Cote Sud
An authentic bistro in the Castro offers traditional French cuisine in an intimate setting.
(415) 655-1585
4238 18th St
(at Collingwood Street)
San Francisco,
CA
94114
37.7608
-122.4365
Neighborhoods: Castro, Central
Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm
Price:
$$
Last updated 7.02.09

What People Are Saying About Cote Sud
The Owner
Cote Sud
Owner
Come taste our fresh take on traditional French country cuisine. Our dishes, made with organic ingredients, include delicacies such as lamb, rabbit, or scallops.
Your dining experience will be enhanced by a great wine list (more than 180 different wines) and attentive service, at very reasonable prices.
Choose any appetizer, main course and dessert for $29.50 (everyday).
We offer live jazz every Thursday - no cover charge.
Host a party with us! 25-40 people.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
From the sunny yellow walls and enclosed balcony to the French-accented waiters, the key word here is "charming." The candlelit dining room, perched a story above the Castro's bustle, manages to be both open and intimate--a clever combination of the high, vaulted ceiling and thoughtfully placed tables in nooks and corners.
The Food
The menu of French favorites changes seasonally and is largely traditional, although skillful preparation and delightful service keep it contemporary. Typical starters might include plump, poached mussels or a Sonoma mixed greens salad. For entrees, hearty cassoulet and succulent, braised rabbit are often dished out tableside from individual dutch ovens. When it's on the menu, tender rack of lamb, served with a tasty, herb-infused polenta, is perfectly pink. Don't fill up before dessert--the menu includes such classics as ultrarich chocolate mousse and a classic creme brulee.
User Reviews
mp03dk
December 20, 2008
I've read through some of the poor reviews, and I must say that I felt the need to defend this little bistro. It's authentic Provence style food, and prices are fair, but parking is very difficult. We drove around for 20 mins. before finding a parking spot. There are a lot of pretentious establishments with equally pretentious diners in the city, and this is NOT one of them. I would go recommend it to friends. Just make sure to arrive early so you get more attention. It fills up around 8:00 pm and I noticed the service slowed down considerably the later it got.
read full reviewrtoo
December 14, 2008
The ambiance was really nice. We sat in the enclosed glass deck area where it was nice and cozy. The waitstaff was very nice, a little inattentive at times, but overall a pleasant bunch. They served warm buns with butter that were very tasty. The french onion soup gets my vote as the best thing I had. My girlfriend had a salad which she really liked. Things sort of fell apart after the appetizers... I chose the sea bass fish special, which was undercooked and a very small portion (imagine a hockey puck cut in half). The seafood bisque was just ok, nothing special. Dessert we had creme brullee wasn't very creamy, just ok. Overall I'd give it a 7 of 10. Good service, so-so food, nice ambiance
read full reviewkhristienne
June 23, 2008
great tasting menu, attentive staff. small restaurant though. not a romantic place to dine. affordable food. located on the second floor, no elevator and no wheelchair access.
read full reviewThe Details on Cote Sud
The Extras:
The inviting and warmly lit marble bar is a great place for a quiet drink--a rarity in this boisterous neighborhood.
Parking:
There is a free lot on Diamond Street between 18th and 19th, open until 9:30pm.
Save Money:
The lengthy wine list features a good selection of French varietals, including many bottles less than $30.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Catering Services:
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
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Message from Cote Sud
- Voted best new restaurant 2003
- Voted best date spot 2007
- Live jazz every Thursday
Come taste our fresh take on traditional French country cuisine. Our dishes, made with organic ingredients, include delicacies such as lamb, rabbit, or scallops.
Your dining experience will be enhanced by a great wine list (more than 180 different wines) and attentive service, at very reasonable prices.
Choose any appetizer, main course and dessert for $29.50 (everyday).
We offer live jazz every Thursday - no cover charge.
Host a party with us! 25-40 people.









