I had dinner last night at Bacari North Park, and it instantly made sense why this is such a successful restaurant brand. Bacari North Park perfects the balance between quality food and a relaxed experience. The menu is built around small shareable plates. Instead of committing to one entrée, you can try a lot of different dishes. This reason alone makes Bacari North Park feel more social and fun than a normal dinner.
I had high hopes before it opened, but after my first dinner at Bacari North Park, I am even more convinced it is exactly the kind of restaurant that will thrive here and become part of the neighborhood.
The Story Behind Bacari
Bacari is part of the growing Bacari family of restaurants founded by the Kronfli family in Los Angeles. The concept started with the idea of affordable Mediterranean-inspired small plates and handcrafted drinks in a warm neighborhood setting. Over the years, the restaurant expanded across Los Angeles with locations in Silver Lake, West Adams, Beverly Hills, Playa Del Rey, and West 3rd. Bacari North Park brings that same formula to San Diego. Their success comes from consistency, a great customer experience, good ingredients, approachable prices, and a menu meant for groups.
The New North Park Location
Bacari North Park fits perfectly into the neighborhood and carries on a piece of North Park’s dining history. The restaurant took over the iconic two-story building at 3823 30th Street that once housed Urban Solace, a popular local spot that helped shape North Park’s food scene before closing in 2019. After sitting vacant for years, the space now comes alive again with Bacari’s Mediterranean energy.
It still has the classic New Orleans-style architectural character, and inside Bacari has added vintage rugs, patterned upholstery, rustic stonework, and antique touches that make it inviting. The restaurant has multiple levels. The downstairs feels lively and social, and the upstairs offers a more relaxed vibe with views over 30th Street. Bacari North Park also has a lush outdoor patio area that adds another layer of charm for dinners or drinks outdoors, especially on warm evenings.
The New North Park Location
Bacari North Park fits perfectly into the neighborhood and carries on a piece of North Park’s dining history. The restaurant took over the iconic two-story building at 3823 30th Street that once housed Urban Solace, a popular local spot that helped shape North Park’s food scene before closing in 2019. After sitting vacant for years, the space now comes alive again with Bacari’s energy.
It still has the classic New Orleans-style architectural character, and inside Bacari has layered warm vintage rugs, patterned upholstery, rustic stonework, and thoughtful antique touches that make it feel rich and inviting. The restaurant has multiple levels. The downstairs is lively and social, and the upstairs offers a more relaxed vibe with views over 30th Street. The plans are to have live music upstairs.
Bacari North Park also has a lush outdoor patio area that adds another layer of charm for dinners or drinks outdoors, especially on warm evenings. The bar is one of the highlights. Bacari North Park serves handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, both treated with equal care.
Shareable Tapas
Bacari North Park has a menu with a lot of variety. The prices make it easy to order five or six items without regret. Our server recommended two to three plates per person. The menu changes seasonally, so returning visits will feel different.
Lamb Hummus
Braised ground lamb, spiced Lebanese stew, crudites, sesame, tahini, fresh pita. It’s creamy and savory, with braised ground lamb on top of the hummus. It comes with warm pita and crisp veggies for dipping.
Asian Pear and Brie Pizza
Guava fromage blanc, wild arugula, Maldon salt, Frantoia olive oil. This pizza gets high marks for uniqueness and flavors. I loved the thin, crispy crust, sweet Asian pear slices, and melted brie cheese.
Mediterranean Street Corn
Fire-roasted corn, toum crema, crispy shallot, hazelnut pistachio chili crunch, feta, lemon. Every table around us ordered this dish. This is one of the items customers refuse to let them remove, and thankfully, it stays.
Crudo
Barramundi, herbed cucumber relish, za’atar, sumac, lemon, Frantoia olive oil, sesame, Maldon salt. The crudo is light and fresh, and a perfect cold starter.
Chef’s salmon
Pan-seared, walnut crust, tomato rouille, garlic & herb bulgur, parsley. The salmon is well-seasoned and nicely cooked, with a crunchy crust from the nuts that adds texture and depth.
tripoline pasta
Handmade pasta, pasilla pepper cream, almond romesco, toasted almond, cilantro. The sauce has a smoky, creamy, nutty profile and is perfect as a shared pasta plate.
Bacari North Park Brunch
The brunch at Bacari North Park is another reason locals are talking about this new spot. Bacari North Park serves weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, with a menu that pulls from Mediterranean and European influences.
Dishes include items like shakshouka, chef’s French toast on house-baked brioche, Tuscan kale salad, and chickpea hash, alongside lighter, fresh options like charred green beans with yuzu vinaigrette and potato tacos. You can make reservations online.
Bacari Opening Second Location in Carlsbad
Bacari has a second location planned for Carlsbad Village Drive in Carlsbad. This new restaurant will be the brand’s 10th location overall and its second in the region, building on the momentum from Bacari North Park’s launch. The Carlsbad spot is expected to bring the same Mediterranean-inspired small plates, pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, and full beverage program that fans know from Los Angeles and now North Park.
2 Responses
No offense intended, but this reads like it was written by the restaurant’s marketing department, not by a food blogger. I’m not sure what your goals are with this blog, but this doesn’t come across as a genuine report about dining there and is therefore less credible and less useful.
Thanks Tom, I appreciate the feedback. I genuinely had a great meal here and that is what I was hoping to share. They definitely did not wrote it, or get to approve it before I posted it. I hope that you’ll try the restaurant and then let me know if you agree with me.