"Amidst the hustle and bustle of nonstop Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, California sits a long standing establishment known for it’s enduring reputation for fine French cuisine, reputable service, and quaint ambiance. At Rive Gauche Cafe, patrons will experience a unique culinary escape from the busy lifestyle that is L.A., an intimate country-esque environment, and authentic French dishes to rival most flavors experienced in the heart of the Eiffel Tower’s homeland. Enamored with both the quaint garden patio complete with abundant greenery and the resonation of flowing water from a nearby fountain as well as the indoor main dining room with its hearty wooden beams overhead and an inpouring of sunlight from numerous windows and skylights, this eatery draws a sophisticated gathering of locals as well as the newcomer from miles away. Whether stopping in for a cocktail beside the fireplace in the Rive Gauche lounge across the patio, a cozy al fresco dining experience at a bistro table for two beside a bricked and hedge-laden patio, or more formal quarters indoors where sophistication and relaxation go hand in hand, few will find equivalent ambiance, quality in service, or memorable preparation of French cuisine. Enamored with both the quaint garden patio complete with abundant greenery and the resonation of flowing water from a nearby fountain as well as the indoor main dining room with its hearty wooden beams overhead and an inpouring of sunlight from numerous windows and skylights, this eatery draws a sophisticated gathering of locals as well as the newcomer from miles away. Whether stopping in for a cocktail beside the fireplace in the Rive Gauche lounge across the patio, a cozy al fresco dining experience at a bistro table for two beside a bricked and hedge-laden patio, or more formal quarters indoors where sophistication and relaxation go hand in hand, few will find equivalent ambiance, quality in service, or memorable preparation of French cuisine. Over the years, we have become accustomed to calling Rive Gauche Cafe one of our favorite go-to lunch solutions in Sherman Oaks. From fresh and creatively-prepared salads, traditional French classics, and innovative spins on sweet temptations to sparkling flavorful libations, there is something to please most anyone who craves fine French cuisine at this location. What better way to start a long lunch date at Rive Gauche Cafe than Caesar Salads and hand shaken cocktails from the bar! Created with dressing and croutons made in-house, the addition of freshly-shaved Parmesan cheese, vibrantly-hued Romaine lettuce leaves, crunchy endive stalks, and chilled succulent anchovies joined together to create the perfect start to our most recent break at this eatery. Try a dose of hand-chopped breast of turkey atop Rive Gauche Cafe’s festive Cobb Salad and you will do no wrong. Both a healthy and light, yet filling lunchtime entrée choice, the colorful display of high protein from the lean turkey and chopped egg come together with creamy clue cheese crumbles, freshly chopped tomatoes, and a house made vinaigrette to perfect the quintessential lunchtime entrée salad worthy of acclamation. The Ravioli du Jour I delighted in was a hand fashioned ravioli stuffed with three cheeses, then smothered in a creamy signature Alfredo sauce. Calling all you SavorHour cheese lovers out there! A tender leek presented a magnificent display of colors amongst the shades of various whites and creams on the palate of this dish, while pops of diced red bell pepper gave an extra burst of contrasting color as a garnish. The Roast Whitefish option is not only tasty, but an excellent lunchtime addition to any culinary involvement at Rive Gauche Café. Typically served with a caper, artichoke hearts and lemon butter sauce atop this expertly-prepared gift from the sea, my husband elected to have the sauce served on the side. This dish is also served up with sides of the eatery’s signature heirloom carrots, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. Creamy lemon-butter sauce…what could be more tempting? Try a generous portion of it over the tender, flaky flesh of succulent Sand Dabs. Both a heavenly mild texture and flavor, this entrée surpasses the superlative category as flavors of Provencal herbs, lemon butter, and sides of fresh steamed veggies align together to form an excellent collection of tastes sure to please the palate. Top off any meal at Rive Gauche Café with the restaurant’s signature French dessert…the Dark Chocolate Parisienne. A sinfully delicious, but not overly sugary dark chocolate shell conceals a dome of chocolate ice cream with a hidden raspberry sorbet concealed within. A fluffy cloud of freshly-whipped cream and sprig of mint polish this presentation off nicely. Chocolate and strawberries have nothing on chocolate and raspberries! Make any meal an escape from the hectic hustle and bustle of LA’s daily grind at Rive Gauche Café. Having been stopping in for over 12 years, we can recommend the comforting and casual old world style establishment and romantic soothing garden courtyard for a pleasant harbor from the day to day stresses of life, where we have found ourselves at certain intervals thinking we were lunching amidst a French chateau in the heart of LA! ESTABLISHMENT DECOR: Rive Gauche Cafe offers an unparalleled intimate outdoor garden setting complete with fountains and greenery suited for most anyone’s desire for a lingering sophisticated al fresco meal. Indoors, a more “old-world” ambiance welcomes guests with its hearty wood beams overhead and elegant, yet casual seating and service. Across the garden patio exists the lounge, where a fireplace keeps patrons warm in the cooler evenings and a full bar offers a refuge from the day’s anxieties. FOOD DRINK: Authentic French cuisine that never ceases to amaze us with its quality, freshness, and eye-catching vibrant presentation. Beverages are offered and served in large drinking vessels, while unique sweet somethings are delivered sure to please the palate and put a smile of contentment on your face. LOCATION: Rive Gauche Cafe is located at 14106 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. HOURS: Rive Gauche Café is open for service seven days a week from 11:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, the establishment extends its closing hours to Midnight, while a 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays. SERVICE STAFF: Caring and gracious servers delight in assisting with menu selections and beverage options, while they sufficiently add to the overall environment of the eatery. PRICE VALUE: Well worth the prices that the restaurant commands for the savory and beautifully-crafted dishes available. CORKAGE FEE: A $10 corkage charge exists for each 750mL bottle of wine, and a $15 charge for every 760mL bottle of Champagne. However, what you bring into the restaurant from your own cellar cannot be a label served on the eatery’s menu. *Please call ahead to ensure your bottle is not served at the restaurant before you go . CONTACT INFO: Phone: 818 990-3573 The restaurant’s website is currently in the stages of being updated . PARKING: While metered street parking is accessible, we recommend taking advantage of the valet service provided, which keeps your vehicle in a private lot right beside the establishment off the business of bustling Ventura Boulevard for a simple $3 per vehicle. PRICING: A large Pellegrino came to $6.50, while a round of martinis from the bar arrived at $7.50 each. Our Caesar Salads were priced at $8.50, and my Turkey Cobb Salad came to $12. The Ravioli du Jour was fairly priced at $18, while my husband’s Roast Whitefish totaled an earnest $16. The Sand Dabs Veronique came in at $15, and lunch was topped off with an $8 Dark Chocolate Parisienne dessert."
