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Baby Bistro
Master Critic Review
Baby Bistro
8.8
This intimate wine bar in a Craftsman bungalow serves just six inventive small plates designed to be ordered in their entirety. The focused menu features market-driven dishes like spicy cucumbers with squid and pickled turnips, paired with an exceptional French wine list in a charming courtyard setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Onion Bread with Feta, Spicy Cucumbers with Squid, Pickled Turnips
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Former pop-up turned permanent gem with thoughtful six-dish tasting experience
Who should go: Adventurous wine lovers seeking intimate dining
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, book weeks ahead
What to order: All six dishes ($90-100) with French wine pairings
Insider tip: Request the tiny back patio overlooking the banana tree grove
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - arrives 15 minutes early to find a spot. Victor Heights has metered street parking until 8pm, free after. Can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Elevated casual to dressy - think nice jeans with a blazer or cocktail attire. The courtyard setting is charming but upscale.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation. The small size (seats ~20) keeps it peaceful.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins nearly impossible - reservations book 3-4 weeks out
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Saturday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - the six-dish menu is fixed and typically includes seafood/meat. Call ahead but expect minimal accommodation.
Vegan options: Not recommended - the curated menu doesn't accommodate this. Try their sister restaurant instead.
Gluten-free options: Possible but difficult - the fixed menu format means limited substitutions. Call 48 hours ahead to discuss.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely perfect - intimate courtyard seating, impressive wine list, and the shared tasting format naturally encourages conversation. Just know it's $90-100pp before drinks, so save it for a date you're excited about.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely. They're booked solid 3-4 weeks out. Your best bet: call right at 5pm Tuesday-Thursday for potential same-week cancellations, or try the bar seats if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not appropriate for children - it's an adult wine bar with a quiet, romantic atmosphere and no kids menu. Leave this one for date night.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, curated wine experiences where you trust the chef completely. No menu anxiety - just six perfectly executed dishes. Ideal for serious wine lovers and adventurous eaters seeking a hidden gem atmosphere over scene-y crowds.
Skip if: You're picky, have dietary restrictions, want à la carte ordering flexibility, or need a sure-thing reservation within a week. Also skip if you prefer beer/cocktails over wine, or if $100+ per person feels steep for small plates.