Côte Teddington — Restaurant in London

Sadly a very disappointing birthday celebration. Terrible service - long waits, staff unsure what they were serving and no attention paid, so no opportunity to even tell the staff.

We were seated at 7pm for my husband’s birthday dinner (I advised then of this in the booking notes). There was no mention of his birthday all evening.

Our waiter asked if we wanted bread, olives and water which were quickly brought to the table. Then we were ignored for 40 mins and although we tried to catch the attention of the waiting staff, we were left until 7:40 before our drinks order was taken. The waiter suggested he came back for food, but given we’d had so much time we were ready to order.

Of the 4 starters on the prix fixe menu, 1 was unavailable which meant two of our table had to choose again which they did quickly so we didn’t lose the waiter.

Main courses were eventually served at 8:30pm. Tel of ours had ordered the steak frites deluxe ( 1 medium, 1 medium rare) and we were advised it would be rib-eye not sirloin.

When the waitress brought our food she announced sirloin as she delivered the ribeye, but didn’t know whether it was medium or medium rare. Back to the kitchen it went to be checked by chef. Another waiter brought out the food and pronounced which was which. He was wrong.

So whilst I cut up my son’s steak, my husband tucked in and very much enjoyed my medium rare steak.

I was less excited about my ‘over cooked’ steak.

The kids had ordered the steak frites which was ok but not great.

Little things really added up to make for a disappointing special meal

No cutlery on the table - we had to request that as we sat and again when we needed spoons for soup.

No recognition of a birthday meal.

Slow service

Lack of knowledge of the menu or what they’re deliver to the table.

Sorry state of affairs. And a real shame as I’ve had some lovely meals...

My husband and I were seated at a table with a big coat hanger literally next to and overhanging it ! Our table also right next to a low 'wall' separating a staff alleyway with sink, coffee machine, etc. The wine waiter came over within seconds of sitting down to ask if we had decided on our wine yet....told too soon. ( Shortly after a lady at an adjacent table got up and asked some one in the 'alley' when they could order their drinks as been waiting a while ! ) When our first course came the waiter didn't bother to come round but actually handed our plates over the wall ! So unprofessional. The food was very nice though I did expect my sea bass to be resting on some mash, per the norm, and not just some spinach leaves. We had the 'Valentine' menu at £28.95 for a 3 course meal. Plus a simple tomato sliced on a plate ( called a salad !?), a bottle of wine and two coffees. Total bill £100.01 including an 'optional' gratuity of £11.00 . Wouldn't have minded if we thought we'd got the proverbial value for money but we didn't. For a chain restaurant they thinking and charging above their station. We've been to other Cotes including in Covent Garden and excellent experiences. We won't be going back...

This review is to Cote generally, not just Teddington which is the location I mainly go. I have been going to Cote for years, mainly for breakfast and sometimes dinner. They used to have an offer that included juice and a warm beverage and this was a motivating factor for going. They stopped doing this which I understood given cost of living and all. What is not great is the new higher cost comes with less food...amount and quality. I used to receive 3 homemade sausages but now it is down to 1 store bought and this has 100% made me feel they no longer care about me as a customer. As a vegetarian I usually stay well clear of french restaurants but Cote always did a good job of catering to veggie options mainly through the homemade sausages they made. When I go out Im expecting someone to prepare food for me...not open a box and cook it. Unfortunately restaurants are not considering that vegetarians and vegans are getting stuck with the same store bought products everywhere we go. You make an effort to prepare meals for meat eaters....would be great if you could revert to the same consideration you used to give us. Until then - this place is a...