The pilot venue of an up-market Strada-styled chain, Cote is keen to make its mark. Situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village this smart and sophisticated restaurant is well worth the visit, boasting a reasonably-priced authentic French menu and friendly service.

The Venue
While it may lack the personal touch of the capitals smaller French restaurants it more than makes up for it with smart, sophisticated decor. The team behind Cote created the huge Strada chain before selling it, and Cote comes across like a classier cousin, offering a pleasant and spacious bistro feel with a comfortable and contemporary twist. There’s a sage green and cream colour scheme perfectly complemented by oak brown floors and smart finishing touches like bevelled mirrors, white table linen and spic-and-span bathrooms.

The Atmosphere
Cote pulls in the crowds even during the week, so you can expect just the right level of bustle. Along with the decor, this creates a great ambience which really adds to your meal. The staff are also friendly and attentive, though there doesn’t appear to be any coat racks which can be a bit of a bind in winter.

The Food
The menu is by and large French and high quality as well as reasonably priced. If you’re after a light starter try the pissaladiere with anchovies (£3.25). This dish from Nice has a hint of the Mediterranean to it - a traditional warm flatbread with caramelised onions, salty anchovies, black olives and parsley, it’s a tasty alternative to the staple foccacias and garlic breads you find in other similar restaurants.

For starters the Rillettes (£4.75), a potted slow-cooked duck with toasted shallots and cornichons, is delightful. Duck pate comes with a layer of duck fat on top, a nice touch, and you could really taste the quality of the meat and appreciate the texture. It’s served with just the right amount of toasted bread and crudites, and again feels like an original alternative to the pates you get in many restaurants. The calamari (£5.95) is well prepared but not mind blowing. Sauteed in garlic, lemon, parsley and butter and served with lemon mayonnaise, this dish meets expectations, but does not defy them, and the mayonnaise could be thicker and creamier.

From a broad selection of interesting mains, the roast duck (£11.95) is fairly good. A large portion, it comes in a thyme sauce which isn’t outstanding, but nonetheless the lean meat is cooked well, falling gently of the bone. The creamed leek accompaniment is delicious by itself but perhaps not the best possible match for the duck. The 7oz fillet (£15.95) is huge and well worth the price. This generous steak is about the size of a tennis ball, and though a tad over-cooked for a requested medium rare, it’s full of flavour and without fat and sinew. This is served with tasty light garlic butter sauce (£1.00), and there are an interesting range of other sauces to choose from including Roquefort butter (£1.50), peppercorn (£1.75) and Bearnaise (£1.95). The dish comes with a side of homemade frites, thin and crispy in typically French style, and a selection of steamed vegetables.

Topping it all off, desserts are great. The creme brulee (£4.95) is a good rendition of a classic, the vanilla custard smooth, creamy and full of flavour, and a caramelised topping boasting just the right brittle texture. The iced summer berries with white chocolate sauce are a mouth-watering discovery: a selection of semi-frozen summer berries fantastically complemented by a sumptuously thick and sweet white chocolate sauce - an unexpected taste sensation and a menu high point.

The Drink
There's a large quality wine list catering to most tastes and budgets. The house white, Lagarde Blanc (£12.95 a bottle), is well priced, tasting crisp with background notes of green apple and citrus fruits, while the Picpoul de Pinet 2006 (£19.95 a bottle) boasts a melon and lime freshness - ideal with fish. Those after something special should give the Puligny Montrachet (£45.00 a bottle) a go. Juicy Lagarde Rouge (£12.95 a bottle), the house red, is similarly reasonable for the price, while Merlot Chemin de Marquierre (£16.95 a bottle) is a smooth treat. Those with some budget to spend should try Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 (£48.00 a bottle).

The Last Word
Cote scores well with its decor and menu, and hopefully as the chain grows each new venue will retain the original’s smart and friendly atmosphere. The menu is well priced and a veritable tour through French bistro cuisine, though the lesser-known dishes stand out over the tried and tested favourites. Overall, if you’re looking to dine out in Wimbledon Village, Cote is well worth a visit.

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