Bacari Brings Mediterranean Small Plates to North Park’s Iconic Two-Story Building

Bacari, the family-owned Mediterranean small plates restaurant, just opened its doors in North Park, and it’s taking over the beloved two-story building at 30th and University that’s been sitting vacant since Urban Solace closed back in 2019.

For the first time ever, the upper level is open to diners, which means you can sip drinks from a wrap-around balcony overlooking the buzz of 30th Street.

The restaurant serves dinner daily and weekend brunch across both floors, bringing warm hospitality, intimate design, and a shareable, made-from-scratch menu to the heart of North Park’s food scene.

Inspired by Ancient Venetian Wine Bars

Founded in Los Angeles in 2008 by brothers Robert and Danny Kronfli alongside Executive Chef and Co-Owner Lior Hillel, Bacari (BAH-kah-ree, a Venetian word for “wine bar”) takes its inspiration from ancient Venetian wine bars known as bacari, which served wines with shareable small plates called “cicchetti” and functioned as the social hearts of local neighborhoods.

Co-Founder Robert Kronfli says the team had been scouting locations across San Diego County and immediately gravitated toward North Park’s energy and community feel.

The space really fits what the brand is about – warm, approachable, and inviting – and they’re hoping to become a go-to spot for social gatherings, first dates, and celebrations.

Chef Lior Hillel’s Mediterranean Menu

Executive Chef and Co-Owner Lior Hillel leads Bacari’s culinary program, drawing from his time in the kitchen of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Michelin-starred flagship restaurant in New York City and his native Israel.

The menu of Mediterranean-inspired small plates pulls from Middle Eastern and European cuisines, emphasizing fresh, seasonal produce with bold spices and bright, herbaceous elements.

Signature dinner dishes include:

• Fried Chicken Sliders (cornbread crusted, Hawaiian roll, pickled cucumber, cabbage, caper kalamata aioli)
• Shawarma Tacos (chicken pargiyot, shredded cabbage, pickled red onion, sesame, garlic tahini)
• Brussels Sprouts (caramelized, pomegranate molasses creme fraiche, julienne beets)
• ‘Moroccan Cigars’ (stuffed with lamb & chicken, roasted nut & garlic honey glaze, pickled onion, toum crema)

Weekend Brunch and Two Full Bars

If you’re looking for a brunch spot that goes beyond the usual pancakes and eggs, Bacari’s weekend offerings bring the same Mediterranean energy as the dinner menu.

Weekend brunch favorites include:

• Shakshouka (rustic tomato sauce, bell pepper, sous vide egg, parsley, baguette)
• Chef’s French Toast (house-baked brioche/challah, market fruit)
• Lamb Hummus (braised ground lamb, spiced Lebanese stew, crudites, sesame, tahini, fresh pita)

Two full bars (one on each level) serve a selection of wines, beers, unique craft cocktails, and zero-proof beverages.

Bacari signatures include house-made sangrias, a rotating list of international wines, and creative cocktails like the refreshing Bacarita (tequila, watermelon, jalapeno, basil, lime) and Permanent Vacation (pineapple-infused saison pale, amaro montenegro, lime, cinnamon-bourbon bitters, brûléed pineapple).

Old World European Design With Personal Touches

Co-founder Robert Kronfli personally designed and sourced every element of the restaurant, incorporating patinated antiques to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space is layered with antique and vintage rugs, lighting, furnishings, and objects that make it feel timeworn and steeped in history.

Custom-fabricated furnishings, richly patterned upholstery, colorful Mexican wall tile, and rustic stonework round out the interiors. Outside, a lush, plant-filled covered patio serves as the restaurant’s entrance and provides additional seating.

Weekly Live Music and Open Bar Special

Bacari features weekly live music Thursday through Saturday and a 90-minute open bar special. Reservations can be made through OpenTable, but aren’t required – they accommodate walk-ins and large parties even on the busiest nights, which is always appreciated.

See you there!

North Park finally gets to see what the upper level of this iconic building looks like, and Bacari is bringing exactly the kind of warm, community-focused restaurant the neighborhood has been missing since Urban Solace closed.

📆 Now open | Dinner: Monday – Friday at 5 PM, Saturday – Sunday at 4 PM | Weekend brunch: Saturday – Sunday, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 3823 30th St, North Park
🎟️ Reservations can be made here | Walk-ins are welcome
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!