Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Guide

We went here looking for a pleasant time away from the kids and found a place that rekindled our passion for each other.

We could not help it. The ambience of the place is made for romance. A beautifully decorated room set off by low hanging spot lighting for each table highlighting the red roses.

The service was a miror of fine dining establishments in NYC. Food was great and the host that greated us at the door even came by the table in the middle of our night to be sure everything was good.

Maybe it was the big red we drank from California but, I think I am in love...with the Left Bank.

Located in the heart of the Las Olas shopping district, this is a fine dining establishment. The restaurant serves a contemporary American, European, and variety of other cuisines. Expect the average entrée to cost over $20, and there's a prix-fixe menu at 33.95 per person. Plan to dress up -- on the nicer side.

Atmosphere: Left Bank has been a major league player in the Fort Lauderdale dining scene for more than 25 years. You'll be able to take in the view of Downtown Fort Lauderdale from many seats here.

The architectural design is very detailed. The restaurant has a contemporary and fashionable European style décor. The interior is accented by warm tones, enhanced by oil paintings and flowers at the tables, and the lighting is warm. Tables are covered with linen tablecloths, and the use of elegant fabrics compliment the overall look and feel.

The facility has two dining rooms with seating for 100 people. It is intimate, romantic, and frequented by an upscale crowd. Table talk is no problem here - noise level is unobtrusive. In addition, you'll notice that there is a visible kitchen.

More Reasons to Go: The jazz is a great part of your dining experience at this restaurant. Left Bank is appropriate (if not ideal) for impressing clients, birthdays, anniversaries, other romantic evenings, and private parties; also, the establishment is often frequented prior the theatre and has an appropriate pre-theatre menu for such occasions.

Eating & Drinking: Open for dinner. The menu here at Left Bank stays interesting and creative with daily changes that maintain style, variety, and freshness based on availability and the time of year. The cuisine here is influenced by the seasonal availability of fresh local seafood and fresh from the farm produce. The chef travels the world on this menu pairing inviting combinations of the best ingredients he can find.

Recipes have been considered eccentric but with care to produce the results that are world-class. Some of the more popular menu items include: Shrimp and Scallop Scampi with Passionfruit and Brie, Chilean Seabass with a Thai peanut crust. There is also a prix-fixe and pre-theatre menu available.

Both beer and wine are served, and you'll find that there is a superb wine list with vintage options. In addition, the restaurant has a seated bar inside.

Notable Mention: Number one rated French restaurant by the Zagat Survey 2001

Five Stars given to the Left Bank by Gayot Survey 2001

"Top 10" dining locations in Fort Lauderdale-- Zagat review

"this is what fine dining is all about"--XS magazine

Of Interest: Four Star rated by AAA. Featured wine and food events. The chef's menus are being compared to one's in New York City.

About the Chef: is a multi-award wining and talented chef. Mr. Bennett has achieved to blend the tropical regions bounty into a sophisticated dining experience.

Details to Note: Reservations are suggested. Catering for various events can be arranged (call for details & quotes). Smoking is allowed outside. Children are not appropriate.

Tips on Finding: Go north one block off the Las Olas shopping district