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Baci Bistro & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Baci Bistro & Bar
7.9
Italian-leaning bistro with pastas, chops, and cioppino; brunch and kids-friendly options make it versatile for families. Service is welcoming and the menu spans mild to adventurous.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti Carbonara, SF-Style Cioppino
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Broad, family-friendly Italian menu with brunch and dinner service.
Who should go: Families wanting varied Italian choices
When to visit: Weekend brunch 10:30am–12pm or weeknights early
What to order: Chicken Parm, Carbonara, Cioppino
Insider tip: Check brunch—kids often enjoy the breakfast-Italian crossover.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and nearby public lots on Main Street; fills quickly after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos fine, many guests dress slightly up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; lively at dinner but still easy to converse at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta and salad options plus customizable entrées.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 pastas and salads can be modified; ask for olive oil base.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available on request; cross-contact possible in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – warm lighting and a relaxed but refined vibe make it a comfortable choice for a casual first date, though not as intimate as higher-end spots nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend dinners and brunch often require advance booking due to family traffic.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – staff are accommodating with high chairs and simple menu modifications; ideal for ages 4 and up.
Best For
Better for: Groups and families wanting broad Italian comfort options and brunch flexibility.
Skip if: You’re looking for fine-dining polish or a quiet, romantic setting.
Baci Bistro & Bar
7.8
California cuisine with Italian accents defines this bistro serving fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta in an intimate Main Street setting. The award-winning cioppino and weekend brunch draw regulars, though the lively atmosphere runs loud during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
SF Cioppino, Lobster Ravioli with Prawns, Wagyu Ribeye
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bay Area's best cioppino according to local acclaim
Who should go: Seafood lovers and brunch enthusiasts with flexible budgets
When to visit: Weekend brunch 10:30am-2:30pm for Italian breakfast sandwich
What to order: SF Cioppino, any pasta, weekend brunch specials
Insider tip: Request quieter seating if sensitive to noise levels
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St (metered until 6pm) or public lots within 2-3 blocks - arrive early for prime weekend times
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - nice jeans with button-down work, but many guests lean dressier for date nights
Noise level: Loud and energetic during peak hours - hard to hear across table when full, request quieter corner if noise-sensitive
Weekend wait: Book ahead essential Friday/Saturday - walk-ins unlikely after 6:30pm, reservations for 5+ on OpenTable
Weekday lunch: Usually available for walk-ins, 15-20 min wait possible during business lunch peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta options, salads, and California-style vegetable dishes available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pasta dishes, best to call ahead for chef accommodation
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options available, California cuisine typically accommodating to dietary needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for the vibe and food quality, but be warned it gets VERY loud during peak dinner - hard to have intimate conversation when packed. Request corner table away from bar or go early (5-6pm) for quieter experience. Better for confident daters who don't mind energetic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Parties of 4 or less can walk in, but strongly recommend calling ahead (925-600-0600) especially for weekend dinner and brunch. Parties of 5+ need reservations through OpenTable. Weekend brunch fills fast - book or arrive right at 10:30am.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-focused atmosphere but families welcome - best for well-behaved kids 8+ who can handle upscale environment and louder setting. Not ideal for toddlers. Weekend brunch more family-friendly than dinner service.
What's the brunch situation? Weekend brunch 10:30am-2:30pm Saturday & Sunday is huge draw - Italian breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, hollandaise is signature dish. Expect crowds, book ahead or arrive early. Mimosas and breakfast cocktails available.
Is the cioppino really that good? Yes - voted Bay Area's best by locals, loaded with prawns, clams, Chilean sea bass, salmon, crab and lobster in tomato-wine broth. It's their signature dish for good reason. Expect $40-50+ but portions are generous enough to share.
Good for girls night out? Excellent choice - lively bar scene, great cocktails, sharable small plates, and the energetic atmosphere works perfectly for groups. Bar seating available without reservation for casual meet-ups.
How long does dinner take? Plan 90-120 minutes for full dinner experience. Service can be slower when slammed, and the loud environment means you might linger less. Lunch service moves faster for business crowd.
Best For
Better for: Best cioppino in Bay Area (award-winning), superior weekend brunch scene in Pleasanton, most upscale California-Italian fusion vs traditional red-sauce spots, best cocktail program and bar scene among Italian restaurants downtown, excellent for special occasions when you want to splurge
Skip if: You're noise-sensitive or want quiet intimate conversation, prefer traditional Italian-American comfort food over California fusion, budget is tight ($$$ adds up quickly), bringing young kids or prefer family-casual atmosphere