Left Bank Menlo Parksecond thoughtsLast two visits here a year or so ago, once for dinner and once for lunch, were disappointing, both as to food and service. But our most recent mail, a dinner during their celebration of pig, was very satisfying on both counts. We went this time mostly out of convenience, but next time would go on other grounds as well.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAll around goodieThis is a very good all-around restaurant that is more continental than French. Many dishes aren't exactly French but the wine list at least has a good '09 Bordeaux on it. We really enjoyed the "Alaskan True Cod" dish, it was sublime. We love the environment featuring huge French vintage posters, high ceilings, cool bar, and marble floor.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMparis via menlo parkLove the French classics; onion soup, salade vert, coquille in addition to more contemporary dishes.
Service is always good and waitpersons are quite knowlwdgeable.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFrench BistroVibrant lively bistro, very nice French influenced menu. Steak tartar and pom frites, yum. Our server, I think his name is Roberto, was attentive to our every need, and he was able to answer questions regarding the menu. Delicious food and great service, a winner.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMgood foodgreat place, loved the roasted artichokes and salad niciose, beautiful interior, service OK, overall great5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMaffordable trip to ParisGreat way to have some french-themed fun eating with the kids. A couple of orders of steak frites, compare & contrast bearnaise and bourdelais sauce, even escargot!5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThis places always deliversThis places always delivers and never disappoints. I keep going back for that reason.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMothers Day BrunchWe had a delicious meal and the service was excellent5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed wonderful brunch celebratioEnjoyed wonderful brunch celebration.... ahi tuna salads and sandwiches, calamari, fondue, salads...all very good. Excellent service5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent experienceI chose the Left Bank primarily for its location (downtown Menlo Park) and was pleasantly surprised by how well everything went. The waiter was professional and attentive; the salad vert was fresh, tasty and geerous; the fish dishes (salmon and cod) were cooked to perfection; and the desserts delicious. The ambience was conducive to chat -- I was there to catch up with an old friend -- but also energetic. LB has been around for a long time, and I was worried that it may have become dull and complacent. But nothing could be further from the truth. A great evening.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMIt could be a great restaurant...On this visit, I'd like to compliment the service staff and also strongly encourage the owners to work harder on the food ... while it's OK, it's just not great and it really could be. Only thing I can say is go to Los Altos Grill and THAT is is the aspiration of Left Bank.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe came anticipating a menuWe came anticipating a menu item that was not available (croque monsieur) so were disappointed but otherwise had a very nice dinner with an excellent server.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMToo LoudFood was good but there was a LARGE group of kids in the dinning area that made for a very loud and unpleasant eating environment. This room is already very loud and bad with noise. We ended up seated at the bar.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMI've been to LB many timesI've been to LB many times although I hadn't been in a few years. Turns out my fiancée had been there many times recently but I didn't know that. We had a new waiter who had a few too many tables so the pacing of things was a bit off, i.e. slow. But the food was excellent and the drinks quite innovative and different. I think I like LB more with a bigger group though, or just at the bar.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAlmost special eveningWe love Left Bank. It is our special event/date night spot. Went for husband's b-day (which I noted on Open Table). I assume they didn't check the posting because it was not acknowledged. Food was good that night but the menu was less interesting to our taste as it usual. It is spring and I hoped for lamb. It was heavy on fish which my husband does not enjoy. Our server was rushed as it was busy. Maybe he is new because he was not completely familiar with the menu and when we & our surrounding tables asked questions, he was not knowledgeable about sauces and ingredients. He WAS super nice and welcoming, however, and recommended a great salaf. Maybe a bit more time and training?3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is always great, goodFood is always great, good service a given--but they do an especially nice job with birthdays (and I am sure anniversaries as well). One feels special--and always a birthday person dessert choice that is comped!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMPretty french placeBig menu with lots of choices; consistent food; relatively slow service. Nice place for a lunch with a little style.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMBravo for getting it rightLove it when you arrive at a restaurant, they look for your name on their computer, then with a brief pause the hostess takes you to your table, without waiting in limbo... and the table is exactly as you requested on OpenTable. That's when everything clicks and the food at LB was equally dialed in tonight. Except for the check having an erroneous item added (fortunately I caught this) that was deleted with some consternation on the part of the server, the experience was fine. As perhaps the only dining establishment in Menlo Park worthy of mentioning by default, it remains a go-to spot for lunch, dinner, drinks and meeting friends.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food. Very attentiveGreat food. Very attentive service. There was some confusion over our reservation time. The restaurant had down 6:45. We thought 7:15. They called at 7pm to ask whether we were still coming. When I explained that I had made the reservation for 7:15 and apologized for any confusion, they could not have been more gracious about accommodating us and the restaurant was full with people waiting. We would definitely go back. Only drawback---acoustics make for a very loud restaurant which is challenging with a large group.2/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great time on Valentine's.We had a great time on Valentine's. Our server was so kind and sweet. She never rushed us and was helpful in picking out a sparkling before dinner. I am looking forward to my next visit.2/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is one of our favoriteThis is one of our favorite restaurants. Delicious French food, in particular the steak tartar to start. The canard was beautifully prepared as was the steak frites.2/14/2013 12:00:00 AMFriendly, efficient and greatFriendly, efficient and great menu. Great restaurant for a business lunch.2/12/2013 12:00:00 AMI had what is, in my opinion,I had what is, in my opinion, the best hamburger on the peninsula. And the beignets for dessert were scrumptious, too. Service is pleasant but definitely not professional. I was impressed, though, by the presence of a large wait staff. So many restaurants are understaffed.1/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAmbience is very nice.......notAmbience is very nice.......not too big and not too small! Personnel are very friendly and helpful. Food is very good.12/12/2012 12:00:00 AM