Côte France — Restaurant in Venice

My friend and I went to check out a new spot that both never been to. I suggested we try this place because I've always wanted to try it. It reminds me of old Europe and its style. When we walked in they asked if we had reservations we told the host no and we asked if that's a problem because I understand the restaurant buisness some due to lack of space need reservations. But the host/water said it was ok. We sat down and looked at the menu and ordered our drinks. It seemed right away that the waiter was trying to rush us to order and already seemed annoyed. There was another party of 4 that came in after us who were funny but very obnoxiously loud. It seemed that he had another waiter come to serve us because I guess he thought the more there are the better tip. To make the long story short I ordered lamb shank that was tasteless and dry and my friend ordered a hamburger that look like a 10 year old can make it look nicer. They placed the plates in front of us didnt ask if we needed anything else and finally brought the bread and butter that was supposed to be served from the beginning. Now the service I dont mind of they have a bad day every one does but serving food that is 4star prices that taste like 1 star is going to make them loose buisness. My friends potatoes were raw and the waiter said that's how they are supposed to be. Now I'm originally from Europe no European ever eats anything raw especially vegetables. It's one thing if its el dante but this felt like you were eating raw potatoes. The waiter was rude and acted like he cant be bothered. That's ok. My food tasted like someone took a shank with no seasoning put it in the oven for 3 hours and opened a can of mushroom sauce and poured it over it. Tasteless and tough. Never checked on us while they checked on the table who were pritty drunk to see if we needed something. At the end I got to say I've never given anyone that little of tip I dont believe 18% is enough especially if you're living on those trips. I usually leave a tip of 30 to 50% because I know how the restaurant works and know if I'm not satisfied with food it's not the waiters fault. But how they acted theres no way I would ever suggest anyone going there especially if you have a sensitive pallet and are able to taste every ingredient. It's a shame because I really wanted to like the place it looked authentic but being European myself the taste was definitely was no where near authentic. French food is made out of love and the chefs are serious how they prepare food it has to be perfect but this seemed that the chef lost his passion in cooking it tasted like he or she gave up on what first excited them to become French chefs to begin with. Truly...

Full disclosure: we are full time residents in a Venice and loved our previous visits to Cote De France over the past two years. However, I am compelled to tell the truth about our last meal ever at this restaurant. We decided to take my son for a nice dinner and some wine on his last day of a Christmas holiday with mom and dad. My wife ordered a “ribeye” which was actually pathetic in stature and presentation. Thin and Smothered in sauce to hide its diminutive size, there was plenty of long black hair hidden in the potatoes used to prop up the puny steak. After a lot of gagging, the waitress offered to re-plate the meal and somehow present it as better than before. We quickly skipped to dessert and promptly finished our wine. When the flourless chocolate cake arrived, my wife and I decided to share. One forkful was enough to start my gag reflex. Yes, it was also full of hair! In my mouth. Choking on someone’s recent haircut. This time short blonde bristles. We gagged a complaint to the waitress and she returned to the table with apologies and a pastry brush WHICH WAS MISSING HALF ITS BRISTLES! She exclaimed that it wasn’t real hair! What a relief….Until I pointed out that it is probably horse hair. So, after this obviously horrific dining experience, the owner, manager, whoever in charge, never visited our table. He never apologized. He offered us the full price check and a free scoop of ice cream. We paid the bill and we will never return. If the ownership had acted in good faith, perhaps we would have hoped for the best and tried it again. But… we learned everything we needed to know when we got the check. My advice. Avoid this place at all costs until they learn how to treat customers. By the way…. Overpriced to begin with, but we don’t mind when the experience is good. When it’s bad is the true test...

We have eaten here twice in the past month and both times the food was exceptional. A very sublime lobster bisque. On New Year’s Eve, the best Chilean Seabass we have ever had. And simply sublime potatoes dauphinois . Mahi mahi with mashed potatoes. Scallops with risotto.

The quality of the food is outstanding

And yes, we tried being our famous blueberry tart, which was delicious. Reasonable wine list also

The space is very casual and the tables are a bit close, but the food is simply the best French meal we have had in a long time

Most of the staff are french. And I will admit, they certainly warmed up enormously when he spoke to them at length in French.

In short, exceptional food in a simple setting, right in town!

January 2026 OK. I came back. There is a bigger and fancier and much more expensive French restaurant here in town. But this place remains charming, an intimate and lovely.

The food is every bit as good as the other place. And yes, it is a lot more casual, but it is intimate and quiet. And I would emphasize quiet for those of us who like to go to a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal and speak with your dining companion.

We had the triple tail, and the rack of lamb and both were fabulous and a very reasonably priced Côtes du Rhône

so for everyone who has gone a few blocks away to the venture and much more expensive place; I would suggest to come back for a quiet...