Le Rive Gauche

I was pleasantly surprised to find this cozy little French restaurant in Palos Verdes. My girlfriend and I were driving around one afternoon, and we noticed the sign – La Rive Gauche, from the road. It was about four in the afternoon, and there was only one other couple in the restaurant. The owner, Jaques attended to us and was very friendly and charming. We started with a delicious appetizer, Coquille St. Jaques, which is a rich casserole with scallops and mushrooms in a cream sauce. We ordered a nice bottle of wine from the extensive wine list. Jaques recommended the Chateau du Pape, and it was excellent. Soup and salad was included with our meal and the cream of celery soup really hit the spot. For dinner I ordered the Veal Ossobucco and was definitely not disappointed. My girlfriend had salmon with a horse radish dijon cream sauce and was equally pleased. After dinner, we went for a walk on the trail above the restaurant to round out a truly romantic dining experience! Two thumbs way up for La Rive Gauche and Jaques.

Been a staple in my dining for years and years. The food is always good, the service is always good. Plenty of parking and, on the Palos Verdes Pennisula, a great place to end a beautiful drive by the Pacific. I would like to see the interior updated and perhaps some of the information in the foyer disappear but for my money and palate, yes. La Rive Gauche ("the left bank") is still on my list. The soups, entrees, sauces - the food astes the way it's supposed to taste. Go in Chanel or jeans, but wear a sportscoat.....