Baci Bistro - Kailua

We ate at Baci last night. It's better than when Bill owned it! What's better is the servings are more abundant, the recipes have been tweaked to add more interest, and, in the case of my husband's entree, the veal was a better grade of meat than what was previously used. The veal marsala was so much more tender and tasted so much better, we asked our veteran waitress, Pat, whose employment predated Bill, if it was a better grade and she said yes. My pro secco apertif was served in a new modern stylish, slender tall glass that appeared to be a larger serving than the old champagne flutes. There was considerably more home grown tomato bruschetta on top of the toasted bread rounds. My linguine con vongole in clear sauce was a more generous portion than in the past. It was considerably larger than the meager, bland portion I ate two weeks ago at Arancio at Kahala, Honolulu Magazine's Finalist for Best O'ahu Restaurant, 2018 Hale Aina Award Winner and gold winner winner in Best Italian. I really liked the tweaked insalate pere's shaved beet and carrots and my husband liked the artichokes he didn't remember seeing previously in the veal marsala. My husband ordered grappa after the meal. It was one of the cheaper options. He was prepared for moonshine. Instead, it was extremely smooth and served in glass twice as large as the size in which grappa is normally served. My profiteroles were outstanding. If you want to eat at Oahu's best Italian restaurant, this is it.

We have been to Baci many times. The food is decent but not fantastic. Three of us ordered the Monchong piccata fish special. Unfortunately all three were underdone. One of the plates was very underdone. The waitress took them all back and they were cooked longer. Unfortunately they were still all underdone... they were basically just warmed up. Our guest stopped eating and the waitress inquired if it was better. When she replied that it was not, they offered to replace the meal. She ended up choosing a shrimp linguini. It was better. My daughter and I lost our appetite for the meal and did not continue eating. There were apologies, but no offer to take half off the dish or anything. It was just a constant sorry, sorry, sorry. Clearly the cook has no idea how to cook Monchong. It was disappointing. Baci prices are not super low. The service is good but the food is uninspired and under seasoned. The AC units were both on, but the restaurant was uncomfortably hot. Everyone in our party was very warm. We will not be back any time soon.

Somewhat overpriced and pretentious. Average house wine was substantially overpriced and not great quality.

Great food and service! Best neighborhood restaurant!

Service great, food good, noisy atmosphere. Local and convenient.