Bacari is one of those restaurants in Sherman Oaks that people talk about with real affection. It feels like a secret even though everyone knows about it, and somehow it never loses that tucked away charm. We had been hearing about the cozy lighting, the wine, the shareable dishes, and that feeling of leaning into a long night that only certain restaurants really know how to create. So we finally went to see what all the fuss was about. Short answer: we get it now.

There are plenty of places on Ventura Blvd where you can grab a drink or a small plate, but Bacari has its own vibe. Warm, intimate, inviting, and a little bit romantic without trying too hard. It is the kind of restaurant that slowly pulls you in and makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

The Vibe

Bacari is pure ambiance. The moment we walked in, the lighting shifted into that soft, golden hue that makes everything and everyone look a little more attractive. The whole place feels like a stylish hideaway. There are candles everywhere, wooden textures, hanging lights, and that subtle background hum that instantly relaxes the nervous system.

It is cozy but not cramped. Modern but still warm. Intimate but social enough that you do not feel like you are whispering inside a library. We saw couples on dates, friends drinking wine, and small groups sharing a table full of plates. The energy is elevated but approachable, which is why Bacari consistently shows up on lists of the best restaurants in Sherman Oaks for both casual nights and special occasions.

If you like restaurants that feel like a little escape, Bacari might become your new favorite.

The Food

Bacari is known for its tapas style menu, and this is where it absolutely shines. Everything is made for sharing, but each dish has so much flavor that we had a few moments of “wait, do we actually want to share this?” The kitchen clearly focuses on rich sauces, fresh herbs, bold seasoning, and textures that make each bite interesting.

Here are the dishes that stood out the most:

Crispy Polenta
Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and topped with a mushroom ragout that tastes like comfort and luxury collided.

Bacari Fries
Seasoned perfectly and addictive. The kind of fries we kept reaching for without thinking.

Chicken Kebabs
Juicy, charred, and full of flavor. Simple but so well executed.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower
Warm, caramelized, and coated with spices that make the whole dish come alive.

Lamb Hush Puppies
A total surprise. Crispy, rich, and somehow even better when dipped in their sauce.

Skirt Steak
Tender, flavorful, and one of those dishes that makes you stop mid conversation.

The whole menu leans Mediterranean with playful twists, and the portions are perfect for sharing. It is rare to find a place where almost every dish lands, but Bacari gets very close.

The Drinks

Bacari takes its drinks seriously, especially the wine. Their wine list is thoughtful and has something for every mood. Light, crisp whites. Smooth reds. Interesting blends. Staff recommendations were on point and felt tailored instead of generic.

If wine is not your thing, they have cocktails that are refreshing and balanced. Nothing overly sugary or heavy. Just clean, well made drinks that match the food and vibe.

Their sangria gets a lot of love too. Sweet, cold, easy to sip, and exactly what we needed at the end of a long day.

The Experience

We love restaurants that feel effortless, and Bacari nails this. The service is friendly and relaxed, the dishes come out steadily without feeling rushed, and the whole night moves at that smooth pace that makes time feel softer.

It is one of those places where the conversation flows easily because the environment is doing half the work for you. We kept saying, “We should come here more,” which is probably the highest compliment a restaurant can get.

Everything about Bacari is designed for lingering. The lighting. The pacing. The shareable food. The wine. We finished our meal feeling full but not heavy, relaxed but energized, and honestly wishing we had ordered one more round of something.

Who This Place Is For

Bacari is perfect for
• couples who want a warm, intimate vibe
• friends who love sharing plates
• wine lovers
• people who want a stylish but not pretentious restaurant in Sherman Oaks
• cozy nights out
• anyone who chooses ambiance as a priority
• Valley locals who love a good gem on Ventura Blvd

Probably not ideal for someone who wants big individual entrées or total quiet. Bacari has a lively, warm hum that adds to the charm.

Final Verdict

Bacari Sherman Oaks is one of the best restaurants in the Valley for a reason. It is cozy, intimate, stylish, and full of personality. The tapas style menu encourages connection, the wine list is impressive, and the atmosphere does most of the work for you before the food even arrives.

If you want a restaurant in Sherman Oaks that feels special without being formal, Bacari is exactly where you want to be. It is warm, it is delicious, and it is the kind of place that lingers in your mind long after the night is over.