Côte Ouest Bistro

AMAZING French bistro!!! My husband and I came here for lunch during restaurant week for the first time.
We ordered pate, lobster bisque, scallop risotto, and duck confit.
All dishes (+plus their warm crusty bread) are so good!! The scallop risotto is just the physical embodiment of spring.
So fresh and packed with high-quality ingredients.
Lots of French restaurants in the Bay are more fancy than simply good food and good service, but this bistro combines the delicious food with friendly service and welcoming ambiance perfectly.
Will definitely come again for brunch and dinner!

Owner response

Ideally, I'd give it a 3.5/5, but I'm rounding up. Nestled in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, Cote Ouest Bistro offers a delightful escape to a Parisian cafe.
Finding parking can be a bit of a challenge with street parking being the main option, but the friendly and attentive service quickly makes you forget any pre-dinner frustrations. The indoor space is charming and intimate, perfect for a cozy date night or a catch-up with friends.
For those who prefer al fresco dining, there's a heated outdoor patio - a great option on a pleasant San Francisco evening.
Just be prepared for a relaxed, French cafe vibe - this isn't the place for a rushed meal. My friend and I visited Cote Ouest for SF restaurant week ($65 for 3 course menu). We started with a couple of appetizers: Tartare de Boeuf: The hand-cut raw beef was incredibly fresh and flavorful.
The capers, shallots, and cornichons added a nice tangy counterpoint, and the raw egg yolk brought everything together beautifully.
This is a must-try for any steak tartare enthusiast. Pâté de Campagne: This rustic French pate was rich and savory, with a lovely hint of spice from the Piment d'espelette.
The toasted pain au levain, unfortunately, didn't do it for me. For the main course, we opted for the following: Filet Mignon de Boeuf: The filet mignon was cooked nicely.
My friend asked for a medium rare cook on the meat, but he got medium.
The green peppercorn sauce had a strange metallic taste (think of iron; that's the closest I could compare it to).
The accompanying French fries were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. For our final course, we shared 2 desserts: Tarte Tatin: A classic done right.
The caramelized apples were sweet and gooey, and the buttery puff pastry was light and flaky. Moelleux au Chocolat: This warm chocolate cake was pure decadence.
The rich chocolate center oozed out perfectly when spooned into, and the combination of salted caramel, whipped cream, and creme anglaise was heavenly.
It wasn't as sweet as I had thought. They also serve us bread and butter at the beginning.
The butter was unsalted, and the bread was mediocre. Overall, Cote Ouest Bistro offers a charming French dining experience with good food and friendly service.
Just be prepared for a relaxed atmosphere and potentially tricky parking.

Owner response

Had a birthday celebration with my wife at this charming San Francisco French bistro.
The culinary experience was delightful, with each dish showcasing impeccable flavors.
The attentive service made it a memorable evening.
Highly recommend!

Owner response