They must have been short staffed tonight as we sat at a table in the bar area for close to 30 minutes before even getting water, much less a waiter to order drinks. Once we were able to order, everything showed up on a timely, if not rapid, basis!Other than the service, the evening was enjoyable, including the food. The bar area was loud, but we expected that going in.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Funfoodie
We've have always enjoyed dining, however, our 2 entrées have mixed reviews. The Salmon with Brussel Sprouts was delightful, but the Seafood Bouillabaisse was very disappointing and lowered this review rating. Traditionally, the broth is rich and tasty, but this was pale and even the cod and crab lacked flavor. I couldn't detect saffron or fennel. There was an overall good amount of seafood and the 2 thin toasted croutons with aoili were the best part. I suggest the chef crack the Dungeness Crab parts, to help avoid struggling to use pliers and the fingers mess, I had to ask for a wet towel. We ordered extra bread thinking it would be good with the broth, but we didn't have desire after being served. The French Onion soup was good and had a lot of onions. Our server was nice, but our wine order had a glitch and I didn't speak with him after getting the bouillabaisse. I very rarely return food, but won't be ordering this entrée again. Other reviews were mixed, so perhaps the recipe changed when we dined. Bon Appétit
chill
Four of us had a memorable experience. Our waiter was fantastic, our food delicious and desserts to die for..... deciding who had the best meal was most difficult! Thanks for terrific memories!
ShelK
While the service was very good and the decor very nice, the food, or at least what we ordered wasn't great. The French omelette was way too salty, the salad Nicoise was over drenched in dressing and the capachino was like warm. We've been to the Larkspur location which was better
Angela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)
Amazing food, especially escargots ?Parking: Easy to find parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot Tartine
MarcL
The Hostess was extremely helpful in making an accommodation since we ended up with fewer in our party and were initially seated at an extra-large table. Even though the restaurant was busy, they were able to move us to a more appropriately sized table. The service by Escardo was fantastic. The food was provided in a timely fashion, and all the food served was properly prepared and was delicious. We have eaten at the Left Bank in Menlo Park many times and the consistency in service and food cooked has been always on the mark. I absolutely recommend this restaurant if you are looking for positive restaurant experience.
EmilW
Eggs Benedict not hot. Sent back and second time was still cool. Out of some dishes on the menu. Fruit salad was wilted. Server was nice but overall service was very slow. E.g. had to ask for water, coffee refill. Definitely down hill from what we remember
Incredible
We've always expected and received a great experience; NOT this time. The server was rude. He brought bread and butter to the table and offered it to us by setting it down. Turns out we were charged for it; we didn't order it or request it; it was offered to us. He didn't get our food even close to what we ordered and decided to serve everyone who sat after us first. Horrible experience. Enough to make us regulars not return.
sheryln
I bought a gift card for Left Bank for my daughter and her husband. They went to dinner and even though I had specifically asked that they do something special for my son in law (a birthday dessert) nothing happened. They said the waiter was very abrupt and spent very little time with them. The food is always consistent but I was really disappointed with the service - especially because I spoke to the manager that day to make this special request. They need to emphasize better service!! Especially at these prices.
VincentL
Poor menu choices on a special day. Another couple came in sat down and walked out. $57 plate of lobster risotto that was just 3 bites. Dinner at 7pm and they say they dont have any more bread to serve. $40 plate of petrale sole was good but again tiny servings. They weren't even that busy and it was clear that all the food was prepped. I expect LB to be better than that. Not going there again.
The valentine's dinner experience was underwhelming at best. The prix fixe menu was uninspired and basic yet overly priced for the quality and portion sizes. No way to order off menu and that left us disappointed with the limited subpar options. The service was very slow at the beginning, took forever to get water! Not sure we will come back again. Too many managers walking around but adding no value to the guest experience or helping or anything. Disappointed
DavidF
It was one of the best meals we've ever had. We've eaten a lot in France and we can say that as long as The Left Bank keeps up this level, there's little need to hop on a plane. Every single dish was outstanding, including the dessert, bread for the table. A common appetizer like fried calamari was a cut or two above. We actually ate lunch and dinner there in the same day - decided to go back for dinner after lunch was so great.
Eddie Azzopardi
Very enjoyable Happy Hour at the bar with excellent and attentive service. Darn good dry Martini too!
They must have been short staffed tonight as we sat at a table in the bar area for close to 30 minutes before even getting water, much less a waiter to order drinks. Once we were able to order, everything showed up on a timely, if not rapid, basis!Other than the service, the evening was enjoyable, including the food. The bar area was loud, but we expected that going in.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
We've have always enjoyed dining, however, our 2 entrées have mixed reviews. The Salmon with Brussel Sprouts was delightful, but the Seafood Bouillabaisse was very disappointing and lowered this review rating. Traditionally, the broth is rich and tasty, but this was pale and even the cod and crab lacked flavor. I couldn't detect saffron or fennel. There was an overall good amount of seafood and the 2 thin toasted croutons with aoili were the best part. I suggest the chef crack the Dungeness Crab parts, to help avoid struggling to use pliers and the fingers mess, I had to ask for a wet towel. We ordered extra bread thinking it would be good with the broth, but we didn't have desire after being served. The French Onion soup was good and had a lot of onions. Our server was nice, but our wine order had a glitch and I didn't speak with him after getting the bouillabaisse. I very rarely return food, but won't be ordering this entrée again. Other reviews were mixed, so perhaps the recipe changed when we dined. Bon Appétit
Four of us had a memorable experience. Our waiter was fantastic, our food delicious and desserts to die for..... deciding who had the best meal was most difficult! Thanks for terrific memories!
While the service was very good and the decor very nice, the food, or at least what we ordered wasn't great. The French omelette was way too salty, the salad Nicoise was over drenched in dressing and the capachino was like warm. We've been to the Larkspur location which was better
Amazing food, especially escargots ?Parking: Easy to find parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot Tartine
The Hostess was extremely helpful in making an accommodation since we ended up with fewer in our party and were initially seated at an extra-large table. Even though the restaurant was busy, they were able to move us to a more appropriately sized table. The service by Escardo was fantastic. The food was provided in a timely fashion, and all the food served was properly prepared and was delicious. We have eaten at the Left Bank in Menlo Park many times and the consistency in service and food cooked has been always on the mark. I absolutely recommend this restaurant if you are looking for positive restaurant experience.
Eggs Benedict not hot. Sent back and second time was still cool. Out of some dishes on the menu. Fruit salad was wilted. Server was nice but overall service was very slow. E.g. had to ask for water, coffee refill. Definitely down hill from what we remember
We've always expected and received a great experience; NOT this time. The server was rude. He brought bread and butter to the table and offered it to us by setting it down. Turns out we were charged for it; we didn't order it or request it; it was offered to us. He didn't get our food even close to what we ordered and decided to serve everyone who sat after us first. Horrible experience. Enough to make us regulars not return.
I bought a gift card for Left Bank for my daughter and her husband. They went to dinner and even though I had specifically asked that they do something special for my son in law (a birthday dessert) nothing happened. They said the waiter was very abrupt and spent very little time with them. The food is always consistent but I was really disappointed with the service - especially because I spoke to the manager that day to make this special request. They need to emphasize better service!! Especially at these prices.
Poor menu choices on a special day. Another couple came in sat down and walked out. $57 plate of lobster risotto that was just 3 bites. Dinner at 7pm and they say they dont have any more bread to serve. $40 plate of petrale sole was good but again tiny servings. They weren't even that busy and it was clear that all the food was prepped. I expect LB to be better than that. Not going there again.
Restaurantji Recommends
The valentine's dinner experience was underwhelming at best. The prix fixe menu was uninspired and basic yet overly priced for the quality and portion sizes. No way to order off menu and that left us disappointed with the limited subpar options. The service was very slow at the beginning, took forever to get water! Not sure we will come back again. Too many managers walking around but adding no value to the guest experience or helping or anything. Disappointed
It was one of the best meals we've ever had. We've eaten a lot in France and we can say that as long as The Left Bank keeps up this level, there's little need to hop on a plane. Every single dish was outstanding, including the dessert, bread for the table. A common appetizer like fried calamari was a cut or two above. We actually ate lunch and dinner there in the same day - decided to go back for dinner after lunch was so great.
Very enjoyable Happy Hour at the bar with excellent and attentive service. Darn good dry Martini too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very French.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loud trio playing music.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4