REVIEW | New Côte Brasserie brings a taste of the south of France to Manchester

With a potential 120 days of sunshine forecast for this year’s English summer, it is only fitting to find a dining experience takes advantage of this exciting prospect.

“taste of the Mediterranean with a Classic French influence”

Small circular marble tables, rustic tiling on the floor and striped sun shades outside – Côte offers a modern French chic atmosphere that’s both elegant and relaxing. The textured wallpaper, wooden panelling with dashes of gold paint makes for the perfect setting to enjoy Manchester’s latest French inspired eatery.

On arrival, what is most noticeable is the genuine, warm and friendly welcome received from the passionate staff. Having only been open a week, you’re greeted with a Kir Royal (as standard for all guests) it’s a nice touch to settle you in whilst perusing the menu.

To start, Goats Cheese Tartine with chargrilled sourdough bread, scattered baby artichokes and a black olive tapenade. This fresh spring starter has just the right balance of flavours and textures to satisfy and is very well priced at £5.45. Another starter was the Charcuterie Board, different this time with smoked pink duck breast, saucisson sec and duck rillettes as well as Jambon de savoie (£6.50).

Accompanying this was a ‘Maison L’ Aigon Chardonnay (£5.10/glass). Light and crisp with a delicate oak finish, this wouldn’t render you sleepy come 4pm, if enjoyed at lunch.

For mains, we had the ‘Poulet Breton’ corn-fed chicken reared in the heart of rural Brittany – an area renowned for its poultry. It lived up to expectation. The fresh BBQ taste was noticeable without being over powering, and the chicken itself remained tender and flavoursome. This was accompanied by ‘Provençale Sauce’ of cherry tomato, basil, garlic and caramelised onions, as well as French fries (£9.50). We couldn’t resist a side of creamed spinach. Wow – fresh, green, creamy and with a flavour just detectable but added that difference to set it from the rest – Puno (£3.50).

My companion ordered a fillet steak cooked rare and served with French fries, peppercorn sauce and a side of French beans. Considering that Gaucho, the Argentinian steak house is next door, this fillet was cooked and more importantly seasoned to perfection and at a price of (£17.95), could prove some competition for its neighbours.

Off the recommendation of the well-trained staff to compliment both the chicken and beef we enjoyed a black pepper spice and ripe berry fruit bottle of Red, ‘La Garenne SYRAH’ (£19.50/btl) – my only critique would be some larger glasses to really pick up the boutique.

If you have a sweet tooth or enjoy those guilty pleasures in life then the dessert menu here is for you. I wanted to order about five things, but in the end went for a ‘Parline crêpe’. Imagine those famous chocolate seashells melted down oozing out of a warm crêpe, crême chantilly and caramelised bananas (£5.45). In addition, we ordered a Crème Brûlée which was served in ‘Le Creuset’ style pudding pot. Just the right amount of sugar topping leaves shards of hard sweet topping once broken through to reveal a thick deep layer of creamy custard and masses of vanilla. (£5.25)

“People walk past and think it costs more here than it does”, we’re told. Don’t let appearances deceive you. Coté’s brassiere brings you a taste of the Mediterranean with a Classic French influence without you having to cross the channel with your purse. The staff are attentive and enthusiastic about sharing their passion. And if it’s bright sunshine or another rainy afternoon you’ll always have a taste of Paris here in Manchester.

Location

4-12 St Mary’s Street, Manchester M3 2LB

Contact

To make a reservation call 0161 834 0945

cote-restaurants.co.uk