Côte Brasserie brings a slice of Paris to the heart of Bournemouth, occupying a handsome Art Deco building at the top of Westover Road. Part of the well-known French brasserie group — which has grown to more than 80 restaurants across the UK — this branch pairs the chain’s familiar, all-day formula with one of the best positions in town, looking out over the Lower Gardens and within a few minutes’ walk of the seafront.
The food
The kitchen keeps things reassuringly classic, drawing on the everyday cooking of the traditional French brasserie. Expect the dishes that have made the name — steak frites, moules marinières and a proper tuna Niçoise — alongside a rotating cast of seasonal plates and lighter options. Puddings are a highlight, with crème brûlée, crème caramel and chocolate mousse among the regulars. Because Côte runs an all-day service, you can drop in for breakfast and pastries, a leisurely weekend brunch, a set-menu lunch or a full dinner, which makes it an easy fit whatever time you arrive. Menus and prices change with the seasons, so it’s worth checking the current menu on the restaurant’s website before you go.
Dietary needs are well catered for: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices appear throughout the menu, and there’s a dedicated children’s menu too. As with any kitchen, recipes can change — it’s always sensible to flag any allergies with staff.
The setting
The building is a large part of the appeal. Set over two floors behind a striking Art Deco frontage opposite the arcade, the restaurant has a light, relaxed feel in keeping with the brasserie tradition — think unfussy elegance rather than white-tablecloth formality. The star feature is the balcony, which looks out across the Lower Gardens and catches glimpses of the sea, making it a lovely spot for an outdoor table on a warm day. There’s a bar for drinks and an accessible layout, with step-free facilities, highchairs and baby-changing making it practical for families.
Where it is
You’ll find Côte at 1 Westover Road (BH1 2BY), right in the middle of Bournemouth’s town centre. It’s an excellent base for a day out — the Lower Gardens, Pavilion Theatre and Russell-Cotes Art Gallery are all close by, the main shops are a short stroll away, and the pier and beach are just down the hill. That central setting also makes it a natural pre- or post-theatre choice. For more on the surrounding area, see our guide to Bournemouth town centre.
Good to know
Côte is a comfortable middle-ground option — smarter than a café but relaxed enough for a casual meal — and its prix fixe set menu is often good value at lunch and early evening. Tables can get busy at weekends and around show times at the Pavilion, so booking ahead is wise, though you can sometimes walk in off-peak. There’s no dedicated car park, but several town-centre and pay-and-display car parks sit within a short walk. For current opening hours, the full menu and to reserve a table, contact the restaurant directly.
For more places to eat across town, browse the rest of our food & drink guide.