VAN: Left Bank Has It Right With New West End Locale

There’s a new restaurant and bar in town located in Vancouver’s bustling West End, brought to life by veteran Vancouver restaurateur John Blakeley (of Bistro Pastis fame). Left Bank recently opened the doors to its shiny new space and brings with it a menu infused with French dishes with a touch of Moroccan influence you’ll totally want to taste for yourself.

Formerly home to Blakeley’s Le Parisien Bistro, the space has been completely revamped to create a more hip and happening spot. Classic red Tolix chairs (an icon of French industrial design) add a punch of bold colour against the textured white tiling and soft greys of the room’s décor. Natural wood finishings, glass pendant lighting, and large windows create a warm and inviting atmosphere, as does the extended bar and leather banquettes (perfect for a late night glass of wine, light bites, and people watching).

A new 35-seat patio is peppered with greenery and features fresh herbs growing throughout. Even with the bustle of Denman, you can’t help but feel perfectly tucked away from the action as you settle in for a casual meal.

Spencer Watts has expanded his role as executive chef at Left Bank’s sister restaurant, Bistro Pastis, and created a modern French bistro menu unmistakably influenced by the many French colonies that will tantalize your tastebuds. Try the tempura haricots vert, sticky pork ribs, lamb tartar with charamoundi spiced cauliflower, and mint pesto and black sesame pomme frites.

For dinner, they feature items like crispy pork belly with fresh plums, de rigour steamed mussels with red curry coconut and fresh lime, soubise and chickpea. Main dishes range from five-spice duck confit, to vegetarian tagine and west coast sockeye salmon with summer peas and Lyonnais potato and lemongrass cream.

Given the location and proximity to Stanley Park, Left Bank has kept in mind that many diners prefer to grab-and-go and offers items to take away for picnics in the park with price points to match. The bar menu starts at $2.50 per item and steak frites top out at $22.

Wines are predominantly French with ample by-the-glass and rose selections, as well as exclusive craft beer choices and a curated selection of sparkling, long, and classic cocktails (with $5 wine from 4pm to 6pm and $8 cocktails every Tuesday, as well as $10 corkage fee in honour of #WineWednesday). Left Bank is definitely a dining must on our list.

Left Bank is located at 751 Denman Street.

Will you be trying Left Bank this week? Comment below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.