Bar Bambino
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 701-8466
05/14/2007 Posted by microstace
My husband and I went to Bar Bambino for dinner this pas Saturday night, with a reservation. We enjoyed the food, but I'm thinking (or at least *hoping*) that they have some kinks to work out being so newly opened. As soon as we walked in, no hostess stand and no indication of where to stand until someone greeted us. It took a while to be greeted, too, as other patrons lined up behind us waiting as well. One of the serves finally noticed us and politely asked us to wait. The hostess - or owner, not sure, maybe both - was chatting with other customers. I'd say, either pay attention to the door or hire a dedicated host/hostess.The decor was very nice. We did have a tough time squeezing into our chairs (and we're both small people). I'd say they could benefit with a little more space if they omitted one or two of the two-tops from the front dining room (perhaps to fit a hostess stand as well). Anyway, the server was very sweet, but the poor guy was so unfamiliar with the menu he had to go back and ask what the ingredients were on two of the paninis. Food was great, wine was great. Our server - again, very nice guy - would disappear for long stretches and we sat a little too long between requests. I only saw about five servers for the whole restaurant, so that probably explains it. I'm not sure if it was the mechanics behind the bar, poor acoustics or the big table of folks at the front, but it was insanely loud in there. My husband and I were very close sharing the tiny table, but we couldn't converse without repeating ourselves over and over. Maybe that can be fixed..I dunno. Overall, it was good. We will go back. I just think they are understaffed and need to work out some of these quirks, so it's not so much of a chore to enjoy their restaurant.
Pros: great food, great wine, nice folks, nice decor
Cons: waaaay too loud, too cramped, understaffed
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