Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Beso Bistro and Wine Bar in Novato

4.4 (130) 502 S Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949, United States

Categories

Bistro
Wine bar

Location on the map

Novato, Marin County, California, US

Phone: +1 415-883-6700
Site: http://besobistro.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Wednesday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Thursday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Friday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Saturday:10 AM–2:30 PM
Sunday:10 AM–2:30 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.4

130 Reviews for Beso Bistro and Wine Bar 2024:

Review №1

2022-06-17 21:46:14

Such a cute restaurant surrounded by great trails. If you come out to visit make time to explore the area. Food is delicious if you like crispy wings you must try! Great selection of salads. Decent wine and beer selection. Prices are reasonable and service was quick. They also have an outdoor patio. They close after lunch @ 2:30pm and reopen @ 5 for dinner.

Review №2

2023-10-07 02:52:49

I used to come here all the time but this place fell off. Aside from being understaffed, they add an undisclosed 4% on all menu items. Yes you read that right.When I ask why it’s not disclosed, they say “the system is broken” and proceed to tack on the 4% surcharge. This is illegal.They also add an ADDITIONAL surcharge for using your credit credit. Don’t come here.

Review №3

2022-08-10 20:48:46

Ive been meaning to come to this place for a loooooonnnnnngggg time since I live so close to it and I finally found the time to stop by recently. Its a cute little spot with character and great service. Its location is a little unorthodox but thats ok, it kinda adds to the character.We decided to sit outside as it was a beautiful day. The patio is covered so you dont get baked and they have these really cool live edge tables to sit. They offer some nice wine based drinks which are nice on a warm day. The food selection is nice in that they dont have a massive list but the things they do have is well thought out. I would describe it as Cali/International Fusion.I got the Lomo Saltado (Im a huge fan of the dish) and everyone puts their spin on it. Theirs was good. Im not going to nit-pick on the little details but again, it was good.One thing not directly related to the dining experience is that their website is super dated and its difficult on a modern OS machine. For example it freezes my computer so I avoid it and come to yelp or google.Anyways, go check it out and enjoy!

Review №4

2023-10-21 21:25:55

Very mediocre pricey food. been there twice and same impression both times. $18 for a salad that is smallish but pretty good is a mediocre value and no reason to return again. very nice outdoor seating.

Review №5

2023-08-13 03:14:47

Romantic, wonderful food and excellent service.

Review №6

2023-09-09 18:18:39

We came in right before they opened and was welcomed in. Ordered Crab cakes, Oysters, Caesar Salad, Chicken Potstickers, Fries and Asian Chicken Salad. Lemonade was good but no refills, I received my fries first, my Asian Chicken Salad and she forgot about my Chicken Potstickers I’m assuming because of the language barrier. Waited 25 mins after all my food came and she asked if I wanted to add the Potstickers. A little frustrated but the food was good. Husband really enjoyed the Crab Cakes. We’d go again as we like the food enough to overlook the mess up of the Potstickers.

Review №7

2021-11-07 14:01:31

Very good food and service at the Beso Bistro! I had Crab Cakes which were excellent! There was only one waitress and one cook yet they managed to provide excellent service!

Review №8

2023-12-06 20:06:14

My favorite restaurant in Novato. Fantastic food and great menu!

Review №9

2023-05-02 17:13:55

Went here on a date, and it was my first time visiting. We had excellent service, great food, a great view and a good time.I would highly recommend Besos if you are in the area.We arrived early, around 10:45 and were seated immediately and stayed and enjoyed the place and food until about 1:30.

Review №10

2021-12-06 05:57:41

Fresh delicious food and great service! Good menu variety and nice location!

Review №11

2023-05-27 21:22:48

We just spent with tip $150.00 for four of us! The eggs Benedict was horrible their hollandaise bad! I had the salmon with salad, it needed dressing, I had about 4 little pieces of pecans and a few whatever’s on the salad. The calamari was so small almost like chicken popcorn? In fact all of our side salads needed dressing.. Their fish in chips was okay but it wasn’t cod more liketilapia. We won’t be back.

Review №12

2023-09-14 16:32:15

Wonderful dining experience in the heart of beautiful Hamilton. Chief and service is exceptional!

Review №13

2022-04-11 18:03:41

I love this place! Im crazy about their fish tacos and bellinis. After living in Washington for 2.5 years, it was wonderful to return and enjoy some tasty food and drinks! Prices are very reasonable, too. Everyone is always so welcoming there. Dont miss it!

Review №14

2023-07-16 16:54:32

Service was very slow. Not impressed with the Asian chicken salad.

Review №15

2023-06-26 01:06:16

Food is ok, but very understaffed. only one wait staff and one kitchen staff. could be promising but service just needs help

Review №16

2020-08-06 07:41:22

A hidden and secret gem . I have been here twice in the last month or so and both times I have been amazed at the quality of the food and the incredible service provided by the staff. Its a little hard to find without the assistance of a GPS, but it truly is a trip worth taking to find this place. Currently they offer outdoor dining on a beautiful patio with appropriate spacing. The ordering was perfectly staged as was the delivery of the courses of food. It is clear this is a professional operation run by people who know how to serve the customer. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a high quality meal in a great environment

Review №17

2022-09-23 17:45:59

Great food and setting. The owners and staff are friendly and professional. Quality ingredients and presentation. If you havent been, you definitely should give it a try.

Review №18

2017-03-26 03:14:22

Great place for Breakfast on the weekend. I usually go for the Cajun Fettuccine for dinner.Ive always have great service.

Review №19

2022-07-28 05:48:47

Not sure why people thought these were the best fish and chips, I felt they were very mediocre. Not a light battered cod but a dry overcooked Panko crusted bottom fish served with tater tots. Ordered extra tartare sauce to help choke it down. Next trip I will order the Gyro.

Review №20

2022-01-13 03:17:02

Nice spot on Hamilton, good tap and wine list. Loved the simple menu and mix of options for all diets. Also, allowed us to bring our own wine for a small corkage fee. Wanted very badly to try the filet mignon tacos, perhaps next time!

Review №21

2021-09-17 06:29:40

Enjoyed a well presented light lunch of roasted garlic and 3 cheeses on crackers with just the right portion of a green salad. Had a mimosa on the outdoor deck and was able to have my dog sit quietly at my feet. Only drawback was bar was closed. A margarita would have been perfect.

Review №22

2019-02-15 07:52:38

For Valentines Day the place was quite busy. We were able to get a reservation just a couple of hours before. The service was great and the food was delicious. We started with some wonderful mussels and crab cakes. I had the Jambalaya and my husband had the salmon. We finished off with chocolate mousse cake.

Review №23

2021-07-26 00:05:55

My favorite restaurant in Novato. Staff is always friendly & provide excellent service. They have both inside and outside dining not to mention take out. Brunch is a favorite & beignets are awesome. Owner is really cute too!😁

Review №24

2016-10-23 03:16:04

What a surprise my wife and I found just a couple miles from our home. We grew up on southern food and a great place to eat is literally down the road.Everything was presented over the top. I ordered onions and they came out looking like a tower. Two choices of dipping sauce.Next we got a baby lettuce salad. The lettuce came out looking like a flower with candied pecans and champagne salad dressing. Yum!!!Our main enter was fettuccine jambalaya with sausage, grilled chicken and shrimp in a tomato sauce with a lot of spices. This one of my meals Ive had traveling the entire state of California.Make a stop by and enjoy a surprise of great food in Marin.

Review №25

2019-03-05 07:30:14

Great little spot. The menu isnt huge but theres always something delicious to be had. Best wedge salad (simple but easy to mess up) and lots of great options. We especially like the tacos - both Fish and Filet. Yum!

Review №26

2020-10-09 20:23:59

Cute location in Hamilton. Lovely outdoor seating. Service was exceptional, despite there being so many guests to serve. Oysters were delicious! Ill definitely be back.

Review №27

2020-06-20 08:10:11

Unfortunately I had high expectations for this place and I shouldnt have. My bf and I walked in last night, and there was the hostess, a server and two chefs in the front and none of them greeted us nor made eye contact for what felt like 5 mins. We patiently waited and then since it seemed as if they were just talking amongst themselves and not seeming to care if we were there we told them about arriving early for our reservation. We were willing to wait for a table knowing we came in 15 mins early. But the hostess lady was VERY RUDE, did not make eye contact and talked over us, and did not communicate to us that our table was ready and just stormed off to put silverware and menus down on a table in the patio (*note: there is only patio seating due to covid) and we asked if that table was for us and she just pointed at it and looked rudely at us like we were supposed to know to follow her.Anyways, so we sit down and look over the menus, and our server passes us multiple times and doesnt even greet us. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, I looked around - theres a few tables out here, I thought to myself that maybe hes new or feeling rushed by others so he can take his time. But umm sitting there for 15 minutes without a server greeting us?! Thats ridiculous. Then when he finally came over it took him a very long time to bring us our drinks, which was just a water and an iced coffee and dont even get me started about when he finally came over to take our orders for food! /:The service is terrible but I give them props on their food. I ordered the Peruvian stir fry with filet mignon and it was very good! Good serving size and alot of meat. My bf is a vegetarian and he ordered a veggie burger which he wasnt too fond of but thats just personal preference. I definitely will not go out of my way again to come and dine here, its not worth it.Also, I took a video of my food for snapchat but google only allows pictures so sorry about that. But hope this review helped! :-)

Review №28

2022-07-16 01:05:50

Always the best. Good food, good people and great service. Hasn’t changed since they opened! You can’t go wrong.

Review №29

2022-06-15 02:52:27

Great staff really nice waitress and chef and amazingly good food. Probably the best fish and chips you’ll find in all novato

Review №30

2019-04-03 15:04:19

If you are not in a hurry, this restaurant has some of the best food in Marin. Located in Hamilton, it is a local favorite. On sunny days, enjoy lunch (brunch) on the deck. A place to meet your friends or just relax and enjoy your meal. Excellent menu and wines to match. Open for breakfast and dinner also.You can make reservations for dinner.

Review №31

2021-07-01 01:10:50

Excellent blackened salmon salad! Very reasonably priced too ($17). The patio is nice as well with some shade cover.

Review №32

2016-03-21 04:22:08

Absolutely amazing! What a wonderful gem we found on our family vacation. The food was terrific, the staff very welcoming and accommodating, and the atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for.5 stars all the way....thank you Beso Team!!

Review №33

2015-10-23 05:12:52

This is a must-do spot in Novato, CA. Outstandingly prepared dishes, a wait staff that is pleasant and at hand at just the right times [I hate pushy wait staff....dont you?], in an unpretentious renovated home. Inside is noisy, but outside on the porch it is just to my taste: simple, functional, and charmingly al fresco.We shared the baked garlic and cheese spread for an appetizer: a lovely selection of 3 cheeses, sliced strawberries, and a mound of tossed greens. The little cup of honey threw us both. But with the garlic on a crostini, my wife pronounced it delicious.My wife had the brochette of seafood: shrimp, scallops and vegetables served over pilaf with delightful creamy sauce.I had the bouillabaisse, and it was top of the line: scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, salmon and cod in a wonderful tomato broth, superbly seasoned and fresh parsley bits all floating around.Somewhat pricey, but worth every penny for one of the best meals in a long time.Hidden in a residential area, this place is A FIND.

Review №34

2019-06-21 17:10:06

Great little restaurant in a beautiful setting and outdoor seating. The food was very good and the menu has a nice variety. Well be back!

Review №35

2016-12-06 19:23:48

Good food! Its a very nice spot in a quiet area. I walk around this area all the time. The prices arent that great but if youre looking for a quieter place to bring a date this is perfect!

Review №36

2023-02-22 22:05:47

Not cheap, but worth it. Excellent Caesar salad with grilled salmon on top of it

Review №37

2016-10-22 17:17:44

Friendly local atmosphere. Heard it was Google, found it even better than expected. Diverse menu. Plan to work my way through the whole thing. A little hard to find the first time, but well worth it. Going back soon.

Review №38

2017-12-01 19:08:15

Very delicious food at a reasonable price. A very comfortable atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating, including a lounge bench/couch with comfortable pillows. Iced tea is to die for.

Review №39

2020-07-08 06:06:25

You made our night...accommodating 2 travelers and an 11 year old almost before closing who’d traveled from Disneyland on the way home to Seattle, I will never forget you. Beso Bistro you gave 2 sisters and a child a wonderful break that night with your delicious food delightful wine and warm hospitality!

Review №40

2022-02-16 23:53:36

Fabulous staff. Helpful,friendly and accommodating. The food was Beyond my Expectations. I am definitely returning to this jewel.

Review №41

2017-07-14 19:09:57

Staff was great, we came in at the end of the lunch hour and they were in process of closing before the dinner setvice. They made us feel very welcome, didnt rush us at all and the food was top notch too.

Review №42

2022-12-05 04:21:21

Quaint place with amazing food. Sonething for everyone on the menu.

Review №43

2023-04-09 19:31:59

Sweet, tasty and fun!

Review №44

2017-12-04 00:58:48

Good food and good service. Enjoyed brunch. Like the menu. Will definitely be going back for dinner soon

Review №45

2021-10-07 17:25:48

Good over cooked / service terrible 40 mn to get order /over priced for value - will not go there again.

Review №46

2017-06-17 01:25:16

Lovely place. Good food. Michelle, owner/chef has some very creative twists on dishes.

Review №47

2019-09-11 14:14:40

Found a small pea crab in one of my clams. Wouldve been nice if it were removed before being brought to the table. Gross.

Review №48

2021-06-30 16:47:43

Very pleasant setting and good food. Indoor and outdoor dining. Good service.

Review №49

2017-09-08 17:23:02

Very nice good seafood reasonably price . Wait staff very good . Only drawback is inside dining very loud.Wont stop me from returning thou

Review №50

2022-09-17 21:09:07

Great fish tacos. Great spice butnot too hot.

Review №51

2018-03-11 02:13:20

Ive been here about five times. Always a wonderful experience with respect to both the food and staff.My go to in Novato.

Review №52

2021-09-30 19:47:36

We had a wonderful meal in a very nice location. We ate out on the desk.

Review №53

2021-04-25 04:45:50

Wow so happy to have found this please. The food was delicious. The service was great.

Review №54

2017-07-29 19:37:39

A place that I would give another shot because staff were really friendly and attentive. Food isnt terrible and atmosphere is like being on vacation!

Review №55

2020-09-10 03:03:12

Outside adult time was nice. The menu was a bit limited but would go back for the mussels..

Review №56

2018-08-10 00:08:42

Great outdoor patio which is dog friendly. Good is varied and delicious! Try the fish tacos.

Review №57

2017-08-26 18:17:57

Very nice! Great food nice atmosphere, came early for brunch not crowded

Review №58

2020-10-29 21:13:47

So many menu choices and each was devine to read. The clam chowder was as spectacular!!

Review №59

2016-03-17 19:20:31

Incredible food. Great atmosphere. Outdoor dining. Reasonable prices.

Review №60

2017-08-06 06:26:47

Great food, people and beautiful outside deck to enjoy your meal.

Review №61

2020-07-26 19:44:14

Great sitting outside on the patio beautiful day great food, great service, just the bestThank you Michelle

Review №62

2017-06-17 04:36:02

Great food our server was very attentive. Great atmosphere.

Review №63

2021-07-21 03:45:08

Please! What genre of food is this place??? Someone let me know! Good food but WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS IT

Review №64

2018-01-26 00:47:36

Service was great... But for the price I was expecting more, I guess I need to try more from the menu

Review №65

2018-07-30 03:08:01

Casual atmosphere, varied menu well prepared, nice deck for outdoor dining.

Review №66

2018-12-20 19:36:59

Excellent Service and Quality food. Our familys favorite!

Review №67

2020-08-17 15:32:24

This place has been consistently excellent whether its take out or dine out.

Review №68

2019-06-06 05:49:20

Very great salad seafood n dressings. we sat inside n svc meze meze but great food

Review №69

2017-06-14 05:22:21

We Love Beso! Great menu, friendly staff & well prepared food. ❤️

Review №70

2016-01-23 21:27:58

Food is consistently great! Good menu, lovely owner!

Review №71

2022-04-05 05:12:59

Should get 10 STARS!!!! FANTASTIC ICEBERG WEDGE WITB GRILLED SALMON!! THE BEST!!!

Review №72

2018-09-18 20:48:42

Excellent food, nice location, good service.

Review №73

2020-02-12 20:25:37

Love our puppies on their deck

Review №74

2021-12-14 07:46:44

MY go to restaurant for a first date after an easy hike.

Review №75

2017-07-14 23:36:09

I had fish and chips and the fish was like leather it was so thin Ive never had fish like that before anyway I will never eat there again

Review №76

2021-10-10 04:47:53

Milton took great care of us and everything was lovely.

Review №77

2022-08-22 23:28:12

The best fish tacos in Northern California

Review №78

2023-02-28 23:23:20

Excellent service the food delicious

Review №79

2019-05-18 04:49:35

One of the worts Lomo Saltado I ever tried. I never coming back there.

Review №80

2016-08-15 20:01:41

Excellent food and service. Casual atmosphere.

Review №81

2018-02-22 15:18:22

A hidden cozy spot with a fun menu and an efficient, friendly staff.

Review №82

2015-03-02 02:14:27

Excellent, relaxed atmosphere and very good bistro food.

Review №83

2022-04-23 00:58:28

Slow service, but nice food

Review №84

2019-11-14 00:43:40

Great service and food. Creme brulee was fantastic

Review №85

2019-11-07 03:34:14

Outstanding dinner...highly recommend this restaurant!

Review №86

2019-02-09 05:43:12

Delicious! I loved the food and atmosphere.

Review №87

2019-10-02 19:04:07

Food was ok, service slow but friendly

Review №88

2016-05-05 03:45:17

Out of the way, friendly and comfortable, with amazing variety for a small place.

Review №89

2017-12-13 04:40:32

Fantastic food with nice wine selection!

Review №90

2018-05-06 23:15:43

Attentive staff, good menu, good food

Review №91

2021-01-08 20:51:00

Love this place. A real gem right here in our community.

Review №92

2016-10-31 02:34:27

Great appetizers and amazing staff

Review №93

2018-03-12 00:10:39

Good food, good service, great restaurant

Review №94

2016-03-20 14:52:55

Nice little surprise, with Latin flavor, enjoyed the steak.

Review №95

2020-10-03 07:52:59

Lovely ambience, excellent service and delicious food.

Review №96

2019-12-09 06:42:23

Good food and good price nice workers

Review №97

2018-05-21 21:20:21

We sat on the patio and had a great lunch

Review №98

2017-10-15 21:28:44

Great food. Setting is historic.

Review №99

2021-10-10 03:00:29

Awesome service great food .

Review №100

2022-07-16 14:50:55

Fantastic. Same fine service and food.

Review №101

2019-02-09 21:53:39

Love the salads and fish tacos here.

Review №102

2020-08-17 02:53:32

Lovely staff and delicious brunch.

Review №103

2018-10-23 10:53:26

Excellent value; quality food

Review №104

2018-03-10 22:47:26

Five stars but too noisy. Needs sound-damping walls.

Review №105

2018-07-20 20:31:58

Lovely place for a lunch on the deck.

Review №106

2017-06-29 21:25:23

The garden and the salmon salad...do it and be happy! :)

Review №107

2017-06-06 18:52:57

Nice deck..good food

Review №108

2019-05-12 14:49:39

Salmon salad is very good!

Review №109

2018-09-16 02:15:44

Sadly the service was awful this visit and I wont be back

Review №110

2017-09-15 01:39:08

Wonderful crab mac n cheese

Review №111

2018-03-26 00:29:34

Good beginets and seafood omlette

Review №112

2020-06-21 20:52:17

Great food Bad service.

Review №113

2017-07-03 03:04:44

Best chef in Marin, Fernando!

Review №114

2018-03-31 18:02:40

Went for lunch and it was fabulous!

Review №115

2018-08-27 20:57:15

Wonderful spot hidden off the track

Review №116

2021-12-16 04:45:14

Great food and service

Review №117

2019-03-25 04:39:25

Great beef tacos !

Review №118

2021-04-29 18:16:48

Outstanding food and service.

Review №119

2021-10-24 03:47:13

Delicious and great service

Review №120

2017-07-18 14:06:05

Best chef in Marin.

Review №121

2019-11-18 15:33:39

Friendly and attentive service.

Review №122

2020-08-03 22:23:59

Good food and atmosphere

Review №123

2019-02-09 04:47:24

Excellent food!

Review №124

2017-09-11 21:05:04

Excellent

Review №125

2017-04-30 19:43:05

Fish tacos are 👌👌👌

Review №126

2016-09-28 02:46:12

Great service

Review №127

2019-01-25 02:23:28

Wow I was ve

Review №128

2016-11-17 06:01:37

Delicious food

Review №129

2017-12-10 16:36:07

Delious food

Review №130

2022-09-03 15:30:06

Very good dishes, excellent service