When it comes to relaxed, reliable restaurants in Henley-on-Thames, one could argue that Cote is pretty high up on the list. Here you can expect the same quality of food and service as elsewhere in the chain, along with the signature stylish interiors. At the Henley site, you’ll find comfortable banquettes lining the edges of the space, modern lighting fixtures and plenty of windows and mirrors that let natural light flood in.
Stop by in the morning and you’ll likely be tucking into a full French breakfast: scrambled eggs, French bacon, boudin noir, grilled field mushrooms and toasted brioche (there is also a vegetarian version and vegan version). This being a brasserie, eggs Benedict, Florentine and royale are on offer too. Lighter options are also available, such as croissants and pain aux raisins. If you want to make your breakfast at Cote boozy, there are mimosas and bloody Marys that will do just the trick.
Later in the day, a full three-course meal is the best way to enjoy the food here. Start off with something light, such as fragrant melon from Provence with cured Bayonne ham, radish and rocket salad, or dive into decadence with a sharing board centred around an oozing baked Camembert. For a more marine start to the meal, the crab maison is an excellent choice, paired with avocado, cucumber, capers, red onion, mayonnaise and toasted baguette. And those who have visited will know that the calamari are a gloriously crispy delight.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to main courses, with many brasserie classics making an appearance, such as moules frites, burgers, steak, tuna Nicoise and even a half lobster with dill butter, lemon hollandaise and frites. For the full experience, finish with the signature creme caramel (or brulee) or opt for something a little lighter, like the strawberry and basil pavlova or sorbet of the day.