Babette's Cafe

06/02/2008 Posted by spiffsteph

Babette’s had some truly great tasting food. It’s pricey, but if you’re looking for some *great* food, you’ll find it here. I had the scallops which were cooked to perfection, and my boyfriend got the steak which was the most savory, well cooked steak I’ve tasted in a while. We got two appetizers, I can’t quite remember which they were, but I remember being quite impressed! This is a tiny, cozy restaurant, but some may find it a little too crowded and cozy for their taste. Our service wasn’t that great, the waiter was difficult to get to come to our table, and it took quite a while to get our food. Either way, I’d absolutely go back.

Pros: Great food, cozy atmosphere

Cons: Spotty service, slow, long waits

02/05/2008 Posted by julie_loves

I've been dying to try out Babette's for the longest time and finally went this past weekend. First off, I adored the place as soon as I walked in. I loved that it is a house, it's so cozy, rustic, and intimate. Perfect for a romantic date. My date and I started off with the smoked trout and salmon "really small plate" and the artichoke and lemon ravioli. Both were delicious, but they aren't kidding when they say "really small plate." It's literally about 2 bites. The ravioli was great; the wine butter sauce balanced out the saltiness of the olives and artichokes very well. Portion size was perfect. For our entrees, my date got the roast chicken, and swears that it was the best roast chicken he's ever had. Succulent, tender, and moist, and accompanied with the perfect vegetables. I ordered the salmon with herbed risotto, and was blown away at how such a simple dish carried such great flavor. If you are a salmon aficionado, definitely try this dish! For dessert, we ordered the chocolate bread pudding with banana ice cream. TO DIE FOR! All in all, I loved Babette's -- it is the total package! Parking is easy, there is complimentary valet. Reservations are highly recommended.

Pros: fantastic food, amazing service, cozy atmosphere

Cons: slightly cramped space

12/12/2007 Posted by secretagentwang

I've visited Babette's twice now (once on a Tuesday night, once on Thursday night), and was very pleased both times. 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. 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. The last time we went, we opted for an escargot appetizer (not overly chewy, but succulent & delicious) and the veal & pork piroshkis (also very tasty). One note- for a party of 4, we had to place a double-order for the piroshkis. I'm assuming that is probably the case for any appetizer on the "Really Small Plates" section of the menu. Both times I've been, I've ordered the grilled beef tenderloin with gorganzola sauce. Normally I'd try something new upon a 2nd visit, but the beef tenderloin... I get chills just writing this. I eat pretty well, but I've never experienced such a great example of beer tenderloin. They cooked it *perfectly* (medium-rare), and it literally falls apart when you start to chew it. The gorgonzola sauce and puree that accompany the tenderloin compliment it perfectly, and I found myself savoring every last bite. If I could cook tenderloin that well, then I'd eat that every night. For dessert, we opted for a pretty standard (but good) creme brulee and the chocolate, chocolate cake (which we all fought over; it was sweet & rich, though not overwhelmingly so). Dinner for 4 (with a bottle of wine & additional drinks) came to $190. I thought the experience was well worth it. The cons- this place is noisy, and it's unavoidable. I never found myself shouting over the din, but the space is almost cramped and lends itself to noise. I definitely recommend a reservation, as this is a popular spot. Service was wonderful on my 1st visit, but cold and aloof my 2nd time.

Pros: Great setting, Wonderful Food, Good Value

Cons: Noisy, can be cramped, inconsistent service

11/14/2007 Posted by amulet

I have been to Babette's 3 times over the last 3 months. Each and every time the service is impeccable! You know the kind of service where your server always knows what you need before you do. The food is out of this world!! The flavors are authentic and not over spiced or accented. Not to mention the prices are much less than other restaurants who don't come close to the quality of food. The room speaks for itself. Small, charming, and very warm. This restaurant is a must do! You will not be disappointed!! It is now our go-to place for special occasssions, or on a weeknight to order a few small plates.

Pros: Food, customer service, menu, wine, parking, ambience.

Cons: NONE!

06/05/2007 Posted by smatl

I have eaten brunch and dinner at Babettes about 10-15 times over the past 4 years. Their brunch is hands down one of my favorite in town-- the fillet eggs benedict on brioche is out of this world. For dinner, I am often most impressed by their small plates and will sometimes order a salad and 2 small plates as my meal. Their mussels with strawberry and serrano pepper are some of my favorite in town (see other posts, I love mussels and order them everywhere). The oyster biscuit with dill is delicious. For entrees, I enjoyed the halibut on a relatively recent visit, but my fillet a few weeks ago was horribly overcooked (ordered medium rare, came out medium well) and dry. I was shocked, really, that's the only time I have ever had anything "bad" at Babette's. But with just 1 bad meal out of 15, I'll go back again... Also, joint Babette's mailing list to get birthday and anniversary cards (the last one I received gave us a free half carafe of champagne on our anniversary-- nice touch)!

Pros: Service, Discount Cards for Birthdays and Anniversaries, Valet

Cons: None

02/11/2007 Posted by thefoodbunny

I have always hesitated to try Babette's Cafe. The previous menus didn't generate much excitement for me, however, when I saw the revamped current offerings, I made a reservation "tout de suite"! On a busy Saturday we arrived at 8pm for our reservation and were promptly seated. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and provided exceptional service from start to finish! We sampled several small plates.....duck confit hash, bacon and onion tart, and the artichoke and olive ravioli....all were perfectly delicious! We were in a quandary about the dessert selections, they all sounded fantastic, but our waiter recommended the dried cherry tart a' la mode. It didn't disappoint, with it's chewy, mildly tart dried cherries, crisp crust, and dollop of homemade ice cream.....a dreamy end to an excellent experience! 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. To the owner and chef: please keep these creative, yet homey and simple dishes on the menu and I will be a loyal customer! I will be sure to recommend Babette's to everyone!

Pros: Excellent food, service, ambience!

Cons: None

01/26/2007 Posted by dinerinatlanta

I have been dining here regularly since they moved to their larger location. Consistent, inventive and friendly, EVERY TIME. Consistency is always the biggest issue in Atlanta restaurants. Glad they have it down.

Pros: Menu, Staff, Location

Cons: None

01/26/2007 Posted by sky651

Babette's is one my favorite Atlanta restaurants. The staff is friendly, professional and well versed in the wine and dinner menus. One of the best mint juleps I have ever had. Their menu changes often enough and always reflects what is in season. Their cassoulet is cravable and perfect for a cold night. The lamb chops are pure perfection. Great for a special occassion or a casual date.

Pros: Friendly staff and fresh food

Cons: nothing

12/03/2006 Posted by ashlita

I went on a Saturday, and the brunch food was good. The service was spotty, and our waiter was not very informed about the menu.

06/23/2006 Posted by gators60

My wife and I ate here recently for our anniversary and had a wonderfull experience. We loved all the small plate options as well as the variety in entrees. The service was warm and knowledgeable and the food preparation and quality were excellent. While this is not a romantic rest. 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. Overall great value and we would certainly not hesitate to return again.

Pros: Service, Value

Cons: close proximity of tables