Left Bank Larkspur Brasserie — Restaurant in Larkspur

First time ever that I have publicly had to spit food out on the first taste!

The tomato bisque was fine, but from the description I was expecting a drizzle of basil oil on top to emphasize that basil taste. - it would have taken its presentation and style up one notch. Fair enough I'm a foodie, and expect things that I pay for to be better than I can cook myself.

But then... we waited for our entrees.

And we waited... (We'd ordered stuff that we knew should be quick out of the kitchen, we only had one hour)

And then they came. Late and after I'd had to ask for them.

The escargots. Six pieces of over cooked rubber served in an acrid burnt garlic sauce and the plate coated in black char. Inedible. It should not have gone past the pass. Just looking at it I knew it was wrong. The first taste of the sauce was enough. Spat it out and sent it back, asked for it to be taken off our bill and for the check immediately.

Cleared palate with water and had a couple of my wife's calamaris. I'm still not sure if they were over done in the fryer - they were a couple of shades too dark - or whether or not my mouth was still full of the taste of burnt stuff. We ate half and left hungry, but on time.

The front of house staff were excellent both before and after serving, and the manager came and personally apologized and comped the drinks. We still tipped because it was not their fault.

If you're going to cook classic simple french your execution has to be spot on. If not it should go from oven to bin. I want to believe this was just a one off, no professional kitchen should ever serve obviously over burnt food to a customer. But not sure if we will be back. Only if we have time to spare and get a dish...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Left Bank in Larkspur and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with my experience. The restaurant is located in the heart of old town Larkspur, and the location alone is enough to make you feel like you're dining in a charming French bistro.

The wine selection at Left Bank is truly exceptional. There is a wide variety of both French and Californian wines to choose from, and the knowledgeable staff is always happy to offer recommendations based on your personal taste preferences. I particularly enjoyed the sommelier's suggestion for a glass of Bordeaux to pair with my meal.

Speaking of the meal, the French American cuisine at Left Bank is simply delicious. The menu features classic French dishes like escargots and coq au vin, as well as American staples like steak frites and burgers. Everything I tried was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

But perhaps the best part of dining at Left Bank is the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The interior is cozy and intimate, with soft lighting and warm colors that make you feel right at home. And if you're lucky enough to snag a table on the outdoor patio, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding area.

Overall, I highly recommend Left Bank to anyone looking for a great meal in a beautiful location. Whether you're a wine lover, a foodie, or just looking for a cozy place to unwind, this restaurant has something for everyone. I give Left Bank 4...

Food poisoning and no accountability

We spent over $350 at this restaurant expecting a quality meal and evening, but instead ended up violently ill from what was later identified as scombroid fish poisoning. This occurred immediately after our dinner, a classic sign of mishandled or improperly stored fish. It was a frightening and painful experience that completely ruined our night and affected our health.

What made matters worse was the complete lack of accountability from the restaurant. I called twice to speak to the manager - not to be dramatic, but simply to alert them to a serious food safety issue and give them the chance to make things right. Despite being promised a call back, no one ever followed up.

This isn’t just about customer service (which was clearly lacking), but about public health. Scombroid poisoning can be extremely serious, and for a restaurant of this caliber to show zero concern or urgency is deeply disappointing and frankly irresponsible.

I would strongly advise others to think twice before dining here especially if you plan to order any seafood. A high bill and a fancy setting mean nothing if the food isn’t safe and the management won’t take accountability when something goes...