Babette

Babette is a standout restaurant in Berkeley that has been part of my life since my college days at UC Berkeley. Initially located in the Berkeley Art Museum, it has since moved to a larger space, expanding its offerings to include a pizzeria. Owned by Patrick and Joan, Babette has consistently provided a high-quality dining experience. During my time as a student, Babette was my go-to spot for morning coffee and breakfast sandwiches, as well as a quiet place to work or meet friends. The owners have always managed to create a welcoming environment for individuals and groups alike without losing the essence of what makes Babette unique. Despite its smart casual vibe, Babette serves food that could easily be found in a fine dining establishment. The menu changes with the seasons, always focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dishes can range from spicy to tangy, offering surprises that are a testament to the chefs' creativity. For food, everything on the menu tends to be phenomenal so go with what your heart desires. For drinks, their cardamom coffee and mint lemonade are menu staples I find particularly noteworthy. Getting to know Patrick and Joan has been one of the highlights of my visits. Their commitment to their craft and their guests contributes to the overall dining experience. It's clear they pour their hearts into Babette, making it more than just a restaurant. Babette's quality and atmosphere have made it a beloved part of Berkeley's culinary landscape for me. It's surprising that it hasn't received broader recognition, such as from the Michelin Guide, considering the owners' backgrounds and the caliber of the food. Now, Babette remains a priority whenever I'm in Berkeley. It symbolizes a bridge between my past and present. The new space is incredibly well designed, with every seat offering something special. For anyone looking for a memorable meal in Berkeley, Babette is a must-visit. It combines quality, atmosphere, and a personal touch in a way that few other places do, making it a noteworthy establishment in Berkeley's diverse food scene.

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.

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!