Babita Restaurant
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Phone: (626) 288-7265
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- East Norwood Place
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9pm, Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Sun 5:30pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Babita Restaurant – by Jane Tunks
The Scene
When the acclaimed El Emperador Maya closed, chowhounds hungry for authentic Mexican flavors languished at the gates for another miracle. The wait for Babita was worth it; the restaurant dishes out inspired Mexican food from the same modest quarters, a dressed-up living room, with maternal service tableside.
The Food
Chef Roberto Berrelleza accents traditional dishes with gourmet flourishes, such as balsamic vinegar drizzled over fried bananas, snapper garnished with mango-lime relish and rice pudding brûlée. The real hits are dishes rarely translated onto American menus. Lamb shank mixiote is marinated in dry chili sauce and steamed in beer until tender. Cochinita pibil, a Yucatecan dish, is baked in banana leaves till it's falling apart. But culinary thrill seekers should heed the servers' warning about the searing camarones topolobampo--plump shrimp blanketed in scorching habanero sauce with a heat that picks up momentum like a runaway semi.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoChilies en nogada is a specialty of Chef Berrelleza. Plan on visiting when pomegranates are in season (Sept.-Dec.). That's the only time you'll find the dish on the menu.
Know Before You GoAlthough the restaurant may seem small at first glance, there's a back room that can be reserved for larger parties.
User Reviews for Babita Restaurant
06/18/2008 Posted by Hoplow
I have been to Babita on numerous occasions. I fancy myself as a bit of an expert when it comes to Mexican food. My wife is from Mexico and we have travelled a decent amount. The weekend jaunt to Puerto Nuevo for lobster, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Tonala, Tlaquepaque, Monterrey...most recently through Merida, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Cancun and other cities in Quintana Roo. The dishes are all authentic with the chef's own spin on flavor. The dishes from the Yucatan are excellent. It is not easy to find most of these dishes locally. The desserts are great and the wine list is decent. My wife and I have taken many friends here with rave reviews. The neighbor hood isn't the best, it looks small and run down from the outside. Inside is cozy and romantic. The main dining are is small but there is a larger room for big parties. The staff is mellow but attentive, reminiscent of Quintana Roo where they have a slower pace of life and enjoy every moment to the fullest. This doesn't mean the service is bad, it's a different culture coliding with ours. The prices are not bad considering that you can't get these dishes other places.
Pros: Regional Dishes
Cons: Neighborhood
02/28/2008 Posted by milkboy33
I came here for lunch and was really impressed. It's a very small family owned restaurant. I couldn't tell from the looks on the outside what to expect on the inside. It was very classy and homely. The Mexican food had a French flare with a touch of Cuban cuisine. It was a bit pricey, but worth the try. I think it's very hard to find nice, cozy, sit down time spanish restaurants around this area. I definitely recommend.
Pros: Food, Service, Cozy Atmosphere
Cons: Price
Users Who Viewed Babita Restaurant Also Viewed
The Penthouse
1111 Second St
Santa Monica, CA 90403
