Bacari PDR — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Playa Del Rey, Bacari strikes a deft balance between coastal charm and urban sophistication. This bustling eatery, already a darling of locals and visitors alike, delivers an experience as dynamic as its menu—a testament to its seamless fusion of inventive small plates and hospitality that feels both polished and deeply personal.

The evening began with a gamble: “Food Roulette,” a playful custom I play where we surrender control to the staff’s culinary intuition. Our server, Stephen, proved to be not just a guide but a maestro. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the menu and an instinct for balancing textures and flavors, his two surprise selections—delivered with the flair of a seasoned storyteller—elevated the meal into a narrative. The trust placed in his expertise was rewarded with plates that danced between boldness and subtlety, a reminder that dining, at its best, is a collaborative art.

Highlights from the roster included the Asian Pear and Brie Pizza, a masterclass in contrasts: guava fromage blanc melted into wild arugula and thinly sliced pear was thin and crispy. The Little Gem Salad, often a pedestrian dish elsewhere, emerged as a revelation here—its crispy-edged chickpea crunch and zesty Parmesan with parsnip chips elevating simplicity to brilliance. Dessert, a The Best Cake, was decadence refined: medjool dates, brown sugar caramel, crispy bacon that lingered like a sonnet’s closing line.

What truly distinguishes Bacari, however, is its orchestration of warmth and precision. Liz, the manager, is the steady hand behind the magic. Her visit to our table wasn’t a formality but a genuine inquiry, her attention to detail evident in the restaurant’s humming rhythm despite a packed house. Her grace extended to Romeo, my service animal, who was greeted not as an exception but as an honored guest—a reflection of the establishment’s inclusive ethos.

A note to prospective diners: Secure a reservation. Bacari’s reputation is no secret, and its intimate space thrums with energy nightly. Yet even amid the buzz, the team executes with a calm excellence that feels rare—a feat akin to conducting symphony in a storm.

In summary: Bacari PDR is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of trust, creativity, and the kind of hospitality that leaves you plotting your return before the last bite. Stephen’s curated surprises, Liz’s unwavering stewardship, and a menu that thrills without pretense make this a destination worthy of its acclaim. Come hungry, come curious—and let the roulette wheel spin.

Perfect for: Adventurous palates, intimate gatherings, and anyone who believes service is an art form. Pro tip: Ask for Stephen, embrace the “roulette,” and save room...

Three locations down, five to go, and Bacari continues to impress.

We visited Bacari PDR this past Monday to celebrate a young cousin’s graduation from Otis College of Art and Design. It was another home run in the Bacari lineup. Unlike the tree-filled patios at the Silverlake and W. 3rd Street locations, this one is just a block from the beach, making it ideal for a stroll before or after dinner.

Our server, Micai, delivered excellent service. He paced the meal perfectly, ensuring our shared plates arrived in an order that made sense and never felt overwhelming. His attention made the experience feel curated and relaxed.

The Burrata Caprese was superb. The burrata was rich and creamy, paired with fresh basil walnut pesto and sweet, perfectly ripe heirloom cherry tomatoes. We each had our own serving of the chicken sliders, and they were as good as ever. These aren’t ordinary fried chicken sandwiches. They're deeply flavorful, tender, and topped with aioli, pickled fennel, and cabbage slaw on soft Hawaiian rolls.

The stuffed mushrooms were another hit. They were filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, finished with more of that basil walnut pesto and a touch of crispy sage. Every bite was indulgent without being too heavy.

The Mediterranean street corn was the one dish that didn't quite match the high bar set by everything else. That may be due to my own bias, as I was still thinking about the Mexican-style grilled corn I had just a few nights before.

The sea bass remains my favorite dish on the menu. It's perfectly cooked and served with charred shishito peppers, pomegranate molasses, and grilled lemon. I should have ordered two.

Dessert at Bacari is always worth saving room for. It's even worth making a special trip just for that. "The Best Cake," made with medjool dates, brown sugar caramel, and crispy bacon, is outstanding. We also tried the double chocolate cake with hazelnut brittle for the first time, and it was just as memorable. The four of us couldn’t pick a favorite.

Bacari PDR carries forward the thoughtful hospitality, imaginative food, and warm vibe I’ve come to associate with this restaurant group. I’m already looking forward to visiting their newest location in...

This is such a great restaurant to come to for any mood or craving! They truly carry something for everyone (vegetarian, vegan, gf, etc as well). Everything is served as small plates, so order a bunch of things to try and share.

What to order: Drinks: West side: This drink was such a fan favorite. It has a some spice from the jalepeno & was so tasty. Strawberry fizz: I don't recommend ordering this. It was really watery and flavorless

Food: Brussel sprouts: These were so crispy and flavorful! I wanted to order so many more. Bacari fries: These are so interesting and delicious. My boyfriend and I love them. They are served with a delicious sauce and fried egg on top. Mussels: Yess these were delicious. They are served in a tomato sauce that I could literally drink it's so good! Hunter's Mac & Cheese: The best!! You absolutely have to get the Mac n Cheese when you come here. It has toasted panko crumbs, white truffle oil, and a yummy cheesy fondue. Salmon: very delicious. It is pan seared with walnut crust and garlic & herb bulgar. I definitely recommend. Asian Pear & Brie Pizza: This was an absolute people pleaser. We ordered another one because we just needed more of this flavor. The combo of the pear with the brie is perfect. Smoked Mushroom Pizza: I loveee this pizza! It is a white pizza and the crust is thin.

Dessert: Double chocolate cake: Best way to end the dinner. This cake was too good to be true. Absolutely getting this next time!

I love this place. The experience in person is a fun, chill atmosphere. If you can't come in person, the food is also delicious as delivery as well. Can't to...