Billy T.
Google
Heard great things about Côte de Bœuf on Ossington and decided to check it out for a casual weekday dinner.
First things first: it’s very frustrating that they don’t take reservations. We were quoted a 45-minute wait, which we were fine with, but we weren’t called until an hour and five minutes after putting our name down. That extra wait definitely set the tone for the evening.
Service was mixed. One Black gentleman on the floor was excellent — warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Unfortunately, the server with the neck tattoo was noticeably less friendly and made us feel a bit unwelcome, which took away from the experience.
Now, the food. We started with oysters, which were a great opening. Briny, fresh oysters served with freshly grated horseradish and a well-balanced mignonette — simple and well executed.
For mains, we went with the steak frites. This is where Côte de Bœuf really delivers. A perfectly cooked, well-marbled strip loin served over beef tallow fries. The fries were crisp and rich, paired with a great garlic aioli, and the steak came with a flavorful au jus. Very satisfying and fairly priced at $52.
Would I return? Possibly — mainly for the butcher’s table, which looked fantastic. That said, I’d be hesitant to come back if it meant enduring the same long, unpredictable wait and inconsistent service again. The food is strong, but the overall experience needs tightening.
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