TLDR: 33/40
The food is tasty, yes, but the chic atmosphere is where Left Bank really shines. The service is also first-rate and the prices reflect that deluxe branding.
Food Satisfaction: 8/10
Sonia: I coerced everyone into ordering the Cheese Fondue to share, and I did not regret it. The cheese was smokey and rich, and who doesn’t love cheese and bread? If you are a germaphobe, this may not be the dish for you given the amount of double-dipping that occurs, but I found it delicious.
For my main course, I ordered what I always say will be my last meal on earth: steak frites. And if the Left Bank Steak Frites was in fact my last meal, I would not be unhappy.
The steak was a perfect medium rare, and the combination of a good steak, herb butter and french fries is unmatched. It is a bit pricey, at $38, but the steak is massive, so I might actually consider the cost semi-worth it.
Geoffrey: Sonia also ordered us truffle fries, which were perfectly prepared. I had the Beef Bourguignon for myself, which melted in my mouth and was perfectly complemented by steamed carrots, mushrooms and other vegetables. It was delicious, but not life-changing.
Atmosphere: 10/10
Sonia: We were the youngest people in the restaurant by decades (besides the two little kids eating dinner with their grandparents). Left Bank is definitely not super popular with the younger crowd, but that does not mean it should be overlooked. Our group actually had an amazing time, and the French music, grand paintings and fabulous food masked the fact that the other restaurant-goers were probably taken aback by our loud, roaring laughter in such a peaceful restaurant.
Geoffrey: There were so many small touches at Left Bank that added to the French brasserie aesthetic: checkered floors, high ceilings and enormous paintings on the walls. I had driven here straight from Sacramento, so the atmosphere was a welcoming respite from the stressful drive.
Service: 10/10
Sonia: The service was certainly something to write home about. When we entered the restaurant, our waiter informed us that the kitchen was closing at 7:30 because of maintenance issues. We got our orders in immediately, and the food came out at a steady pace. But even though we didn’t have tons of time to scan the menu, our waiter took great care of us. At the end, one of our guests, Coat of Arms Creative Director Amber More, needed some help paying via Apple Pay. Our waiter was so patient with Amber that she even asked for his full name to credit him. Thanks to Zeferino for a great dinner!
Geoffrey: By the time I got to Left Bank, we were the only people sitting inside, yet the service was not too overbearing, nor was it inattentive. In short, Left Bank really shines here.
Value: 5/10
Sonia: Left Bank is pricey, there’s no beating around the bush. After spending almost $40 dollars on steak and an additional $18 on the cheese fondue, I knew my wallet could not handle ordering dessert. That being said, the food left me more than satisfied.
Geoffrey: My Beef Bourguignon was tasty but not worth $38. The expenses of the shareables added up, too, and the bill for the four of us ended up being well over $200. Maybe I’ll splurge for a nice dinner with my grandma, but Left Bank will not find itself among my go-to restaurants.
Uniqueness: 0/1
There’s literally another French restaurant next door.
