The space at Bar Bambino is conducive to having just a glass of wine and an appetizer at the bar, or to sitting down for a multi-course meal of small but delicious portions. Reservations are recommended if you plan to go during busy lunch or dinner hours.
Sample Menu Prices at Bar Bambino:
- Mozzarella and tapenade: $8.50
- Trenne with zucchini fritti, tuorlo, e basilico: $12.25
- Polpette (small meatballs in a rich tomato, onion, and chard sauce): $14.75
- Citrus Polenta Cake: $6.25
Bar Bambino Location & Reservations
2931 16th Street (between Mission & S Van Ness)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: (415) 701-VINO
Map & Directions
Public Transit Options
BART Station: 16th Street
Muni Station: Church Street or transfer to BART at Market Street
Trip Planners
- #12 Folsom
- #14 Mission
- #22 Fillmore
- #33 Stanyan
- #49 Van Ness-Mission
- #53 Southern Heights
Bar Bambino - First Impressions
First, a disclaimer. Bar Bambino had been open a mere three weeks when we visited so this review is a "first tasting" and first glimpse of a lovely, new spot in the Mission.
We went to Bar Bambino in off hours, between lunch and dinner --relishing the fact that this restaurant (new in April 2007) has a full-day menu for those of us with odd schedules. The setting couldn't have been more laid back, although the waiter informed us that they're fully booked for dinners in the next few weeks. I'm not sure how a meal would play out with a full room but for the purposes of this review, the ambiance, the service, and the food couldn't have been better.
Walking into Bar Bambino, you get a jolt of enthusiasm. It feels as though the staff is happy to be there . . . and that they want you to be there as well. The family-style embrace at Bar Bambino was a refreshing welcome, especially when you consider places around town where a diner’s presence barely warrants a nod. It’s a wonderful asset of Bar Bambino and one I hope they retain as the restaurant builds its clientele.
The main drawback of Bar Bambino, from my perspective, is not huge, but it's the limited number tables for smaller groups. I sat against the wall which was comfortable, but a dining partner had his back to the aisle and felt a bit cramped with people brushing by between our table and the bar. The large, farmhouse-style tables (one in front and one in back) are great for larger parties or communal dining. And the heated patio is always a nice feature on cool, SF nights.
Bar Bambino Food
The standouts for the table were the trenne with zucchini fritti and, for meat eaters, the polpette (meatballs in tomato, onion, and chard sauce). The flavors in both dishes inspired a few reaches for extra bites. The dressing on the mixed green salad was a bit too salty for my taste buds but my dining partner didn’t have the same sensory overload.
For dessert, we ordered Bar Bambino’s “rustic mascarpone and seasonal fruit” tart (baked fresh and topped with peaches). A supplemental dessert of citrus polenta cake was our favorite of the two -- moist and delicious.
Bar Bambino also has an olive-oil tasting menu -- 1 oz with ciabatta -- which costs about $2.00 per taste. And they pull a smooth cappuccino, done just right, not too heavy on the milk.
Wine & Bar
The first thing I noticed on the drink list was the unusual selection of beers. Having worked (many years ago) in the beer industry, my eyes light up when I see selections like a Gueze Lambic, Orval Trappist Ale, and Samuel Smith (one of my personal favorites).
We were informed that the already decent Italian wine list will be growing with new selections. You can enjoy a range of varietals and prices, from a bottle of Strozzi Vernaccia ($21) on up to Fontanafredda Barolo ($81). Bar Bambino also has quite a few wines by the glass.
2007 - Items, prices and events are subject to change. Always check with the venue directly for current information.
