What makes the perfect spot for a girls’ night out? Is it the food, the vibes, the service, the location, or the price? Bacari nails all of these with its eight locations across LA. It’s a Mediterranean tapas-style restaurant, which means the dishes come in small plates meant for sharing. They have separate brunch, dinner, and open bar menus, so there’s something for every kind of outing.
Bacari started with three USC partners who opened the first location, Bacari W. Adams, in 2008. Inspired by Bacari in Venice, Italy, it carries the same romantic, den-like feel. The restaurant describes itself as “a place to gather, a place to celebrate with your friends and family. A place to let loose, be yourself, and be comfortable in a warm, approachable, and inviting atmosphere.” Honestly, they hit the nail on the head.
Dish Review:
I went to the Bacari Culver City location with a group of four, and we ordered seven dishes, which was just enough to fill us up without being overwhelming. With small plates like these, expect to spend around $30 per person, which feels reasonable for the quality.
For starters, we tried the burrata caprese and cauliflower. The burrata caprese was super fresh with heirloom cherry tomatoes and pesto, served on a baguette. The cauliflower was simple but elevated by a smoky, delicious chipotle sauce.
For mains, we ordered the truffle mac and cheese, pear and brie pizza, tripoline pasta, and scallops. The truffle mac and cheese featured huge pasta shells filled with rich, creamy cheese fondue. The pear and brie pizza stole the show. The thin, cracker-like crust paired perfectly with the guava fromage blanc, a tangy fresh cheese. My friends and I loved it so much, we tried to recreate it at home. The tripoline pasta had handmade noodles, but honestly it didn’t stand out as much as the other dishes. Lastly, the scallop medallions were topped with corn, tomato, fondue, and scallion, which was amazing, though almost five dollars per piece felt a little steep.
For dessert, we went with the malabi, a rosewater custard with hibiscus topping. It was lighter than expected, more like a creamy pudding, but still a sweet finish to the meal.
Last Thoughts:
If you’re hunting for a date-night spot or a celebration destination, Bacari should be on your list. With its candle-lit vibe, occasional jazz nights, and friendly staff, it’s the perfect little getaway to the European coast without leaving LA