Babette's Cafe

(404) 523-9121

573 North Highland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307 33.770227 -84.352514

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Neighborhoods: Poncey Highlands, Eastside, Eastside

Price:

$$

Last updated 10.15.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Brunch, Outdoor Dining

Cuisine:

French, Seafood

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Babette's Cafe

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Charmingly unassuming and sweetly romantic, Babette's occupies a restored bungalow halfway between the Highlands and Little Five Points. The small bar fills quickly, but the large dining room is comfortable and there's a raised patio in back. Soft lighting, rough-planked wood floors, antique pieces and homey touches (baguettes come in a brightly painted metal pails) carry the day. Service is warm and friendly. – – The Food – Indistinct French associations, rather than authentic French cuisine, provide the backdrop for a menu that's consistently good and…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Special menu nights are a regular feature. Sign up for the mailing list to keep up with what's new.
Catering:
While Babette's doesn't do formal catering, the restaurant will provide takeout meats, sauces and sides for customers to pick up.
The Extras:
Check out the website for upcoming monthly wine tastings. Make a reservation by phone ahead of time.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The food is incredible and the atmosphere sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner.”
  2. “This is a tiny, cozy restaurant, but some may find it a little too crowded and cozy for their taste.”
  3. “Great food, cozy restaurant!”
  4. “The setting is cozy- the main dining room gave me the feeling that I was actually a guest in a friend's house, and that I'd be treated as such.”
  5. “per se due to the noise level and close proximity of the tables it is a very comfortable vibe overall with all manner of dress.”
  6. “Best romantic bang for your buck”
  7. “Excellent food and good ambiance”
  8. “The atmosphere added to the meal as well, low lighting, warm tones and wonderful service.”
  9. “The atmosphere is charming, although a bit stale (could we add a candle to the tables?)”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “Mom's chocolate cake was rich and surprisingly light.”
  2. “One standard offering, however, fell from my list of faves last night: the steamed mussels in cream with fresh strawberries.”
  3. “We were in a quandary about the dessert selections, they all sounded fantastic, but our waiter recommended the dried cherry tart a' la mode.”
  4. “would characterize the food as rustic French - bold flavors, quality ingredients, and perfect cooking technique. There is nothing fussy, pretentious, or new-wave here - just excellent quality French/European food in a classic styles. Suggestions: stea”
drinks
95.83000183105469% positive
  1. “The staff is quick to greet yet not pushy, the service is punctual and experienced, and the drinks are of the highest quality in all Atlanta, made with fresh squeezed juices and proper bartending techniques.”
  2. “would characterize the food as rustic French - bold flavors, quality ingredients, and perfect cooking technique. There is nothing fussy, pretentious, or new-wave here - just excellent quality French/European food in a classic styles. Suggestions: stea”
  3. “The staff is friendly, professional and well versed in the wine and dinner menus.”
  4. “However if you are more interested in good old-fashioned service, top quality cocktails, and food that you'll remember days after you've left, Babette's is certainly the establishment for you.”
  5. “They have wonderful wine tastings every 3rd Wednesday that is well worth your money.”
  6. “Order a glass of wine and use your imagination.”
  7. “While a meal can run pricey if you opt for wine (they have a decent wine list, and the servers are knowledgeable and helpful with selections if necessary), you will not be disappointed by whatever you order.”
  8. “The ravioli was great; the wine butter sauce balanced out the saltiness of the olives and artichokes very well.”
food quality
91.4799976348877% positive
  1. “Great DATE spot, delicious food!”
  2. “However if you are more interested in good old-fashioned service, top quality cocktails, and food that you'll remember days after you've left, Babette's is certainly the establishment for you.”
  3. “Appetizers were awesome, and then we dinned on the beef tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce and mustard crusted halibut with a leek-potato gratin.”
  4. “Great food every time, and perfect service always”
  5. “The lamb chops are pure perfection.”
  6. “The gorgonzola sauce and puree that accompany the tenderloin compliment it perfectly, and I found myself savoring every last bite.”
  7. “Good food, terrible service”
  8. “re looking for some *great* food, you?”
  9. “couldn't eat until her food arrived so of course, my food was cold.”
  10. “The staff is quick to greet yet not pushy, the service is punctual and experienced, and the drinks are of the highest quality in all Atlanta, made with fresh squeezed juices and proper bartending techniques.”
  11. “would characterize the food as rustic French - bold flavors, quality ingredients, and perfect cooking technique. There is nothing fussy, pretentious, or new-wave here - just excellent quality French/European food in a classic styles. Suggestions: stea”
  12. “The service was warm and knowledgeable and the food preparation and quality were excellent.”
  13. “The food is incredible and the atmosphere sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner.”
  14. “For our entrees, my date got the roast chicken, and swears that it was the best roast chicken he's ever had.”
  15. “The best meal in Atlanta.”
  16. “The ravioli was great; the wine butter sauce balanced out the saltiness of the olives and artichokes very well.”
  17. “One standard offering, however, fell from my list of faves last night: the steamed mussels in cream with fresh strawberries.”
  18. “For dinner, I am often most impressed by their small plates and will sometimes order a salad and 2 small plates as my meal.”
  19. “To get back to the most important issue at hand, the food, I have to admit that I have not tasted such quality at such a good price in Atlanta during all my years living here.”
  20. “Even the bread was perfection, French "croustillant", crispy, warm, soft inside.”
  21. “I've seen my fair share of these restaurants in busy touristy districts, packed to the brim with customers eager to be seen rather than to enjoy the food; adding another reason as to why my appetite is continually lost.”
  22. “ordered the salmon with herbed risotto, and was blown away at how such a simple dish carried such great flavor.”
  23. “went on a Saturday, and the brunch food was good.”
  24. “Some of the best food I've had in Atlanta!”
  25. “Otherwise, the grouper with sautéed leeks was delicious, my partner's veal was very good, and overall, this night at Babette's was a great dining experience.”
  26. “Excellent food and good ambiance”
  27. “The food and service were excellent!”
  28. “Service was wonderful, food was delicious and so unpretentious.”
  29. “had just came off a lousy dining experience two nights prior; and this evening, I was depending on Babettes to deliver some delicious food and exceptionally warm service.”
  30. “Babette's is now one of my favorites and I can't wait to try the slow roasted pork or the roast duck with apple compote when we visit next.”
  31. “We never feel rushed and we always enjoy menu regulars like her lamb, chicken and tenderloin.”
  32. “We both enjoyed our selections and started off with the tomato-leak tart and the prosciutto-white truffle risotto.”
  33. “The atmosphere added to the meal as well, low lighting, warm tones and wonderful service.”
  34. “While a meal can run pricey if you opt for wine (they have a decent wine list, and the servers are knowledgeable and helpful with selections if necessary), you will not be disappointed by whatever you order.”
  35. “The oyster biscuit with dill is delicious.”
  36. “But with just 1 bad meal out of 15, I'll go back again.”
  37. “had some truly great tasting food.”
  38. “Again, both entrees were delicious, which I think spectacular food was the m/o for the evening.”
  39. “Cold eggs on an empty stomach does not give happy endings.”
  40. “Great food, cozy restaurant!”
  41. “We love to go to a place where we know we're going to get a great meal with superior service.”
  42. “The flavors are authentic and not over spiced or accented.”
  43. “What can I say the food was the best.”
  44. “Wonderful food in a nice, relaxing space.”
  45. “Simple elegance, amazing food, and the best service!”
menu variety
95.2400016784668% positive
  1. “We were in a quandary about the dessert selections, they all sounded fantastic, but our waiter recommended the dried cherry tart a' la mode.”
  2. “While a meal can run pricey if you opt for wine (they have a decent wine list, and the servers are knowledgeable and helpful with selections if necessary), you will not be disappointed by whatever you order.”
  3. “would characterize the food as rustic French - bold flavors, quality ingredients, and perfect cooking technique. There is nothing fussy, pretentious, or new-wave here - just excellent quality French/European food in a classic styles. Suggestions: stea”
  4. “We never feel rushed and we always enjoy menu regulars like her lamb, chicken and tenderloin.”
  5. “Her small plates are a treat and offer a great variety; with portions that allow you to try a couple before your entree.”
  6. “The staff is friendly, professional and well versed in the wine and dinner menus.”
  7. “We both enjoyed our selections and started off with the tomato-leak tart and the prosciutto-white truffle risotto.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “Our server was nice and personable and the place was adorable, but that was about it.”
  2. “With so many great places in Atlanta, I don't know how this place survives?”
return potential
75.0% positive
  1. “Overall great value and we would certainly not hesitate to return again.”
  2. “visit to Babette's about a year ago was fantastic, so I didn't hesitate to return when searching for a nice spot for a special dinner last night.”
  3. “will return to soon.”
  4. “But with just 1 bad meal out of 15, I'll go back again.”
service
93.14000129699707% positive
  1. “We love to go to a place where we know we're going to get a great meal with superior service.”
  2. “Simple elegance, amazing food, and the best service!”
  3. “First, let me say the employees at Babette's are very friendly and professional.”
  4. “The service was warm and knowledgeable and the food preparation and quality were excellent.”
  5. “Service was attentive, let us have a good time, but was there when we needed something.”
  6. “The atmosphere added to the meal as well, low lighting, warm tones and wonderful service.”
  7. “The staff is quick to greet yet not pushy, the service is punctual and experienced, and the drinks are of the highest quality in all Atlanta, made with fresh squeezed juices and proper bartending techniques.”
  8. “had just came off a lousy dining experience two nights prior; and this evening, I was depending on Babettes to deliver some delicious food and exceptionally warm service.”
  9. “My server even went the extra distance to ensure that my date and I had a wonderful experience by sharing some of his amazing magic tricks with us!”
  10. “While a meal can run pricey if you opt for wine (they have a decent wine list, and the servers are knowledgeable and helpful with selections if necessary), you will not be disappointed by whatever you order.”
  11. “The food and service were excellent!”
  12. “Our server was nice and personable and the place was adorable, but that was about it.”
  13. “Great food every time, and perfect service always”
  14. “We were in a quandary about the dessert selections, they all sounded fantastic, but our waiter recommended the dried cherry tart a' la mode.”
  15. “Good food, terrible service”
  16. “However if you are more interested in good old-fashioned service, top quality cocktails, and food that you'll remember days after you've left, Babette's is certainly the establishment for you.”
  17. “The staff is friendly, professional and well versed in the wine and dinner menus.”
value
95.2400016784668% positive
  1. “Her small plates are a treat and offer a great variety; with portions that allow you to try a couple before your entree.”
  2. “Overall great value and we would certainly not hesitate to return again.”
  3. “great value for Atlanta.”
  4. “They have wonderful wine tastings every 3rd Wednesday that is well worth your money.”
  5. “While a meal can run pricey if you opt for wine (they have a decent wine list, and the servers are knowledgeable and helpful with selections if necessary), you will not be disappointed by whatever you order.”
  6. “To get back to the most important issue at hand, the food, I have to admit that I have not tasted such quality at such a good price in Atlanta during all my years living here.”
  7. “would characterize the food as rustic French - bold flavors, quality ingredients, and perfect cooking technique. There is nothing fussy, pretentious, or new-wave here - just excellent quality French/European food in a classic styles. Suggestions: stea”
wait time
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Babette's is now one of my favorites and I can't wait to try the slow roasted pork or the roast duck with apple compote when we visit next.”
  2. “The staff is quick to greet yet not pushy, the service is punctual and experienced, and the drinks are of the highest quality in all Atlanta, made with fresh squeezed juices and proper bartending techniques.”
1 Star Rating: Poor

06/28/11

Much ado about nothing

by Nancy Eger at Citysearch

After reading all the glowing reviews for Babettes, two friends my husband and myself went there for dinner. We loved the ambiance of the restaurant, it was lovely. The problem came down to the food. I have an issue with some foods (gluten intlolerance) and stated this to our waitress. She talked to the chef who told me there were only two dishes on the menu that I could eat. One of the dishes was the most expensive thing on the menu, and the other was a special,something that I would not normally order, but I ordered it anyway. The tuna arrived, over vegatables and besides being almost completely raw and a bad cut, there was almost nothing else on the plate to eat. I sent it back, the manager returned with a new cut of fish about the time everyone I was with was finished with their meals. This was possibly the most tasteless, unappealling meal I have ever eaten. I eat out a lot, and never have a been to a eatery where the chef made so little accomodation on something that should have been simple to "tweak". I asked my table mates how their meals were, two who had piaella (sp?) said it was average. My huspand liked his beef tenderloin, so I guess out of our table of four ,he was the only satisfied customer. Next time we will go to Il Trattoria Loco Lino or Murphys, because they seem to know how to accomodate their patrons, and the chefs seem to be creative enough to produce FABULOUS meals for those of us with food issues.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

06/05/11

French food the whole family can enjoy

by misskittykat123 at Citysearch

My mother and I enjoyed a fabulous meal at Babette's cafe.Although l was a bit skeptical at first because of the non- traditional french cuisine ,I was quickly won over by the hospitable service and the marvelous food(I had the scallop dish ,and the scallops tasted very fresh).The only downside was the rather "dainty" portions. I recommend this to anyone who likes french food but does not appreciate the sharp flavors of french cooking, this restaurant has a very Americanized menu and anyone can enjoy it.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/03/11

Always A Real Pleasure!

by AKJohnson at Citysearch

We've been huge fans of Chef Marla's for almost 20 years now, & last Sunday evening was one more marvelous meal. Charming host made us refreshing cocktails & then led us to the outside deck where we could enjoy the perfectly warm May weather. Always we begin with the superbly hot & crispy gaufrette potato chips lightly topped with melting gorgonzola, cordially fighting over every last morsel. Also enjoyed the other starters: crunchy fried shrimp with a fresh tomato sauce, a satiny smooth cauliflower & leek soup, & the steamed mussels in a very tasty broth of strawberries & serranos. For entrees, our party was extremely pleased with the beef tenderloin, especially as it was topped with those delicate, thin onion rings & served on a bed of horseradish mashed taters. Excellent, as always, were the Alaskan halibut with mustardy crust, & the herb lamb chops were incredibly tender. Finished up with the creme brulee, chocolate bread pudding, & house-made chocolate mint ice cream (outstanding *fresh* mint flavor!). I must comment on the friendly, yet highly professional staff. As someone who waitressed her way thru college many years ago, I truly appreciate this type of service, all too rare these days. Yet another terrific night at Babette's Cafe, so wonderful to share with new friends. Lastly, we pre-ordered a chive, bacon, & goat cheese tart to take home for lunch on Monday. WOW! I seriously need to learn how to make a crust like that: rustic in appearance, impossible light & flaky in texture. And the filling: tangy with the creamy cheese & rich with chewy bacon...OMG, perfection! Already planning our next visit...

3 Star Rating: Average

09/12/10

Used to Be Btter

by meatrules at Citysearch

I always loved Babette's but last time it was very disappointing. The menu was good, but the food did not match up. The service was slow and very awkward. We felt unloved and or just not well served. I cannot put my finger on it, but just seemed as they did not care.

Please polish up as I do like your patio(sans mosquitoes)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/24/10

great meal !

by Tommy12 at Citysearch

The food that they served are very good.. I visited Babette's Cafe for about 5 times already and I still love going there... Thumbs Up!

  • Pros: food

The Details on Babette's Cafe

Place Categories:

  • delicious brunch food
  • wonderful oldfashioned service
  • wonderful dining experience
  • best meal
  • helpful server
  • great value
  • authentic flavors
  • cozy restaurant
  • rich chocolate cake
  • very good veal
  • delicious entrees
  • just terrible place
  • well versed staff
  • highly recommend cafe
  • cold service
  • big brazilian places
  • recommend babette
  • sometimes order few small plates
  • definitely recommend reservation
  • charming small
  • unpleasant odor
  • good price
  • great ravioli
  • perfect vegetables
  • nice cleanser

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Best of Citysearch

Atlanta