Launched this week as part of a major menu refresh, designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen, plaice frites combines plaice with crushed petit pois, house-made tartare sauce and Côte’s signature free-flowing frites.
The revamped menu will also welcome back the Prix Fixe menu at its lowest price to date. Available Monday to Friday from 11.30am, diners can choose two courses for £19.95 or three courses for £23.95 from an expanded selection of starters, mains and desserts.
Breakfast and brunch have also been given greater prominence, with all Côte restaurants open from 8am Monday to Saturday and 9am on Sundays and new lighter breakfast options, including pastries, granola and breakfast bowls as well as breakfast baguettes, omelettes and filled croissants.
A new weekend brunch menu, served until 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, introduces dishes such as free-flow French toast with unlimited refills and a choice of toppings, alongside a brunch burger and optional 90 minutes of free-flowing fizz.
The refreshed all-day menu also features new sharing dishes, including Provençal fougasse with flavoured butters; and a build-your-own charcuterie board showcasing cheeses and cured meats sourced from France.
A new collection of Côte Icons also now features on the menu with returning dishes including duck confit, Breton fish stew and risotto vert, while the steak haché burger, made with Côte Butchery beef and served with peppercorn sauce and unlimited frites, is expected to become a new signature.
Responding to growing demand for lighter dining options, Côte has launched a dedicated lighter mains section, with all dishes containing fewer than 800 calories. Choices include fresh salads, baguettes, crab and prawn linguine, tomato mafalde and a build-your-own Caesar salad.
Steve Allen says customer feedback played a key role in shaping the new menu: “One of the best parts of my job is hearing what our guests think. And over the last few months, I’ve heard one thing rather clearly, guests missed some of our old favourites.
“When we introduced our last menu, we made some big changes.
“While many were well received, there were a few dishes that you weren’t quite ready to say au revoir to.
“We’ve brought back some of the dishes you’ve been asking for, alongside new recipes inspired by the regions, flavours and traditions that make French food so special.”
Founded in 2007, Côte Brasserie now operates 69 restaurants across the UK and continues to position itself as a destination for accessible French dining.
Earlier this year, Karali Group, which operates the Côte Brasserie chain, ensured The Real Greek will continue to have a presence on UK high streets following its purchase of 19 of its 28 restaurants.