Côte Kingston upon Thames — Restaurant in London

I ordered the three-course lunch menu. My first course was deep fried whitebaits but I think they’ve forgotten to season them!

My main was steak frites and I added £1 to upgrade the chips to truffle chips. When my main came, I completely forgot that I gave upgraded the chips to truffle chips and the chips did not taste truffle at all. I only realised when I almost finished them but there were a few left in the cup which they used to put the chips so I called their waiter/waitress for help. The first waitress told me she would speak to the manager and she was very helpful. Then when I saw no one came to confirm what they would do about it, I spoke to another waiter (main in glasses with black hair) and he was not helpful at all. He seemed to question my motive despite that i asked him to smell the remaining chips to confirm they did not smell of truffle at all. He also said, “but you have finished it!” (The exclamation mark described his tone of voice and what he said they said was not true because there were still some left in the cup and some on my plate). So I explained to him that yes I only realised I have indeed added £1 to upgrade the chips to truffle chips almost towards the end of my lunch. Truffle has a very distinct taste and so misunderstanding was impossible. In the end he said he would speak to the manager and the manager (a woman in red suit jacket) came. I explain to her my situation again and she was immediately very helpful and told me they had removed the £1 from my bill.

I hope the male waiter (in glasses with black hair) would be more empathetic to his customers and understand that if I want to cheat, I would not cheat them for £1!!!!!!! I have repeatedly asked him to smell the chips but...

I didn't get to experience the food or drink at this branch of Cote so this review is based on greeting and hospitality nothing else. I had walked in and asked to book a table in 15-20 minuted. The manager was very nice about this and took my reservation details, ofcourse being on the riverside the restaurant was bustling and I was told that they wouldn't be able to reserve a particular table so that was fine, returned 5 minutes earlier than reservation at this point there was a queue, I walked into the restaurant and saw that there were tables available (the reservation was for one, me). There were groups in the queue so I assumed that they were waiting for larger tables, anyway I was quickly asked to go back outside in the queue by a possible manager, a female member of staff. I explained that I had spoken to the manager and he had taken reservation details and this member of staff in a dismissive and hurried nature asked me to go back and join the queue, I told her not to worry as there was a restaurant next door that were welcoming customers (turned out to be a fantastic choice, Chakra, delicious food, fantastic customer service and not overcrowded still with lovely views over the Thames) as I walked out she followed me and told me she was sorry I was offended, well I wasn't offended up until she assumed I was! And so if she had probably apologised with a different tone, in a professional manner then I probably would not have had to write this review. So Cote in Kingston please focus on training staff on customer service, thank you (I'd raise the number of stars for the first manager and waiter who greeted...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic Dining Experience at Côte Kingston

I always love coming to Côte Kingston — it’s one of those places that never disappoints. On my recent visit, I had the moules marinières with chips and it was absolutely delicious — beautifully cooked, fresh, and full of flavour. The portion size was perfect and the fries were crisp and golden. You can really tell how much care goes into the food here.

The service was excellent from start to finish. I was looked after by Iolanda, who was so friendly, attentive, and efficient. She had such a warm and welcoming manner, checking in at just the right times and making sure everything was perfect without ever feeling rushed.

The atmosphere was calm and relaxed — a real haven in Kingston. I was having lunch with a friend who hadn’t been feeling well, and it was the perfect setting: peaceful, comfortable, and no loud background noise, which made it easy to chat and unwind.

Everything came out promptly, and the team worked so smoothly together. The restaurant itself is spotless and has that lovely Côte charm — a mix of Parisian comfort and relaxed elegance.

Thank you, Côte Kingston, and especially Iolanda, for such a wonderful dining experience. We left feeling cared for, well-fed, and already planning...