors, designed by local craftspeople, set the stage for a dining experience that balances refinement with warmth.
The restaurant offers two distinct experiences under one roof. The Table Gastronomique serves inventive, colourful modern cuisine built on seasonal, quality products. The presentation is refined, and a professional sommelier curates a diverse wine list that complements the cooking of the two chefs. The Brasserie Gourmande, called L’éphémère, takes a different approach: it revives classic family recipes from the Nord, Pas-de-Calais, and Flanders, updated with a light, healthy touch. Think hearty, honest dishes made with local produce—a cuisine of yesterday with the taste of today.
The kitchen’s consistent quality has earned Maison Demarcq a place in the Michelin guide, where it is listed as Recommended. The atmosphere is both cosy and sophisticated, with a large entrance hall, a lounge for aperitifs, and three dining rooms. A courtyard garden and a terrace offer outdoor seating in good weather. Two private salons accommodate up to 10 and 40 guests, and the entire restaurant can be privatised for events of up to 80 people. The family also runs a catering service for weddings, communions, and other celebrations, bringing their modern cuisine to private homes or hired venues.
Maison Demarcq is more than a restaurant—it is a continuation of a family passion for hospitality. The team’s commitment to quality, seasonality, and local sourcing runs through every dish, whether at the gastronomic table or the brasserie. For those seeking inventive modern cuisine in a setting steeped in history, this Cambrai address delivers with understated confidence.
Recognition
Ambience
Location