Bacari Beverly Hills has officially opened its doors, transforming the iconic Villa Blanca space at 9601 Brighton Way into a lively, Mediterranean-inspired haven. After sitting vacant for four years, this landmark location now serves as the seventh addition to Bacari’s expanding Los Angeles footprint and the first in Beverly Hills. Known for its shareable small plates, inventive cocktails, and a community-focused approach to dining, Bacari has become a favorite among Angelenos, and its Beverly Hills debut seamlessly blends the restaurant’s charm with the sophistication of its new neighborhood. More than just a meal, Bacari Beverly Hills is an experience. It offers a perfect balance of casual elegance, where locals and visitors alike can come together over delicious tapas, inventive cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner, hosting a work outing, or indulging in a girls’ night out, Bacari is an inviting space to gather and celebrate.
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Stunning Interior Design and Great People Watching
The redesigned 150-seat space sets the tone for an upscale yet inviting experience. Co-owner Robert Kronfli worked with Adean Studio to bring the vision to life. The design draws inspiration from old European basement taverns. It features low ceilings, 80-year-old bricks, reclaimed marble floors, and intricate tile work. Outside, the patio offers prime people-watching opportunities with stylish heat lamps ensuring comfort during cooler evenings. Sitting here, you’re treated to the vibrant energy of Beverly Hills—whether it’s the flow of shoppers or the bustling atmosphere of this chic neighborhood. The lively scene of Rodeo Drive serves as a fitting backdrop to Bacari’s Mediterranean-inspired tapas, providing a truly dynamic dining experience. Bacari’s revamped exterior blends timeless charm with modern vibrancy. A vintage-inspired awning invites you in, while lush greenery gives the space a touch of nature amidst the city hustle. The patio feels like an extension of the neighborhood, cozy yet energetic—an ideal place to enjoy the best of both worlds.
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Must Try Tapas
The Bacari experience is all about sharing and savoring, and the staff expertly helps you plan your courses so the dishes flow naturally. Tapas are the star here, and we each found happiness in three carefully selected dishes, which left us satisfied but not overwhelmed—perfect for comparing and contrasting flavors across the table.
Beef Cheeks
We started strong with the red wine-braised beef cheeks, a dish that melted in the mouth with every bite. The richness of the beef was beautifully balanced by the creamy goat cheese polenta, while the Aleppo oil and pickled fennel added brightness and complexity. Thinly sliced radishes provided a satisfying crunch, making this a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Delicata Squash
The roasted delicata squash was simply stunning. It was paired with a cashew salsa di noci that had both a nutty depth and a slight sweetness, complementing the natural sweetness of the squash. The herbed arugula salad added a peppery freshness, and the chewy farro offered an earthy counterpoint, making this a standout vegetarian option on the menu.
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Scallop Medallions
This dish was a revelation. The perfectly seared scallops rested atop a velvety carrot-parsnip purée, topped with melted leeks and crispy capers that brought the perfect amount of crunch and flavor. The drizzle of white truffle oil was the luxurious touch that tied everything together—making this dish indulgent without ever feeling too heavy.
Asian Pear & Brie Pizza
A must-try for any first-time Bacari guest, this pizza was an absolute showstopper. The thin, crispy crust was topped with sweet Asian pear, creamy brie, and guava fromage blanc. The wild arugula added a sharp peppery kick, and the grey salt and frantoia olive oil elevated the flavors, making this pizza a harmonious blend of savory and sweet.
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Mac & Cheese
Comfort food at its finest. Bacari’s five-cheese fondue mac and cheese was the perfect balance of indulgent and comforting. The toasted panko added a delightful crunch on top, while the white truffle oil and scallions added brightness to each velvety bite. This dish was warm, satisfying, and, dare we say, a little addictive.
The Best Cake
To finish, we indulged in “The Best Cake,” and it truly lived up to its name. The sticky medjool date cake was rich and decadent without being cloyingly sweet. Brown sugar caramel and crispy bacon topped the cake, creating a surprising yet brilliant flavor profile. The balance of sweet and savory made for the perfect finale to our meal.
Sip in Style: Bacari’s Beverage Creations
Bacari makes sure that everyone can partake in the fun, even if they’re not drinking. Their refreshing Spirit-Free mocktail called “Waste Not, Want Not” blended house-made pineapple tepache, fresh ginger juice, honey, lime, cayenne, and soda water into a vibrant drink that was both spicy and refreshing. It was the perfect palate cleanser between bites, adding a zesty kick to the meal. If you’re going all in and want the extra kick, the “Chill Pill” combines the smooth, smoky notes of tequila with the cool essence of cucumber and the floral touch of lavender. A zesty twist of lime rounds out this beautifully balanced drink, offering both a calming and invigorating experience. If you’re looking for more of a beachy vibe, escape into a tropical paradise with the pineapple-infused rum creation called “Permanent Vacation”. The blend of Amaro Montenegro, lime, and cinnamon-bourbon bitters is layered with the rich, caramelized sweetness of brûléed pineapple.
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