Debbie and George Sayegh visited Florida in 2012 when they fell in love with St. Petersburg. Now, the Sayegh's are proud St. Pete locals of 7 years and owners of Latin-inspired EDGE district restaurant, Bodega. Baba, meaning "father, " stems from Sayegh's meditteranean cultures and pays homage to both George's father, George Sayegh Sr., and Debbie's father, Tommy Lekas, as Baba means "Dad" in Lebanese and Greek.
Baba is a nod to both George's father, George Sayegh Sr., and Debbie's father, Tommy Lekas, as Baba means "Dad" in Lebanese and Greek (Debbie is Greek and George is Lebanese). But the Sayeghs also plan to reference other relatives who influenced them through food at Baba, which will focus on Greek and Lebanese cuisine with an American twist.
Baba is a nod to both George's father, George Sayegh Sr., and Debbie's father, Tommy Lekas, as Baba means "Dad" in Lebanese and Greek (Debbie is Greek and George is Lebanese). But the Sayeghs also plan to reference other relatives who influenced them through food at Baba, which will focus on Greek and Lebanese cuisine with an American twist.
Reviews (21)
Rebecca DiGiaimo
Jan 25, 2022
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Being native to St. Pete, I can tell you there are several better restaurants in the area for the price. I recommend enjoying one that will allow you to enjoy your dining experience in our beautiful city, without rushing you out the door for the next check. If you would like to learn more about our experience read on…
I had received mix reviews on BaBa but being Greek, decided to try it. We spent close to $300 for 3 for dinner.
I ordered the Pompano and it was quite fishy. I ended up not eating it. My best friend order the steak medium and it was practically raw. My sister ordered the lamb
I had received mix reviews on BaBa but being Greek, decided to try it. We spent close to $300 for 3 for dinner.
I ordered the Pompano and it was quite fishy. I ended up not eating it. My best friend order the steak medium and it was practically raw. My sister ordered the lamb
Diana C.
Dec 30, 2021
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I loved it! The lamb souvlaki was delicious so was the spread sampler! My parents had the littleneck clams - they said they were really good and it also came with this perfectly toasted slice of thick bread and a pasta shape I never knew existed! The chicken souvlaki was recommended for kids .
The drink where presented in a very interesting way!
The pear Kataif was sooo good, I really recommend it!
The drink where presented in a very interesting way!
The pear Kataif was sooo good, I really recommend it!
Doriana Atchley
Dec 16, 2021
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If you're missing the Mediterranean - this is your spot.
Menu isn't huge but it's authentic! Everything we tried was delicious n made from scratch, they even grow their herbs outback.
Service was great, everyone was super friendly and helpful.
Their drinks were most impressive! They had unique flavors, never even heard of mixing! And wines from the Mediterranean
And to top it off - the bakery! Wow
This place has it all! Definitely a must 👌
Menu isn't huge but it's authentic! Everything we tried was delicious n made from scratch, they even grow their herbs outback.
Service was great, everyone was super friendly and helpful.
Their drinks were most impressive! They had unique flavors, never even heard of mixing! And wines from the Mediterranean
And to top it off - the bakery! Wow
This place has it all! Definitely a must 👌
Paulina Testerman
Dec 13, 2021
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Peggy R.
Dec 11, 2021
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Food is always on point! Service is always good and with a welcoming atmosphere. It's pretty and clean and sitting at the bar is just lovely. Feels like you're in a modern little place in Greece. Veggies taste fresh from the garden and the dressing, sauces, dips are so delicious, I want all their recipes!
Julia D.
Dec 08, 2021
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Fresh quality ingredients, beautiful restaurant. All the things you could ask for. I've tried the lamb pita... like 7 times now lol , I know what you're thinking.. LAME, but when you find something this good you just gotta keep getting it! I've been lucky that my boyfriend tries different things so I do know the menu includes other tasty items. It's a bit pricy and there's no happy hour which I think would help with making it a regular on my rotation. Dog friendly, give it a try!
Doug Merriott
Dec 02, 2021
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Sleek. That was my first impression when I first saw Baba. I was greeted warmly by the bartender, Molly, she was fast, attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu. I dream about mezze, tapas and sampling menus; small plates just catapult my brain into happy overload. 10 years in fine dining kitchens does something to a person, you are critical of food in ways most people won't notice but at Baba, I was amazed. Every ingredient was perfectly cooked, all flavors balanced to bring out their best qualities, freshness permeated each dish. Octopus is an Achilles Heel to most places but Baba cooked
Bryan D.
Nov 11, 2021
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Jolie W.
Nov 07, 2021
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The hummus special included feta, walnuts and harissa, really excellent.
We ordered the salmon salad not realizing it was cured, not cooked. The waitress was gracious and replaced it with the charred cauliflower and romanesco appetizer. So so good!!
We ordered the swordfish skewers on a bed of greens, potatoes, endive and figs.
Every dish was beautiful and a wonderful combination of tasteful delights! Can't wait to come back again!
We ordered the salmon salad not realizing it was cured, not cooked. The waitress was gracious and replaced it with the charred cauliflower and romanesco appetizer. So so good!!
We ordered the swordfish skewers on a bed of greens, potatoes, endive and figs.
Every dish was beautiful and a wonderful combination of tasteful delights! Can't wait to come back again!
Mandie F.
Nov 07, 2021
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Super cute spot. Perfect for a date night with a giant hedge to block views from main street since it is right off central. The porch area is super cute at night with lights and tasteful decor but minimalistic. The drink menu is very simplistic but well thought out for sure. While the garnishes are nothing special, the flavor profiles created are very surprising in the best way possible. For someone who is rarely surprised by what restaurants come up with and present, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed both cocktails that I tried "EFFIE & NYFI (with stray dog gin instead of mezcal
Alisa Oswalt
Sep 01, 2021
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Brittany L.
Aug 15, 2021
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You can't order from the bakery/cafe menu (fries, sandwich, single servings of hummus/tzatziki) while dining at the restaurant, the menus differ. The fries with labneh are amazing, available at the cafe. Save some money by hitting the bakery/cafe during lunchtime, sit outside. Dinner - you will have to spend some $ and make a reservation. Not too impressed with the cocktails here, I always go for wine.
Joe S.
Jul 29, 2021
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Gianna I.
Jul 26, 2021
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I'm so happy I was finally able to check out Baba! We came here with some friends for dinner and drinks and had a wonderful outside. We sat outside, and although its pretty unbearable out, they do a nice job of putting a fan at almost every table. For drinks, we ordered the Kalio and the Baba. I absolutely loved the Kalio, its light, refreshing, and the perfect summer cocktails. The guys enjoyed the Baba, which is their take on an old fashioned.
For appetizers we ordered the hummus of the day (highly recommend), and the spreads sampler (Labneh, Muhammara, and tyrokafteri). The dip
For appetizers we ordered the hummus of the day (highly recommend), and the spreads sampler (Labneh, Muhammara, and tyrokafteri). The dip
Samantha Fields
Jul 24, 2021
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I was really impressed with how good this place is! The food is absolutely delicious and the presentation was stunning. The ambience of the restaurant is extremely beautiful. We ordered the dip sampler, as well as the steak and eggs. The fries were extremely good! Service was very quick. We got to speak with the chef and she was very nice, you can tell by talking with her that she really loves her job and enjoys making this food. You can tell she enjoys it by how good it is and how well it is presented. there is a lot of care that goes into it.
Geoffrey Seeley
Jul 19, 2021
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Ashley
Jun 03, 2021
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Carla D.
Mar 11, 2021
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We enjoyed dinner at this lovely restaurant. The decor is very relaxing and inviting. Almost makes you feel like you're dining at a restaurant in Greek island.
We had the octopus appetizer and the mujadra with fish. The accompaniments served with the octopus were a bit underwhelming, the dish was definitely missing some acid. The mujadra was not by any means classic and the burnt onions were way too burnt, they overpowered the dish. The fish was cooked perfectly though and the mint sauce was delicious.
The highlight of the meal was definitely dessert. We ordered their version of panna cotta
We had the octopus appetizer and the mujadra with fish. The accompaniments served with the octopus were a bit underwhelming, the dish was definitely missing some acid. The mujadra was not by any means classic and the burnt onions were way too burnt, they overpowered the dish. The fish was cooked perfectly though and the mint sauce was delicious.
The highlight of the meal was definitely dessert. We ordered their version of panna cotta
Johannes Kiewath
Feb 13, 2021
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We walked by multiple times when they first opened up because the menu and prices didn’t appeal to us. But they just redone the menu and the prices are more reasonable so we decided to give it a try, glad we did. Everything we ordered was delicious, only the mussels could have some more flavor.
We will go back.
We will go back.
Michael D.
Dec 18, 2020
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Dropped in for a quick lunch, and I'm so glad I did. The falafel pita was perfect, and the fries that came with it were also quite good.
It was a pleasant lunch sitting outdoors on the patio by the herb garden, where someone popped out once in a while to grab fresh herbs from the her garden in the photo.
The fresh baked desserts looked fantastic,, so I just I had to try the baklava., which was a real treat with a. Greek coffee.
There was also a nice selection of cocktails, though I will have to come back to try those.
It was a pleasant lunch sitting outdoors on the patio by the herb garden, where someone popped out once in a while to grab fresh herbs from the her garden in the photo.
The fresh baked desserts looked fantastic,, so I just I had to try the baklava., which was a real treat with a. Greek coffee.
There was also a nice selection of cocktails, though I will have to come back to try those.
Dorene M.
Aug 19, 2020
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I finally made it to Baba a couple of weeks ago and I'm glad I did .
Thankfully since it was cool outside we were able to sit outside and be socially distant from others. Such pretty outside seating (see picture)
We started off with the toasted cauliflower hummus and it was delicious. My friend eats a gluten free diet so they gave us extra veggies instead of the bread. We appreciated the accommodation.. Back to the hummus itself, honestly one of the best hummus I've had, it wasn't overwhelming with any one flavor, it had a nice balance and was really creamy ...yum !
We both ordered
Thankfully since it was cool outside we were able to sit outside and be socially distant from others. Such pretty outside seating (see picture)
We started off with the toasted cauliflower hummus and it was delicious. My friend eats a gluten free diet so they gave us extra veggies instead of the bread. We appreciated the accommodation.. Back to the hummus itself, honestly one of the best hummus I've had, it wasn't overwhelming with any one flavor, it had a nice balance and was really creamy ...yum !
We both ordered
