Rive Gauche - München

Again, probably the best french restaurant in town. Small, cossy with a small kitchen but believe me. Best essences come in small bottles. And we're talking...

Not necessarily the best French in town but solid bistro fare. The decor is quite modern but the seatings are very close to each other and not super...

We moved to Munich a year ago and have tried a number of French restaurants since then. This one provides the best value for money so far.We went there on a whim, having just finished an extended shopping spree in the city centre. Thankfully, the waiter managed to get us a table - the rest of the restaurant was fully booked. At 17:15. So, yes, Rive Gauche is popular.And rightfully so. The ambience is very nice, with dark woods dominating. The background music was a soothing, albeit eclectic, mix of French, German and English chanson style music. For the record, the waiter is an excellent singer, piano player, and he managed to whistle every tune, too. Now, the food. The menu is small, as is the pantry kitchen. Not exactly live cooking, but probably the closest to it you will get short of putting the stove in the middle of the restaurant. We went for a paté, rabbit with pasta and mushrooms, a cheese platter, and a chocolate cake. Accompanied by Augustiner Dunkles, and French cidre. Everything was simply delicious. Prices are moderate, especially given the quality of the food served. Overall, we would recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes French cuisine (but not nouvelle cuisine, or the high-fat variety). Serving sizes are French, too, ie about 30% of what you would get in the US. Seriously good stuff all around. Chapeau!

Thanks for a wonderful evening! Most French restaurants in Munich tend to go all upscale and mainstream. The Rive Gauche makes you experience a true French brasserie in the city of Munich: the owner is proud of his establishment and takes pride in basic but freshly and well prepared food, prices are reasonable and the vine list is not targeted to guests with a large expense account (nothing wrong with having one but not on the weekend).

Delicious food, friendly owner, great wine and lovely restaurant. What more can you ask for? Been there several times now!