BarBara operates as a specialized neighborhood hub focusing on authentic Italian preparations that emphasize high-quality seasonal produce and artisanal craftsmanship. The kitchen features an evolving selection of handmade pasta and wood-fired preparations that reflect traditional techniques while utilizing local ingredients. Natural wines accompany the menu to provide a cohesive flavor profile across every course. The space functions as both a casual eatery and a boutique marketplace, offering curated pantry staples and house-made sauces for home use. Simple, minimalist interiors create a functional environment where the focus remains entirely on the integrity of the raw ingredients and the precision of the cooking process. Patrons encounter a direct, unpretentious approach to Mediterranean-inspired culinary traditions that avoids unnecessary embellishment in favor of genuine, bold tastes and textures.
BarBara is widely celebrated for its inviting atmosphere, stylish decor, and exceptional focaccia, which is frequently cited as the highlight of the menu. Visitors often praise the fresh pasta, extensive wine selection, and the charming terrace, making it a popular neighborhood spot for drinks and social gatherings. While many guests enjoy the warm, hip vibe and attentive service, others note that the restaurant can become quite loud and crowded. The policy of not accepting reservations often results in long wait times, and while the quality of the food is consistently lauded, some diners have expressed concerns regarding portion sizes and occasional service inconsistencies during peak hours.
Food was good (high quality, small portions) but service was not the best. We spent most of the night trying to get our waiters attention any time we wanted to order food/drinks. It's weird bc our plates were changed quickly after eating but our waiter was really no where to be found most of the night. Once our food arrived it looked like it had been sitting under a heating lamp for a long time - lukewarm in the middle. My latte arrived kinda cold. Wanted to order more but the kitchen was closed (which we werent informed before). Like everyone was polite but I think they are understaffed with servers. We loved the burrata & the tomato foccacia. They clearly use high quality ingredients bc the olive oil & tomatoes were delicious. Our beef onglet was perfectly cooked. Enjoyed the vermouth selection. We'd come back for sure but only if we have a lot of time to wait.
Little update from the next day: my friend actually got incredibly sick from the food, I don't like throwing the words food poisoning around but she had to call out of work today. So I lowered the review. I felt very icky after eating so I think there was something in the food that made us both feel ill.
Very cute spot. A few problems we encountered & why it's rated lower.
Our drinks were super foamy? I had an espresso martini with an inch of foam on it in a long cup too so when I sipped it, all I got was foam. The martini itself was okay too.
Second issue, the food was incredibly oily, my stomach started to hurt so I stopped eating & my friend has now informed me that her stomach is not doing well either a couple of hours after dinner. For the price, the food & drinks being that bad are a real problem, I will say the focaccia was delicious & would probably take an order to go.
The ambiance is gorgeous & very aesthetic, I saw a review talking about the music but I found it a good level to have a lively conversation. The staff were incredibly lovely, helpful, & knew when to come & speak to my friend & I. I would probably not come back as there are a lot of other spots to get the same food & drinks, done better.
Very lovely restaurant with beautiful ambiance. The food was very good & well priced. The service was slightly slow, however the restaurant was very full so that definitely impacted it. Staff was very friendly. Patio outside is beautiful, & the drinks are very fresh. Definitely recommend.
I came on a Monday June 30th at 2:45 pm . We were seated & immediately told we had 5 mins to order for the lunch / kitchen was closing at 3 pm !!! We felt super stressed as we cycled from the old port . This was a special occasion as my wife was 8 months post opened heart surgery . We wanted to celebrate but felt super stressed as we were immediately told to order otherwise we were screwed for food !! Ordered a sandwich , pasta a glass of wine & beer . Was given one menu which we were sharing quickly etc etc . We were sitting at the window inside & noticed other clients ordering from the terrace after we finished our lunch so of course I asked the menu & ordered a entree which we missed in the rush of being told to order . Ordered a ricotta foccacia Honey snd more drinks etc later the person who greeted us brought us two chocolatine in a paper bag to take home . I guess he realized it was inappropriate ! Later another server asked if we wanted one or two bills . I said one & brought us the bill & came with payment machine . I told her the lunch bill is 150$ & we will be ordering more stuff as we just wanted to listen to the music & feel humble & grateful be there healthy etc The server said the paper bag on the table made her think we were leaving ! Finally I didn't order anything else & decided to leave ! I gave you 5 stars all around as we are grateful to be healthy & appreciate everything life has to offer . You really need to look at your workflow as many different people came to our table & missed the interaction flow & service from the previous person . I was ordering drinks all along etc Gracias for the chocolatine but you missed out on the human component of why we came to your place . Its was not only about the food the reason we came . In all the moving parts it takes one person to look at the floor & tables & quickly see what experience each table is looking for . It's special when you tune into that as you make a difference in a day of a person / create memories etc Great summe
I used to LOVE this place but unfortunately will not be in my favourites anymore. The waitors don't come see you often & i was very thirsty waiting for water, to order dessert, drinks, i even had to wait 30 minutes to finally request the bill. I stopped multiple waitors to request for salt, or water, a drink. The atmosphere is VERY LOUD. The music, the people, so if you're looking for a calmer environment this isn't your place!!! Waiting times are also very long & the thing i appreciate least is HOW TIGHT THIS PLACE IS! Sit on the terrace if you want more space because inside you will sometimes sit with strangers on tables that are stuck, or can sit on 4 people table with 2 strangers if you're 2 people. The pasta is amazing but the shrimp pasta was a dish i did not like at all. The ragu, the cacio e pepe, the ceasar's salad, foccacia, all BANGERS. Unfortunately i rated this place a 2 because after sharing my disappointment with the taste of shrimp pasta sauce (taste like fishy sea water), the person in charge was very deceived/resentful & said they'd still charge me for personal taste. I come from a family of fishers, i love shrimps but this sauce was not it. Pros: food is good (except for shrimp pasta in my personal opinion) & the drinks have virgin drinks & freshhhh food. Cons: too tight, too loud, long waiting lines (although outside of their control) & rude response from person in charge if you dislike/have an opinion based on certain foods!
Came here for brunch all the way from Ottawa. Great drinks, great service, & awesome vibes. We are vegetarians & we found a lot to like on the menu. Great coffee as well. We will be back!
2024: just came for afternoon drinks. Was provided with great wine glass recommendations. Also had the Rome With a View cocktail which was good. 2022: Came here for lunch. Excellent service. Very attentive. Helped find something we thought we lost. Ordered the arancini & the pâte au beurre from the main menu as well the sandwich & smoked salmon from the pop-up. Everything was delicious & well-presented.
