Côte Brasserie offers a taste of Paris in central Bournemouth from a handsome Art Deco building at the top of Westover Road. It is part of the well-known French brasserie group, now more than 80 restaurants strong across the UK, and this branch combines the chain's familiar all-day formula with one of the finest positions in town, overlooking the Lower Gardens and only a few minutes' walk from the seafront.
On the menu
The cooking stays comfortingly traditional, rooted in the everyday food of the classic French brasserie. The dishes the chain is known for are all here, steak frites, moules marinières and a proper tuna Niçoise, joined by a changing line-up of seasonal plates and lighter choices. Desserts stand out, with crème brûlée, crème caramel and chocolate mousse among the fixtures. Since Côte serves all day, you can call in for breakfast and pastries, a long weekend brunch, a set-menu lunch or a full evening meal, so it fits whatever hour you turn up. Menus and prices shift with the seasons, so look at the current menu on the restaurant's website before you go.
Different diets are looked after, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options across the menu and a separate children's menu. Recipes can change in any kitchen, so it's always wise to tell staff about allergies.
The building and balcony
Much of the appeal lies in the building itself. Arranged over two floors behind a striking Art Deco facade opposite the arcade, the restaurant feels light and relaxed in the brasserie tradition: understated elegance rather than starched-tablecloth formality. Its best asset is the balcony, which surveys the Lower Gardens and catches glimpses of the sea, a fine place for an outdoor table on a warm day. There's a bar for drinks, and the layout is accessible, with step-free facilities, highchairs and baby-changing making family visits straightforward.
Location
Côte is at 1 Westover Road (BH1 2BY), in the very centre of Bournemouth. It anchors a day out well: the Lower Gardens, the Pavilion Theatre and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery are all nearby, the main shops are a short walk, and the pier and beach lie just down the slope. Being this central also makes it an obvious choice before or after a show. Our guide to Bournemouth town centre covers the surrounding area in more detail.
Practical details
Côte sits comfortably in the middle ground, smarter than a café yet informal enough for a casual meal, and its prix fixe set menu tends to be good value at lunchtime and in the early evening. Weekends and Pavilion show times get busy, so reserving ahead is sensible, although walking in off-peak sometimes works. There's no dedicated parking, but a number of town-centre and pay-and-display car parks are within a short walk. Contact the restaurant directly for current opening hours, the full menu and reservations.
For other places to eat around town, see the rest of our food & drink guide.