Italian rusticity meets modern sophistication at Baci Ristorante, where an Old World appreciation for quality and service marries seamlessly with contemporary style and warmth. The rich, mahogany bar sets an elegant yet unassuming tone, while the classic Italian cuisine menu showcases the brilliance of fresh seafood, succulent meat, and rich accompaniments. Dine in the subtly modern dining room surrounded by art deco accents and crisp white linens, or dine al fresco on the romantic patio. No matter where you sit, a decadent and satisfying meal is sure to be had.
Read More ...Increasingly, San Diego is becoming home to a booming restaurant scene, with new restaurants emerging every month, if not every week. Yet, in an industry where the trend seems to be to pair the dining experience with over-the-top décor, fanciful presentation, and settings that emphasize the vibe almost more than the food, one wonders what happened to old-fashioned hospitality, gracious service, and reliable cuisine. That’s where Baci Ristorante comes in.
In a city where restaurants come and go, Baci Ristorante has quietly stood strong for over 25 years. Located on an otherwise quiet block of Morena Boulevard just across the freeway from Mission Bay, the restaurant hardly calls attention to itself. You’ll recognize it by the modest maroon canopy above the entrance, displaying white scripted letters that gracefully spell out Baci.
What lies behind the plain exterior is one of the city’s finest classic Italian restaurants, one that equates dining with tuxedoed waiters, white tablecloths, and classic preparation—an approach that has earned the restaurant the AAA 4-diamond award eleven times. The restaurant itself is a success story of hard work and steadfast ideals—owner Tony D’Amato opened the restaurant in 1979 as a one-room restaurant; he has not only kept it open for 25 plus years, he has steadily expanded the space from one room to five.
The first hint that elegance lies behind the unassuming façade is the doors—made of polished wood and glass, their surprisingly heavy weight suggests something important lies inside. Swinging open, they reveal a small entryway, with an intimate bar area on the right and the entrance to the dining room on the left. The bar is the first thing that greets the eye—filled with dark mahogany and mirrors, it seems classic and old world. Should you arrive early, do try to stop here for an aperitif.
When it was time for our reservation, we were led to an intimate room with just three tables just off the kitchen, and seated in one of the restaurant’s many semicircular booths. The dining room’s subtle art deco motif—the lighting structures, framed art, and frosted glass—suggested a rich and festive atmosphere, and we at once felt at home. Past the room we were in, we could view a second, more spacious dining room as well as an outdoor courtyard that looked absolutely charming in the early evening light.
Our meal began with a brimming basket of still-warm garlic bread. Lightly crisp, with just a hint of butter and garlic, it was one of the most tempting baskets of bread I’d been served. To distract ourselves from filling up before our menus even arrived, we perused the wine list, which offers an outstanding selection of Californian and Italian wines. While most of the wines are only available by the bottle, a modest selection of wines by the glass offers a decent variety of Italian and Californian varietals; we opted for two glasses—my date a Vola Sangiovese, and myself the house Chianti, Ca Del Doge.
The menu was quite approachable, spanning just two pages yet offering a range of options. In addition to the varied selection of pasta, veal, and seafood dishes, and limited steak and chicken options, Executive Chef Domenico Alioto always offers a rotating selection of fresh fish and daily specials. Some of these specials, such as the Osso Bucco and Veal Picatta, are so popular they are offered more often than not, although they don’t appear on the menu.
We opted to start with a classic Italian antipasti dish, the Carpaccio di Manzo. The broad plate that arrived was lively and colorful: thin slices of raw filet mignon sat beneath a layer of shaved arugula, and a third layer of even thinner slivers of parmesan. Olive oil, capers and a cherry tomato and olive garnish topped off the plate. While the presentation was delightful, we wasted no time scooping up generous slivers of the delicate dish. The meat itself was rich and flavorful, and was complimented perfectly by the earthy arugula and the crisp, biting parmesan. We enjoyed every bite of the authentic appetizer, but perhaps my favorite moment of the course came near the end: when D’Amato, who was making rounds from table to table, passed by, and spying a small portion remaining on the plate, he graciously lifted the platter, divided the remaining Carpaccio in two, and spooned half onto each of our plates. It was a rare and genuine act of hospitality.
Charmed by our gracious host, we next moved to a pasta course, where we sampled the unique Linguine Zingarella, a luscious dish of al dente linguini tossed with a creamy tomato sauce, veal tips, mushrooms, and peas. Each component of the dish was cooked to perfection—the thick, textured sauce was decadently velvety, the veal tender and soft, and the buttery mushrooms, juicy with a slight bite. As a whole, the dish offered the perfect ratio of pasta to accompaniments, and the dish resonated with a harmonious balance of ingredients. We twirled each spoonful slowly, thoroughly enjoying each bite.
We then sampled the most intriguing salad on the menu—the Insalata Capricciosa. As its name suggested, the dish was indeed capricious, with seemingly whimsical ingredients such as candied walnuts, thick rings of red onion, creamy goat cheese, and orange and cucumber slices. Yet somehow everything worked, with the disparate ingredients—which were dressed with an outstanding balsamic vinegar and olive oil—coming together to create a playful and light dish. We found every bite refreshing, serving as sort of a palate cleanser between courses.
For our main course, we were drawn to what seemed to be Baci’s two specialties—seafood and veal. The menu’s generous selection includes enticing dishes such as Salmon Picatta, Sea Bass alla Livornese (fish in a light tomato sauce with white wine, capers, and black olives), Valdostana alla Baci (stuffed veal, cream cheese, prosciutto, porcini, wine, and cream), and Veal Chop Milanese (breaded and pan fried veal). However, this evening we decided to try two specials—which were not on the menu but which we were told were available often.
The Sea Bass Mungia was inspired by a traditional Sicilian preparation of fish with mushroom sauce. A generous plate arrived with two plump sea bass steaks topped with sliced mushrooms, drizzled with a light brown butter sauce, and accompanied by scalloped potatoes, fresh green beans and carrots. The fish itself was thick and substantial, perfectly absorbing the rich, succulent sauce. The sauce—woodsy and buttery—seemed a completely intuitive way to transform an otherwise wholesome fish into a decadent meal. It was easy to see how, in a country surrounded by water, Italy’s cuisine had evolved to so expertly celebrate the bounty of the sea.
The Veal Picatta offered an equally rich celebration of traditional preparation. Two thinly pounded, light pink cutlets were surrounded by a lemon butter sauce and capers, also accompanied by scalloped potatoes and fresh green beans. The veal itself was the most tender meat we had sampled all meal, and the tart sauce cut perfectly against each rich, bite. In the mouth, a full taste burst forth that was at once sweet, sour, and savory—reminding us we should eat picatta more frequently.
As the white of our plates began to slow, we retired our forks and sat back, content. Around us, the lively bustle of conversation rose over Frank Sinatra’s familiar voice, which was piping from hidden speakers. The conversations were varied—a family of six celebrating a birthday, two couples on vacation, a group of well dressed men in suits, perhaps dining to conclude a successful business trip. Most notable, however, was the staff, who seemed to graciously and intuitively transform at each table, effortlessly sensing the amount and type of interaction each table wanted. Children at one table were addressed as “sirs,” the vacationing adults were bantered with, and a bottle of Barolo was decanted with grace and style for the table of gentlemen.
By the time dessert came, we were more than sated by the richness of our meal. We were intrigued enough to order the Crème Brûlée and house-made Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake, although when the generously portioned dishes arrived we managed not more than a few bites. The crème brûlée sat in a wide ramekin, a golden circle of creamy brûlée and crisp caramelized topping, accompanied by a dainty lady finger. The ricotta cheesecake was actually presented as a miniature cylinder, minus the crust, accompanied by a rich Dark Chocolate Chambord Pate—which was also prepared in-house. It’s difficult to follow such a succulent meal with equally succulent desserts, and I must admit we found the food to outperform the after-dinner sweets.
Polishing off the last sips of our after dinner coffee—strong and dark, it was perhaps a perfect cup—we rose from our table. We walked out the door almost reluctantly, not wanting to leave this gracious, hospitable world. As D’Amato waived to us one last time from his seat near the door, we smiled. From beginning to end, we found our meal thoroughly filled with old-world charm and generous hospitality, providing an almost timeless dining experience.
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Mixed lettuce, walnuts, red onion, goat cheese, and orange slices
Braised lamb shank served over risotto
Scallops, mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp
Cured beef, olive oil, arugula
Live local Sea Urchine served with Linguini and Garlic
Mirrors
An interior view of Baci, located near mission bay
Can serve up to 50 people comfortably
food was great, service was great, everything was great. The parking was horrible! Arrive early because you may have to walk a block to get there.
There were 9 of us at dinner. The service was fabulous, the food delicious, atmosphere perfect, and evening a wonderful experience. We would go back if ever in SD again and would recommend. Thank you, OK bunch
Food, wine, restaurant as a whole was great.
We came from out of town with a large party for a business dinner. Baci was chosen for it's "best of" in multiple categories and did not disappoint. The ambiance, service, food were all outstanding. I am a creme brulee snob and found this to be in the top 3 ever tasted (and I've tasted a LOT). I would return in a heartbeat!
love this place.
Food was great, lots of food, great service.
I am a fish lover and I cook frequently. We had calamari for appetizer and it was flash fried just right which is very hard to do given the thinness of the flesh and tentacles. The batter was light and the calamari succulent. I also had the swordfish special. It was seared fried then oven baked with Italian herbs. Wonderful ! It was done perfectly, moist and tender. I will definitely go back next time I am in the SD area.
If you are in the San Diego area and you want great food, excellent service for a fair price, visit Baci!
Excellent!
We made long distant reservations from Canada for our anniversary dinner while in San Diego. We always loook for restaurants that have been around for a long time. There is always a reason for it. You came highly recommended to us and delivered. From the gracious and knowledgeable server, the authentic atmosphere, to the wonderful meal. We will remember our time at Baci Ristorante and will return when in California. Ross and Joanne Ottawa, Canada
excellent pick for a nice comfortable dinner.
As we drove down Morena blvd we discussed how we must have written down the wrong address because the neighborhood didn't appear the place to house a top rated Restaraunt. We were dressed to the T and wanted a fine dining experience. We walked through the door and were surprised to find a highly experienced wait staff dressed in black ties. The atmosphere immediately welcomed us and instantly transformed our scepticism to anticipation. The ambiance was rich but not gaudy, the wait staff superb, the food recommendations amazing and the wine pairings were absolutely correct. We expected the usual small portions for our meals but were shocked to find that we barely had room to enjoy The succulent deserts. Overall excellent dining experience, we will visit again. I highly recommend the Filet.
Excellent food and service!
For the past 30 years my wife and I always choose Baci for special occasions, and are sure to recommend to out of town visitors. Always great service and food.
I would have never found this restaurant if I wasnt looking for a romantic dinner for my wife and I. I typed in San Diego's Top romantic restaurants and the Baci Ristorante stood out the most. Im coming back as soon as possible right after I brush up on my wine names.lol
Great dining experience, excellent service, true professional waiters and staff, anyone will enjoy this experience, and when in San Diego should always enjoy this great resturant.
The atmosphere was definitely authentic Italian! The food was marvelous, the staff made everyone feel at home.
This restaurant will never disappoint. Consistently good dining experience. Appetizers are excellent in both flavor and presentation. Entrees are of a generous portion and well prepared. Wine list has some reasonably priced quality offerings. Staff is quite knowledgeable and professional.
Fabulous - whether it be lunch or dinner; casual dinner/lunch or for a special occasion Baci's is wonderful -
very good...the restaurant you can't miss
Baci's a wonderful "hidden" secret in Bay Park/Clairemont: excellent service with TLC and the menu is fabulous. The veal selections were outstanding and delicious!
Everything (food, service, etc.) was superior. Definitely added to our favorite list in the San Diego area.
I lived in Florence, Italy for 15 years and I have to say this was the most amazing Italian meal I've ever had in the States..for that fact it was better than many in Italy. The staff was incredibly attentive and took time to explain both in English and (Oh, the novelty!) in Italian all the possible variations and choices. The menu was extensive to the point that I was nearly in tears at having to choose! Really, it was amazing. My Lamb shank on a bed of truffled risotto fell off the bone it was so tender, it melted in my mouth and my husband's sword fish was the best ever had. We left with the traditional exchange of kisses...after all that is what "Baci" means!
We went to Baci Ristorante for our wedding anniversary. It was an excellent experience. I loved how we were treated like royalty as soon as we walked in the door. The waiter was very attentive and helpful. I wouldn't want the restaurant to change a thing! Glad I read a previous review someone wrote about the neighborhood being a little scary at first. We would have been scared otherwise. No worries though! It gets nicer the closer you get and we had no problem finding free parking.
Had a great dining experience! The staff was awesome and the food was amazing! Thanks
Although a little out of the way, this restaurant is well worth seeking out. The welcome, food and staff were first class and not overly expensive
Two friends and I go out for lunch to celebrate one another's birthdays. When we don't know where to go, we always say, "Let's go back to Baci's". The food is always excellent and the service is great. We all live in Bay Park, so it is close and easy to get to.
My wife and I went to Baci for our 25th anniversary. The wait staff was attentive and intuitive. The food was outstanding. The ambiance was perfect. The owners came by several times to ensure everything was just as it should be. The chef made a special request that wasn't on the menu. We will go back every time we are in San Diego!
Doesn't have the view that Il Fornaio does, but Baci is still hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego County.
We really enjoyed our experience and would go back most definitely!
The ambience and service was absolutely excellent! They were very attentive and were definitely on top of things including refilling water whenever possible. Which is a plus, because I'm basically a camel. The food portions could have been a bit larger for the price but I would gladly go there again for the great service and attentiveness of the staff.
Absolutely the best service I have ever had. Top quality food and welcoming atmosphere. I visit san Diego roughly 3 times a year and will be sure to return to this establishment.
Friendly excellent service, the food is superior, freshest quality meals and a wonderful choice of wines. Very nice place to take someone you want to impress. -Linda S
MY BOYFRIEND AND I WERE VERY HAPPY TO CELEBRATE OUR 1 YR ANNIVERSARY THERE!!!! AWESOME RESTAURANT
Great food and service
One of our favorite restaurants in San Diego and we go every time we visit. Have never been disappointed by meal. Pastas outstanding, osso bucco great as is seafood. Wine list if you love good Italian wine fantastic. Not inexpensive but worth it.
Mario our waiter was the icing on the cake for our wonderful dinner! All six in our party enjoyed our meals and had a great time. Only negative was walking in to a very loud and obnoxious drunk woman in the bar, which was right by the front door where had to wait a few minutes for our table.
The food here is excellent! I had the best salmon piccata that I have ever had in my life. The service was excellent too. I didn't see any young people there, probably because the decor is a little outdated.
Love love love Baci. This is our favorite restaurant in San Diego. Just sit back and enjoy the great food and service!!!
We are from out of town and it was our 2nd time to eat here. The atmosphere, service and food is outstanding! We will continue to eat here at least once everytime we come to San Diego.
Great service, good food.
This is really a great place to visit if you would like an authentic Italian meal with some different choices on top of all the classics. Will go there again if I go back to San Diego.
This restaurant , its food staff and ambience are outstanding. Don't let the location fool you as it is the best for a great meal, servers who know their business and an owner who makes it all happen.
Service was amazing and food and drinks were great!!! I would recommend this to everyone.
Great ambiance, great food and great service!
Great Experience, a sure bet and I will be repeating the next time I am in San Diego.
The waiter did a great job describing the specials and he was very nice. The food was exceptional. A wonderful experience.
It was our firat time in Baci restaurant and everything from the host, food, and environment exceeded our expectations, will definitely go back there.
It was our firat time in Baci's restaurant and everything from the host, food, and environment exceeded our expectations, will definitely go back there.
I loved this restaurant, very classy, very nice, very affordable. We will recommend it to anyone who asks!
We went early on a Friday. Food was delicious. Kids portions were perfect size. Bread was awesome. Could not stop eating it. Great place. Coming from NYC it has always been hard to find comparable Italian food, but this place was right up there with places in the city.
Fanstastic restaurant. Great atmosphere, food is outstanding. Best service I've had in a long time. This was a business dinner and I highly recommend this spot for either business, special occasion or an intimate dinner with someone special. Excellent!
The nights special and it was great. Got to love it when the bone overhangs the plate. Pork chop over spinach, a great combination. Priced very well.
The ambiance was wonderful. It was a very romantic evening. The food was excellent and the portions were very large.
Very authentic food , excellent ambuiance , we loved everything about dinning at the resturant , I will be there again soon and will bring friends with me
Had a very lovely experience. I would definitely come back for another dinner celebration .
Good atmosphere and great service, but the food was average for the price. We’re spoiled living in the SF Bay Area where we have places with awesome food at 1/2 the cost.
The parking area for this restaurant was very limited but once inside, the service was first rate, the food was perfectly prepared and plentiful.
Excellent service, very attentive.....good food, good wine...would definitely be going back and would recommend to all my friends....
We had a terrific dinner celebrating our friend's anniversary. The food was superb as was the service.
With the attentive, but not intrusive, service, great food, white tablecloth, and spacious room, Baci is a great place for a romantic lunch.
Good food, good service, good ambience, medium-to-quiet noise level. My only complaint is that the entree prices seemed too high to me. Definitely worth going once, and I'll probably go back on special occasions.
It is too bad that your rating system does not allow for 41/2 star rating as that is what it deserves.
The service provided by the waiter was great not to mention the delicious food. I liked the fact that the waiters dress very formal. We visited your restaurant to celebrate our wedding anniversary Based on the reviews which suggest that not only is your restaurant very well known for its good food, but also a very romantic and formal setting. However, we where a little bit dissapointed due to the fact in the table next to us there was a family with two children who were very loud and running around. We love children, but this would have been our expectation from a chain family restaurant such as olive garden. To make it the ideal romantic formal restaurant I suggest only allowing adults after a certain time. My other suggestion is to play Italian music in the background to go more with the style of the restaurant.
Started with the delicious garlice cibatta bread. My wife said, where is the butter, and we both realized you did not need any as the bread was loaded and wonderful. Clams Oreganti started my dinner off okay. 6 clams, with some breading is not much for $13. They did taste fine but not much of a portion for the money. We split a carppacio which unlike the clams was huge. Enough for two no doubt! The wife had Braised Lamb shank which was perfectly one, with a very rich robust sauce. I had the Linguine with clams. This time there were more than enough clams(23) with lots of clam meat in the pasta which was done al dente(just right!) the dessert we split, the chocolate truffle cake was extremely dry and not good at all. Seems like it had been sitting around for a couple days. Very hard and thick and pasty tasting. Not the best ending for a good meal overall. STill the quality bears four stars.
Plain dishes way too pricey...
expected more. main courses were plain, overdone.
We recently relocated from Northern California and are searching for neighborhood Italian with excellent pasta, a good wine list and friendly service. Baci Ristorante is living in the past. My pasta was over spiced and boring while my husbands lamb was bland. Our salads were typical and full of grocery store less than fresh vegetables. The bread, while warm, was lathered garlic butter. The wine list has some show Barolo's and Super Tuscans but is otherwise lacking in variety. We will continue our search.....
may be we were unlucky but we felt the food was mediocre.
I got food poisoning. Horrible!
I had the osso bocco ...god did that suck.. Even if it cost 12.95 I would have felt like I was robbed and the before yerterdays so called risotto ...my date had the veal...mind you she was getting a free meal...she was totally disapointed....the Botle of wine suggested by sal was great and service was what you should expect ....my date toke the food home which she was exetating to give to her dogs ...I.would never go back....just terrible
