A moment not unlike The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe occurs when you walk along Muswell Hill Broadway and step into Cote Brasserie Muswell Hill; where your senses were once filled with the hustle and bustle of a busy London street, they become enamoured with the scents of a French kitchen, the gentle chatter of friends and families enjoying a good meal and conversation, and the sight of a Parisian bistro. The authentic Frenchness of this restaurant is ensured by the heavy attention to detail the owners have put into every detail: where the walls aren’t adorned with wood, there’s a mirror to bring some brightness, the tables are marble or dark wood, and the chairs are classics.
Your immersion into a world soundtracked by an accordion is only deepened at first glance at the menu. French Onion Soup is a standout starter, a sure-fire classic with sourdough croutes and comte cheese floating amongst the onions. Or perhaps pate aux cepes, as mushroomy as you could ever want it: roasted field mushrooms, marinated shimeji mushrooms, with sourdough croutes and a porcini mushroom pate. Why not settle in with one of these dishes, order a coffee, and sit back?
This can easily be followed by a steaming bowl of Breton fish stew, seabass, mussels, prawns, and squid all mounted on top of a white wine base with tomatoes, wine, and chilli. Aromatic, warm, and satisfying, with creamy flavours complimented and highlighted by a slight heat, this will really wake you up on a cold day (or even a warm day, to be truthful). If the experience wasn’t French enough already, your eye will be drawn to the wine list, of which you don’t need to be a true connoisseur to realise that it is consistently and fully French, from the cheapest rose to the most expensive Champagne. It is also all nice and neatly compartmentalised into sections based on the flavour and character of the wines, allowing an informed choice on what wine is most appropriate for your meal or your mood.