Baci Ristorante Italiano Reviews

Baci's is my favorite Italian place in San Diego. Great pasta and veal! Nice wine list and good service.I highly recommend Baci's!

Baci thinks very highly of itself, and for the most part it's justified. The ambiance is excellent, the service professional, and the food delicious. So I expected to pay a substantial amount -- but not to incur a mortgage payment for lunch. There's justifiably expensive, and then there's just plain ridiculous. Except for the prices, it would be a five star dining experience. Sorry, but nobody's that good.

Tony and his Baci family have preserved a dining experience that is rare to find anymore. I can’t even call the customer service, customer service. It was so much more. When you are lucky enough to get an rsvp and the chance to dine here, you are family. The food is amazing an you can tell there is passion in the art of serving. I can’t say enough!!!!

When you are from Northern New Jersey, you usually know good Italian food and nothing much compares....Visiting North Jersey Friends who transplanted to San Diego recently, we enjoyed the local Mexican food, but wanted Italian so we were take to BACI for a good Italian meal. We were not disappointed. An extensive menu as well as daily specials made the food choice difficult. The food was excellent along with the service and portion size. This won't be a cheap date as the prices match the quality of the food and service. We had the cheapest bottle of Chianti wine($50)., although there were many $30. bottles. The waiters were professional, not unemployed college students...... Like dining in Europe. I would recommend reservations during peek hours and weekends.

I've been wanting to try this place for a while. I think I psyched myself up too much as the experience was neither outstanding or disappointing. It was slightly challenging to find parking but they do have $3 valet available. The restaurant itself was rather "stuffy" inside. The flair of the atmosphere reminded me of the east coast as well as the decor and lighting. The bread was fresh and was very tasty. We order mussels for appetizer and lamb ragu and chicken marsala as our main dishes. For both my husband and myself, we cant say that it was out of this world but it wasn't bad. (i'd give it an average rating). There was no child's menu available but they do offer pasta dishes that can be split (penne and butter) which took care of what the kids wanted to eat. I know of several better Italian restaurants in SD so I cant say that this place is on the top of my list.

Checking into the Hilton San Diego resort we realised this was not where we wanted to stay or eat. A quick consultation of trip advisor bought up this gem of a restaurant as 0.2 miles from our hotel as the crow flies, unfortunately due to the freeway and a railway line it is a cab ride (if short) away. The food was excellent including very flexible menu choices, the personnel even better, going to the extent of reccomending other hotels. Overall a great end to a disappointing hotel experience.

We decided last minute to go to Baci's. We walked in unfortunately in our worse tourist clothes lol everyone else was fairly well dressed. The wait was close to an hour long so we decided to order a drink to pass the time. We ordered a bottle of Dom perignon and was seated almost immediately. The food was absolutely amazing. So much so we went back for a lunch takeout the following day. The staff remembered us and were so nice

This restaurant was really great, the service was truly 5 star as was the food. Their Eggplant Parmigiana was excellent, really enjoyed the Capricciosa Salad, the fist of the day was great, (had this two days). Their gelato was excellent and their cannoli was way above average. Ate there three time on my visit to San Diego. They have a web site also. SanDiegoBaci.com.

We went for Valentine's Day and the experience was wonderful. My lady was given a rose by the staff at the end. The food was plentiful and delicious and we had leftovers to bring home. Also, it is pricey so don't go if you are on a budget.

delicious italian food, served by accomplished staff. nice atmosphere. Seafood and italian dishes were great. Friendly staff very helpful in choosing dishes.. A little price but well worth it.. Our server was Filippo.. He did a ngreat job

I went to Baci last night. Once again our meals were excellent. Our waiter couldn't have been more professional. The meal went smoothly and was very festive. This is my go to restaurant for special occasions at this point.

Baci was our pick for a very nice restaurant on our last night in San Diego. Mostly valet parking because parking is very tight in the neighborhood. Baci was very busy but we were seated right way (we had reservations). Our waiter was dressed in a tux and was very attentive and helpful (loaned his glasses because one of forgot ours). He made helpful menu and wine suggestions which were not necessarily the most expensive. We ordered pasta puttanesca (shrimp, calamari, fish in Fra Diabolo sauce), heart of palm salad, carpaccio--everyone was very satisfied with their order. We finished by splitting a Panna Cotta with fruit. While we were seated in a very nice circular basque in a corner, it was pretty noisy (Friday night at 7:15) for most of the meal. A very nice meal to end a very nice vacation.

Took a brief Uber ride from our Marina hotel to this family owned restaurant on the edge of Little Italy. Restaurant has the feel of a long established and confident institution. We were not disappointed. All our choices were fresh and flavorful, ranging from my fish to another's home made pasta! Service was attentive without being over solicitous, and very knowledgeable re: all menu items, ingredients, and preparation! Portions were generous, but still left room for dessert--a shared --incredible- tiramisu!!!! A delightful and memorable evening!

Went there for lunch with my wife and son, and had some of the best pasta that I have had for quite a while. And, the decorations and atmosphere definitely let you know you were in an Italian restaurant. The service was OK, not bad, just not exceptional for the cost of the meal. With 2 glasses of wine total, our bill ran close to $90 for just lunch, which is a bit pricey. Again, food was good, but for that price, one would sure hope it would be!

I enjoyed a lovely lunch at Baci with friends. I had a delightful serving of gnocchi with a tomato and cream sauce. My friends had penne and eggplant. The food was excellent and the service was arrwntive. A very enjoyable occasion.

We are still on cloud nine following our daughters wedding dinner at our favorite restaurant, Baci. From the room, to the staff, and all the excellent service they always deliver. We invited 40 people and had a fabulous dinner. I recommend Baci as an cool and intimate option to the usual grand after party. There was no room rental fee as it was part of the dinner, a bonus. Every guest had four options for their main course. Our new in-laws said it was the best wedding food they have ever had. Thank yo Baci for topping off a fantastic day.

Great service, ambiance and really good food. Had homemade pasta special of the evening which was very good. Great place to have a good conversation as it was very quiet. Not in the touristy area and seemed to be mostly locals. Very busy.

If you want culture and high end service this is the place. The waiters are formally dressed and even speak Italian. Will come back again.

Wow!! It has been a few years since I had the pleasure to eat in this fine restaurant again. They did a superb job of food preparation and the meal I had was over the top. I am so glad I went back. I didn't think they could top the last time, but Tony came through. This is a must visit when in San Diego!

Think of an old neighborhood friendly gathering place with italian food served by black tie waiters either on the patio or in the dining room. Every dish is prepared for flavor with meticulous detail to both presentation and taste. Their wine list is deep however there are excellent gems to pair with any dish that will not break the bank. Careful attention to their specials with advice from your server can allow you to experience true Northern Italian Cuisine, homemade pasta and the best swordfish in the U.S. Every dish is prepared with perfection and the service is unassuming and over the top. Simply the best in San Diego or all of Southern California. While I hail from New Jersey and grew up in Little Italy in Philadelphia On the tv series "The Soprano's" Corrado Soprano said "The Italian's taught the world how to eat" he certainly had to be talking about Baci.

We went here without reservations and had to wait about 20 minutes. The restaurant is lovely. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. The wine selection was good. Our meals were delicious, I had a fish dish and my husband had gnocchi. We shared a dessert. They have valet parking which is great if you are unfamiliar with the area.

This si a terrific restaurant. We ate there last night. Mario did a fine job taking care of our party of six. I had a delicious dish of halibut with a side of pasta. My wife has swordfish, and her dish was also excellent. The rest of our party had veal and chicken dishes.We all were very satisfied.

Tony and his team were perfectly amazing, anticipating our every need before we could even voice it. I had my mother with me, and everyone treated her like a queen. Our meal was very classic, mostly southern Italian cuisine, but prepared in a fresh and enticing manner, with some great new twists. In particular, the burrata and prosciutto appetizer was amazing, and the

I ordered 3 appetizers and a $90 dollar bottle of wine prior to our dinner order. The waiter brought a $180 by mistake which i caught. We received our first appetizer and waited almost 40 minutes with no further service or contact. My wife approached the maitre de to see where our waiter went. We did not receive our appetizers and the main course was terrible. My veal porcini was over salted. I do not know if it was the Demi glacé was a packaged salt based mix or just poorly prepared. We did not complain due to the nature of the dinner, but i would run. Bill was over $450 for 3 people. Not worth the money!

If you are looking for an unbelievable dining experience this is it!! The food, the service, the ambiance are all incredible. Very upscale and a wonderful dining experience. Perfect for that very special occasion or just a night of sumptuous dining. The veal dishes are absolutely fantastic, but you can't go wrong with any choices. FABULOUS

We love Italian food and Baci is one of our favorites in San Diego. Nails consistent - always great food and scrupulously perfect service. Attention to detail. Parking not great but acceptable. Not cheap but worth the price. Broad range of choices. House wines are really good.

This is the 2nd time I've had the pleasure of eating at Baci. The food is probably the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Don't let the location or the outside of the restaurant change your mind. The interior reminds me of an old house. Creaky wood floors, unique molding, etc. I think it is charming. Anyway, the service is 1st class all the way & the food speaks for itself. On both visits, we had a large group of diners. Various choices on food, wine & bar drinks. Excellent review no matter what the choice was. Highly recommend!

What a find, great Italian in San Diego. Atmosphere at the restaurant is great and food is melt in your mouth good. Tony (the owner) and his son Phillip (I think) are very welcoming and took great care of us. We decided to sit at the bar to eat while we watched the Big 12 Basketball tournament (I had a couple guys from Tulsa, Ok with me) and we didn't order, Phillip just kept bringing us food and wine. His wine selection was impeccable and each dish was just fantastic. We had fresh sea urchin, Caesar salads, veal chops and osso bucco. Everything was delicious, and the home made gelato with a shot of espresso on top was an unbelievable night ender. We definitely would go back here when in San Diego again!

Went to this wonderful place for a special occasion. Food was amazing. Restaurant is old school cool. you don't see many restaurants like this anymore.

World class food and service. The atmosphere is nothing short of to die for romantic. In addition to being, IMHO, the best Italian restuarant in San Diego, it's also simply one of my favorites.

A business acquaintance and I had dinner on a Wednesday night. The place was packed and after experiencing the service and the food, no wonder. Truly authentic, and home made tastes. The Ceasar was the best ever.

The ambiance of this place is romantic old world elegant. Beautiful rooms. I ordered two specials and a starter. We started with the burrata mozzarella with prosciutto and arugula. The mozzarella was quite possibly the best I've had. I had the Duroc tomahawk pork in black truffle sauce. I've eaten the finest meals in 64 countries and this is going to be in my top 10. The pork was elevating and the truffle sauce was THICK with truffles. Following a bite of this dish with my super Tuscan wine caused me to have an emotional experience. My husband had the braised veal shank over saffron risotto. Honestly it was also an experience. The wine list was great quality with reasonable prices. Great California or Italian choices. The staff was very professional and actually elegant and knowledgeable. This restaurant is an a must go. I'm just going to admit to the honey chamomile panna cotta with pistachio sponge cake. No words..... Just excellent.

Came here recently with friends while staying at a nearby resort. This restaurant was very elegant and that includes the food and service as well. You definitely get what you pay for, everything was delicious and our server was very polite and professional. I had an issue with my first dish and they handled it perfectly. I had the linguine instead and it was just delightful. The bathrooms could have been a bit cleaner, but they were very nice otherwise, and everything else was great. Would be happy to come again for a special occasion.

Nice to get away from the crowd and enjoy some Italian. Service was excellent well worth the cab ride from the harbour.

This is a classic family owned Italian Resurant with superior/gourmet meals. The Cheif prepares specials daily! Wonderful fresh fish served with unique Itialn sauces, not to mention the excellent Italian dishes. They have a superior wine list with a private reserve , you have to ask for it. White table clothes and excellent service is a main stay here, you will always have a excellent meal along with great atmosphere at Baci's. The waiters are attentive, well informed and friendly. This is a gem in San Diego, a Class A, Italian restaurant on Morena Blvd., across from Mission Bay. Only open for dinner.

Felt like we had gone back in time a bit, but that wasn't a bad thing! Waiters in black suit and tie, all the typical Italian dishes (no pizza which was fine for us), and great service. Loved the halibut special served with crispy leeks. We were staying at the Hilton resort & spa so this was a nice break from the food there. A 10m cab ride.

This is the real deal. Authentic Italian great service well worth the $$$$. Our server was knowledgeable and we went with most of his suggestions. We were not disappointed. I have only one thing to say about the food, Osso Buco, and a nice Chianti.

We just enjoyed our Anniversary lunch at Baci - here in San Diego - and it still remains a gem. http://www.sandiegobaci.com/about_us.php, It has a classic setting and our Tuxedo clad waiter - Mario - was a pro's pro. The house Chard was quite acceptable - as was the Spritzer he recommended for my wife (she had an afternoon appointment). The faire started with a wonderful/toasted lightly drizzled - garlic/butter bread - and we split a very tasty Calamari appetizer (so fresh and lightly cooked with a sweet Marinara sauce to boot). My wife then had superb Salmon/Caesar salad (with heirloom tomatoes and perfectly blanched carrot sticks - and what a great piece of Salmon) - and moi - a Pasta/Penne Poscailoa - which had an incredible Aurora sauce - and then with an ultra light Tiramisu dessert - it was just perfect!! Grazie Baci. :)

Fantastic sword fish Thick as a fllet. The maitre d is the most helpful and charming I have even seen. Including the West and East and South coast. No wonder it has high reviews.

Was brought here for dinner by some business associates and found the restaurant to be really top notch. Very old school in terms of the service and ambiance and the food is top quality. We had a long unhurried meal accompanied by wine. The server never rushed us and the specials ( I had veal chop saltimbocca ) were excellent. They are known I hear for their swordfish dish and several at my table ordered and seemed to enjoy it very much. The owner came over and greeted us during our meal. Overall I thought this was as good an Italian dinner as I've had on the West Coast since moving here from NY 20 years ago.

We took a couple of our most important clients to Baci and everyone was impressed. The antipasti were simple, but fantastic brochette, carpaccio and buffalo mozzarella. We had sea urchin so fresh that it was still moving, really, with taste beyond anything I'd tasted in the finest sushi restaurants in Tokyo and New York. Our pasta course included a world class tortellini, rivaling the best that I've enjoyed in Rome, Florence and Venice. Several of us were lucky enough to have prime filet Mignon. It came covered with a sauce and I thought to myself, oh they're hiding a problem, but it was fork-tender. It was one of the best steaks that I've ever had. The deserts were wonderful, in keeping with the exceptional dinner.

Calamari appetizer was OK but our Pasta was great. I had veal tortellini which i am still thinking about. Wife had some Gnochi which was ok. ONly downside was that our waiter was very nice older italian man. He put pepper on our pasta without asking, i think he thought it was parmasean cheese and we had scrape the sauce of our pasta cause there was so much pepper on it.

Wow what can I say. Not into the chain restaurant type dinner. Local family owned place. Didn't even look at the menu. The owner asked what I liked and boy did he deliver. Skip the other places and go here for sure. Can't wait to go back. Enjoy Baci!

Outstanding service and good food. The servers here are true pros and serve with pride. Very nice outdoor area that they opened up just for us.

The food at Baci's is wonderfully delicious! We had the Osso Buco, Chilean Sea Bass, Linguine and clams and spaghetti with marinara. We started with the calamari, wine and a cocktail and they were all very good. The dessert was wonderful too. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was Phillip and he did a great job and described all of the specials perfectly! I highly recommend Baci's, it's quiet and lovely, we will be back!

This place was recommended by our hotel concierge and my family was very happy with this choice. Food was excellent and the service stellar! Our server was always watching to see what we needed and made suggestions for specialties they served and also wine pairings - Truly enjoyed the evening meal there. Excellent is all I can say!

baci ristorante italiano brings back the days of fine dining, when tuxedo dressed waiters serve graciously, where dishes are prepared meticulously for flavor and appearances, where the wine is selected lovingly, where the ambiance is elegant? then baci is your restaurant of choice. slightly off the beaten path but convenient to the freeway, it is worth making the effort to dine there. it is my favorite italian.

Baci is set in an unassuming location on Morena Blvd., a far cry from the Gaslamp District or La Jolla. It is a hidden gem that is worth finding. The food and service are truly outstanding. There is an extensive menu of traditional Italian dishes as well as several nightly specials. Service is also impeccable and carried out by wait staff that are true professionals who make you feel as though you are a guest in their home and not a customer.

Had a perfect evening at this established restaurant in Old Town. Service was superb--even for a party of nine. Everyone's food earned the highest marks. Most unusual on the menu was sea urchin--which the chef provided to our table even though everyone was a bit squeamish about trying it. It was delicious, according to the adventurous diners in our group!

We love this place and always find time to dine there whenever we are in San Diego. The food and service are excellent. We have always dined with friends and have always had a memorable evening.

As a native Italian, I am always negatively biased when I go to an Italian restaurant in the USA. My initial concern got worse when the waiter started talking to us in an extremely strong Italian accent in his English, almost as if he was overstating it in a caricatural way. Yet all concerns went away and I was 100% satisfied. Starters were top quality, their winery has very good options and they even have Chianti Rosso from Castello di Ama, which my dad used to drink when I was a kid and stayed at home. How could I not order it? it was delicious! My clamshell linguine were full of shells, maybe though missing a pinch of sault. Overall a very good experience, so close to native Italian taste. Highly recommended!

Baci has been our favorite restaurant for years. Not only is it known for great Italian food, but the seafood is truly outstanding - fresh fish every day (swordfish oreganata is superb), scampi with lobster sauce, sea urchin, etc. The wait staff has little turnover and the service is very personal. We highly recommend Baci to anyone visiting San Diego - it's the best!

Great pasta in this small neighborhood restaurant! Owner/hostess very friendly and very helpful. Was worth the cab ride out and back from the city.

Beware of busy nights at Baci!!!!!!! unfortunately, we made the mistake of making a reservation for 4 and going there on a holiday, big mistake, not a smile in sight..... not a pleasantry available for us from anybody other than the gentle bus person....... the owner, waiter etc were grim! sadly the pasta dish was poorly cooked......... the sauce was gelatinous...... unfortunately, the owner did not care that evening! he did not even bother to respond to my letter...... guess his "holiday" theory is to squeeze out all the $$ you can and "no never mind" your customers would you go back or send anybody there????????

This restaurant does everything you would expect from a fine restaurant. You are greeted warmly as if you are a regular (this was my first visit as I am only visiting San Diego), the atmosphere is superb (the cozy booth was very romantic), the service was outstanding (very attentive but not over bearing), the food was excellent (more on that later) and the plate presentation had wonderful eye appeal. I could tell there are quite a few regulars as the place was very busy for a Monday night. For starters I had the fresh mozzarella appetizer. This was very fresh and was wrapped in a thin layer of prosciutto with fresh arugula and a balsamic glaze. This was a real palette pleaser. I believe this special was called a Burrata Salad. If available when you visit I highly recommend it. I also had the Caesar Salad and the dressing was just right. For main courses I had the Sword Fish special and this was also excellent. It was done oreganata style and was very thick and very juicy. The wine sauce was superb and the fresh green beans and roasted potatoes were a great compliment. I also tried the Salmon special which was finished in a wine garlic sauce with mushrooms. The combination works wonderfully. The wine list was plentiful as was the wines by the glass. The garlic bread they serve also was made wonderfully. Too bad I had too much of that as I was too stuffed to try any of their desserts, but if they were like everything else I'm sure they were wonderful. This is a great place for dinner and there is off street parking just for Baci patrons in the back.

I hadn't been to Baci for many years, and I had forgotten what a fun experience this restaurant is. Our party of 8 had wonderful food which included fried calamari, Caesar's salad, pasta vongole, and fresh sole. The service was terrific. I felt like I was dining in a private room, though the restaurant was busy. We had tiramisu and afagado for desert. Both dishes were excellent. I will go to Baci again soon.

We picked this restaurant to celebrate a birthday and reserved using Open Table. We arrived on time, but there was no one to greet us. Then the greeter seemed confused as to who we were and where we would be seated. Asked if patio was okay but didn't give us a choice. Patio in back was noisy and not particularly charming....could have used some music to drown the din. The wine offerings seemed quite pricey but we did enjoy our selections. We also found the food offerings quite expensive, given the portion size and quality. We asked to split a caesar salad, which was done in the kitchen but was not evenly split nor memorable. The veal marsala was average....we have had better. The service was good, except I somehow expected that they might offer something to the birthday celebrant. The experience did not leave a great impression and we probably will not return.

What a great restaurant! So understated and classic. Impressed with the quality of food and the service. They created a great sea bass and I loved the Baci salad. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.

There are lots of Italian restaurants in San Diego. None beat Baci's for consistently great Northern Italian cuisine. Everything is well prepared and delicious. The swordfish oreganata is different, and it's fantastic. All of the veal dishes are also superb. Expect great service from a tuxedoed waiter, a nice atmosphere, and a memorable meal. The only knock on Baci's is that it's kind of in the middle of nowhere -- but convenient to the freeway and no more than 15 minutes from anywhere in central San Diego. But, well worth the trip!!

This is a classic Italian restaurant - formal service. A family restaurant owned and run by a true Italian. This is a good place to go with great food...for a special occasion, a business lunch and or dinner, friends, family, or a romantic dinner with your loved one. Indoor and patio setting (for private functions). This is lovely place and the servers are attentive. Amazing seafood specials, wonderful osso buco, sea urchin pasta ...and other delights. Check it out - but I recommend a reservation!

Met a local area client on a mid day week and Tony and his staff were outstanding. Made us feel very welcome as if we'd been there a million times despite this being our first time - my client was impressed and helped us get to know one another in a great place!

It had been years since I had dined here. Twice this year I have experienced the excellent food and service of Baci's. Tonight, a friend and I dined in advance of a trip to Italy. I find nothing to complain or criticize. It can be noisy, however. I suspect that if that is an issue one can request a quieter area of the restaurant. I do acknowledge it is not an inexpensive restaurant. I will return and return.

It's hard to add any compliments that haven't already been said by many. Our server recommended an excellent wine, as well as helped us with food choices. All the food was amazing, including the off-menu veal I had per the server's recommendation. We were even gifted a pair of limoncellos because it was our anniversary. You won't find better service.

Cannot believe I have lived in San Diego for more than 10 years and only NOW discovered Baci, thanks to a friend who used to live around the corner. What a great find. The food was terrific! I had the salmon, my wife the Chilean sea bass. Both were outstanding. Our friends had linguini with freshly caught sea urchin (caught that day off the San Diego coast), which they loved. This is truly a family-owned and operated restaurant. Owner Tony is a gracious throwback to the kind of restaurant owners that seem to have slipped away. You might as well be walking into his home. Baci is not trendy, and doesn't try to be, which is why it has stood the test of decades. It's a comfortable atmosphere. Waiters (including Tony's son) in tuxedos, guests casual. We sat outside on the covered and enclosed patio, which was delightful on what was a spectacular San Diego night. In a town where restaurants come and go as fast as the cloud cover, Baci is a staple for good reason: It's really good. I mean - they make all of their deserts, including the gelato. This was our first visit, certainly won't be our last. Love long enough and you really do learn something new every day. Thanks for a great meal, Tony!

After seeing the excellent reviews for this restaurant, I made the mistake of booking a reservation to entertain important business clients. The restaurant staff making the reservation asked if the occasion was to celebrate something important , so they knew this was an important client. When we arrived, we found the restaurant was closed (handwritten sign on door saying "Closed for the evening- Sorry for any inconvenience"). Totally unacceptable. Why no call to notify me? What an embarrassment to my client, not to mention a wasted $55 round trip cab ride.

My wife and I found this restaurant while searching for a place to have dinner. The service is great, food is fantastic. It is an old world type restaurant that reminded us of places we used frequent in Chicago. Mussels, linguine, gnocchi, gelato, wine are all great here. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal with an old school feel.

Where do I begin? I was taken to this restaurant last week and I thought I died and went to food heaven that was graced with such beautiful aroma and taste. Waxing lyrical only? - eh no. Every thing I had at Baci's was exquisite. This is not a restaurant for pizza or your average lasagna. This is for the special meal that you need for your soul. When you walk into the rooms you notice the beautiful yet tasteful decor - the art on the walls is just stunning. You are seated and immediately someone comes with the wine list. I had a special for the antipasti - couldn't tell you what it was called - but it was a pasta dish with flavoring that made me groan with pleasure. I shared the Caesar salad with extra crispy proscuitto. My entre was Scampi in Lobster Sauce and I then swore I'd never eat anywhere else - beautifully made. My friend had the Swordfish Oreganato which I will have to have the next time. My friend and I shared the creme brulee. You absolutely pay for what you get and it sooo worth it.

Went to Baci's with family celebrating a birthday. The most incredible food and service. Not cheap but, you get what you pay for. This restaurant has been around for over 30 years , there's a reason why Great food and service!!!!!!!

Tony, the owner bought two houses behind the restaurant accessible on the southside alleyway to the restaurant. the old houses were removed and there is ample parking.

What a wonderful venue with superb service and awesome food. Fine Italian dinning at its best! A fabulous dining experience

This is a true San Diego restaurant in the thought lost mold. Featuring black tie knowledgeable waiters, opulent ambience for that special time together. The food is delicious with a varied Italian menu, served elegantly for the most discerning taste and palate.

The setting could be in Italy, upscale and classy. The welcome we received was warm and inviting. Bow ties and tuxes, nice touch. The luncheon menu has many excellent choices, and none will disappoint. The red sauces met my palate, and all choices should meet everyone's needs.

We felt as if we were walking into the ‘50s when we saw the lovely interior of this place and the elegantly dressed waiters. We had seen the rather plain exterior for years from nearby I-5 and one day we decided to try Baci. Wow, were we surprised by the quality of the dinners! This place is now a favorite for our special occasions. It’s expensive but worth every dollar. Our favorite items: any fish dish. The special yesterday of Sole Picata was heavenly! The scallops are also terrific. Actually, we like whole menu. Save room for the Creme Brulee. My husband has decided that the vanilla ice cream topped with espresso coffee is his favorite dessert. Those in the know fill this charming restaurant early on, so you’d be wise to make reservations. Note: From the street it may look as if the restaurant has no parking lot but if you drive a few yards down the alley next to the establishment, you will find the parking lot.

I love the food and the ambiance here. We are regulars and they will always make a special request order. My husband enjoys calamari in marinara over angel hair pasta. My favorite is the salmon piccata. Service is excellent. Highly recommend for a classy lunch.

White tablecloths. Attentive waiters. Fabulous food. Baci has it all -- so it was a great place for two friends and me to have our annual holiday dinner. The ambience is "old school," and I mean that in the best way. No glitz or glam, but elegance for sure. We started with a burrata appetizer (a special that night) that was to die for. The warm bread was fabulous, too; it was hard to stop at 2 pieces. I chose Pollo Parmigiana as my entree, and believe me, this was "chicken parm" at its finest, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and lovely broccolini. One of my friends raved about her stuffed chicken dish and the other was over the moon about her seafood pasta. I was too stuffed for dessert (too much bread!) so I didn't partake in the house-made vanilla and pistachio gelato, but my friends said it was the best they'd ever had. It was a bit pricey, but as has been said many times before, you do get what you pay for!

I have been eating at Baci since just after it opened and look forward to each visit. The food and service are superb. Never have in doubt in recommending it.

Excellent atmosphere, delicious food from the entrances to dessert. Good selection of wines. Reservation is recommended

Everything is fresh and delicious. My choice was the shrimp diablo. Four large butterflied shrimp steeped in a wonderful spicy tomato sauce over angel hair pasta. Superb! Hint....take your time to enjoy the food and the service. Also, they have their own parking lot in the alley behind the building. Enjoy!

Baci's has become my go to restaurant now. The food is excellent, the service terrific, and the ambiance wonderful. The prices are reasonable.

Coworker have been raving about this place for a long time, so finally found an opportunity to check it out. It's one of few places on San Diego where old-time waiters serve you while wearing a tux, just link the way it used to be. We each had a burrata cheese appetizer, a great tagliatelle in lamb ragu & an unusual spaghetti in sea urchin cream sauce with fresh sea urchin on top. The food, service & atmosphere were all top notch, and the numerous autographed photos of old Hollywood stars were a nice touch.

Baci served us absolutely the best Italian meal that I've had in San Diego, and among the best I've been privileged to enjoy around the world. Our evening stared with a perfect Makers Mark Manhattan and glass of Brunelli for my guest. The service was impeccable without being pushy or obsequious; the food incredibly fresh and delectable (gnocchi ai quattro formaggi; caesar w/crumbled toasted prosciutto; veal piccata; gelato); and the ambience inviting. There is plenty of parking around the restaurant. I can't imagine why it took me so long to listen to my boss' advice and have dinner here (I guess that's one of the reasons that he's the boss!)

This was one of my favorite meals in San Diego. From the outside I didn't expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The live sea urchin was wonderful. They had several Italian beers I had never had. The pasta was of course very good.

We went to Baci for a family dinner. I wasn't very hungry so I ordered the house salad, which I believe was $7.00. I asked for grilled Salmon to be added to the salad. The salad was extremely small, and they brought me a bowl of oil with a few drops of balsamic. I tried to mix it but there was too much oil. The worst part was that they charged me $27.95 for this salmon salad. The salmon dish on the menu cost less than this. I don't think it's reasonable to expect a small piece of salmon would cost $21. My friend had the eggplant parm which was also sub par.

I keep thinking about the gnocchi I had here, it was the best I've ever had! My family had a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner here. The waiter brought complimentary ginger ale in a champagne flute for my son so he could toast with us. My husband had some sort of fish (I forget what kind) and he said it was delicious. My son had mussels but wasn't particularly found of them but that could be because he's 8! Everything was wonderful, including our server. Best meal in San Diego.

From the pristine tablesettings to the prompt and discreet to service, this is just an excellent place for a good meal. And the homemade pasta, Mmmmmm. I might add that the seat urchin appetizer, which we tried on a dare, probably was not as good as the calamari. But then consider the source, I'm from the Midwest ...!

I was blown away by the gnocchi; it reminded me of a great place in Monterroso al Mare, Italy. Our food was fresh and tasty. The wait staff was wonderful and accommodating. The black truffle pasta was sublime. I can't wait to go back the next time in San Diego.

This is a fabulous white tablecloth Italian restaurant. Fine food served with a subdued flair. Just the right amount of attention is paid to diners by the staff, attentive and not intrusive.

This restaurant certainly had potential to be one of my favorites. I love the decor and wanted to steal some of the artwork off the walls. But the food left me a little cold. First off, price. Its way too high for what we got. My husband ordered Osso Buco. Very heavy and a bit overwhelming. I ordered a fish special. Fish was dry and overcooked. We did luck out and ordered a good bottle of wine and a great creme brulee dessert which were the highlight of the visit. The place is cozy and has a romantic feel. If you're not a foodie and just want a good place to spend some time with the spouse give it a try. But don't go for knock your socks off food. You wont get that.

An established authentic Italian Restaurant, serving since 1979. We have been there many times, most recently two weeks ago. You are greeted with enthusiasm. The service is impeccable. The head server is very knowledgeable on wines as well as the specials of the day, of which there are many. There are three levels of seating to the restaurant, any of which is very comfortable. The steamed mussels are excellent as a starter, but my favorite is the grilled octopus. The linguini alle cozze is well done as is the alle vongole. The veal chop is tasty and tender. I had the veal oso buco recently which was wonderful. A classic restaurant worth a visit.

Walking in was like returning to the good old days with the waiters wearing tuxedos. It was obvious that our waiter had been working here for a while. He explained the menu very well. The one problem was with all the specials that were featured. It would have been better that instead of telling us that we would have given us an extra menu. It is a very nice restaurant for a person that longs for the traditional Italian restaurant.

At a friend's recommendation, my wife, daughter and I ate here while visiting San Diego. Our friend is in San Diego twice a month and frequents many restaurants in the Gas Lamp district so we were surprised when he recommended Baci. He was right, though, it was worth going here. The service was impeccable and the food was very good. We will return some time.

The food was incredible! the service even better!! francesco our waiter was the best.Phillip and Tony were on top of everything.

Service excellent, Food excellent and atmosphere top notch!! Quiet, comfortable environment where your every wish will be taken care of. Order veal and fish dishes- salads served cold and crisp, wines are wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful old school Italian restaurant which we found out about from friends in San Diego. It's a little outside of downtown San Diego and well worth the 5 minute drive. Our group had Osso Buco, their signature Swordfish and a rack of lamb. All first rate. The service was also outstanding.

My husband and I dined here over the holidays and we enjoyed it! I had the veal chop and it was very tender. They have a very good wine selection and the tira misu was delicious.

My team of 8 had a fantastic evening. The wait staff anticipated everything we needed. The mussels in broth were wonderful. The eggplant fabulous. Lovely evening

What a hidden gem. The outside is very unassuming and the inside is gorgeous. Excellent wait staff, excellent food. Plenty of parking in the rear.

Baci has become one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always very good, the service terrific, and the old world atmosphere is appealing. There is valet parking.

We took my 97 year old mother-in-law out to dinner here to celebrate her return to Portland the next morning. The wait staff was amazingly kind, thoughtful, and very thorough. The food was very traditional. We had a lovely evening.

I found this on yelp and wanted to try it. It is a more intimate feel, as if it were a house they turned into a restaurant. Food was amazing!

Walk into Baci and step into a special place. Waiters are all very friendly and ready to help, and owners are there to personally ensure a first class experience. Food is fresh and delicious. I recommend swordfish along with pasta in a simple sauce of butter and garlic. Great for a special date, or with a large group.

My wife and I went here for dinner. It looks like an upscale romantic place. The chicken parm and Tuscany were both excellent. The service was great. Pricing isn't cheap, but it's a good value considering how high quality everything was.

I had looked up Italian restaurants in San Diego so my wife and I could spend a delightful evening exploring new places and finding new gems. We live in San Diego for 4 months each summer so restaurants are important. On a number of web sites there was talk about Baci Restaurant near Mission Bay in a non descript neighborhood. It said that even the restaurant entrance was non obtrusive. The reviews arre correct. What the reviews also said was that this restaurant is the #1 Italian restaurnat in town and they are correct. From the time we walked in and sat in the bar, we had a great time. The bartender was a delight with terrific stories and big drinks. We were ushered to our table when we were ready. We elected to sit in the patio and it feels like Italy. Our waiter, Sandro, was perfect. He was able to add his personality to everything that we ordered in a nice, quiet way. I chose to pig out so I had prosciutto and melon and then a heavily garlic Caesar's salad. It was exactly what I asked for. (Oh, the bread is also garlic bread). For my main, I had a rack of lamb and it came accompanied by mashed potatoes and carrots. For $38 they give you two 2 rib chops that are huge and juicy. What a meal. My wife had Veal Chop Milanese and she couldn't stop raving. I tasted it and she was spot on- another perfect meal. For desert we shared some ice cream- pistachio and vanilla. Both of us were so excited when we got back in our car for our drive home. What a winner. Oh, btw- Tony is the owner and what a charming and gracious guy he is. We can't wait to go back.

We had lunch at Baci today. I had the vongole, which was delicious. The gelato was homemade and wonderful. My glass of sauvignon blanc was very tasty. Our waiter was professional and helpful.This restaurant continues to be one of my favorites.

Great place to take a group of 30-40 for a casual business dinner. The food and service was great and the ambiance in the private room made for a great place to entertain our clients.

Just a short cab ride from downtown, up past the airport, Baci is as amazing inside as it is unassuming outside. Took a group of 16 there for dinner. We were seated in the little courtyard out back. Great wines, great food and great service. No one had to wait for anything. We tried several great italian wines. So good we went back in a small group the next night. Check out the art work too!

Old school, waiters in tuxedos, bartender with 26 years at the restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed Baci, where we ate with some friends who had lived in San Diego for many years, and thought we would enjoy it. The Caesar salad and swordfish, which my wife and I split, were really good, particularly the swordfish. As good as I have ever had. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu, the specials, preparation, etc. our new favorite restaurant in San Diego.

This amazing, authentic Italian Restaurant was wonderful once you stepped inside! There were small rooms as well as a large room in the rear. It was impeccably decorated with double white linen on the table tops. Our server,Francesco, was excellent! Everyone that worked there was on top of things. The helper, the host and our server were checking all the time without actually interrupting often, which I really liked. I had the veal piccata and my husband had the chicken parmesan. He also had a martini that he stated was just perfect! I indulged in a dessert also which was very delicious! Again, our wonderful concierge from the Hilton Resort and Spa, had promoted this eatery as the best true Italian food nearby. I would highly recommend the Baci to anyone who loves Italian food! You will NOT be disappointed!!

This restaurant was recommended to us by our shuttle driver. We had the best Italian Food at Baci's than anywhere else we ever dined Italian while away either on vacation or business. The wait staff goes above & beyond, the meals are cooked to order, and they have an extensive wine list.

What a great place. Waiter was over the top informative and the food was excellent. Highly recommended

my last visit was several years ago, but the food and service continues to be excellent. if available, you must always have the Burratta Salad, it literally melts in your mouth. A great classic San Diego restaurant

Excellent service and food, The waiter was very kind and we have an incredible evening!! If you are looking for an italian restaurant, this is the best place you can choose!!

A little off the beaten path...but ratings online were very good and we were staying in Mission Bay so decided to try this place. Very old style....felt like we were back in Italy in the 70s. Service was excellent but, most surprising, food was terrific!! Best Caesar Salad and Veal Parm I've had in the US. Bartender made me the best Whiskey Sour with egg whites that I've had since Scotland. Highly recommend this restaurant for its old world feel, service and great food. Just beware...parking is limited in the lot and you may have to search for parking on the streets nearby.

My wife and I went there on advice...what a great find! Exemplary service. Good exceptional. We felt like we were the most important people there. Wonderful!

We have been to San Diego many times but have always stayed out on Coronado Island and never made it inland to Boci. This time we stayed at Dana Point and made sure we enjoyed a top rate Italian dinner at this "neighborhood" restaurant which is a favorite for locals and visitors. The locale is considered Old Town but at the very far northern border. When you walk in and see the waiters in formal attire, you hope your business casual dress will be appropriate. There really is nothing formal about the old world Italian charm of the decor and exceptional service. They have patio seating but we opted for a cozy booth inside so we could visit comfortably with friends. I think the main dining room could be quite romantic! The menu is extensive with Northern and Southern Italian dishes. Veal, pasta, fresh fish but do not pass up their daily specials. Everything is delicious and brought back wonderful memories of terrific meals we have enjoyed on numerous trips to Italy. They have an extensive wine list but do not mind your bringing your own wine. There is a corkage fee. I would recommend a reservation but understand they graciously try to seat walk ins. Lunch and dinner are served. I wish it had not taken us so long to get here to enjoy a terrific, authentic Italian meal. Their garlic bread is addictive. We all agreed we ate too much of it before our appetizers arrived. My husband loves fresh mozzarella and said this was some of the best he has ever had. We each had a different main course and got to try each other's steak, veal, sword fish and pasta. Had to try the Tiramisu which was served beautifully and was very good. Will definitely be back for another outstanding Italian dinner the next time in San Diego.

The place looks like it's home to the mafia. I'm sure the mafia didn't have any better food. It's a full menu but if it's Italian and not on the menu, they will prepare it for you. Veal dishes are excellent. The Petrale sole is out of this world. The very knowledgable wait staff is great. They will be in tuxedos, but they won't throw you out if you're in jeans.

Delicious food, great atmosphere, and the staff is amazing. Long time employees say a lot about a restaurant. This is a must if you are in San Diego.

Had a party for a dozen people and they handled everything with care. I choose several wines, and had a preset appetizer and shared dessert with each guest ordering their own entree. We had space in the back but I have also been seated in the front with fewer people. Baci is a warm and inviting atmosphere and the food is 'spot on'!

Yep, 24,000 kisses for Baci! It restores my faith in restaurants culture. Oh, how I long for pleasant settings, attentive service without showing unnecessary familiarity, good, make this great Southern Italian cooking and all topped with a very Italian wine list. All of these present in this place. Baci, I salute you!

Enjoyed a wonderful dinner with my cousins. Baci certainly was the finest restaurant that we ever experienced. Restaurant is off the beaten path. Decor is Old World Italian with the most professional, caring, and polite staff. We were seated in a secluded booth, which was very private. Server was exceptional and took charge immediately. We began appetizers with fried calamari..cooked to perfection, and sliced portabello mushrooms in garlic and oil. Our entrees consisted of classic dishes of pollo parmesan. Chicken was most tender and sauce was light and tasteful. We also ordered gnocchi stuffed with pork, topped with sage and butter sauce. Portions were huge and flavorful. Dessert consisted of pistachio and Heath Bar gelato topped with a jigger Bailey's. We also devoured the tiramisu...decadent and light and creamy. Our meal at Bacci could not have been better! The food, ambiance, attention to detail, and wait staff far excelled anything in my recent memory. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this hidden gem! You will certainly not be disappointed!

The patio dining was well beyond our expectations. The patio had an Italian decorated atmosphere and pleasant ambience. The quality and quantity of food along with the service was excellent. Very limited seating so advance reservations are necessary. A highly recommended restaurant when visiting San Diego.

We were staying nearby and decided to give this a try. It is located on a busy street next to the 5 freeway near Mission Bay. From the outside it looked like any regular facade. When we entered we were transported to a feeling of fancy Italian restaurants from a bygone era. We were seated at a comfortable booth near the entryway which allowed us to see other guests entering the restaurant. It was a very busy place. Had a glass of Sangiovese wine which was very good. Then came a very tasty and fresh Caesar. The main course was an incredibly tasty and rich Lamb Ragu with Pepppardelle. Had to wipe down the dish with the very tasty bread that was served. Superb!

Baci is truly a touch of Italy in the heart of San Diego, located in a nondescript, but central area. Restaurant is made up of several rooms, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Christmas decorations added to the charming ambiance. Our waiter was soo knowledgeable and personable, we wanted him to join us for dinner. His recommendations were tops. We began with the burrata starter, one order per couple and just the right amount of appie. Hubby and I shared a goat cheese salad, which was ample and filling. (We were so stuffed later, we really should have skipped the salad.) An entrees, two of us had the giant and tender pork special, two had the veal special, one had the swordfish, and one had the shrimp pasta in lobster sauce. The options of adding sides of pasta is great alternative to potatoes. The tortellini pasta was truly heavenly. We added aperitifs and a couple bottles of wine and spent a pretty penny. But it was really worth the holiday splurge. Everyone raved and wants to return... for the charm, great service, and delicious food. Note: Although the web site says free parking behind the restaurant, there were only a couple spots, so arrive a bit early to search for neighborhood street parking.

Reserved our anniversary table for 2 thru Open Table based on TA reviews, pictures and menu. Having just flown into town, staying near the convention center, and w/o a car, we knew this dinner might be an adventure; a lot like our marriage. After a $30 cab ride, we get out in front of an old restaurant in a neighborhood restaurant/bar area. We're a few minutes early but are seated immediately by our waiter/entertainment/host for the evening, Aguilar. After he explains what they can do with the menu items, we start off with the traditional Insalate Caprese which normally comes with 3 pieces. Aguilar suggests adding a 4th and has it plated separately for us, 2 & 2 ($17). We then split a traditional Caesar salad ($8) with the crispy prosciutto added (+$2). Not too heavy with dressing allowing the cheese to come to the front. Prosciutto was a nice twist adding another layer of flavor. Again, Aguilar split the salad and plated it separately. Wife orders the swordfish. Aguilar had bragged on it and she went with his recommendation. I went off menu at his suggestion and had a Veal Saltimbocca. All entrees are served with broccolini and mashed potatoes, and wonderful bread with traditional olive oil/balsamic vinegar. Aguilar also served us some of their special olive oil infused with garlic, peppers, etc. When he says it's spicy, he's not kidding; if you like some zip, you'll love this oil. Swordfish ($34) was everything it was bragged about and maybe more! The finish/crust on this fish is awesome as it sits on the bed of potatoes. My veal ($43) was wonderful with vivid traditional Saltimbocca tastes/flavors. The Rosemary is prominent but adds so much to the meal. Aguilar surprised us with an anniversary gift of a Tiramisu dessert with a candle a top for us to share. Yes, we were stuffed, but we ate it anyway. Simply some of the best Tiramisu I've ever had. After boxing and bagging the remains so we can continue enjoying our anniversary dinner, Aguilar summoned a cab and let us know when it arrived. This place is Italian. That's the language of the staff, and as the night went on, we noticed it was the language of many of the customers. The staff wears tuxedos, but Baci's has no strict dress code. We saw everything from suits to shorts. We knew this going in as I had asked via their 'contact us' link on their website which was answered the next day. So, short story long, total bill after tax & tip (we hope it was generous enough for Aguilar making our anniversary dinner so fun, filling & special) was $222. Ok, there was a nice bottle of wine in that too! We would probably go again if ever in the area, but it was a great one-time experience. 33 years of marriage - hard work, patience and a mutual sense of exploration - a lot like our meal at Baci's - we had to work to find it and get there, but it was well worth the effort.

My wife ate the Penne Melanzane and I had the Spaghetti Vongole. We started with an arugula salad with shaved Parmesan. To accompany this I had a couple of glasses of the house Chardonnay. Frankly this was by far the best meal that I have eaten out since we arrived in California 3 months ago. The accompanying pane was also delicious and we will certainly return. The menu is relatively limited but I believe this to be an advantage and they take the fact that the sea is so close to incorporate a number of very attractive dishes in their menu. We will certainly include this in our default list of places to eat!

As soon as you enter the restaurant, you can feel the old world Italian charm. It is elegant but not overly done, very reminiscent of a Roman ristorante. Our waiter Filippo was a class act. The moment he approached the table, I knew we were in for a nice, leisurely evening. The menu was well versed in traditional favorites but had a few surprises for every course. The wine list was also a treat, containing a variety of gems to choose from with extremely treasonable prices for a restaurant of this caliber. The pace of our meal was spot on. Our waiter allowed us to finish our cocktails before even taking our orders. The specials were all intriguing and we ended up ordering one for every course. We started off with a buratta that had a nice bite and a creamy delicious inside. We also enjoyed a beef carpaccio that was one of the best I have ever had. The meat was pounded instead of sliced prosciutto thin and had a texture and taste that were second to none. The pasta course was sea urchin spaghetti that was amazingly simple and delicious, a basic aglio olio recipe with the uni blended into a creamy consistency that made my taste buds sing. We followed that up with a wonderfully fresh branzino also very simply prepared and a veal chop Milanese with a nice, crisp, flavorful breading. The meat was so tender, no knife was necessary. We paired or meal with an awesome Tuscan Cabernet Franc that complimented both the pasta and the chop quite well. Needless to say there was no room for dessert, so we enjoyed a relaxing digestivo before calling it an evening. They were gracious enough to call their "favorite" cab for us and the manager offered us a wonderful complimentary glass of port and lively conversation while we waited for our ride to arrive. My guess from the congeniality and sociability of the entire staff was that 80% plus of the guests that night were regulars and I could see why. They made us feel at home from the moment we walked in and treated us to one of the finest meals we had during our five days in San Diego. Hats off to the entire staff from hostess to chef for a job well done in atmosphere, food, and service. Can't wait to come back!

Four of us went to Baci for dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. From our efficient (and authentic) waiter to the extensive Italian menu to the fine food, it was a real treat. We were used to self-parking in their lot, but on weekends had to use valet parking. Of course, the place was packed, so we saw the reason for valet parking. The pasta vongole and veal piccata were excellent.

This has been one of my most memorable dining experiences to date. The service and atmosphere were great. I ordered the Calamari Fritti and Chilean Seabass, both were delicious. However, my most memorable experience was when my waiter told me, "..my word means everything to me!" I would highly recommend this dining experience to all.

OMG. Great professional waiters in formal Tux's". Beautiful decor, old guard. Many of the patrons looked as they had been coming to Baci's for years . A lot of very familiar faces. The service was first class. Our waiter, Brian , was the epitome of professionalism? The Rogula salad was perfection with shaved cheese rather than the normal grated. The offered Petrale Sole as an offering. I normally would not order it unless I was in San Francisco. It was superb. The warm Garlic Bread was great. A wonderful experience and I hope that this place stays in business forever. A truly lovely evening and a special thanks to Brian .

Most memorable meal of my life! First, it was raining and we were driving around San Diego looking for a place to eat. We ran in and saw that the waiters were wearing tuxedos! We were in jeans and turned around immediately but the Maitre' D stopped us and insisted we stay. He suggested an appetizer and we told him to bring it without allowing him to explain what it was. A LIVE sea urchin the size of my head arrived, cut ope at the top and surrounded by garlic toast and lemons. He explained that these were picked up that day from the ocean and it was quite a delicacy in Italy to have them so fresh! We laughed, got over our initial fear and tasted the freshest, most delicious seafood of my life! This is a local hang-out, destination restaurant with a 5 Star staff! You have to make an effort to dine here if you are in San Diego!

Live sea urchin was our first round very different. I opted for bison with Champaign risotto, different for an Italian restaurant but excellent. We had a table for ten, and the service was great.

Had a large group of discerning diners from out of town meet here and had a great time! Wonderful arrangements from manager Phil D'Amato with a great staff and terrific chef. Everyone ate and drank and had a ball in a special room in the back! Prices were good for a large group. This was our second time at this restaurant and we will be back. If you have a large group or just a couple or family sized group, you should check out this place. You won't regret it!

Wow, this place was great. We started with salads - hearts of palm for my friend and the special burrata and prosciutto salad for me. They were both fantastic - the dressing was perfectly balanced and there was just enough of it. Then we shared eggplant parmesan and tortellini, which were both delicious. I was so full at that point that I could hardly move, but I was tempted to order another entree anyway. Our waiter was great - very attentive, but did not hover. Highly recommended.

I'm sorry but if you have not been, you have not tried good swordfish or sea-urchin, or good gelato. I have traveled the world, and I have never had a better ice cream IN MY LIFE, and I eat a lot of ice cream :). I hate fish, but the swordfish is to die for!!! Sea-urchin as well. Steak is great to, but it's not the best in town, but still great. I've gone 6 times in my life, and I needed to review them on TA. If you're in San Diego, this is a gem. It does not look great from exterior, but it is a fantastically decorated and clean establishment inside. Very romantic, celebrate my anniversary here. Staff is very friendly and genuine!

Took my bride to Baci for a special birthday dinner. The place dripped old world charm and elegance from the tuxedoed waiters to the furnishings and decor. Our Italian waiter, Franscesco from Florence, was friendly but but not intrusively, and offered great recommendations. My antipasto was a bowl of mussels which were the best I have ever had. They were actually sweet, very tender, and swimming in an amazing broth which I soaked up with their delicious Tuscan garlic bread. My wife loved her salad and her swordfish entree which we shared. I had the lamb ragu Paparadelle which was also fantastic. Baci has now become our favorite splurge restaurant. Did I mention that we met owners Tony and Maria who couldn't have been nicer? Thank you Baci, we will be back

We picked this restaurant based on the good reviews on tripadvisor and I'm glad we decided to try it. We were running late and changed our reservation from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. without a problem (they were so nice on the phone, very accommodating). We had a short wait for our table when we arrived, so the hostess (owner?) bought us glasses of Proscecco while we waited. We were seated in a nice booth in a corner of the room. The noise level was not too high that we couldn't have a conversation although the restaurant was very busy. The wait staff were superb and were very professional, courteous and fun. My pasta was delicious and perfectly cooked. It really was a lovely evening and I will definitely go back when we are in San Diego again. I would recommend reservations on the weekend as it does seem to get busy.

2.5 to 3 stars only because our server was wonderful. I've eaten here many times over many years and I just don't get it. There are much better places to eat in San Diego for Italian food. This place is old school, which I certainly don't mind, but I find the prices and the quality of the food just not that interesting. I may be in the minority on this as I can see the ratings for this place and we have friends who love it. So last visit, party of 6. Limited menu in my opinion. Hearts of Palm salad - decent, maybe a bit more salad would be nice (description was with artisan baby lettuce - hardly any on the plate). LInguine with clams (vongole) - pasta was good, but the clams not - some grit on them so not cleaned properly and the taste was off. This is one of my favorite dishes and when I was in Rome last year ate a ton of it, so this was disappointing. Pasta arrabiata - it was spicy as expected, just decent. Not impressed. Bread was good - but not something to go here for. Salmon - was over priced, especially considering it is only Atlantic Salmon. $27 or $28. Pollo Limon - not too bad, pretty tasty, but $23 for some chicken? Hmm..... Wine list was interesting - but $11 seemed a bit steep for some basic wine.

The food here was excellent, but I do have a quibble. I always have a quandary with good Italian restaurants that list courses from antipasti thru secondi without any guidance as to portion size. Here I even asked our server about that and he indicated that each Paste or Secondi was individual sized. We ordered accordingly. I should have followed my instincts. The Paste servings were large bowls that would have been better shared. Unless you want to plow through a large bowl of of pasta by yourself, order to share. There were 8 of us and we would have been happier with 3 pastas passed around and then select a salad or secondi to compliment the pasta. Good food though, I do suggest that you take charge and not be intimidated and order "family style" especially for the pasta.

So our guest recommended Baci and then proceeded to say: no tomatoes, no garlic, no wine, no butter, etc. Now remember this is an italian resturant. But we managed. Our server was very patient with us. I had the fish special. The food body had some linguini and mussells (she said they were OK) and the tird guest a big pasta dish. Nice, prices were average for a white table cloth restaurant. Complimentary birthday tiramisu was a nice touch

Attentive staff, excellent food, and good wine. We had the bison ribs, a pasta special, and the steak. I loved the chocolate grappa! I would definitely go back to the restaurant.

We loved everything, the food, the attentive service and the hometown feel. We we treated so well by Antonio. Thank you all for making our experience amazing. If you ever are in San diego and want amazing Italian food this is the place.

I, for one was NOT impressed with either the food or the service. I found it to be over priced as to the quality of the food, but for crying out loud, they packed the left overs in a "shopping bag"......crimany, what a waste of food. I kept the leftovers for 3 months in the freezer and then tossed it....should have just left it behind or offered it to a street person.

Our family vacation in SD coincided with our five-year wedding anniversary, so I needed to plan a special dinner for the wife sans the kids. Baci did not disappoint. Our waiter was very personable and attentive, but not 'hovering.' The staff reserved a cozy booth for us without me even having to ask. The decor reminded me of East Coast Italian restaurants, so more traditional than trendy. Food was delicious and portions were filling. Free parking too. If you want a great Italian, do yourself a favor and make this your first stop before Little Italy.

You would have to a total grouch to not like this place. Small, intimate, family owned and run. Nice atmosphere, excellent food and service and wine list. Specials each night. A little pricey and not for little kids.

As other Italian ressturan is always busy our friend decided to go here, menu is nice, fish are good but price for food and in particular wine is very high. Good if you like fish.

WOW!! Amazing service, beautiful atmosphere and fantastic food!! Online menu listed eggplant parmigiana but in the menu at the restaurant it was not listed, however they still made it for me!! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in San Diego!! You will not be disappointed

We stopped and ate at the Baci tonight, this was such a delightful experience, the servers were great and the recommendation of Sword Fish was wonderful. Best ever, a must for anyone, even if you do not like fish. All food was great, and can't wait to get back here to eat again.

Baci is about the most classy Italian restaurant you can imagine with tuxedoed waiters, white table cloths, understated elegance and superb food. It’s as terrific as any Italian place in the country, and coming from the Philadelphia area, I feel qualified to make such a recommendation. The osso buco and veal chop Lamberti (with garlic) are luscious and the pastas are heavenly. The small bar belies the capabilities of the bartender. If you find yourself within 100 miles of San Diego, go!

Visited for a birthday with family and friends. Good selection and everyone was pleased with their choice. Chilean Sea Bass was very good. Service was very good.

Baci reminds me of some of the restaurants I remember from the old days in San Francisco...fine Italian dining, impeccable, pleasant and formal wait staff, and the booths with red leather you see in films. We had actually planned to go to another restaurant when my daughter decided she wanted Italian food (she grew up in Italy). We ordered pasta with the Baja prawns, the petrale sole with mashed potatoes and asparagus and the fish special of the day. We found the food to be excellently prepared and presented although the American influence speaks up loud and clear. Italians would never serve mashed potatoes with fish. The pasta was actually "al dente" and as Italian Americans who live part time in Italy we marvelled at that. Very good food but the prices call for a special night out.

I can't say enough about the thrill of our meal this evening at Baci. The garlic bread was served hot and very fresh--the best and freshest of any we had anywhere in Little Italy. The salad had abundant freshly grated cheese and the freshest arugula imaginable....Our entree was over-the-top delicious--Pollo Toscano. Freshly prepared with abundant prosciutto and gorgonzola cheese oozing out. The presentation was beautiful, as well. We wished we'd saved room for desserts. The setting is elegant, as well. White tablecloths, cutlery replaced as you use it. If you are looking for a special meal, this is the place!

Thrilled that we had read about Baci and decided to try it. Food is delicious and waiters in tuxedos are wonderful. We had very fresh Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, Veal Piccata and Swordfish Piccata. Food was very fresh, perfectly seasoned and nicely served. Don't miss this charming restaurant.

The restaurant is totally unpretentious from the outside and located in one of San Diego's many suburbs on a frontage road. Though internet reviews about the food and service were hopeful, I wasn't sure what to expect. The total dining experience was delightful. Decor was elegant but not showy or glitzy. Freshly made tortellini that melts in your mouth, filet mignon in a mushroom and cognac sauce, perfectly cooked vegetables. Everything we tasted was perfect. The tuxedo clad waiters were attentive, though not obtrusive and served us with charm and good humor.

Nice ambience. Food and service were excellent. The sea bass and Uni pasta specials were very tasty. The portions were generous. The restaurant has only two parking spaces and it was difficult to find street parking. However, you won’t be disappointed.

Was informed about this place from my mechanic at Good year. Me and my husband are from the east coast do we should know what good Italian food tastes like, walked in and I was not dressed for this place. Very nice setting and the service was beyond what I expected. We were waited on hand and foot. ..the food was awesome and when I move back to san diego that will be the first place I go to eat.

Baci never disappoints. The service, the food, the wine, and the desert are all fantastic! From start to finish this is one of the best Italian restaurants in town.

Our experience left a lot to be desired. The food and ambiance was good but ruined by the atrocious service. We upfront made a reservation for four to spend our evening enjoying good food and good fellowship. Upon arrival we again told them we were going to linger to which they said no problem. We ordered appetizers, salads, main course and dessert accompanied by two bottles of premium wines. Our waiter Brian was downright perturbed because we were not letting him pressure us to order at his pace. He and his attitude ruined our dinner. For any inconvenience we caused him by our not rushing through our dinner, we even gave him a 25% tip. We were dumfounded with our experience because we first started dining at Baci over 15 years ago and since that time we have had many meals there. Just prior to Covid we were with five people and had a wonderful, unrushed dinner that lasted over 2-1/2 hours so something has happened since then to ruin the wonderful dining experience we have always enjoyed in the past...too bad! I called the next day to speak with the Tony the manager to ask hime what we could have done to better communicate our unhurried dinner request in the future so the waiter could understood and not get perturbed and continuer to provide poor service. To my surprise, Tony blew me off and told me they are a very busy restaurant and they are required to turn the tables several times a night. He said that they were not a restaurant for us. Shocking that he said that, but now I understand why his waiter Brian was so rude. Must be Tony's training. We will remember Tony's words and never return to Bachi. Also we will make sure our friends in SD are aware of our very disappointing experience!

I have just returned from doing the Susan G. Komen San Diego 60 mile walk for breast cancer research and we ate one night at this restaurant and were SO impressed. The food was fresh, authentic, home made and just fabulous. The staff were unbelievably kind both with suggestions and their knowledge of the dishes prepared. The 3 of us shared an appetizer of melon and prosciutto that was mouth watering! We all had different dishes, sole, chicken and a beef selection as well as salads. I have eaten at Italian restaurants all over and believe me this one is at the top of my list and I will recommend it to everyone!!!!

Had a nice meal at this restaurant. It was above average in price and a little better than average in food quality. I did not have something extravagant ie pasta and sauce but I found it to be alittle unwhelming. My husband had Lobster sauce with seafood on pasta - he was very pleased. I will say the service was attentive and they accommodated us without a reservation - great service and maybe I should have tried something more challenging for chef - I would recommend a visit to this restaurant.

service, food-----best great for lunch and dinner. typical sicilian food with excellent Sicilian Chef, great fresh seafood, pastas with special old country cooking. Good wine list as well as full bar. Service is excellent with waiters who have worked there 15 to 20+ years.

The food was excellent but the most expensive place I have ever been to and I travel extensively world wide. The prices on the menu near no resemblance to their web site. Also the price of their specials are non existent and they make it look like you’re being rude to ask. Unless you’re a multi millionaire don’t go

This is truly da place to go for great Italian food. We have been here a few times before and this time we were with close friends who have heard us rave about the place. It was their suggestion to go so we made the reservation. The restaurant is in the middle of nowhere so we were taking lots of junk from them, until we entered the place. The waiters are in tuxedos (we were in shorts) and we were seated by Francesco. I could see the attitude changing and everyone was now laughing. This was going to be a great evening of discovery. We ordered cocktails and wine and the staff brought out heavenly garlic bread- soft in the middle, crispy on the crust, and loaded with garlic. They ordered Caprese Salad with Prosciutto and I got Melone and Prosciutto. Delicious. Now it was time for our main dishes. My wife ordered Chicken Milanese and I got a Veal Chop with a Garlic Sauce. Our friends chose a Chicken Parmigiana and a sea bass with goodies on top. They (and we) couldn't stop raving about how extraordinary everything tasted. The only thing that is better than our meals is the service. This is a class bunch of servers and owners. They came to the table constantly to laugh with us. At one point, the owner bought a bottle of habeneros with lots of other ingredients because my friend like spicy foods. This was SPICY!!!!! I have requested a bottle for home use when next we visit. So, in reviewing our evening, our friends can't wait to return and, of course, neither can we. This is our favorite place to go for Italian food and, come to think of it, for any food in San Diego.

Went New Years Eve so don't know if it was the regular menu. But if you see Scampi in Lobster Sauce, Rucola Salad, Short Ribs on Risotto, the Papperdelle, Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi, any dessert or basically, I guess, anything order it!! Cooked to perfection, beautifully sauced, fab garlic bread. Service paced beautifully.

The location of this place is not in the prettiest area. Had I not been invited to lunch or if I had not read the reviews beforehand, I probably would not have pulled off the road to check it out. We arrived at opening and were seated by our waiter dressed in suite and bow tie. It felt very formal, yet comfortable at the same time. I had a feeling that the food would make up for its odd location. And I was right. I ordered the special fish of the day that was prepared much like scallopini. The sole was delicate and delicious with the perfect amount of potatoes and broccolini. My associates had the lamb special and the fettuccini. We all loved our meals and the service was excellent. We finished it off with a wonderful chocolate dessert made with Heath bar. Although pricing is on the high side, I would recommend it.

This is a gem of a restaurant located on Morena Blvd. Once you step inside, you are greeted by black tie waiters and escorted to your table. The ambiance is inviting, elegant, and tastefully done in warm colors with rooms filled with Italian art. The food is always delicious, without exception. Any guests we have taken here are always very impressed with both the 5 star food and exceptional service. Both my husband and I have tried several different items from the menu and are never disappointed. Entrees for dinner range from $25.00-$50.00, but the quality and service are worth it. You will not find better wait staff anywhere. Don't let the simple exterior fool you. This is an exceptional restaurant.