Valeria R.
Yelp
We were in the market for very late lunch today in Marin, but our two favorites - Don Antonio and Left Bank - were closed.
Yelp came to the rescue. It didn't take much clicking to discover Petite Left Bank, with its familiar name. Could there be a connection?
Yelp reviewers confirmed it: The two Left Banks are indeed connected.
As we approached the end of Tiburon's main drag, we spotted the location on the right. We had to circle a few times to park (more on that below). Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted warmly by the bartender. In hindsight I realize that he was very busy and that we had entered through the wrong door, but he made it a point to come over to us and make us feel welcome.
Thereafter we were seated quickly, but the food came out slowly. We weren't in a hurry and didn't mind, but the pace is worth mentioning in case anyone has time contraints. This is a place for a leisurely meal and good conversation.
As for the food, we enjoyed the tarte au saumon. I mistakenly assumed it would be like a quiche (I didn't see photos on the restaurant's website or on Yelp), but it was more of a cross between a galette and a cracker-crust pizza, both of which are good but don't expect a rib-sticking dish out of it. It was quite nice, with creme fraiche and shallots to complement the smoked salmon, but it needed a bit of greens on the side to make it into a meal.
Speaking of salads, the green version here was supremely fresh with high quality greens, but it was small and basic. I don't consider myself a cheapskate, but I felt like it should have been closer to $8 rather than $13.
The steak frites dish was...okay. The versions I've had at the original Left Bank have been better. I overheard the next table talking about how great the burgers are here so I'll be trying one of those next, or the Niçoise salad which looked and sounded amazing but the kitchen ran out of tuna today, unfortuntately.
I almost forgot about our starter. We ordered the half-dozen baked oysters, which were cheesy and delicious and beautifully presented. However, they were just SO SMALL. As tasty as they were, it hurt a bit to spend $26 on them.
The dessert, though...our chai-spiced creme brulee was the night's winner. If you like chai lattes, you HAVE to order this creme brulee. First, it's BIG and plenty for two people, and it comes with two chubby shortbread cookies. Second, it's surprising how much chai flavor they are able to get into that custard!
The plan for next time: Sit at the bar with that sweet bartender, and order burgers and creme brulee.
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Parking: As you drive along CA-131 to approach the restaurant, you should watch for an arrow in the asphalt a few driveways past Beach Road. This arrow will direct you onto a side road (Juanita Lane) where parking in front of the restaurant can be found.
Parking in front is limited but not impossible. If you aren't able to park in front on the first try, follow the road slowly around the rear of the restaurant and make your way back to Beach Road then CA-131 to start the loop again. We only had to circle 3 times to get a prime spot.
Other Yelpers mentioned a public lot in the back; there is indeed a large lot there but I didn't readily spot the entrance. Either way, it felt like it might present a challenge to customers with mobility issues.
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Restroom note: There are two single, gender-neutral restrooms.