Rive Gauche Restaurant Inc

Amidst the hustle and bustle of nonstop Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, California sits a long standing establishment known for it's enduring re... more

I strongly disagree about the service at Rive Gauche. I have been coming her for over 30 years and have never had bad service. I find the food good and the prices affordable. Not a place that I would bring ""the little ones"" Ventura, Ca more

I can't help comment after reading the reviews of others. \r \r Shirad wrote that they were disappointed they couldn't get a complimentary ""gesture"" because of someone's birthday. PULEASE! Aren't you sick of people who want freebies because they think they're entitled? These are the same kinds of people who hold up lines in super- markets because they can't find their coupons, complain about anything and everything that does not suit their purposes 100% of the time all of the time, and generally manage to irritate everyone around them over trivialities like a spoiled 3 year old. AND if they don't get to freeload something, they write a bad review.\r \r I have been eating at Rive Gauche for nearly 30 years. The ambiance has always been a cut above, the service immpecable, and the food tasty, properly cooked and presented in a timely way. Even the prices are not as high as they could be. \r \r Rive Gauche is NOT the finest French eatery anywhere and does not purport to be. However, I can state honestly that, unlike some other highly rated restaurants, I have NEVER had anything but great service by a friendly staff, and good food at reasonable prices. I highly recommend the place. more

Just returned from a birthday lucheon. When I asked for a little birthday gesture, they said they can give us a candle after weBUY the deserts. Since noone wanted desert ,I said that a little complimentary gesture would be nice-they said they have'nt done that in 30 years. I went back to the table to my guests and the tall manager came over and told the entire table that I had requested a complimentary gesture and they don't do that. Embarrasing me in fornt of my guests. I told him that he could give that message to me in private. He was arrogant and displayed lousy Customer relations skills. The place is empty and a bit pricey, a small cup cake would have changed our feelings and we probably would have returned. My group will not go back there. more

Not known for it's food by the locals, Rive Gauche is known as the place you can always get a seat - because it's always empty. In other words, the food stinks. I stopped by with my kids tonight for some dessert, and was told they couldn't serve us because we were sitting at a ""game table."" What's that??? We left, and on our way out, the manager, Aaron, berated me for bringing my kids into a bar! In front of my kids!! I had no idea RG was a ""bar,"" or that children weren't welcome. I also don't know why I was the lucky recipient of this added dose of humiliation by a ""manager"" who clearly had power issues, or perhaps was feeling ""less than"" in other areas and felt obliged to take it out on a mother of two. After talking down to me, and rolling his eyes so far into his head that they almost came out his nose, I told ""Aaron"" that I would spread the word about the hateful atmosphere of Rive Gauche. He was thrilled about this. So here you go ""Aaron"" - you happy chap you - Only go to RG if you like to be abused by snarky, miserable people who hate kids. Pros: It's always empty so you can always get a seat. Cons: The manager is extremely rude! more

If you are looking for a Los Angeles staple with heart, you have found your place. Service was decent (I am very particular) and the food solid...I will be back to try out Sunday brunch. Nice, quiet, and romantic in my opinion.... more

If you love good food, this is the place. I highly recommend the Pan Roasted Breast of Duck with Chambord Glaze (Delicious !!) I have been going here for about 10 years and have loved it each and every time. I do agree with some of the people that the service is lacking, but the food more than makes up for it. Their appetizers are very good too, Pate De Canard, the French Onion Soup and the Roasted Corn & Crab Bisque. I will be enjoying the holidays at the Rive Gauche Cafe this year. Pros: Great Food, you will not be disappointed Cons: Good Service is Lacking more

I went to this restaurant with 3 of my 30-something friends -- all young professionals. We were definitely younger than all of the other patrons. The decor was terrible: Flowered carpet was in need of a good steam cleaning, The chairs were uncomfortable, Tabletops do not have proper linens (instead they are covered in glass), Menus are worn, Bathrooms are outside. The service was surprisingly slow considering how few people were in the restaurant. The price is about $25 for an entree. Most importantly, the food: ranged from average to terrible. My meal's mushroom sauce did not pair well with the rest of the food on the plate, and I ended up waking up in the middle of the night with a stomach ache. Overall, 4 out of 4 people did not have a good experience. Cons: Food, Decor, Service more

My boyfriend and I found this little gem as we were driving down ventura while doing some holiday shopping this past weekend........we had a lovely late lunch out on the back patio, service was great and the food was amazing. We started with the crab stuffed mushrooms (brilliant - great texture, great flavour, topped with bernaise - mmmm) and split the NY Steak with poached egg (perfectly cooked, tender, juicy - everything you could want in a steak and more) -- the best part may have been the pommes frites - we're convinced they're the best in Los Angeles..........\r \r we will be back, and back, and back and back...this is now one of our favorites in town. Pros: Fabulous fare in a very quaint patio garden - what more could you ask for?? more

Wow, I was really surprised to read some negative reviews below! Our family just had a relative's birthday dinner here, and it was excellent all around! We got seated in the cozy, romantic patio alcove...the waitress was knowledgeable, experienced, and unobtrusive...their food is off the hook (salad, soup, fish, meat, desserts all were excellent!). They were even nice enough to make a hamburger (not on the menu) for my picky daughter. My fave fish dish here: the roast whitefish with artichoke hearts, tomato & caper sauce. As I said, it's one of my top 3 ever.. we will DEFINITELY be back! Pros: Excellent food & service, cozy interior, romantic garden seating. Cons: No children's menu ( but they went out of their way to accomodate my daughter! ) more

The staff and management at this restuarant ruined the birthday party. They were very rude especially the manager who claimed to be the owner. She was very rude to many individuals in our party. Our order took more than 1 hour to receive. We had to ask for water three times before we could be accomdated. The food was not cooked properly and no one apologized for the poor quality of service and food. They figured they include the tip so they do not have to be civil to customers. \r \r I will never go or recommend this restaurnt to anyone else. Be aware!!!\r awful customer service, Rude Manager, Quality of food significantly decreased over the past year \r Much Better resturants in the area and much better value Pros: Patio seating Cons: Food, Staff, Customer Service, Poor Management and Host more

As a Sherman Oaks resident I feel fortunate to have Rive Gauche nearby, especially for a cozy Sunday brunch in their courtyard. It's very Carmel-like. The service is very good and the food I have always enjoyed. They prepare some of the best sweetbreads in the city. One Sunday brunch in the courtyard I sat looking into one of the dining rooms where they were having a family get-together. It was civilized and reminiscent of 50 years ago, and we on the outside couldn't hear a thing. That's what Rive Gauche is...a great neighborhood restaurant for any occasion. Pros: Wonderful place for a courtyard Sunday brunch; reliable food; great sweetbreads Cons: When it is busy you might be a little ignored if you are sitting away from the action more

By far this place has the most craveable frencht toast (with strawberries and cream). It is so hearty, it is a meal by itself. The place has a cozy french charm to it. Great place for brunch. A must-try! Pros: French toast--need I say more! more

I have been here 10 times or so and its a great little french restaurant. Fun good food, I really don't know why it has some low reviews about bad service I've always had good service I really like the place. I will say one time out of about 10 times i have been there the food was not up to par but usually it is excellent. It's my go-to french place when in the valley. Pros: Great Food and I love the Patio more

Went on Valentine's Day for the first time and had a good experience. We were seated right away and our waiter was great. There were a couple of ""mishaps"" (appetizers arrived before the wine and when the wine showed up, there was lipstick on my glass), but our waiter was apologetic and more than made up for it. The food was great . Their spinach salad with blue cheese, walnuts, and dried cherries is excellent and the filet is delicious. If creme brulee is your thing, get it, it's very good here. I do think the decor needs a update (glass tops on the tables are an eyesore if you ask me), but other than that I really enjoyed my experience. Pros: Food, Food, Food Cons: Setting more

We have had three excellent meals recently, after a long hiatus caused by bad service years ago. However, our last experience was marred by a very abrupt waiter, Matt, who was hurried and generally indifferent to the point of rudeness. ""You done!?"" was his way of asking if I had finished, with no offering of a dessert menu or coffee, and not asking if I wanted to take the sizable remaining piece of salmon, which I did, then dropping the bill folder on the table with no comment. No wonder the dining room was less than half full on a Friday night, if that's the service one can expect. Other nights we have had the very professional and friendly Justin. On the other hand, the escargots are superb, and they do fish very well, with light, interesting sauces, and accompanying vegetables done a point. Wines are a little pricey, with champagne the best buy. Nice, inn-like atmosphere, with charming patio, if the weather is balmy. Pros: Food Cons: Uneven service more

I always go to this restaurant for Sunday Champagne Brunch. Its always delicious no matter what I order. The patio is quaint and relaxing, with a fountain. You hardly realize you're right on Ventura Blvd. The Strawberries & Cream French Toast is unbelievable (if you're not on a diet) and I highly recommend the Artichoke Ravioli. Pros: Good Waiters, Nice Patio more

My family and I have been coming to Rive Gauche for many years and every time we have gone has been wonderful. From the great service we received and the quality of the food, this restaurant proves to be the very best. I highly recommend this restaurant especially for special occasions/romantic settings. Pros: great ambiance, intimate, great food/service more

We went to try Rive Gauche as a possible location for a private party. Our dining experience during normal meal service was fine (good food and service in a casual atmosphere). However, the person who we attempted to work with for the private party was so rude, we doubt we will ever try the restaurant again. more

I've been going to this place for years, and it's a wonderful place to take a date. Make sure to stop in at their little quiet bar next door for a drink after dinner! more