
Baris
A Waco institution serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1980. Famous for generous portions, classic pasta, and a welcoming BYOB atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Baris

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Waco institution serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1980. Famous for generous portions, classic pasta, and a welcoming BYOB atmosphere.
"This place is a gem—and will be a must-stop every time we visit."
Reservations & Parking
Arrive early or make a reservation, especially on weekends, as parking and seating can be challenging.
BYOB Option
Bring your own bottle of wine or your favorite beverage to complement your meal.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Generous Portions of Authentic Italian Food
Experience hearty, traditional Italian dishes with generous portion sizes that offer incredible value and authentic flavors.

Iconic Garlic Bread with Cheese and Tomatoes
Don't miss the legendary garlic bread, generously topped with melted cheese and fresh tomatoes, a must-try appetizer.

Cozy, Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Enjoy a warm and cozy dining experience in this family-owned eatery, perfect for casual get-togethers and authentic Italian meals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations & Parking
Arrive early or make a reservation, especially on weekends, as parking and seating can be challenging.
BYOB Option
Bring your own bottle of wine or your favorite beverage to complement your meal.
Appetizer Bread
Save room for the sizable, delicious loaf of bread served as an appetizer before your main course.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations & Parking
Arrive early or make a reservation, especially on weekends, as parking and seating can be challenging.
BYOB Option
Bring your own bottle of wine or your favorite beverage to complement your meal.
Appetizer Bread
Save room for the sizable, delicious loaf of bread served as an appetizer before your main course.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baris is a beloved Italian restaurant praised for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and reasonable prices, making it a local favorite. While the food consistently receives high marks, some diners note challenges with parking and the restaurant's interior ambiance, suggesting the culinary experience outweighs the atmosphere.
"This was our first time eating here, and after our experience, we will definitely be back. The food was delicious, authentic! We ate there and ordered dinner to go. Lol! Our waiter/server Tacho was THE best part. He was absolutely amazing and very accommodating! If you are looking for an Italian spot...try Baris!❤️"
Rae Rae
"This restaurant brought pure happiness to my husband, and that’s no small feat. He grew up in New York and has spent years searching for authentic Italian food in Texas, but nothing has ever come close... until now. We had the Italian sausage with peppers, Dee’s special, garlic bread topped with tomatoes and cheese, and the olive oil dipping sauce. All were amazing!
Every bite reminded him of home, and the entire experience was enhanced by the incredibly reasonable prices and the warm, friendly service that made us feel at home. We left full, content, and already planning our return. This place is a gem—and will be a must-stop every time we visit our daughter at Baylor."
Christine Baldwin
"Food was excellent, but getting there and picking it up was another story. Bumper to bumper parking Saturday night, 8 people sitting waiting outside just for a table inside. We were grateful to get in and out with our to go order. Best of both worlds! Interior was nothing special, but the food makes up for it!"
Valerie Finch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Baris has a wonderful family atmosphere and is known for its cozy, welcoming ambiance, making it great for families.
Yes, Baris offers a BYOB option, allowing you to bring your own alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your meal.
Diners rave about the garlic bread with cheese and tomatoes, lasagna, and the Tortellini Pink. Many also love the pizza.
Parking can be challenging, especially on busy nights. It's recommended to arrive early or consider making a reservation.
Yes, Baris offers daily lunch specials, such as cheese ravioli, lasagna, and baked ziti on select days.
The 'pink sauce' likely refers to a creamy tomato-based sauce, which is a popular choice for pasta dishes like Tortellini Pink.
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Baris, also known as Baris III, due to it being the restaurant’s third venue, is a locally owned and family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Waco, Texas. The restaurant, which opened in 1980, is the daughter-restaurant of Mama Baris, which can be found on nearby Hewitt Drive. While both restaurants now have separate owners, the food at Baris III is still very much inspired by the recipes laid down at Mama Baris.
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This casual, friendly diner quickly became a favorite of locals when it opened a dozen years ago. Pizza, available as whole pies or by the slice, is the best in town. Also outstandng are the chicken pasta dishes— cacciatore (with onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes), cachovie (with artichoke hearts), aristocrat (with eggplant and mozzarella in a white-wine cream sauce and diavolo (with basic, garlic and onions).
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Baris — If you drive by Baris on a weekend evening, you might wonder if there’s a convention at the small Valley Mills Drive restaurant. Cars are parked on every conceivable piece of pavement around the Italian eatery, and they’re all there to pursue the affordable, savory dishes that Baris has provided to Waco for decades. The pink sauce is so popular, it should be on social media.
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As I explore the Italian restaurant scene in Waco, Baris is a must-visit place for me. This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1996 and has won numerous awards for its delicious food and warm hospitality. Baris is famous for its New York-style pizzas, which are made with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection in a brick oven.
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Baris is another Italian eatery in the city of Waco that serves up both pizza and more traditional Italian fare. The portions at Baris are huge, but the restaurant requires eaters to bring their own alcohol if they wish to drink on the premises. As compared to MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria, Baris offers a more low-key dining experience with family-sized portions.
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Baris is the place to be in Waco when looking for Italian food. It’s best known for its delicious pasta and pizza dishes and is a local favorite for an afternoon get-together, relaxing catch-up meals, or dinner dates with friends. Not only is the menu full of yummy and easy Italian options, Baris features a BYOB option.
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If you are looking for some comforting and delicious Italian food, look no further than Baris!. Found by Mary Imeri in 1996, this family-owned Italian eatery has continuously been rated the best pasta by locals since 2012. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious dishes, it is one of the best places to eat in Waco!
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (306 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza- Price: $- Address: 904 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710-4754- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Waco by diners
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Baris: With the freshest ingredients and their own original recipes, Baris is the place to eat delicious Italian pizza. Including daily specials and customer-oriented service, Baris seeks to make all of its customers happy. Their big-sized portions for a reasonable price make them a favorite of Waco locals!
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If you’re in the mood for Italian food, Baris is the place to go. This family-owned restaurant has been serving Waco for decades and is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious homemade pasta dishes. Popular menu items include the lasagna, stuffed shells, and the Baris Special Pizza.
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Tortillas are regularly thrown off of the suspension bridge and there's a former ghost-town buried (or flooded? or sunken?) at the bottom of Lake Waco. Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention... you have to come to Waco to see the best athletics program in the country...but Big12ers already know that.
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Perhaps most famous for their “Tortellini Pink,” Baris is a must for all Italian lovers. This classic favorite offers generous portions and affordable prices, perfect for college students on a budget. From pasta to pizza, Baris has you covered to get your Italian fix.
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Baris is a casual Italian eatery frequented for its traditional pastas and pizza. They’ve got a BYOB set-up and serve big dishes and are a popular spot for families visitng their children at Baylor. and are a great spot for plates & pizza in an easygoing, BYOB setup.
Best Eats Ranked & Reviewed
Baris has been around forever, and there’s a reason people keep coming back. The garlic rolls are addictive, and their BYOB policy makes it feel like you’re eating at your Italian aunt’s house. If you don’t have an Italian aunt, this is close enough.
Reviews by gidgettm - WacoFork
When I eat at Baris, I often come away with just a general "okay" feeling. It's certainly not great, but I'm never unhappy with what I order, except the chicken marsala- I'm not sure what went wrong there, but it had no flavor at all.
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Spend a weekend checking out Magnolia Market at the Silos or grab lunch at Café Homestead, Magnolia Table, or Baris. Cameron Park Zoo and Hawaiian Falls Waco are both nearby, too, offering something to do when friends or family visit.
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Hands down… Definitely get some garlic bread, it will melt in your mouth. Anything on the menu will be delicious. This place is BYOB also and they will chill and serve your wine or beer for you throughout your meal.
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Baris is a family-owned Italian restaurant known for its traditional dishes and warm hospitality. The inviting atmosphere and authentic flavors make it a top choice for couples looking to enjoy a romantic meal.
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904 N Valley Mills DrWaco, TX 76710(254) 772-2900 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Baris, which opened in 1996, is a well-loved dining establishment specializing in traditional Italian cuisine.
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This charming Italian restaurant offers a variety of delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. Don’t miss out on their signature lasagna or classic spaghetti for a taste of Italy in the heart of Waco.
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Baris at 904 N Valley Mills Drive offers huge plates of carb-loaded pasta with exceptional bread for the table. There’s often a wait, but the comfort of a steaming plate of pasta makes it all OK.
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Why we love them: Started by two Italian immigrants, Baris was an instant hit and is still one of the go-to Italian places for many locals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit