Style and substance
Reviewed by: Jon Muller
Left Bank has always been one of our favourite night spots – the sophisticated, contemporary lounge-cum-bar fuses style with a relaxed atmosphere and, as the evening turns into night, it transforms into one of the chicest clubs in the city.
Left Bank does a pretty good line in top-notch food too. Styled as contemporary European cuisine, what the creative casual dining menu really gives you is wholesome, stylish gourmet pub food. And with a number of new additions to the menu and some fantastic deals on offer, Abu Dhabi Week decided it was high time we sampled it for ourselves.
A pleasing menu choice gives plenty to muse over, but the mini burgers and rustic Thai fish cakes prove a winning choice for starters. The burgers are perfectly formed, cheese-topped miniature versions of the beefiest variety, while the melt-in-the-mouth fish cakes are bursting with flavour and accompanied by a perfectly balanced sweet chilli sauce.
Main courses are equally as admirable. The 8oz fillet steak is succulent and cooked to perfection, served with a tasty peppercorn sauce, roasted vine tomatoes, Portobello mushrooms and rock salt chips. Chicken breast filled with ricotta, spinach, turkey bacon and sun-dried tomatoes on top of sautéed potatoes and a wonderfully creamy mushroom sauce offers an equally satisfying blend of flavours to satisfy the largest of appetites.
Portion sizes are anything but parsimonious, but to pass up on dessert (in particular the sticky toffee pudding) would be a crime – although we’re not so sure our waistline would agree.
Left Bank has always been known as one of the best spots for a good night out. A sumptuous menu, perfectly knowledgeable staff and the swiftest of service alongside chic interiors and stunning Grand Mosque views make it a winner for an earlier start to a social evening – and one that we bank on being a great choice, time and
time again.
What? Left Bank
Where? Souk Qaryat Al Beri
Why? Reasonably priced, well-executed gourmet pub food in an uber-stylish setting
Why not? The Souk is little way from the centre of town but Left Bank is well worth the trip
We say: Expanding waistline warning: it’s impossible to not empty plates
Cost: average AED 150 for 3 courses excluding drinks
Contact: 02 558 1680
