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Tue. 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Wed-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
"Basically every drink is $3 before 8 p.m. The bartender was a good guy and poured a strong drink. Nice outdoor patio and cool futuristic…" read more »
In a neighborhood full of diamonds in the rough (the Highlands) this place is the diamond the size of a VW Bus. It is, without a doubt, fine dining and comfort food. It is not cheap, it will definitely make your checking account sad and/or your credit card company fairly happy -- but it will make your stomach, and every single one of your senses the happiest they've been in a long, long time. (Note: For this review, the ladyfriend suggested I just put some food in here. She's absolutely right. If I could just put food in here, that would be the greatest review ever. Unfortunately I can't, so here's a long-winded, often too-detailed, and definitely wandering review of a dining experience the likes of which I've never experienced.)
The ladyfriend had conducted an interview of chef & owner Patrick several months prior to going, but she knew it was a place to which she wanted to go almost instantly. We added it to our list and decided on it as the place to go for our Anniversary dinner. (Our first date was the day after Thanksgiving, that's easy to remember!)
We dressed casually but nicely, and ventured up to the Highlands. First we stepped into A Cote (translation, nextdoor) which is a trendy yet rustic, cute & intimate absinthe bar. We ordered two different glasses of absinthe, and they brought out the whole to-do! For the absinthe uninitiated (a class of which I am one) there is a large...pitcher kind of thing, that has two mini spigots, one on each side, and the pitcher is filled with ice water. On top of a small glass a blade-looking spoon is placed, with a sugar cube on top. Then absinthe is poured into the glass, over the top of the sugar cube. Once the glass is about 1/4 full the mini spigots are just slightly opened to allow the water to chinese-water-torture style drip over the sugar cube. Once the glass is about 3/4 full the water is turned off, then you dump the sugar in and stir it. The bartender took care of every step of this process for us, and we proceeded to drink out good'n'plenty liquor when it was done. Definitely a fun experience, though not the greatest of liquors. After absinthe we switched to a Mile High Manhattan pour moi, and La Vie En Rose for the lady. Lovely cocktails, and an excellent start to the night.
After having the host from Z come over to get out names, and to assure us he'd save a table for us, we stepped over to the other side to find a incredibly quaint, cozy and intimate restaurant just waiting to delight us. We took our seats, ordered some wine. Sasha came over to tell us about dinner, get us some water, and drop off app menus. We decided we would each have the French onion soup. How cliche, yes, but after seeing some people in A Cote feasting on such an item we knew we'd have to partake. The only complaint: It was too hot when served. Other than that, it's impossible to make it any better. Not too salty, not too thin, not too chunky, just the perfect amount of cheese. It was hands down the most delicious French onion soup I've ever had. Visiting Z was worth it just for the soup!
After a short while of savoring our soup we ordered dinner and went somewhat traditional getting the Cassoulet which is the house specialty, and a beef Bourguignonne. A long wait ensued, but it only added to the No-Rush European feel to it. We had some bread and butter, and laughed and talked and enjoyed ourselves.
Finally our meal was brought out to us, and aside from that "too hot" problem once again, we dove into what was one of the most amazing meals we'd each ever had. It is truly comfort food. It's absolutely fine dining, but served in the most unpretentious way possible. From old-style dishes that have indeed been used and reused to create a home-worn feel to them, to the pleasantness and intimacy of the restaurant itself. The cassoulet had the best duck I've ever had, hands down. The Andouille style sausage was magnificent. The beef bourguignonne was melt in your mouth tasty. A side of delicious mashed potatoes and some vegetables combined with the sauce to complement the beef perfectly. Every piece of the food was to-die-for. I absolutely cannot understate how wonderful every tiny bit of the food was.
We left with full stomachs, senses pleased to the utmost, and a restaurant that will forever be on our special occasion list.
Every part of our experience was comfort food meets fine-dining. Intimate and friendly, Z Cuisine will absolutely knock your socks off. It's pricey but worth it for a splurge, no-rush, and they are completely on top of their game. Every member of the staff helps with absolutely everything, and they work together as...well...a family, it would seem.
Thank you Patrick for a wonderful restaurant that I pray stays some sort of hidden secret in the highlands. We can't wait to go back!
I love this restaurant -- and love the A Cote Bar even more. Good people watching on a great street.
There's plenty of food at the bar - wonderful salads, small plates, and yummy (not-too-salty!) onion soup -- in a cozy, leisurely atmosphere. Sophisticated, but not pretentious. During our last visit, we had grilled cantaloupe and a fantastic tomato salad.
Nice wine list at reasonable prices. Their silver and linens are more than up to par. Friendly service -- attentive, but they don't rush you. I especially liked that when Mr. Tracy A. left the table for a few minutes, the bartender came and re-folded his napkin for him. (One question: Hasn't absinthe already enjoyed its 15 minutes? No matter, they can drop it from the name and keep this wonderful place just the way it is.)
When I have eaten here in the past, it's usually been kind of late and they are out of Beef Bourguignon. I am sad for a moment and then love whatever else I order instead and forget the sadness.
Well, that all changed on Saturday when I arrived here at 5:15 and ordered the Beef Bourguignon. I had a similar moment as the food critic in Ratatouille - when he tries the recipe that brings him back to his childhood - only, my mom's didn't taste like this. This may have been the best thing I've ever eaten.
First the presentation and process is unique. You get three bowls. One is an empty dining bowl. One a mashed turnip/ potato combo - rich and decadent. Another includes the stew - which is honestly just pure love in an earthenware crock. You combine the stew and the mash mixture in your empty serving bowl. It is seriously mind blowing.
When the waitress came to check in, I raved.
Trust me. You need this. it is absolutely the best thing on the menu.
Z Cuisine is what happens when home cooking meets fine dining.The ambiance caters to really enjoying… Read more »
After 25 years in the French part of Switzerland, I so miss true French bistro cuisine. I have found it at z'Cuisine. The cassoulet is one of the best I've ever had. Service totally delightful. We shared tastes of each orhers' dishes and they were all superb. Love having the choice of wines by the glass, pichet and bottle. Can't wait to go back.
Boy, I sure don't understand the great reviews for this place, and I'm an easy reviewer. I've eaten here twice (the second time only because I got outvoted) and both experiences were beyond disappointing. First and foremost, this place is wildly, obscenely, insultingly overpriced. I can't think of another place in the city with such a poor value proposition. Secondly, the food just isn't that good. The first time I had a greasy, flavorless cassoulet that propably cost $1.50 to make; the next time I tried to be safe with a New York steak - it was small, overcooked and tough. The place sure has a charming atmoshphere though, I'll give it that. There are many, many better places to go in the city that provide better food, better service and much, much better value. Try Duo, Bistro Vendome, Colt & Gray or Olivea for starters
Fuckin Forty.
I didn't know if this place was worthy of my "40th B-Day." Even after being seated. We were going to Mataam Fez, if this place didn't work out.
I called and got the recorded message that reservations were not taken for parties less than five; note to self; arrive early.
We arrive at 5:45ish and have to drive around the block to because no parking available (we parked in front of the church.)
Open the 1st door - not sure if if is the restaurant or bar; it was the restaurant. Step inside. Awkward. No hostess stand but the woman at the two-top inside the door gives the me the judgmental eyeball, up-and-down. Bitch.
Hostess, in trendy dress, points out table near window. Perfect.
Appetizers:
Assiette de Charcuterie Maison ($21) - : House Pork shoulder rillettes & caramelized shallots, Paté de Campagne & red wine onions confiture, cheese selection with quince chutney & candied pecans, saucisson sec, cornichons & olives. My husband rated this a perfect 10. He was very pleased (History: F& B background 20+ years.)
My son ordered the heirloom tomato salad and I had the lemon cucumber salad. Excellent presentation. Small loaf of bread served in a brown paper bag. In hindsight, we should have just shared off the charcuterie plate as that was the *star* appetizer. I don't know if it was the pine nuts or miniature pickles, pickled onions, olives, pates, hard or soft cheeses, carmelized onions, crackers or what else, but this appetizer had it all.
My son ordered the "Le Cassoulet de la Maison ($29) Duck leg confit Pork shoulder & sausage 'Andouille style' baked in cannellini bean ragout served with greens" It was probably the weakest dish of the three BUT the best duck I have ever eaten.
My husband had the "Long's pork tenderloin ($24): pan seared pork sliced & served with a rouille sauce, young potato au jus & herbed zucchini gratin." It had the smallest portion of the three entrees we ordered; nevertheless it was rated a 9 by him.
I had the "Colorado beefsteak ($22), pan seared medium rare & sliced, green peppercorn sauce, served with a potato gratin Dauphinois, petite salade." 9.5 on a 1-10 scale. Honestly, I don't know how they could have made it any better.
Four Kir Royales later.........(just me!) one wine and three champagne...
The kiddo had the crepe/chocolate/banana dessert. I had the almond tart w/th vanilla ice cream. Didn't get the almond flavor but the vanilla ice cream had this unusual after-taste going for it (real vanilla bean?) My husband LOVED the french press coffee w/th the minature pitcher of real cream and pebbles of raw sugar crystal.
Cons:
Awkward entry
REALLY small space; I could barely slide my legs under the table (I'm petite)
Loud music at times
Bathroom is adjacent to dining room (toliet is three feet from nearest table)
In the hood; Is the car safe? 1st vs. 3rd world here.
Not sure if the female support staff are up to the task of doing more besides looking pretty
Chalkboard on menu with curli-Q handwriting with French phrases is pretty much undecipherable (Hint: read the menu online)
A little slow in re-filling the water glasses
Tables are pretty plain
Pros:
Male waitstaff; Didn't mind going into excruciating detail re: menu
AWESOME food, fresh, original flavors; don't know where you would comparable in Denver: Answer: nowhere.
Good lighting by the window
Charcuterie appetizer
Excellent presentation on entrees
Pleasant surprise when the final bill came (husband)
In the "hood"
After "swooning," deep sighing ........and overall food bliss,
Yes; Z Cuisine Bistrot was "Worthy" of my 40th B-Day.
None better than this. Perfect! Best French food I've had in Denver. We will be back and I highly recommend it.
Luckily we got their early enough to get a table without waiting too long but no worries the bar next door looked like a great place to hang out and wait for food.
Wow. This is the best French food I've had outside of France. I can't do this place justice. Everything on the menu is incredible. Love the atmosphere and people too. Would def come here just to have a glass of wine as well.
So - the 5 stars are for the food. If I could give the food more stars, I would because I have already removed some stars for the totally cramped atmosphere, super casual service and no reservations. If the food wasn't frigging flawless, I'd give them 2 stars. But, oh my god - the food is by far the best in Denver. I'm not including Frasca in that opinion because it's in Boulder but the food there is at least as good as Z's, maybe better if Lachlan is cooking.
So let's yak about the chow, shall we? It's all fantastic - never had a dish there that didn't make me swoon. The winter menu which has more French comfort food is my favorite - their Cassoulet is the stuff of dreams (ones with happy endings). Still plenty on the summer menu. If you're just grazing the Assiette de Charcuterie Maison ($21) shared with a cold bottle of rose - perfect on a hot night. Maybe some of the pot de Creme au Chocolat noir ($7) to finish up - richer than rat poison.
Room for a whole meal? Well, great composed salads ($14-$21) so they aren't cheap but full of very fancy ingredients and big enough to share. Think flawless greens with ingredients like chevre, duck confit, roasted pine nuts, duck breast prosciutto, and other tasty goodies. Doesn't sound so appealing in this heat but the Soupe a l'oignon gratinee au Four ($7) is a meal in itself. What sounds great to me right now is fish or seafood. Bouchot Mussels in fresh fennel, leeks, saffron, wine, butter and orange zest ($8) such a deal. Or, how about Wild caught sea scallops risotto with English peas, crimini mushroooms, and aged parm. Yumbo - ($23). Plenty of options for carnivores too though - Lamb Shank confit, Boeuf a la Bourguignonne, and if you're really ready to blow the low fat thing all to hell - fois gras. Most entrees in the mid $20s.
Wine list is heavily French and well chosen.
Only open Wed- Sat and as noted no reservations (maybe for big parties). Go early on a Wednesday or Thursday and you shouldn't have a problem. Your effort will be rewarded.
A wonderful 3 hour fun filled evening was had.
We dined with another couple; a double special occasion, as we were celebrating 2 birthdays; Dad and Daughter.
The hubby and I started our eve at A Cote; the bar section of the restaurant which shares the same building, but is totally separate.
While waiting for the other couple, I sipped on a dry martini which was garnished with the cutest, tiniest olives -- nice to look at and to nibble on !!
The bar is nice and airy -- with plenty of room to feel comfortable.
I say this because, it did steal necessary acreage from the restaurant.
We were seated when our entire party was in attendance -- while it was the pole position being in the corner under the kitchen, it was hot and cramped -- I longed for the airy bar.
Our server quickly came for our drink order, which turned out to be vintage bottles, and I stress the plural of a french wine.
The rest of the meal was paced a bit slower as everything is cooked to order.
The quality of the food is there for sure, and I understand why this is the other couple's favorite restaurant.
The 2 duck cassoulet were 10 stars, and maybe I'm just bitter that I didn't order it, but my lamb just didn't make it, especially compared to it.
The spices were just too forward -- too much of a good thing.
I also didn't like the pairing of grits -- just didn't work.
The other miss was the hanger steak, which I didn't try, but was uneaten, obviously miss when only 1 bite is eaten -- I was very surprised that it wasn't questioned by the server, but it wasn't.
This was the one time if I was offered a change of a meal, I would have taken the option -- as would my dinner companion.
I didn't want to zing the restaurant too much, since the duck was so fabulous -- I would go there strictly for that one dish, and would probably return with a 5 star update.
Fantastic on every level. Warren was our host and server at A Cote, where we dined on a buffet of appetizers in a group of about 15. The wines were great, the food absolutely amazing. Z Cuisine is always a knockout, but this was my first time in the very charming A Cote on the corner. Creative, delicious food made with local, natural ingredients. The absinthe was great, we tried two different kinds. The interior is warm and full of great art. Not cheap, but worth every cent and way cheaper than flying to France for an equivalent experience!
Had a romantic, memorable night here last week enjoying lovely service, drinks, and food by candlelight (the lights went out on the block midway through, and no one minded!)
The drink was amazing- La Vie en Rose- grapefruit granita, champagne, topped off with a violet- sooo beautiful, and yummy. We had salmon and pork with cherry sauce and spaetzle, which was just amazing. Finished by splitting a cherry parfait with the best flavor of local, fresh cherries.
The only (relatively minor) downfalls are the fairly high prices and fairly small menu, but we will definitely be back!
I would eat at Z every night of the week if I could.
So I have never been to France, so I have nothing to compare Denver's French food to, but I am pretty sure that this is pretty authentic.
I love the fact that Z uses as many local ingredients as possible, and that is why they are only open a few nights a week.
I went here for the first time this past summer with my now current boyfriend, on our first date. It was oh so perfect and romantic. The most memorable dish to me was the Gnocchi. It is hard to give suggestions on here about what to order because the menu is always changing, but that is what makes it so unique and delicious! Every time you go in, you can find something new to try!
Prepare to wait, then prepare to be delighted!
The food here is so good it's worth the pretense. And really the wait staff and owners are super attentive and happy to decode the menu for those of us who aren't practiced in French cuisine.
I haven't been here in over a year, because it's pricey and something I'd reserve for special occasions. However every dish we had was delicious. I had the Endive Casserole which was out of this world. A blend of flavors I'd never consider in my life... and could never attempt to make on my own. The scallops were delicately prepared, perfectly grilled, divine really. And the Duck... mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Z cuisine is a great place for a romantic dinner. Occomedation for a large party is simply almost imposible. The place seem cramp and tight even when it's only half full. But I do love the furnishing, the window view, and the most impressive feature is the beatiful wine cellar in the back ground.
Another excellent meal at Z Cuisine last night - Assiette de Charcuterie Maison, even more divine then ever; the halibut, light but intensely flavorful; the duck, complex with both the leg and the breast cooked perfectly; the French onion soup, a symphony of flavors from the herbed broth to the creamy thick cheese; the Meyer lemon ice cream and crisp with rosemary - out of this world.
We arrived early, around 6:30 to secure a table. The room was not full but had enough diners to make it fun and lively. By 8:30 the room was full and alive with conversation. At this point you have to lean in to hear the person next to you - this is part of what makes Z Cuisine so great.
Patrick Dupays is not just a great chef, he is an artist.
Z-mazing
Feb 2009 - still as great as ever. The best mussels (in a fabulous citrus/leek broth) I've ever had.… Read more »
Spent my most recent Friday night at the bar; one of the best places in Denver. So perhaps it leans a bit toward hipster - I don't care. This bar is just cool. From the custom chandelier to the hammered brass, to the funky french movie playing the background...all before you even get a cocktail. And whoa, lets talk about cocktails. Four words; La Vie En Rose.
Best. Drink. Ever.
It involves grapefruit granita, vodka and champagne. I dream of the this drink. However, I've learned the hard way that it's best to start with this particular cocktail and then switch to something weaker (they have a lovely wine list). The bar menu is limited but precisely capture casual french cuisine. The only catch here is the pricing. In New York, it would be a bargain. In Denver, it's a bit on the higher end. Worth it, but not an every week occurrence. Also the service is a bit sporadic. Well-intentioned and friendly, but not speedy.
Try la vie en rose,
Frozen grapefruit slushy with vodka, poured into champagne, with a slice of lemon!!!!
After you eat here you will see why it is getting national attention and had to expand in its first… Read more »
Went back a second time to Z Cuisine and it was even better than the first!! I've decided that this IS my FAVORITE restaurant in Denver. How did I base my decision? Well, on the following criteria:
1. Atmosphere/Ambience - I love the decor of this place. It's a French restaurant but there's not an Eiffel tower or arc de triumph picture to be seen. Sure the French flag is hanging in the kitchen but that's to offer inspiration to the cook. All of the decor was done with such taste-kudos to the designer! Make sure you look up because the chandelier is absolutely magnificent!
2. Service- From the bartender in the bar, to the host and to the server - everyone was so nice and friendly. We sat at the bar until our table was ready. Our host came by 15 min later and told us it would be a bit longer b/c the kitchen was backed up. It was just a pleasant surprise to actually have that happen - usually we have to go back to check on the status if substantial time has passed.
3. Food/wine - The wine list was OK in my opinion. The pinot we had wasn't one of the best I've ever tasted, but what they lack in wine they hit a bulls eye with the food. We started off with a salad which had a warm baguette on top of the greens with pesto and melted goat cheese. It was also served with olives and pine nuts and a light balsamic. It was delicious!! I had the crab pea shoot ravioli and it was sooooooo good. My husband had the suckling pig- he said it was a tad dry but overall very good. YOU HAVE to order dessert if you go to Z Cuisine. We had pear sorbet, pound cake and a poached pear. All the flavors were divine together.
4. Bathroom - they had a bunch of lit smelly candles and fragrant soap. I love places that make sure their bathrooms are nice and pleasant smelling.
5. Location - I like going to places that are close in proximity to me. Highlands is the perfect distance and offers a view of the city's lights on the drive home.
6. Price Point - this place is definitely pricier but the food you get is Quality. When you bite into the meal you can taste the freshness/richness/quality. I don't mind spending $20 for an entree if I know if was made with love. :D
So that's it! No other place in Denver has been able to meet all six of my criteria which makes Z Cuisine my FAV restaurant! If you haven't checked it out yet, this is a must!
Love love love this place. The ambiance/decor is amazing- makes you feel that you're not in Denver… Read more »
a cote is hands down my favorite bar to be a regular at. i love it, love it, love it! you really feel like you've just been transported to paris. it's not a cheap place to go, but the decor, the ambiance, the music and just the overall feel of the place makes it worth it every time. my best friend try to meet up here on a weekly basis to sit at the bar, catch up and chat with the bartenders/servers who are always friendly. our favorite is seth. he is the sweetest bartender ever and so unpretentious. many of the patrons here are regulars which tells you something. and someone is almost always speaking french. another reason why i like it so much.
the wine is wonderful. the food is spectacular. the Tartine is the most satisfyingly rich experience. be prepared for an upset stomach if you have a weak stomach because its super rich and fattening! i've begun to share it with someone now and it's been much better ;) if you want something lighter, the goat cheese salad is amazing! omg, the desserts are even better. and if you're not driving anywhere, try the absinthe. they have about 10 different kinds and they are all the same price. they figure they'd average the costs of each one to make it more accessible for everyone to try each one. ;) ask the bartenders about the different variations.
the best part of the whole night is when the owner Patrick comes around to say hello. he is like a living cartoon character, he's so funny and friendly. seriously, i think he makes the whole place, it just wouldn't be the same without him.
i've eaten next door at Z Cuisine once for my bday and we had a great time. it's crowded but again, the food was wonderful. i will be here again and again.
Z Cuisine is wonderful. I have only been once, and it was one week before my first trip to France. Of my several meals in France, only two were better than my meal at Z Cuisine.
We started with the frois gras, followed by the cassoulet. Superb.
The service was personal and gracious. And the ambiance is wonderful. Hands down, a great dining experience.
Oh, and the wine was great, too.
Ah, duck fat - how do I love thee? At Z Cuisine! The food here has been wonderful every time we've visited: house made pate, potatoes cooked in that duck fat, wonderful little salads - I love it. When we were last there for dinner, the waiter sat down to discuss the night's menu with us. Could the place have been any cozier? Only request: have some mercy and take reservations!
This is for my review of the wine bar next door. From 5-7, happy hour specials are spectacular. $5 wine, both red/white plus a $12 appetizer platter with cheese, pickles, olives, pate and a mini creme brulee. I've never eaten pate before, now I want it on a weekly basis. We also ordered the Cheese Fondue (with fingerling potatoes and grilled apples) and the pot de creme. We ended up staying and watching the Nuggets on the tv (the bartender is a Nugs fan, but usually they have french movies on) and socializing with the employees- very friendly!!
The new chef Pete is GREAT! We went last night- with the snow falling out the front windows and… Read more »
Ok. Sigh...here it is.......................
So we went to Z Cuisine around the beginning of January. I've been wanting to tell you fine people my feelings about this place, but I wanted to do it in a way that it wouldn't appear to be gushing...I'm not a fan of gushing. Just tell me what you like...make it interesting, maybe a little entertaining. I wasn't sure how to approach it.. This is a serious task. I must execute it in a serious way.
I ordered the Marmitte de moules Bouchot à l'andouille (aaahmahhgawd!)...this masterpiece is as follows....scallops, bouchot mussels in white wine & leeks, saffron fingerling, red beans root
vegetable mirepoix & a andouille sausage ragout. I shit you not....I'm for real. But read on...
I feel like if I say to you..."It was really good." That would not really tell you much. I owe you so much more, you deserve sooo much more! I feel like I need to say something that would make you want to get in your car, and drive on down....but what? How? What does it take!!!! What the hell do you want from me???!!!
It was one of the best meals I've had in my life. It's up to you to do your own research...and report back to me.
The bf had the Long's farm pork belly.
We didn't have much conversation during the meal. Our eyes met. We gave eachother the 'this is the shit!!" look, without having to say it, as we didn't want to waste our time jawin' on words...we were eating. No. We were grubbin'.
Which means it was hella good.
I'm gushing.
Now that Z Cuisine has expanded to include an additional dining room and more tables, I am happy to dine there sans a long wait. Their menu changes daily, so I can't make any specific recommendations, but all of their dinner items are unique and excellent. The veggies and fruits are grown locally and picked fresh. Although the entrees are $20-$25, they are worth it. The only disappointment I have is with their desserts. They were tiny, mediocre, and definitely not worth $7-$10 per piece. The service is also really slow, but I won't take a star off, since that's how they do it in France.
One piece of advice: Don't ask for bread with "preservatif", which does not mean preserves/jam, but condoms...
1 star off: desserts
I want to give Z Cuisine 5 stars, but I can't. The service was appalling. When we arrived, we stood in the doorway for about 5 minutes before being acknowledged, which is odd and uncomfortable given the size of the place. Then, once we were seated, it took 20 minutes for anyone to even say, "hello", despite the fact that they were waiting on tables that were, quite literally, just a few inches from ours. We were just about to leave, but you can't really sneak out, when were finally acknowledged, and there wasn't even an apology.
Anyway, we finally ordered and it was nearly 45 minutes from the time we walked into the door until our food was served. This is where Z Cuisine deserves 5 stars. The food was amazing. My husband had the casseoulet and said that he had never had duck so well-prepared. I would also say the same of my pork. The food was amazing and did not disappoint. Unfortunately, neither one of could stomach the thought of waiting another half-hour for our dessert (we noticed that was how long it took for neighboring tables), so we left. If I could have been assured quicker service, I would have loved dessert since they looked and sounded delicious.
I am hoping that this was just an off night because the food was amazing and deserves another taste.
A Cote is one of my favorite places to sit and have a drink and a bite in Denver. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing and the food comes out of the same kitchen as Z.
** UPDATE: While the restaurnt went into a hiatus during the opening of the bar next door, at this point both bar and dining room are running. And after some rough patches getting both placesrunning, I'll put this place back on the top of my absolute favs in Denver.
I won't go so far as to say that Denver deserves this place. But it certainly needs it.
I've had better meals, in fancier rooms, with more well-educated staff and bigger wine lists. But I've never been in love with a place like I am Z Cuisine.
French food is too often the doorway to fussy, upscale fusion assembled on white plates by a team that would have become surgeons if they didn't like the taste of meat.
But anyone who has really considered French food understands that, while Escoffier may have invented haute cuisine, the soul of that food lies in the devotion given to chow by its countrymen.
I don't know Patrick, the guy that owns this place. But I can tell you, his French accent isn't fake. And neither is his food. I always peek through the big window into the kitchen hoping to catch a glimpse of someone's old grandma slowly stirring a pot. Because to me, that's what the food tastes like. It's as if you've stumbled into a someone's farm house living room and with great charity, the family has decided to serve you food from it's own kitchen.
Yeah, I know. I'm embellishing. But Z Cuisine encourages you to tell stories. Go on a date and you'll have another. It's not a place with a "20 minute wait" and an "appetizer menu". It's a room full of love and wonderful smells and devastating tastes.
This is the nitpickiest review your ever read. Be forewarned...
Z Cuisine is a tiny French gem in North Denver. The food is hearty and unpretentious, that atmosphere is authentically chic, and the service is intimate and welcoming. I arrived with a few friends on a Wednesday night was amazed at how tiny the place was. We started with the charcuterie plate and the mussels. The mussels were excellent and I sopped up every last bit of the broth and fennel with my bread. The charcuterie plate was OK. The caramelized onions, olives and chutney were really tasty, but I thought the pates were mediocre--not enough depth to the duck liver pate for my taste. For entrees the cassoulet was great. The duck confit was beautifully done and the homemade sausages were a nice touch. Perhaps I'm being nitpicky but the white beans in the cassoulet had tough skins though, they could have been creamier. The endive and ham special was total comfort food. Endive, wrapped in ham, and then baked in a bechamel sauce with rich cheeses browned on top, presented with a green salad. Gorgeous. My husband had the steak frites which was very good, although the french fries didn't knock my socks off (for knock-your-socks-off fries check out Sweet Basil in Vail... OMG). For dessert we had an apple tart and some coffee. The service was attentive and casual, and the staff was very knowledgeable about wine.
Overall, this is a lovely place. Unlike some of the other French places in Denver, the owners did not fabricate French ambiance with cafe chairs and other items of "frenchness". From the moment you walk in, it is obvious that the owners themselves are French, and the restaurant is beautifully authentic and unpretentious. The food had minor flaws, but then again, I'm not sure that's a drawback. This doesn't taste like "manufactured" food. It tastes like heart-and-soul homecooked food, that's sometimes a little rustic around the edges. This is French food with a soul.
I'm struggling between 4 and 5 stars...
In the blossoming Lower Highlands area, habitues are getting their French fix at Z Cuisine, a snug bistro with tapestry-topped wooden chairs, creaky hardwood floors, and countrified tables.
The fantastic French fare, prepared by chef-owner Patrick De Pays, is all about parlaying his passion for top-quality ingredients into truehearted dishes such as the classically prepared cassoulet, a hearty, soulful stew of duck leg confit, white beans, smoked sausage, and bittersweet cippolini onions or perfect crepes blanketed with veal sausage, sauted apples, and creme fraiche.
The best matches for you meal are the modestly priced -- and mostly French -- wines by the glass, several of which can be sampled for $5.
Oooh la la la LA! They have an adorable little bar (A Cote) and a small restaurant (Bistrot) in separate rooms with a few tables and chairs outside. I went to the bar to watch the election projected on the wall. They have the most beautiful piece of art hanging from the ceiling like chandelier, the bar has amazing tile, and the people were *lovely*. If I had to pick one word it would be warmandwelcoming. They had a spread for $10 and really good house wine. The spread had two kinds of house-made pate, chutney, cheese, candied nuts, olives, fruit, bread... I also tried the French Onion soup (it was amazing - the melted crusty cheese on top and loaded with onions and flavor) everything was really good and I can't wait to go back to try their restaurant menu...
best ambience in denver. defines quaint. small, humble, non pretentious. but serious about its restaurant and food.
the atmosphere and service at this restaurant is phenomenal! i got lost and really thought i was in a bistro in paris at certain moments :) there are little touches that make a huge difference. bread is served in a paper bag (not sure why) but it was cute and different. butter is beautifully presented; shaped into scallops. we had their appetizer salad which included duck confit, proscuitto, lengua, blood sausage and it was light and flavorful. it was my favorite dish. my father had duck confit as an entree and it was good. my boyfriend dad the duck breast which was ok. the mussels i had were pretty good. for dessert we had an apple-almond tart ala mode and it was delicious! overall, i highly recommend this place for special occasiona and/or date. it was a beautiful experience.
i had the best dining experience of my last 10 years here recently.
perfectly knowledgable & charming server, who handled my lack of knowledge of summer wines with not a hint of pretense, and made us feel like we were in someone's home as a VIP for dinner.
additionally, i tasted a few flavors i never have before; there was no weak link in the meal or overall experience. i would have gladly paid double the total bill. delicious is nowhere near strong enough a word for the sublime food we received.
i recommend this place with the highest regard to people who want greatness in dining.
sorry to gush...your mileage may vary.
-j
By far and away my favorite restaurant in Denver. The tiny dining room is cozy, whimsical, and most importantly serves delicious, rich french food like cassoulet and gnocchi that is to die for!
This review is actually for A Cote, the wine bar owned and operated by Z cuisine. As referenced in the Westword articles, the restaurant is temporarily closed but we were assured by the owner last night that they will reopen soon.
That being said, I had a sublime dining experience here last night!!!! Walking in to the intimate space was just like entering a small corner bistro in Paris. We took seats at the bar and were immediately and warmly greeted by the staff. The menu is small plates, very traditional French food. The chacuterie plate was awesome...three pates with all of the accoutrements, each equally rich and delicious. The terrine of foie gras was perfect. Even the fat was tasty!
Overall, I have to agree with the other reviewers who have said they are in love with this place. I absolutely can't wait until the restaurant is open again so that I can re-live the fabulous food and experience!
We had a very bad experience here recently. We put our name on the list for a table for 4 and were told there would be a 45 minute way. We went next door for some drinks. Service was really bad. It took 15 minutes before we had menus and another 5 before we had drinks. After 45 minutes we were told it would be at least another 45 minutes before our table would be available. Very frustrating!
Maybe we weren't there on a good night. It was a Saturday. The place was packed... all 7 or 8 tables. The food was not as impressive as the price would lead you to expect, although the wait staff was terrific. The problem was the decibel level. We were at a table for 6. The noise was deafening. It seemed like everyone in the place, including our table, was yelling to make themselves heard over the din. My suggestion is that you try this place on a weekday.
This is one of my absolute favorite places in Denver. The food is excellent., the ambiance is romantic and intimate, and it really does remind me of many meals I had in Southern France. I also love the fact that you can order food to go - the Charcuterie plate makes a wonderful picnic in the park! Z is always worth a visit, and with the addition of A Cote, I love it even more!
yelpers get it right yet again. the most noticeable thing about this lovely french cafe is its size: one table, two? i can't remember, but it's small enough to fit in an SUV and has less seats. thankfully the long waits on weekends are alleviated by a deep selection of authentic pastis' and the charming cozy ambience. get there early if you want the special off the blackboard, as they usually run out of the good stuff quickly. strange hours too, but that only makes it even more eccentrically french than anywhere else in denver.
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