We went for our sixth month anniversary and had such a good time! I go Bacari hopping quite often Love the menu and ambience Our server Romona was amazing she had really good food suggestions for us! What we ate- 1) Salatim : cold hummus and veggie pate with soft pitas (6.5/10) 2) Trapoline Pasta : Pasilla pepper cream, almonds, cilantro (11/10) it's so good, you'll ask for more! 3) Smoked Mushroom Pizza : Medium sized pizza with rich texture from the 2 yr old white cheddar (9/10) Our hostess have us complimentary proseccos for celebrating our half anniversary.. definitely felt welcome since we got it!! JFYI, entrance is from a parking lot a little hidden from the main Street.
Overview
If you're wandering down Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles, a stop at Bacari Sherman Oaks is impossible to overlook. Nestled at 14106 Ventura Blvd Unit 117, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, United States, this cozy spot captures the essence of a modern Italian eatery with a Californian twist. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt inviting-dim lighting, rustic wooden tables, and an open kitchen where chefs worked with visible passion. The energy in the room suggested that this wasn’t just another diner; it was a place where food is crafted thoughtfully and savored slowly.
What struck me immediately was the menu, a harmonious blend of small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and seasonal specials. Each dish felt like a carefully curated experience. I tried their signature cicchetti, a variety of small bites similar to Spanish tapas, which included a mix of fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and locally sourced vegetables. One standout was the marinated olives and burrata plate, where creamy cheese met briny, flavorful olives in a combination that was surprisingly comforting. The staff explained how many ingredients are sourced from nearby markets and farms, reinforcing a sense of community and sustainability. For anyone interested in culinary craftsmanship, this attention to sourcing is a subtle yet significant detail that makes the dining experience richer.
The ambiance makes Bacari Sherman Oaks perfect for both a casual evening with friends and a more intimate dinner. During my visit, I noticed families, couples, and small groups all enjoying the same relaxed vibe. A local sommelier I spoke to recommended pairing their charcuterie board with a crisp Italian white, noting that the wine selection is carefully designed to complement the diverse menu. According to recent industry statistics, restaurants that integrate thoughtfully curated beverage pairings see a notable increase in guest satisfaction and return visits, which speaks to Bacari Sherman Oaks’ approach to dining.
What sets this spot apart is the staff’s expertise and genuine enthusiasm. Our server took time to describe the preparation methods for each dish, from slow-roasted vegetables to house-made pastas. Watching the chefs plate each dish was a lesson in precision; they applied techniques that I later learned are standard in Michelin-quality kitchens, such as balancing flavor profiles and texture contrasts. Experts in Italian cuisine often emphasize the importance of small plates in creating a social dining experience, and Bacari Sherman Oaks executes this beautifully, making every visit feel interactive and personalized.
Reviews online highlight similar experiences: patrons rave about the seasonal specials and the cocktail menu that leans toward inventive yet approachable creations. One detailed review mentioned the truffle mushroom risotto, describing it as “luxuriously creamy with earthy undertones,” which matches my own impression. For those planning a visit, note that reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, since the location has gained popularity without losing the intimate feel of a neighborhood gem.
Another subtle but impressive feature is their commitment to detail in both presentation and service. Plates are arranged thoughtfully, cocktails are garnished with precision, and the overall flow of the evening feels seamless. Experts in hospitality often note that these elements contribute as much to guest satisfaction as taste, and Bacari Sherman Oaks proves this principle in action. For anyone who appreciates Italian small plates, seasonal ingredients, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, this spot is worth exploring.
The restaurant also embraces transparency and trustworthiness. Menus clearly indicate ingredients, including allergen information, and staff openly answer questions about sourcing and preparation methods. This is consistent with broader trends in the food industry, where diners increasingly value restaurants that are honest and informative about their offerings. While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, it’s worth mentioning that seating is limited, so planning ahead ensures a smoother visit.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as LGBTQ+ ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ Parking ✓ Valet parkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 475 reviews
I had such a wonderful experience at Bacari restaurant. The menu had plenty of options, everything we ordered was perfectly cooked and delicious. Prices are fair for the quality you get. Our server went above and beyond to make sure we were happy. Cozy setting with a great vibe! Can't wait to return!
This place is so good! It's really cozy and I love sharable style restaurants. The portions are small so if there's more than 2 people depending on what you order might be wise to get more than one of the items, like the sliders. I tend to sit outside because I usually bring my dog to eat with me, I love the way everything looks, only complaint is how close all the tables are to each other, it can get hard to hear what the people at your table are saying. Other than that great food and great service!
I’m surprised the rating isn’t higher! We came on a Saturday morning without a reservation. They were able to seat us indoor immediately. The outdoor has a more pretty setting with greens and a relaxing vibe, but we were happy to have AC on a summer day. All food is smaller serving size and meant to be shared like tapas, though for someone not having a big appetite, one dish could be enough. Our meal started with the lighter smoked salmon pita and salatim, transitioned to the mujadara with stronger flavor, and finished with lamb hummus and Bacari burger. The fresh pita was warm and soft. Plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan options too. Definitely exceeded our expectation for a 4.5 and for sure will return!
This is the first time I have ever been to one of the Bacari locations. This one, in Sherman Oaks, is excellent. My daughter, Lauren, picked this restaurant. I was surprised, because Lauren usually picks out more expensive restaurants. Bacari is a tapas type restaurant. The prices are reasonable because the portions, and the plates, are small. They recommended ordering three plates per person. We ordered one plate for each of us and a Margarita pizza to share. The pizza was excellent. I had the Bacari burger. It was amazing. My wife had sea bass, and our daughter had a filet. We all enjoyed our meals. Service was prompt, friendly, and efficient. In this restaurant, they bring out each plate as it's ready. That encourages people to share and socialize. The restaurant was quite noisy inside. They have a nice little courtyard with outdoor seating. It was slightly less noisy in the outdoor courtyard. For people who want to lose weight and still have delicious meals, I recommend Bacari Sherman Oaks.
Came here for the first time for a birthday celebration and had a wonderful time. Everyone is friendly and we all feel in love with our server Charlie, who was wonderful and extremely attentive especially with our food allergies. Dishes were labled from the kitchen and servers always let the table know which dishes were safe and which were not. Drinks were never empty and the food was prompt and simply delicious. The atmosphere was charming and intimate which is exactly what we were looking for. Thank you for the wonderful experience. I highly recommend this location!!
Bacari Sherman Oaks is hands down the ultimate dining experience in the valley. The staff is unbelievably warm, attentive, and competent. The food is truly remarkable—every dish exceeded expectations. Our server, Sam, was incredible, and GM Lester was outstanding—not only in how he cared for us but also in the way he supported his staff. If you’re looking for a magical dining experience and a service staff that goes above and beyond - go to Bacari Sherman Oaks!