À Côté
| Address: | 5478 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618, USA |
| Phone: | +1 510-655-6469 |
| Site: | acoterestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–11PM 5:30–11PM 5:30–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
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Michelle Hall
A lot has changed in the past several years that we frequented this Rockridge gem where we were semi-regulars. I have to admit that I wanted this little place to be kept secret (despite moving to the other side of the Bay). Two years ago, this place received a lot of attention from SF Gate; and, when we came back to visit our spot (this spot) in Oakland it was almost impossible to even get a seat at the bar. Now, after tonight, I suppose its easier to get a seat. We walked in and were offered a seat at the bar or at the community table...reservations are still the preferred way to go if you want a seat at the front or near the back of the restaurant. And, luckily, the ambiance hasnt changed one bit (dimly lit with string lights hanging above). We used to come here for our date nights because the feel of the place was/is romantic/hip. What to drink? Any of their mixed cocktails are a win. We ordered a cocktail tonight that was not on the menu but a favored cocktail that we used to order every time we dined here: El Pepino. What to eat? Order a cheese plate (comes with figs/almonds/walnuts/toasted bread) on a marbled slate to start or finish off your meal. You can not go wrong with the pommes frites with the tangy aioli as a starter or an accompaniment to your dinner. Anything on their ever changing dinner menu is good. Tonight we ordered the seared halibut on a bed of cranberry beans and roasted squash and it was solid but not outstanding. This is a great place: for their ambiance, for their drinks/appetizers, and for a wonderful place to socialize.
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Jay Augustin
I must convey that our experience at A Cote was exceptional from top to bottom. The cuisine is unique, the tapas style dishes are delectable and the wine selection is impressive on its own. To be frank, I expected to be impressed by A Cote considering the restaurant is Michelin rated. However, what really stood out to me as a Professional Hotelier and a top Trip Advisor Contributor, was our server Chris. He was genuinely invested in creating a cherishable moment for my partners birthday and I am very appreciative of his superb customer service. I am purposely mentioning him by name because he deserves my genuine gratitude and appreciation. He certainly deserves to be recognized by A Cotes executive management. Exceptional service often goes unmentioned and unappreciated in modern day culture and as a hospitality professional I feel it is prudent to acknowledge my fellow hospitality comrades. Last but not least, I want to personally thank the General Manager for taking the time to come over to our table to wish us a Happy Birthday and offering my Husband and I a unique digestif to conclude our dinner. In conclusion, A Cote is a superb establishment and deserves continued momentum from the public to further establish itself as a unique dining experience in Oakland and The Bay Area. Sincerely, Jay
RI
Richard Hintz
Update June, 2017: Havent been here recently, but was closed out of reasonable times in Berkeley, so... Actually, somewhat disappointed. We got mostly veg options, though scallops, too. Food was ok, not as good as I remember it. Service was ok. Prices seemed higher than I remember, but probably in line for the area. Dropping to 3 stars for now. Update: havent been here recently, but had dinner with friends on a Monday night. À Côté recently got a pretty bad review from the SF Chronicle restaurant reviewer, so I was a bit concerned about what I would find, but it was fine. Food was up to standard, service was generally ok. Immediate seating for our reservation. Prices are about what youd expect for an upscale place in Rockridge. Lighting is too dim. Noise level was low (yea!). Got a parking spot out front on the street, which is rare in my experience, but perhaps everyone is out of town for the end of year holidays. Previous review: Excellent food, service, ambiance, and value.
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Thidamony Cheas
If you enjoy seafood, get the mussels. The fair priced, and full of flavor without it being to heavy or overwhelming. The broth is a mix of spices, light cream, and garlic. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. In fact, I might just go there after I finish this review. The decor is nice for either a date, or if you feel like treating yourself out after a long day after work. The bar is fully stocked, and they make a great sidecar.. Service wise the staff is very attentive and quick to refill on drinks and doing a temperature check with their customers. Not a place to go in sweats, but def a nice place for a bit of a nicer dinner.
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Mimsie LeMar
A Cote is a treasure! Highly innovative and the quality one comes to hope for with the best of the Bay! Tapas you can share with a loved one for a romantic meal or a group of friends like... excellent cheeses, mussels with Penrod, or creative entrees like Pork Osso Buco with Polenta Verde, Cipollini Onions & Hazelnut Gremolata! Over 40 wines to tantalize you! Beautiful ambiance! Friendly! Enjoy
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Theresa Nelson
A long-time favorite which pioneered the small plates of French food style. Pommes frites are beyond delicious, mussels in Pernod are wonderful, and they clearly take the French inspiration for the menu very seriously, providing authentic dishes, well prepared. Excellent wine lists and flights. Can be fairly busy, table out back on the covered (and heated) patio are quieter.
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Ian Elsborg
Great place for the price! Not groundbreaking but definitely delicious! They also have an amazing Eastern European wine selection at affordable prices! The only draw backs are the lighting is a little dark, and it took them a while (5-10 minutes?)after we were seated to great us and bring us water. After that the service was excellent. Very well paced.
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A Private User
We always find a night to get over to A Cote when the kids are off at summer camp and its still great. Friendly staff, delish food, most interesting wine-by-the-glass offerings in the Bay Area. Mussels and pommes frites are our must haves. This time we also had some delicious squash blossoms and a sort of a tarte with greens and cheese. Great!
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Rafael Santander
Great little spot with consistently good food and great service. The food lacks a little creativity but if you want the staple goods this is a great spot to end up. Its close enough to the bart that people can meet up here and if you live in oakland or piedmont its a brief Lyft ride over.
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A Private User
Have been meaning to visit this place from a long time because of the recommendation by some friends. It turned out to be much more than what I had originally thought. The wine selection is very extensive. Started with the mussels as was recommended by every one and really liked them.
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Jeffrey Hook
Our family loves this place, and has been going for years. Two suggestions: Turn up the lighting a tad (very difficult to read menus); and serve the mussels a bit warmer. They do not have to be held until the fries are up. They taste great!
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Samuel Watson
When I feel like eating pizza, I head to Zacharys! Hands-down the best deep dish Ive had on the west coast. Delish!!! I love ordering the half-baked option because I can take the pizza home and finish the bake later.
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Angelo Artale
The flat bread has no tomato sauce only cheese and we asked the waitress to take it back. Most of the other food had no flavor. Good look back certainly below what we were looking for. Will never go again.
