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Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
8.0
A kosher Persian-influenced bakery-café that balances savory staples with a strong pastry counter. Think practical neighborhood breakfasts, warm breads, and sweets that skew comforting over fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Borekas, Rugelach, Fresh baked challah
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Kosher bakery-café blending Persian comfort with daily bakes.
Who should go: Locals wanting savory bites plus pastries.
When to visit: Morning for freshest breads and borekas.
What to order: Borekas, challah, cookie box.
Insider tip: Grab weekday specials; they’re often the best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pico and adjacent residential blocks; generally manageable in the mornings but tighter after 5pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; bakery-café attire is the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate — steady counter traffic but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime bakery-café; evenings are quiet with no notable wait.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the counter line can form briefly around peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many pastries, borekas, salads, and dairy-based items work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a few breads and select pastries may qualify, but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — occasional gluten-free sweets, but not a core focus and no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates — it’s counter-service and relaxed, ideal for a low-key coffee or pastry chat rather than a long sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — tables are first-come, first-served. Morning rush can be busy, but turnover is quick and seating usually opens up fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of easy kid-friendly pastries and quick service. Best for younger children who do well in informal, counter-style settings.
Best For
Better for: Quick savory snacks, kosher Persian-leaning comfort, and dependable weekday breakfasts that feel homemade rather than polished.
Skip if: You want a full-service café experience, extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or a quiet sit-down brunch with lingering time.
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
8.2
An Israeli bakery-cafe where breakfast is built around fresh breads, stone-oven pastries, and satisfying Mediterranean plates. Morning orders skew savory and shareable, with strong texture and spice balance. A cornerstone stop when you want breakfast with real regional character.
Must-Try Dishes:
Israeli breakfast special, Shakshuka, Jerusalem bagel with spreads
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Stone-oven Israeli bakery delivering breakfast plates with real identity.
Who should go: Mediterranean breakfast fans and bakery regulars.
When to visit: Morning into early lunch.
What to order: Israeli breakfast, shakshuka, Jerusalem bagel.
Insider tip: Add a side salad to turn any plate into a full spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and side streets; spots turn over steadily in the mornings but tighten by late lunch.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast hours with steady cafe chatter; still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A – this is a breakfast and lunch-focused cafe and closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to a short wait of 5–10 minutes during the peak noon window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options, including salads, shakshuka, pastries, and egg-based breakfasts.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some salads, breads, and spreads fit; cooked plates skew dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations available (e.g., salads, egg dishes), but pastries and signature breads contain wheat and there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime meet-up than a romantic first date. The energy is lively and relaxed, ideal for a low-pressure breakfast or brunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with open seating. During peak weekend mornings, expect a brief wait to order and to find a table, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. The menu has approachable items for kids, the space is casual, and mornings see plenty of families.
Best For
Better for: Fresh-baked Israeli breads, savory breakfast plates with real regional character, and quick, satisfying mornings without a long sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering brunch with table service or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
8.2
An Israeli bakery-cafe where brunch is built around fresh breads, stone-oven pastries, and Mediterranean plates that feel made for sharing. The savory side holds its own against the sweets, giving you a full spread option without needing a formal restaurant setting. Strong neighborhood pick for a bakery-forward brunch with real regional character.
Must-Try Dishes:
Israeli breakfast plate, Shakshuka, Jerusalem bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Stone-oven Israeli bakery delivering brunch plates with identity.
Who should go: Mediterranean brunch fans and bakery regulars.
When to visit: Morning into early lunch.
What to order: Israeli breakfast, shakshuka, Jerusalem bagel.
Insider tip: Add a side salad to turn any plate into a full spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and the surrounding side streets; generally manageable before noon but tight during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; athleisure and weekend wear blend right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch but still conversation-friendly; quieter on weekdays.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — brunch-focused spot that closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait, with quicker turnover after the morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — many Mediterranean plates and pastries are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salad and vegetable-forward options, but pastries and mains skew dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some salads and egg dishes work, but bakery items are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual morning or daytime date — the bright bakery setting and shareable plates keep things low-pressure but still enjoyable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with self-seating. Arrive earlier on Sundays to avoid the main brunch crowd.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — the casual setup, quick service, and familiar pastries make it easy for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Fresh-baked breads, shareable Mediterranean brunch plates, and quick counter ordering without needing a full sit-down restaurant experience.
Skip if: You want a lingering, formal brunch with cocktails or gluten-free bakery options — this is more casual, carb-forward, and dairy-heavy.
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
8.0
An Israeli bakery-cafe where bagels show up with real regional character, especially the Jerusalem-style sesame ring. The bake is fresh, lightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with spreads or salads. It’s more bakery than bagel-only shop, but the bagel lane is legit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jerusalem bagel with za’atar and labneh, Everything bagel with house schmear, Israeli breakfast plate with bagel on the side
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Jerusalem-style bagels baked fresh in an Israeli bakery setting.
Who should go: Mediterranean breakfast fans and bakery-first locals.
When to visit: Morning through early lunch.
What to order: Jerusalem bagel, everything bagel, labneh spread.
Insider tip: Go early—best bagels sell out before noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly neighborhood street parking; usually manageable on Pico side streets before noon but can tighten around lunchtime.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; bakery-counter vibe where anything from workout clothes to jeans fits in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation unless the morning rush hits.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is a daytime bakery-cafe.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; brief lines form during school and synagogue-adjacent lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many vegetarian plates, pastries, and spreads.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and possible customizations, but pastries and bagels skew dairy/egg-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — no dedicated gluten-free bagels or breads; some salads can work.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something super casual — it’s more bakery-counter practical than atmospheric, better for a quick coffee-meet rather than a sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with self-seating; finding a table is usually easy outside of peak morning rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of family traffic, simple menu items kids enjoy, and a relaxed environment; just expect tighter seating during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Fresh-from-the-oven Israeli pastries and Jerusalem-style bagels that feel more artisanal and regional than standard American bagel shops.
Skip if: You want classic New York–style dense bagels or need substantial gluten-free or vegan offerings.
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
8.0
An Israeli bakery-cafe where donuts show up as part of a broader sweets lineup, often leaning sufganiyot-style and seasonal specials. The bake is fresh and lightly rich, with a homey café rhythm that makes grabbing a donut feel like a neighborhood ritual. Come here when you want donuts plus a full bakery bench behind them.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sufganiyot-style jelly donut, Chocolate-glazed donut, Seasonal filled donut
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Bakery-first spot with legit sufganiyot and filled donuts in rotation.
Who should go: Kosher dessert fans and bakery regulars.
When to visit: Morning to early afternoon.
What to order: Jelly sufganiyot, chocolate-glazed, seasonal filled donut.
Insider tip: Go earlier on Fridays—donut batches move fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and adjacent residential blocks; generally manageable but can tighten during school pickup hours and Friday rush.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; anything from athleisure to simple daytime wear fits the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and espresso-machine noise, still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime bakery with no dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate flow; usually no wait beyond a short counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries, donuts, and many café items are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional vegan-friendly items but not a consistent lineup.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—gluten-free options are rare and rotate; heavy wheat-based bakery operation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meet-up than a formal date—think grab-a-pastry-and-chat energy rather than a lingering sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only with a small number of indoor tables; turnover is quick during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly environment with easy counter service, though space for strollers is limited during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Fresh sufganiyot-style donuts, Israeli bakery character, and a broader pastry lineup than traditional donut-only shops.
Skip if: You want a pure donut specialty shop with a wide donut-only selection or need strong vegan/gluten-free coverage.
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
7.8
An Israeli bakery-café with a tabun oven turning out fresh breads, burekas, and casual Middle Eastern plates. It’s more neighborhood staple than destination, but the baking makes it worth a detour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tabun-baked pita and laffa, Burekas, Shakshuka
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Israeli bakery with a real tabun oven for fresh breads.
Who should go: Breakfast and pastry seekers
When to visit: Late morning for warm bakes
What to order: Burekas, shakshuka, tabun breads
Insider tip: Grab breads to go—they’re the sleeper hit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and adjacent side streets; typically manageable in mornings, tighter during lunch rush.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are; neighborhood café attire is fully normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly conversational with bakery activity in the background.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—dinner rush is minimal; usually no wait.
Weekday lunch: Short waits during peak 12–1pm window, otherwise immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many vegetarian options including burekas, salads, and shakshuka.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads, dips, and select items apply; mains skew vegetarian but not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited—salads and a few sides work, but most menu highlights rely on the bakery’s wheat-based items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date unless you want a super casual, no-pressure meet-up. It’s more bakery-café energy than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t part of the setup. Seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick outside peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—easy for families, especially at breakfast and lunch. Plenty of quick bites and low-key seating, though strollers fit best outdoors or during slower hours.
Best For
Better for: Fresh tabun breads, burekas, and fast Israeli comfort plates that feel homemade compared to larger kosher cafés.
Skip if: You want a full-service sit-down meal, a quieter date setting, or gluten-free variety—this is a bakery-first operation.
Bibi's Bakery & Cafe
7.9
An Israeli-leaning kosher bakery-cafe that parents use as a daytime workhorse for breakfast, snacks, and easy lunches. Burekas, sandwiches, and fresh breads are the dependable core; seating is simple but comfortable for kids. Great for quick family stop-ins that still feel homemade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese burekas, Jerusalem bagel sandwich, Rugelach
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Israeli bakery staples with strong grab-and-go depth.
Who should go: Families needing breakfast or snack runs.
When to visit: Morning for freshest burekas.
What to order: Burekas, bagel sandwich, pastries.
Insider tip: Take a mixed box of warm burekas for the car.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Pico; side streets open up earlier in the day. Spots fill quickly during school drop-off hours.
Dress code: Ultra-casual. Gym clothes, strollers, and kid-friendly outfits are the norm.
Noise level: Light to moderate—morning bustle from coffee orders, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Bibi’s is a daytime-focused bakery-cafe.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief lines during the school lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage—most pastries, sandwiches, and burekas are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads, salads, or simple sides may work, but options vary.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated GF bakery line; a few items like salads may be workable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a casual neighborhood bakery with quick turnover, best for relaxed meetups rather than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service with self-seating. Tables turn fast, especially in the morning.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families come regularly. Best for ages 2+ who can sit at simple café tables; stroller parking is manageable inside or on the sidewalk.
Best For
Better for: Quick, homemade-feeling Israeli bakery snacks and kid-friendly breakfasts that beat nearby cafes on speed and value.
Skip if: You need gluten-free baked goods, a long sit-down meal, or a quieter, more polished brunch environment.