Left Bank Restaurant

This place actually is closed now. I am not sure if they relocated or not. If they did, then give them a try. The food is good, a little pri... more

I went for lunch and chose the tomato & basil soup and chicken pot-pie. The tomato soup tasted like they warmed tomato-paste, water and a little salt. The chicken pot-pie was topped with ? phyllo pastry top. Seasoning I could discern were salt and pepper only. Vegetables were cut too large to eat. Some of the onions were slightly smaller than a golf ball, much too large to eat. To top off the meal the chicken had bones in it. ?Campbell?s? & ?Swanson? sell a much better version for 1/3rd the price. The service was much too slow for lunch. The menu sounds really great however don?t mistake glitz for quality. $20 lunch was too much to charge. This is the kind of meal you would expect from a middle school cafeteria. My experience was echoed by several people I know have also eaten there. Mediocre food that was overpriced. Pros: Ambience is nice Cons: Food is mediocre. more

I great place to have lunch or dinner before caching a show at the Century Theater. They feature anything from soup to steaks. They al... more

Our family loves Left Bank. The interior is adorable and the service is friendly. The food is good (not the best ever) but very delicious. G... more

First this place is way bigger than imagined (~ 10000 sq ft). With that siad there was still a feeling of romance as there are many 2 person tables. Seating capacity seemed smaller then the space could accommodate so it did not feel too crowded. Mind you On Friday at 7 pm this place was hopping....loud and full of energy as the band was playing New Orleans scatt type jazz. We were seated immediately and the waitress stopped by within 2 min (good service IMHO). We ordered Pinot (which was replaced with a higher quality wine w/ no upcharge as our choice was out) and settled on the bean and ham soup along with the steamed mussels for appetizers. The soup was OK, a bit salty. The mussels were a very good deal (huge portion) and quite delicious. For the main course I chose the bass ?chowder? and my wife had the tuna salad. The salad was quite big and lightly dressed. My Chowder was good, the bass was a decent size filet and the chowder was basic but good but again a bit salty. We chose not to have desert as we were quite full total charge was just over $100 with ? the total coming from the wine so not a bad deal. Highly recommended Pros: Atmosphere ambience Cons: None to speak of more

Went to Left Bank based on CS info. Very happy with the decission. Reservations with the hostess was a breeze and we were promptly seated on a mediumly busy Friday evening. It's a large open space, but the accustics were great, no dim, even though there was alot of activity going on. We wanted to try a variety and when we ordered and metioned it our waiter brought all our courses on two plates, pretty thoughtful. The vice sous(sp?) was excellent as was our salad and appetizer. Nice bar drinks,wine by the glass selection was good. The was a live jazz group doing old standards from the 50's and sixties,i.e. Deen Martin, Nat Cole tunes. Our seating was intimate and the ambiance seemed to fit the billing. Pros: Easy parking, romantic setting Cons: Took a bit of walking to find entrance more

Hostess was polite. We sat for half an hour before we finally had to flag somone down. The music was great, fondu was excellent, champagne drinks were just okay. Bartender was great, but the service was unacceptable! We will not go back unless it is just for a drink at the bar! Pros: good food, nice atomosphere Cons: Horrible service more

This recent addition to the new renovated plaza in Pleasanton Hill is a fantastic place to drink, listen to the occasional live band and simply enjoy a well prepared meal served with curtious and old world values. The prices are going to be more than what you'll pay at a average places, but there is nothing average about left bank. I've taken my wife there several times and we always find we can get out of our shell and have a very pleasant experience there. The service is always consistent, the waiters do earn their tip. The manager is very friendly and curtious. You must try their seafood shell a pasta dish, if you want something more std, then try the burger, its good! But whatever you eat for your dinner, don't leave without trying out the espresso ice-cream in puff pastries. Pros: Great ambience and service Cons: Waters don't speak french! more

It is an average date night out. Food is okay, calamari is great, the hanger steak is a little tough, but good flavor. Creme puff dessert is very good. But, the over riding factor that made this a great night out and the first of many to come is the Friday night jazz that is going on. They were great and may people were present for it. Awesome. Pros: Ambience, Reservations, Jazz Music Cons: Expensive, Service more

I have dined off and on at this restaurant since its opening. I would not consider it a "destination" restaurant, but for someone that lives in Contra Costa it is a good place to go for a nice atmosphere and a decent meal. Recently the restaurant has had a change in the management of the kitchen and the improvement is marked. My husband and I enjoy sitting in the small booths for two near the kitchen and watching the action. We have enjoyed good service with the exception of one visit. The restaurant is worth another try for those that weren't happy the first time and worth a visit for those that have not previously gone. The menu is not extensive but the offerings are the same as you might see on the menu when visiting a Paris brasserie. Pros: valet parking, good food, pretty decor Cons: overpriced wine, spotty service more

I have found this common with most restaurants like the Left Bank. The food and atmosphere is charming and well liked but the service is lacking. One must ask to hear the specials and the servers don't pay attention to detail. It is almost as if they know that they will be tipped accordingly given percentage. A good place to go if you don't like being bothered by servers. However, if you are looking for a fine dining experience, I would look elsewhere. Cons: service more

Pay a fortune for a lamb shank and a few beans... all too salty. And wine - they should remember this comes from grape juice ... and don't hcarge me double plus. Oh, the waiter drop by in time to drop off the check... but was other wise unseen. Ok, if you are in high school and want to impress a girl.... it is kinda trendy. Pros: Art Deco La Tour Cons: , unsubtle flavors, whistle for service more

I ordered the Salmon Breton and Creme Brulee. The Salmon Breton was average, edible but not memorable. The creme brulee was way too thick (think cold peanut butter). The service was poor, neglectful and standoff-ish at best. The food ain't worth the attitude! Eat elsewhere. (I've been to the Left Bank in Menlo Park and had a great time (good food, great service), so it doesn't apply to all the LB restaurants. more

This French bistro is large and bustling, with a casual elegance. We opted to dine at the outdoor patio since weather was only a bit nippy for a late Oct night, and they had the heat lamps going. This allowed us to fully enjoy the jazz trio playing for us - what a nice treat. Food was good and reasonably priced. The calamari appetizer was lightly breaded and not greasy at all. Service was professional, attentive but not cloying. more