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Bacari
Master Critic Review
Bacari
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel featuring Mediterranean and Italian influences in a rustic downtown setting. The Kronfli Brothers' eighth location excels at shareable tapas, craft cocktails, and their signature 90-minute open bar special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea bass with tarragon aioli, Glazed pork belly, Lamb hummus
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: House-baked bread with roasted garlic olive oil sets the tone for creative small plates
Who should go: Groups seeking shareable plates and lively neighborhood dining atmosphere
When to visit: Happy hour for the famous 90-minute open bar special
What to order: Start with garlic bread, then sea bass and glazed pork belly
Insider tip: Request patio seating for a calmer atmosphere on busy nights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, challenging evenings/weekends. Public lot one block east on Main St ($3/hr). Culver City downtown garage 2 blocks away.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly. The rustic-chic vibe welcomes relaxed style, though date-nighters often dress up a notch.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - energetic buzz during happy hour, mellows slightly at dinner. Patio is 20-30% quieter than indoor dining room.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation after 7pm Friday/Saturday. Bar seating usually available within 15-20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait. Weekday dinners 15-30 minutes without reservation before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 40% of small plates are vegetarian. Highlights include blistered shishito peppers, burrata, roasted cauliflower, and multiple salads.
Vegan options: Moderate - 4-5 options with modifications possible. Grilled vegetables, select salads without cheese, and hummus-based plates. Kitchen accommodates requests.
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen marks GF options on request. Skip the signature garlic bread but enjoy grilled fish, meat plates, and many vegetable dishes. Staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for first dates. The small plates format removes pressure (no awkward meal-size ordering), noise level allows conversation, and the $$ price point feels impressive without breaking the bank. Patio tables are particularly date-friendly. Avoid Friday/Saturday happy hour if you want intimate - too energetic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually work. Weekends require reservations or expect 45+ minute waits. Smart move: arrive at 5pm for patio seating or sit at the bar anytime - full menu available and atmosphere is great.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can share plates - the family-style format works well. Limited traditional kids' menu. Noise level means you won't disturb others. Earlier dinners (before 7pm) are most family-appropriate. High chairs available but space is tight for strollers.
How does the 90-minute open bar work? Daily happy hour special - unlimited wine, beer, and select cocktails for 90 minutes at a fixed price per person. Must order food (minimum one small plate per person recommended). Best deal in Culver City for groups. Ends at 7pm, so arrive by 5:30pm to maximize time.
How many plates should we order? Plan 2-3 plates per person for a full meal. Start with 2 plates per person and add more - they come out quickly. The garlic bread is essential (not filling), so don't count it in your total. Groups of 4+ can sample more variety.
Best For
Better for: Bacari wins for happy hour value (that 90-minute open bar is unmatched), group dining where everyone has different tastes, and when you want upscale neighborhood vibes without pretension. The small plates format beats traditional Mediterranean sit-down restaurants for variety and sharing.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere if you want quiet romance (try Culina), need a quick meal (plates arrive gradually), want large portions (these are truly small plates), or prefer traditional entree-style dining. Also skip if your group doesn't like sharing - the format requires it.