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Côte Brasserie
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
bistrosophisticatedlocal-crowd
About the Vibe
Tucked away on Kensington Court, Côte Brasserie is your reliable French bistro escape in one of London's most elegant neighborhoods. You'll find classic bistro fare done right here—think Moules Frites that actually deliver on the promise and a Crème Brûlée that hits the sweet spot between caramelized top and creamy underneath. The striped awnings and warm interior make it a solid choice for pre-theatre dinners or weekend breakfasts, though be warned: it gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights, so book ahead if you want a table without the wait.
Known For
- •Moules Frites
- •Crème Brûlée
- •French breakfast
- •outside seating
Best For
pre-theatre dinnerweekend breakfastfamily gatherings
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 9, 2026
Reliable French Bistro in Kensington
Côte Brasserie Kensington is the kind of place you'll find yourself returning to when you want French food that doesn't try too hard but still delivers. The Moules Frites are consistently good—fresh mussels in a proper white wine garlic sauce with perfectly crispy fries. For dessert, the Crème Brûlée is a reliable winner, though I've seen the Tarte Tatin be hit or miss depending on the season.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between polished and relaxed. The blue-and-white striped awnings give it that classic French bistro feel, and the interior is warm without feeling stuffy. It's popular with locals, which is always a good sign, though I'd recommend booking ahead on weekends—the place fills up fast, especially on pre-theatre nights when the Royal Albert Hall crowd descends.
Service is generally attentive and friendly, though it can slow down during peak times. The breakfast menu is a real plus if you're in the area on a weekend morning, and the outside seating is lovely in good weather. Overall, it's a solid 4-star spot that does the basics really well without any pretension.