Baci Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Huntington Beach

My mom took me here for my birthday dinner and boy was it great! We both had a filet mignon just prepared different ways. I had it with the aspergaus and gorganzola sauce and it was wonderful. My mom loved hers as well. She had it with mushrooms and a brandy sauce (I think that was it) and she thoroughly enjoyed hers as well. They were both served with veggies and roasted potatoes. I got double potatoes instead of the veggies and they were delicious! Sure didn't look like much food when it came out but once you started in on it you realized it was much more than you thought. I had to leave some potatoes behind so I could save room for dessert! I had to have the creme brulee as it is not often seen on dessert menus these days. It was fantastic! They even put a birthday candle on it for me. My mom had the chocolate ice cream that has a raspberry sorbet in the middle and a hard shell of chocolate then they pour grand marnier over it and light it on fire. She said it was delicious. I'm not a fan of chocolate or I would have tried it because the creation sounded very interesting. The whole evening was a delight and we both had such a nice time there. The band was starting about the time we had dessert and they sounded great. As we were leaving I noticed there was dancing to the band and everyone looked like they were having a great time. I told my mom I'd go back just to sit and have a glass of wine and appetizer at the bar and listen to the band play. But I'd also go back for dinner again too. I would definately recommend going here if you haven't tried it yet. Thank you to the staff who were all very friendly and attentive! Sorry I forgot to take any photos. I'll try to do...

Authentic Italian food? Yes! Superlative service? Yes! Delicious selection of reasonably priced wines? Yes! Visiting with the chef/owner? Yes! Cozy atmosphere that recreates Italy? Yes! Making this our only "must do" (as NYC visitors) to the west coast each year? Yes!

It's easy to overlook Baci, as it sits amid other businesses on a fast paced area of Beach Boulevard. However, the stop is worth it! From the crispy ciabatta (with an oozing interior) to the tangy virgin olive oil and biting pesto, you will promise- out loud- to return as soon as possible.

During our second visit (as wonderful as the first, and one year later), we dined like royalty. The scampi carciofi (grilled shrimp w artichokes) left our palates satisfied, but wanting another thrill. Mozzarella with pepperoni (roasted peppers) gave our tastebuds a softened taste of buffalo cheese and infused garlic (peppers). My husband ordered filet with mushrooms and Gorgonzola. Oh my gosh! If only I could eat two entrees. He allowed me one bite... My entree was scallopine limone (veal scallopine with lemons and capers). I jealously guarded every bite. Zesty, sweet, savory.

Our waiter seemed to appear every time we thought about a refill of bread, water, wine. He was not overbearing, but present just when we needed attention.

Angelo, the owner, found time to visit with us and share some secrets.

We will return again and again. I suggest you take the time to visit! In fact, take a taxi, so that you can dine and relax and NOT drive back home/to your...

This restaurant is perfect. Service. Food. Atmosphere. Live piano. Prices and menu options. We tried Italian food all over Huntington. Search no more. Even the cannoli are authentic. Murals inside were hand painted. If you're lucky enough to catch Ken James on the piano, it will be one of your best dining experiences anywhere. Three years later we went back. Service was horrible. She was pleasant but had no idea about serving. Recited the specials twice, in a five minute span. We were a party of four. First two salads come out and then 10 minutes later the other two salads arrive but with no dressing. We ordered garlic bread. It never came. Server never noticed. My daughter ordered cheese ravioli and received lobster. Thank God she doesn't have a seafood allergy. Server never came back to check. We had to flag someone down to return meal. 15 minutes later her correct meal arrives. I have owned restaurants for 30+ years. That meal should have been a comp. We were almost done with out meals. We were never offered another glass of wine. Never an apology for the meal mix ups and when I received the bill and told her we never received the garlic bread, she questioned me as if I made it up. So unprofessional. Food is good. Service and overall attentiveness to customer experience is poor enough to keep us away. So...