Babette

-good drinks -good music playlist inside -heaters in the outside area -great live music outside -pretty cool and modern aesthetic -very nice wall art -Great lighting -Reservations are allowed -The carnitas are slow cooked and GOODT!!! -beautiful plating -fresh and flavorful black eyed peas!!!! -they did extremely well with balancing and layering flavors. -the greens are great! -the food tastes local -all the staff was extremely nice and attentive -the chefs thanked us as we left -if you want to eat outside include it in your reservations -team not on one accord -sold out of items about an hour after opening -limited menu, 2 page menu (back and front) -some menu items weren't available -18% gratuity automatically added -team members scratching in their hair while handling drinks -pastries are exposed; why aren't they covered?!?

Babette is a standout restaurant in Berkeley that has been part of my life since my college days at UC Berkeley. Initially located in the Berkeley Art Museum, it has since moved to a larger space, expanding its offerings to include a pizzeria. Owned by Patrick and Joan, Babette has consistently provided a high-quality dining experience. During my time as a student, Babette was my go-to spot for morning coffee and breakfast sandwiches, as well as a quiet place to work or meet friends. The owners have always managed to create a welcoming environment for individuals and groups alike without losing the essence of what makes Babette unique. Despite its smart casual vibe, Babette serves food that could easily be found in a fine dining establishment. The menu changes with the seasons, always focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dishes can range from spicy to tangy, offering surprises that are a testament to the chefs' creativity. For food, everything on the menu tends to be phenomenal so go with what your heart desires. For drinks, their cardamom coffee and mint lemonade are menu staples I find particularly noteworthy. Getting to know Patrick and Joan has been one of the highlights of my visits. Their commitment to their craft and their guests contributes to the overall dining experience. It's clear they pour their hearts into Babette, making it more than just a restaurant. Babette's quality and atmosphere have made it a beloved part of Berkeley's culinary landscape for me. It's surprising that it hasn't received broader recognition, such as from the Michelin Guide, considering the owners' backgrounds and the caliber of the food. Now, Babette remains a priority whenever I'm in Berkeley. It symbolizes a bridge between my past and present. The new space is incredibly well designed, with every seat offering something special. For anyone looking for a memorable meal in Berkeley, Babette is a must-visit. It combines quality, atmosphere, and a personal touch in a way that few other places do, making it a noteworthy establishment in Berkeley's diverse food scene.

What a great find! We went for brunch and shared two dishes - one was a twist on eggs Benedict and the other was a version of shrimp tacos with shells made out of mozzarella cheese. We loved the completely different way that the dishes were prepared from your typical brunch fare. The flavors and textures were totally surprising and delicious! Also experienced excellent and enthusiastic service and had a nice chat with one of the owners. We will be back!

This is such a gem!! Beautiful, relaxing backyard; every dish is super delicious, fresh and unique - feels like a casual fine dining place; and the everyone working here are super sweet and attentive. It’s clear they put so much thoughts into everything they do. Highly highly recommend Would love to come back anytime!

It was my first time visiting this restaurant. We’ve travelled a bit to visit the place. It was a lovely spot for brunch. Ambience was great! We got an outdoor seating almost instantly. There were limited options on the menu for brunch. We arrived at about 1:30pm and ordered what we thought would arrive the fastest- an avocado toast and salad. We waited for about 30mins before we asked the server about our order- and he casually said “kitchen didn’t get your ticket, they’re working on it now”. For a beautiful and a pricy place such as this- the service was disappointing. They gave us pastries on the house to make it up for the delay. I hope we have a better experience next time. Overall, this spot is worth a try.