Beso Bistro and Wine Bar — Restaurant in Novato

Unfortunately I had high expectations for this place and I shouldn't have. My bf and I walked in last night, and there was the hostess, a server and two chefs in the front and none of them greeted us nor made eye contact for what felt like 5 mins. We patiently waited and then since it seemed as if they were just talking amongst themselves and not seeming to care if we were there we told them about arriving early for our reservation. We were willing to wait for a table knowing we came in 15 mins early. But the hostess lady was VERY RUDE, did not make eye contact and talked over us, and did not communicate to us that our table was ready and just stormed off to put silverware and menus down on a table in the patio (*note: there is only patio seating due to covid) and we asked if that table was for us and she just pointed at it and looked rudely at us like we were supposed to know to follow her. Anyways, so we sit down and look over the menus, and our server passes us multiple times and doesn't even greet us. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, I looked around - theres a few tables out here, I thought to myself that maybe he's new or feeling rushed by others so he can take his time. But umm sitting there for 15 minutes without a server greeting us?! That's ridiculous. Then when he finally came over it took him a very long time to bring us our drinks, which was just a water and an iced coffee and don't even get me started about when he finally came over to take our orders for food! /: The service is terrible but I give them props on their food. I ordered the Peruvian stir fry with filet mignon and it was very good! Good serving size and alot of meat. My bf is a vegetarian and he ordered a veggie burger which he wasn't too fond of but that's just personal preference. I definitely will not go out of my way again to come and dine here, its not worth it.

Also, I took a video of my food for snapchat but google only allows pictures so sorry about that. But hope this...

I've been meaning to come to this place for a loooooonnnnnngggg time since I live so close to it and I finally found the time to stop by recently. It's a cute little spot with character and great service. It's location is a little unorthodox but that's ok, it kinda adds to the character.

We decided to sit outside as it was a beautiful day. The patio is covered so you don't get baked and they have these really cool live edge tables to sit. They offer some nice wine based drinks which are nice on a warm day. The food selection is nice in that they don't have a massive list but the things they do have is well thought out. I would describe it as Cali/International Fusion.

I got the Lomo Saltado (I'm a huge fan of the dish) and everyone puts their spin on it. Theirs was good. I'm not going to nit-pick on the little details but again, it was good.

One thing not directly related to the dining experience is that their website is super dated and it's difficult on a modern OS machine. For example it freezes my computer so I avoid it and come to yelp or google.

Anyways, go check it...

This is a must-do spot in Novato, CA. Outstandingly prepared dishes, a wait staff that is pleasant and at hand at just the right times [I hate pushy wait staff....don't you?], in an unpretentious renovated home. Inside is noisy, but outside on the porch it is just to my taste: simple, functional, and charmingly al fresco. We shared the baked garlic and cheese spread for an appetizer: a lovely selection of 3 cheeses, sliced strawberries, and a mound of tossed greens. The little cup of honey threw us both. But with the garlic on a crostini, my wife pronounced it delicious. My wife had the brochette of seafood: shrimp, scallops and vegetables served over pilaf with delightful creamy sauce. I had the bouillabaisse, and it was top of the line: scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, salmon and cod in a wonderful tomato broth, superbly seasoned and fresh parsley bits all floating around. Somewhat pricey, but worth every penny for one of the best meals in a long time. Hidden in a residential area, this...