Babette

Restaurant · West Berkeley

Babette

Restaurant · West Berkeley

2

2033 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

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Babette by Lauren Saria
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Highlights

Seasonal dishes, garden patio, live jazz, and unique brunch  

Featured in Eater
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2033 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702 Get directions

babettecafe.com

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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2033 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702 Get directions

+1 510 845 1652
babettecafe.com

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@eater

14 Standout Spots for Brunch in the East Bay

"It’s easy to get caught up in the breezy cheerfulness of Babette’s back patio, and thankfully the brunch menu gives diners many reasons to linger. The brunch menu is a mix of standards and items special to Babette. For the brunch traditionalists, order a French toast or waffles; for those who prefer something else, try the tomato, basil, and goat cheese quiche. A group might enjoy sharing a Mediterranean platter as well, which includes smoked salmon, beet hummus, labneh, and more." - Dianne de Guzman, Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-brunch-oakland-berkeley-east-bay
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@eater

New San Francisco Restaurants: Voyager Coffee in Cupertino, Grand Coffee Too in the Mission - Eater SF

"Babette has moved to a new location on San Pablo Avenue, offering casual coffee, dinner, and brunch, with an indoor and outdoor patio setting." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/2022/2/1/22912773/new-restaurants-bars-open-san-francisco-bay-area
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Iris Chen

Google
Super cozy place with great vibes. I love how they offer unique twists to common breakfast/brunch food. The roasted oyster mushroom rice bowl was great, although I would’ve wanted it to be a bit more savory (personal preference), the chili oil was not too spicy so don’t let it scare you! The waiters were super attentive and friendly too, love it!

Sonya H

Google
Warm welcoming neighborhood spot. Everything off the dinner menu I've tried has been lovely. Great pizza (I like to ask they don't do the dark bake.) Salads are the bomb. Knowledgeable wine service. Redwood tree in the center of the back patio is magical.

Jerwin Mendigorin

Google
Came to Berkeley to visit my fiance's aunt and uncle for the weekend and also her birthday. Wanted to find a good place to have brunch and this was the place they recommended. Boy this place was not a disappointment. The ambience the vibe the feel was just awesome, they had live music a drummer a bass player and a keyboardist playing some nice jazz music. Had some mimosas and our food plates were absolutely delicious. Love their story and love The organic and sustainably sourced food from local farmers which you can tell by the taste. We are fans and next time we visit we will definitely be back again.. Bravo 👏🏼

Matt Barrio

Google
Such a great hidden gem! Karen was wonderful and so friendly. We got there when they first opened and got to snag the best spot on the patio. Very charming under the giant tree. The happy hour margarita pizza was delicious. Perfect crisp, toppings not overdone. We also did the pear salad and citrus salad. The pear was my favorite. I’d definitely recommend one of their desserts (they even have a few gluten free options). The wife and husband chef duo are also pastry chefs. Very much felt some southern cookin love in those desserts and their portions. We were too busy gobbling down the food and forgot to take any photos. Either way, we’re definitely coming back.

Marco Smith

Google
When I arrived I was "greeted" by one of the kitchen staff who was pretty rude and dismissive. I had to wait for a couple of minutes to actually be greeted by the host. The food and coffee were decent, but they were incredibly short staffed and the wait time for the food to be brought out was rather ridiculous. Nothing to write home about. There are plenty of better restaurants in Berkeley. I would say that you're safe skipping this place entirely.

Jim W

Google
-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?!?

Hiranmayi Upadhyayula

Google
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.

April Jackman

Google
If you go for music, just eat before you go. Zero service. I had two different pizzas but I watched them all come out and they were 90 percent black and burnt. All the way home the gross pizza made me feel sick. Order something super safe like a piece of bread and some water. I mean if you can get any one to serve you. Oh! The bathrooms are super clean 😊
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Linh L.

Yelp
What a lovely place! Brunch was delicious! The egg Benedict was unique and tasty. Coffee was fresh and strong. Server was exceptional. Will be back very soon.
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Mike f.

Yelp
Fabulous find in Berkeley, enjoyed one of the best salads I've ever had along with a really delicious mushroom and béchamel cheese white pizza, followed by signature desserts. Only wish Babette wasn't 500 miles away or I'd be there every week!!! Highest recommendation, not to be missed if you're in the Bay Area!!!!!!!
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Sarah T.

Yelp
I will be back! Ambiance: what a cute patio. There are lots of nice plants On a Saturday, some teens were playing jazz The waitstaff had umbrellas to shade us. Inside there are a few tables The food was yummy. We were there for brunch and it's a limited menu. The good: ok I LOVE the cardamom coffee. It is so good and they did not charge extra for a refill. We also had an eggs Benedict with smoked fish and a slightly curry hollandaise. It was plate-licking good. Downside was many items contained pork, and the vegetarian dish ( a southern plate) seemed boring. Bathroom grade: A 2x single serve gender neutral. They were clean, smelled good, and had nice decor.
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Alexa A.

Yelp
Excellent food! Especially love the pancakes :) Southern style breakfast was also a hit! And their chai is extra gingery, so good! Service was quick and extremely friendly, highly recommend if you need to put some pep in your step. I love the outdoor area. Super cute, nicely decorated, and I believe on weekends there is live music out there!
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Lauren S.

Yelp
We stumbled across Babette after the wait at La Marcha was too long. We did not have a dinner reservation but were welcomed inside just as happy hour was ending. Even so, they were so kind and let us take advantage of happy hour! We sat inside but the patio is amazingly cute. We had wine, the Greek goddess salad and 2 pizzas from the happy hour menu. Everything was so delicious! The mushroom pizza and the salad were so great. Ended with a seasonal dessert as well! Highly recommend.

Mickey W.

Yelp
We had an 11:30 am Sunday brunch reservation. The place was empty when we walked in, so I got worried, but then we heard jazz coming from the patio. The ambience was perfect, and the food was solid. Service was attentive. We'll definitely be back.
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Pree K.

Yelp
We went here for brunch. Good, unique food! Service was good, staff was very nice, consistent with a chill Berkeley vibe. I tried the southern style breakfast, which was a nice healthier take on southern classics. Good flavor. The baked egg was perfect, and in a cute shape. Loved the greens and the yam, and the black-eyed peas were lovely. The cornbread could've been a bit more moist I thought, but overall enjoyed it!

pari z.

Yelp
Great food and service! Although we showed up upon closing they kept open just for us and didn't rush us! Looking forward to returning soon. Thank you so much

Evan H.

Yelp
The back patio at Babette is a great place to have some great pizza, and be served by a friendly staff. The heaters work and the Cheesy Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion pie is delicioso, and plenty big for 2. Salads are also terrific (great dressing). Enjoy
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Joe b.

Yelp
I hosted my friends 70th birthday party on Jan 11, 2024...the service was wonderful and very helpful...the food was incredible...we ate family style and it was perfect... crispy rice for app (Romaine Leaves, Thai Chili, Makrut Lime, Fish Sauce, Thai Basil, Cilantro, Mint, Peanuts), Mushroom Stroganoff, (Pappardelle, Crimini, Oyster Mushrooms, Shimeji, Crème Fraiche, Thyme, Chives) Meatloaf with Pork, Pistachio and Kumquat (BBQ Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini) and The Masala pizza... (Spicy Makhani Sauce, Corn, Potatoes, Goat Cheese, Red Onion, Yogurt Sauce, fresh Cilantro)...for dessert we had the pistacio lemon cake and the cinnamon apple tart with ice cream The entire evening was perfect...highly recommend...and would suggest reservations...great neighborhood place...I look forward to hearing music next time...
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Jim S.

Yelp
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?!?
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Christian V.

Yelp
One of the most unique brunch spots I've been to! After looking for new places to try in the area, this place caught my friends' & I's attention. The ambiance gives off somewhat of a vintage yet homey feeling, but still feels like a modern & updated space. The menu can be described as eclectic and we were trying to figure out what cuisine this restaurant specializes in. They have a fair variety of options to choose from -- we ended up ordering the cheesy shrimp tacos, tandoori fish benedict, potatoes ranchero, and the burrata/fennel salad. Our group each had our favorites, but the winner for me was the tandoori fish benedict! It had a curry hollandaise that I've never had before, but was really delicious. The fish had great flavor and the poached eggs were cooked perfectly. My least favorite dish was probably the potatoes ranchero. The potatoes were nice & cheesy, but the "ranchero" sauce to me just tasted like a canned tomato sauce from the store with little to no flavor. My group & I also ordered a mimosa pitcher and our waitress suggested to mix orange, passionfruit, and mango flavors if I recall correctly and it was so good! Our server was also super friendly and helpful with giving us recommendations, her personal favorites, and sharing some laughs with us as well. Overall, a pretty solid brunch spot in Berkeley that I would for sure go back to!
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
Hate to do it but this just didn't hit the spot for me. The vibe is immaculate with beautiful outdoor seating under a big tree and live music on the back patio (at least on the Sunday I went). Staff was also wonderfully attentive. Unfortunately, I found the food bland which is the most important thing to me so I can't rate higher than the 3. I do appreciate their emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and feel like my lamb hash had good potential, but it was just under seasoned and not at all satisfying. Sorry!
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David A R.

Yelp
Lovely environment. Friendly servers. And an interesting menu. The salmon and waffles were Quite good. As we're the cheesy shrimp tacos. I'd definitely return for brunch and also to try out some of the pizzas on their regular menu.
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Sherry Z.

Yelp
Beautiful back patio seating area, just wish the food was better. Came a little but after opening on a weekend day and ended up standing in the front for a little bit until someone walked up to seat us. Not a mark against just saying what I experienced. And I will say that there was someone seated at the hostess stand when we were leaving. Ended up getting a latte and split the vegetable hash and the tartine. Latte was okay. There was quite a bit of foam and had a bit of a soapy taste for some reason. Out of the two dishes I would say the tartine was better but a bit forgettable. The tartine was very avocado focused. Felt like I was craving just a bit of acid and there weren't enough pickled onion in each bite for it. The vegetable has was very pickled vegetable focused. I would have liked more grilled vegetables and potatoes (surprised about the lack potatoes for a hash). Not in a rush to come back for the same dishes. The pancakes and pastries looked good but can't comment on them.

Jade S.

Yelp
Had an amazing brunch experience here today! Ambience is LOVELY - sit on the patio. They have a beautiful garden next door that they pull herbs and veggies from for the menu. Lemon ricotta pancakes and shrimp and grits are delicious (grits are a little oily - you were warned). The waitress was SO SWEET and you can tell she really loves what she does. This is not just a run of the mill brunch spot. It's unique and cozy spot with a damn good menu and everything is served and made with love.
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Afnan A.

Yelp
We had the most wonderful time at this restaurant. From the moment we walked in, Karen, our server, was incredibly sweet and accommodating. She made sure we had everything we needed and her service was nothing short of amazing. The food was great! Each dish was packed full of flavor, beautifully presented. A must-visit spot for anyone looking for great food and fantastic service!
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Frank W.

Yelp
As soon as we walked in, the hostess at Babette's made us feel welcome. She offered water for our little dog. On the spacious patio, they have a choice of sun or shade. The hostess was explicit in accommodating my wife (who has a health issue with sun exposure). She put us into a corner. The dog was able to sit in the very corner on the banquette. I had a South Asian influenced fish based eggs Benedict. You have to like the curry flavors. The fish was smoked. At least two other diners nearby ordered the same. My wife had avocado toast. She needed a hard egg yolk. That was no problem. They had an herbed feta cheese topping. The portion was generous. The hostess waited on us. She was very friendly and professional. They add 18 percent automatically. We increased the tip. We both had the homemade chai. It had just a hint of spice. You can have that with oat milk. They also had a folk trio playing. We picked the place because we were en route from San Francisco to Sacramento/Davis. They seem popular. Someone who is a prominent academic was at the next table. The hostess said you want your regular? That is a good sign. Any restaurant with a following is doing something right. And they pay attention to know who is who. We would visit again if we were in the neighborhood.
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LM D.

Yelp
Right from the moment we walked in, my partner and I were greeted with a warm welcome. Our server Karen was by far the most excellent server that we've ever encountered. We had outdoor seats reserved and I mentioned that my friend has a corgi, so she went above and beyond to make sure that we were taken care of including getting a fresh bowl of water for him. She checked up on us several times and she made sure that our glasses of water were always filled and our teapot was refilled. The food that we ordered was delicious! Karen mentioned that they had New York style pizza and my partner and I got excited because we had just arrived from a trip to New York a week ago, and we were really impressed that Babette truly had New York style pizza!...it reminded us of Joe's pizza in Manhattan! The thin crust was extra crispy! The ambiance was beautiful. The weather was gorgeous and we admired the redwood tree out in the patio. I highly highly recommend this place! I highly recommend the rib eye steak, the margherita pizza, the chai tiramisu, and the lemon pistachio cake.
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Melina T.

Yelp
I came here with some friends and we shared two pizzas - the Margherita and the curry pizza. Both were super well made, you can tell the chef has been trained in bread! My friend has a nut allergy and they were very careful to make sure there was no cross-contamination. We sat by the fire pits and it was such a nice vibe. Not too many people but you can tell the people that come are regulars. It definitely should be busier than it was bc of how good the food is!! Can't wait to visit next time I am in Berkeley!
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Anna S.

Yelp
Just lovely! An oasis of calm in a busy city; you'd never know the back patio was there if you were just walking by. Brunch was delicious--esp. the veggie dishes and lavender lemonade. Shout-out to server Karen who was unflaggingly chipper and remembered me on both of my subsequent visits. Also appreciate the fact that the music isn't too loud and the bathroom is clean and spacious. Def. the place to bring out-of-town guests to show them the best Berkeley has to offer. With regard to those who complain about prices, we found them to be quite reasonable, esp. when considering the service and quality of the food. I also prefer this location to the former one, which was somewhat sterile. Just one quibble, Babette: please say "locally-grown" or "locally-procured." "Source" isn't a verb, and in any case it's a pretty tired phrase. Still, we'll be back.
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Kelly W.

Yelp
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!

John R.

Yelp
My Birthday meal was amazing, the atmosphere peaceful and the service was top notch. I had the Potatoes Ranchero w/ Cartinas and it was so damn good. It was cheesy with a fried egg on top, and the meat was so flavorful. Reservations might be needed, but it's worth it. Sit in the back and enjoy the sunshine! I'll be back for sure!
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Heather M.

Yelp
Awesome place. Beautiful friendly delicious great atmosphere. Had a great time with unique healthy tasty dishes
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Emily M.

Yelp
We had a birthday brunch for my 80+ year old mom who had me changing the number in my party a few times. Whenever I called they were SO understanding and accommodating. It was a beautiful day for her brunch, and there was a fabulous jazz band playing on the back patio where our party was seated. The food was amazing and the ambience was just right. This is a new favorite for sure.
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Loreto D.

Yelp
I am totally feelin' the vibe up in here! There's indoor/outdoor dining. The baked goods are made in house and my hubby and I loved the mixed berry tart. My veggie hash was good and it was a good amount. The cardamom mocha latte was delish; I had two of them. We came here for brunch and we're definitely planning on coming back for dinner.

Brandon T.

Yelp
We've been going to Babette pretty much since it opened and we absolutely love it. Patrick and Joan (along with the rest of the staff!) make us feel like we're at their home, eating delicious, interesting, and fresh food. Plus our 5-year old daughter loves watching Patrick make pizzas while we wait for our food! We've also been doing a bit of an East Bay pizzeria tour and think that Babette's pizza is easily the best, so check it out!
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Tiffany A.

Yelp
A very beautiful setting. The waiter. I had was very nice. The only issue I had was the chef was unwilling to make an adjustment on the sandwich of the day. He was unwilling to make it veggie and add mushrooms, are tomatoes or more of any type of vegetable at all. I understand that can be annoying when people ask for substitutions in food... But they are essentially a pizza place and have a grand variety of vegetables available to just put them in a sandwich. I also didn't like that the sandwiches of the day didn't come with a side. you had to order it separately, it just makes sense to have a side of salad or fries, or whatever the case may be. I don't know that I would come here again, just because it felt like I was bothering the chef with my requests. It is a beautiful restaurant, and the wait staff definitely create more of a welcoming and beautiful ambience.
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Randy C.

Yelp
Soooooooo good! Desserts are so good, sweet and savory. Just go! Brunches start on Friday, nice glass of wine and then all this goodness
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G G.

Yelp
Had a bad experience here. I ordered an arugula salad, which was pretty good, and a Margherita pizza. Unfortunately, the pizza was burned on the bottom (see the attached photo of a slice from it). When I pointed it out to my server, she said "no problem, I'll have the kitchen re-make one for you." Which is fine, mistakes happen. But then, the kitchen sent her back to the table with the burnt pizza and the message, "If you didn't want it burned you should have told us when you ordered it." It was pretty unbelievably bad customer service - I've never had this happen ever at a restaurant. Everyone at our table was pretty shocked, actually. I felt bad for the server, Karen, honestly. They comped a glass of wine for the table but this is not how you treat a customer. Then when we got the check, they had added an auto grat to the bill without telling us? I mean, what the hell? For a four top? We honestly would have left her a bigger tip as she was trying but that was again another very poor way to treat your customers. Too bad as I've met the owner on a previous visit and he seemed like a nice guy - but I'd never go back after this experience.

Cherelle N.

Yelp
Good food. Great ambiance (especially the patio which is nicely heated even on cold days). Excellent and attentive service !
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Jigesha D.

Yelp
I chose this spot on random based off yelp reviews. The waitress was super nice, and I could tell she really took pride in the restaurant. She recommended a yummy south African tea which I found very unique and nice. I sipped on it while I waited for my margarita pizza. I'm vegetarian and thought to go for something simple. It took a while to get the pizza, and I was starting to get a little disinterested and was going to give up. Then the pizza came out. And it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted. A little bit of a spicy sauce with so much flavor! I will definitely come here again. It was cold, otherwise i would have checked out the patio which was also a good ambience.
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Neil S.

Yelp
Outrageously expensive and not worth it. $25 for a bagel with a sliver of lox. This restaurant will be out of business shortly, I predict.
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Jamie Z.

Yelp
Positives: - outdoor patio was nice with a gorgeous redwood tree - nice ambiance outside - waiter was very friendly Could improve: - the cardamom mocha was overly bitter and a too much foam for a latte, I also did not taste the mocha - price$$$!!! This is more of a $$$ restaurant. Everything on the brunch menu over $20. The item that I got seemed over priced. Ingredients tasted fresh and good quality, but overall balance of flavors and taste was not worth the mark up - be clear about the added gratuity. It was included with the tab for just two people.
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Story W.

Yelp
I couldn't possibly rave enough about Babette!! From the warmth and kindness of the owners to the perfect, slightly spicy pizza sauce, to the fresh and crispy salads, you cannot miss at Babette!!

René A.

Yelp
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing. But it was the only thing on the menu that even sounded appetizing.. I paid twice as much for a carnitas taco that was half as good as other nearby places can make. Way too much salt.. and who puts sweet potato mush in a carnitas taco. Nice patio but so not worth it.
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Lin B.

Yelp
Brought a younger friend here to celebrate her PhD dissertation proposal acceptance. Everything outstanding! Impeccable service, wonder atmosphere, delicious food and drink and music playing by a quartet on the back patio. Doesn't get much better than this in Berkeley. Also parking on a side street is fairly easy, even though restaurant is right near University.
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Rose A.

Yelp
I am struggling between a 2 to 3 star rating. I decided to give Babette a three star rating because I did enjoy the brunch. However, the dinner was terrible. I went there for a friend's birthday, and we were a party of seven. Three of us had lavender lemonades, and two of the lavender lemonades were infused with soju vodka. None of the drinks had lavender. We were willing to deal with that and not complain. The puttanesca pizza was missing Parmesan cheese again We were willing to deal with that. My halibut, menu cost $38, was mushy and the pinenuts were rancid. Two other individuals also ordered the halibut and they ate it but said it was not good. I did tell my server I couldn't eat it and to please take it off the menu. A couple minutes later, the chef and another woman came to the table. The chef apologized for the halibut, but defended it stating he butchered it that morning. They did take the halibut off because I told them I will not eat it nor will I pay $38 for it. Since I had the chefs attention, I also let him know there was no lavender in our lavender lemonade drinks. Again, he defended it and said they strain out the lavender. His coworker admitted that the lavender was not in any of the three drinks and somehow he was still trying to defend, that lavender was in the drinks. None of the three lavender drinks were taken off the bill. We paid for them. I will not go back to this restaurant. There are many other great options in Berkeley and this restaurant is clearly poorly run. Oh, and there were roasted potatoes with tomato aïoli listed on the menu. However, that was a misprint, and there were no roasted potatoes last night. It's a pretty significant misprint when the only other starch on the menu is focaccia bread. The bill was nearly $400...SMH. The waitress was really nice and so was the host.
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Vince P.

Yelp
This place is tremendous from top to bottom: ambiance of outdoor patio, fantastic service and openness to tasting the wines, full size pizzas for the price of the personal size you get at other restaurants. I could go on and on. Oh and while I'm not a brunch person, we took my mom there for her bday and it was fantastic too!
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Will E.

Yelp
I was looking for a new place for brunch and I found this place online. I made a reservations just in case it was busy and I'm glad I did because it wasn't that big inside and it rained so the outside was not the place to be. The outside looked really nice it was too bad that it rained. Right from the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm welcome. Our server, forgot her name, was by far the most excellent server that we've ever encountered. She was present at all times, courteous, and smiling the whole time. We ordered drinks (Carafe) of mimosa which were great. Our group ordered the pancakes, the tacos, the potatoes ranchero, and the tartine. The pancakes were delicious and light. You get three big pancakes with your order. The potatoes ranchero had great flavor and was cheesy. The cheesy tacos were also great with flavor and cooked perfect. The tartine was very tasty as well. We also ordered a side of sausage, which were so good. They looked and tasted like they were made in house. They gave us a lemon pistachio cake dessert. It tasted so delicious and light. The bread crust was so light and the lemon flavor was perfect pairing. I forgot to take photos. :(
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Ying Xin F.

Yelp
Babette is a cafe located in Berkeley art museum. The cafe has a nice interior with a bright corner that had lots of natural light, with other darker corners that allowed customers to see a tiny bit of the art gallery below. This is a good place to be productive or a date. I definitely loved the interior as it was nice and quiet although a little too bright in the afternoon sun in some areas. Waffles and toast are made on order, so they were slightly warm. Toasted bread was a little hard and over toasted, but they made up for it with a generous spread of avocado and some smoked salmon on it ($16 tartine). The cake I ordered was ginger flavored, and I hope to try the pistachio lemon cake next time, since reviews mentioned that was good. Overall, 3.5 stars for the great interior and space.
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Sagruilla P.

Yelp
Well, I gave Babette's a 5-star review when it was at the museum, and Lanesplitters had a 5-star review when it was at this garden patio location, so this will continue being 5-star! The menu is small and just right. The quiche continues to be delicious with perfect custard and crust, the sandwiches and salads continue to be a good mix of flavors and seasonal vegetables. The desserts (fruit and almonds and cardamom show up in danishes, brioches, and coffee cakes) and coffee drinks (Ritual beans) continue to be a draw on their own. The interior has been decorated to look like the living room of my dreams (monstera plants, mirrors, brushed brass), but you will probably want to head straight back to the garden patio. Anchored by a redwood tree and paved in brick, it is a lovely peaceful place to eat lovely food. The prices are a little high for a daily lunch stop, but it is worth it for the quality and ambiance if you are looking for something special. PS the music piped in the back is smooth jazz and is the only thing that can be improved upon.

Diane W.

Yelp
Great food and service yesterday during brunch for a special birthday. We were greeted warmly at the door. Lovely people working there who respond kindly. Duck jook was divine. Tandoori trout eggs benedict was very good. Pastries excellent. I'd love to return even tho it is definitely pricey. Our server Audrey was fantastic. My only qualm is that they include 18% gratuity. I'm all for including gratuities but why not include 20%? I imagine that most diners see that gratuity is included and don't add more. That's not good for the servers. OR offer: 20, 22, 25% amounts. Don't limit it to 18%! One can always add more, sure, but my guess is that most people don't.
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Loni A.

Yelp
Way too expensive for what you get. The service is ok, not the best. The food is alright, too expensive though but that's everywhere now I guess. Not 4 stars because mistake was made with my order, the forgot to put one of my sides in the bag and I had to walk back to get it.

Daryl S.

Yelp
The food is probably 3 1/2 stars, but the service is terrific. I would recommend going here if you are looking for a solid meal and are not able to get into the Aria Steakhouses. Decent alternative

Sally M.

Yelp
We had an excellent meal at Babette, such a charming little place. Loved everything -- borscht, short ribs, mushroom curry, apple galette and chocolate whiskey cake. All so flavorful and fresh. Service was friendly and unpretentious. It was a bit chilly for us to sit outside but the patio is lovely. We will be back!

Hollis B.

Yelp
Hi Foodies, Wrote Babette about some of their prices seemingly K and I get back a reply from Patrick that I should look to go elsewhere , where the prices are more for my budget! Really? This is how an owner replies to a perspective customer wondering why one slice of bacon is $3. Obviously, his right. But this consumer, hearing such condescension, after a simple inquiry , will go elsewhere. Sounds a little elitist? Looks like I'm echoing Neil!
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Thomas E.

Yelp
Casual and friendly place with a carefully tailored menu with a chef who knows their flavors and seasoning. The portions are huge and the music isn't too loud.
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David B.

Yelp
What a wonderful place! When I walked in on Sunday, 8/13/23, and made my way to the outside seating in the back, it felt so relaxed and inviting! The server came to take my request with the most authentic beautiful smile and was attentive and friendly throughout my meal. The food was exquisite! I loved the arugula salad, the extra fresh and crispy New York style pizza, the chai tiramisu, and the delicious lemonade! Very clean bathrooms and everyone that works there is so nice! This husband/wife team really knows what they are doing! I will definitely be back with my wife, and I highly recommend this charming restaurant!

Ellen W.

Yelp
I can't recommend this place any higher than incredibly excellent. The delight starts as you walk through the door, with the obvious attention to detail - from the plants in their pots, to the artful colors on the walls that extends throughout their lovely decor. Great ambiance!! The couple that works and owns Babettes along with their lovely son, were once at the old Berkeley art museum, and then at the new Berkeley art museum. They have now moved to San Pablo Ave., and created an oasis of artful and delicious coffees, meals and desserts. I ordered the Panouzzo which was yummy and very filling. Great bread made on the premises. My friend ordered the quiche, which came with a delectable salad. She loved it! After tasting the sample Meyer lemon pistachio cake, I bought a slice to take home. Moist and dense, it was out of this world. The service was sincerely attentive, but not hovering, and responsive. We could feel that they wanted us to enjoy ourselves. They're open for lunch and dinner, I can't wait to return!