Babette's Cafe

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. more

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. more

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... more

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) more

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 more

The food they served was good. It was not awesome but it's decent. I gave them another star for the variety of food they offered and for the cozy atmosphere. However, the service was not prompt at all.. It's not one of the best restaurants I've been to and it's not the worst neither. more

Babette's is a good place to go to. The food was good and the amosphere was fun. I just didn't like the server that much, she tried to rush us out of there. more

We went for Easter brunch...what a mistake. Our server was nice and personable and the place was adorable, but that was about it. (Don't we also go out to eat for the FOOD and SERVICE?) My husband and I took his parents and when the food arrived, the server told my mother-in-law that her food would be coming shortly. That is a NO-NO. A LOT of time passed and our server came back and said it would be 30 seconds. And minutes passed before her food finally arrived, with barely a ""sorry"". I couldn't eat until her food arrived so of course, my food was cold. And there was nothing special about any of the food. I am very easy to please, and this place was just terrible. With so many great places in Atlanta, I don't know how this place survives? (Brunch at Atkins Park crushes this place!) We will never be back. Pros: Cute place Cons: Terrible service more

We've never had a bad experience at Babette's. We love to go to a place where we know we're going to get a great meal with superior service. We never feel rushed and we always enjoy menu regulars like her lamb, chicken and tenderloin. Her small plates are a treat and offer a great variety; with portions that allow you to try a couple before your entree. Her brunch should not be missed! It's a lovely way to spend a meal on a Sunday! Chef/Owner is always gracious and welcoming and her staff enthusiastic and accommodating. Pros: Cozy, warm atmosphere, excellent food! Cons: None that I can find (no Sat brunch!) more

My husband and I eat all over the world. This was one of the best meals we've ever had. From start to finish. Terrific. Pros: Value, nice staff, great food more

I wanted to take my girlfriend to a special place for her birthday. Unfortunately, we selected Babette's Cafe. My girfriend ordered the Coquilles St Jacques a la Provencale...it didn't live up to its name. I tried the Poulet au Porto....can I just say 'tough and dry. Save your money and go somewhere really nice and romantic. Pros: I Didn't Throw Up Cons: Bad Food more

Well, for starters we had to wait 20mins for a table and that's with a reservation. The restaurant's selling point is its simplicity. I'm all for simple, but cheap is another thing. The mixed green salad was limp and the dressing tasted as if it was made with Miracle Whip. ?And whatever you do dont order the omelette. Cold eggs on an empty stomach does not give happy endings. Skip the brunch.... Pros: I'm still trying to think of one Cons: The Maitre'd is Mussolini's sister more

My husband and I both highly recommend Babette's Cafe for your next special dining experience. We went there for our anniversary and it was a night to remember. We decided to have the special prix fixed menu for $18.00 each. It gave a choice of three appetizers and three entrees. I chose the little fingers of fried halibut with caper mayonnaise and petit filet mignon (5oz.) with spicy onion rings and gorgonzola sauce. Sketch also chose the fried halibut and then roast chicken with artichokes, dauphine potatoes and creme fraiche. I tried and succeeded to not fill up on bread and butter, but knowing these would be smaller plates I knew I would have room. I'm a meat and potatoes girl, but I don't eat a lot of red meat, although I do crave a lot of red meat. Red meat is reserved for restaurants or when my family grills it in the summertime. Saints be praised, I was not even remotely disappointed with my meal. We had enough time to eat more baguette and butter, but didn't have to wait too long. Our halibut fingers came out piping hot and with a smile. We immediately dug in and almost burned ourselves, so we slowed down and ate them with forks. I'm not sure how in what they were fried, but the breading was light like panko breadcrumbs instead of a cornmeal or flour breading. Sketch and I carefully devoured our appetizers with capers which I would guess were pan fried, as were the lemon rings. Having finished everything on my plate, I tried the lemon, but it was a little too tough to chew, but a nice palet cleanser. More bread, butter and water ( although Babette's does have a lovely apertif, cocktail and wine list) and then the main event. We both cut into our meats which were tender and buttery. I was given a steak knife but believe I could have cut mine with a fork it was so tender. I had ordered mine medium rare, and Marla understood medium rare still has a pink center and would not be mistaken at any time for a shoe. My first bite without any sauce made my tastebuds cry out for more. Really. I could hear them. I laughed and started to quietly moan. I told Sketch this is what I had been waiting for in steak. He laughed and I noticed that he was eating as slow as I was, would take a bite with his eyes closed and smile. This was no ordinary meal. We shared small bites of each others food and agreed we had both won the food lottery. For every bite we savored every morsel, not rushing anything. Neither of us had eaten potatoes dauphine before, but would be happy to again and again. I would guess they were fingerling potatoes which seemed to be parboiled and them somehow baked into a custard like dumpling. I suggested he sop up the sauce with bread, which he did and enjoyed, but he wanted to save some of his meal for the next day. As much as I was enjoying my meal, I wanted to do the same, just so I could prolong the experience. I have never had gorgonzola that tasted so fresh and tangy with just enough salt (I am not a fan of saltiness and don't add it to my food or when I cook). I would have sopped up my sauce, but there was only a dollop so it didn't overpower the filet. The spicy onion rings were not spicy to me, but surprisingly sweet. I would guess they were vidalia onions, but am not sure. My meal also had green beans and carrots in a shallot herb butter. They were firm, chewy and nicely seasoned. We expressed our regret that we had no room for dessert, but honestly I didn't want anything else to remove those tastes and sensations from my mouth and soul. The atmosphere added to the meal as well, low lighting, warm tones and wonderful service. We left with more anniversary wishes as we praised our meal to the heavens. Pros: Not one complaint Cons: Not a con for me, but not vegan or vegetarian more

The setting is Paris bistro with lace curtains, white tablecloths, and muted tones I found comfortable and relaxing. The only thing missing is a view of a narrow street and whizzing scooters. Order a glass of wine and use your imagination. I am a foodie and was delighted with the variety and complexity of the offerings. The menu is medium-sized but should provide something for everyone. I 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: steamed mussels with strawberries and Serrano peppers, grilled Dorade (fish) with fennel and tomato, and shrimp with potato gnocchi. We were too full for dessert. Tip: the wine list offers a wine suggestion (pairing) for every menu item. It was perfect. Tip: they offer a fixed price menu for $18 -- an incredible value which we did not try this time. The ala carte menu is a very good value. Service was perfect. Ask for Robin. This is an excellent restaurant which we will return to soon. Pros: Food and Service more

Great Location, Great Food, Good Selection - EXCELLENT Brunch. Pros: Quaint more

I can't think of another restaurant in Atlanta that offers such consistency in both food and service. It's been my ""go to"" place for years - to take both family and business clients. Bless their hearts, they take care of my picky father-in-law without a complaint. And I've celebrated my birthday at Babette's more times than I like to think about. Pros: Best service in the city. Cons: Parking is valet, which can get overwhelmed on the weekends. more

I went with a group of people after work and was thrilled, we all were, with the menu, setting and service. I can't believe I hadn't been before. We all ordered appetizers from the Really Small Plates menu and it was so much fun. Got to try a lot of different foods. Service was attentive, let us have a good time, but was there when we needed something. Pros: Great Menu selection, great service more

I would highly recommend Babbette's Cafe to all of my friends and business collegues. The mussells are by far the best in the country, and the duck is outstanding. I'd also recommend any of their seafood dishes as they are always cooked to perfection. The indoor seating is recommended over the porch seating. We come back to this restaurant every two to three months, and are always treated wonderfully. Pros: Food is fabulous and service as well, always a treat Cons: porch/outdoor seating isn't as nice as inside this charming house. more

We eat at this restaurant for every special occasion in our lives...birthdays, anniversaries, to impress out-of-town guests, even the first dinner with the future in-laws. Marla not only prepares delicious food ( the halibut, mussels, lamb chops and chicken dishes are family favorites), but also makes us feel special from the moment we walk in. Whether it's business or pleasure, the is the place. more

After having finished dinner at Babette's Cafe last night, I felt strongly inclined to leave a flattering review for this modest rustic restaurant which leaves its competitors' haughty ""haut cuisine"" retreating abashedly in shame. The theme for Atlanta cuisine recently has been to place the most emphasis on the decor and ambiance, luring customers in to dine on impalpable food. 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. It is a rare occasion and one that should be relished when a restaurant is found that is not subject to pretention, but rather passion. Babette's Cafe is this restaurant and I can assure you that I will be going back there frequently. 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. 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! 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. I highly recommend the veal. Pros: Valet parking, cocktails, waitstaff, and food Cons: I think I covered everything above more