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Bacari Sherman Oaks
Master Critic Review
Bacari Sherman Oaks
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel create shareable Mediterranean experiences across multiple dining spaces. Natural wines and craft cocktails complement creative dishes from lamb hummus to truffle mac, all served in a rustic-chic setting with courtyard seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Glazed Pork Belly
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: 90-minute open bar special and innovative Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing
Who should go: Groups seeking shareable Mediterranean dishes in lively atmosphere
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend brunch for best value
What to order: Lamb hummus, pork belly, Bacari burger, Brussels sprouts
Insider tip: Parlour room features live jazz Thursday through Saturday starting at 9pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Self-parking lot on-site, street parking available on Ventura Blvd with 2-hour limits during business hours
Dress code: Casual chic - nice jeans and a blouse work, but most guests dress up slightly for the atmosphere
Noise level: Lively but conversational - indoor dining room has moderate buzz, courtyard is quieter for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during prime hours (7-9pm), bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - at least 8-10 small plates including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and multiple hummus varieties
Vegan options: Moderate selection - 4-5 dishes can be modified, ask server about olive oil substitutions
Gluten-free options: Several naturally GF options including lamb hummus and grilled octopus, kitchen accommodates requests but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic courtyard seating, shareable plates encourage interaction, and the lively-but-not-loud atmosphere lets you actually talk. The variety of small plates also takes pressure off ordering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early dinners (before 6:30pm), but weekends book solid. Your best bet without a reservation is arriving right at 5pm or sitting at the bar, which serves the full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for older kids (10+) - the small plates format and Mediterranean flavors may not appeal to young children. No kids menu, but servers will accommodate simpler requests. Courtyard seating works better for families than the intimate indoor space.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting variety through shareable Mediterranean small plates, date nights seeking sophisticated-but-approachable ambiance, and happy hour value hunters (that 90-minute open bar deal is unmatched in the area)
Skip if: You want traditional large-format entrees, need a quiet business dinner setting, or prefer Asian/Latin cuisine - Bacari is committed to its Mediterranean identity and sharable format