In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multi-course meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why every Friday, we’re highlighting our Bib of the Week; where to go, what dish to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. So whether it’s buzzy natural wines and shelled gastropods in Oakland or plant-based meals for vegans, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
If the pink building with green trim wasn’t a big enough hint, Cobi's is all about a good time. Inside, mismatched furniture and pink wallpaper set the scene for a vivacious and wide-reaching Southeast Asian menu. From curry puffs to Thai tea pudding, these Thai and Malaysian delights will have you clamoring for more.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what our Inspectors had to say here, and below, learn from the team on what you need to know before you go.
What was the idea behind Cobi's? How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
The idea for Cobi's, specifically, was to expand on my pandemic project, Cobi's Curries, and bring the vision to a physical space. The menu and cooking techniques are very much informed by my upbringing and travels—a significant portion of my life was spent in Bali, Indonesia, and I proceeded to venture all over Southeast Asia, exploring the different cuisines, encountering new ingredients, and collecting countless recipes.
What is your goal with Cobi's?
To create a space that matched the cuisine—maximalist and unabashedly vivid at the same time. Ultimately, though, the goal is for our guests to have a great time and a great meal, craving a return visit.
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
The root of the menu lies with Southeast Asian street food. That's the format I'm most familiar with and enjoy most, so a fine dining approach wouldn't have fit the bill. Outside of value (from a pricing standpoint), we also aim for great value in the volume and depth of flavor; every dish is vibrant and meant to be shared with your fellow diners, which is paramount to the experience. It's meant to be communal, high energy and accessible to all. You might even find yourself reaching across the table to mop up your friend's curry. No one's expected to be precious here.
What is the dish to order at Cobi's?
Despite being asked this all the time, I still can't seem to nail down one must-order! Being the spice masochist I am, I would probably say the Beef Rendang or Devil Curry with rice, roti and our chili and sambal sampler on the side for added heat. What you will see on most tables, however, is our Dry Aged Branzino set in a beautiful shallow pool of yellow curry with fresh herbs, as well as the Nasi Goreng, which is essentially a spice-laced Indonesian fried rice.
What price range can customers expect at Cobi's?
Guests can expect dish prices to range from $14 for smaller offerings to $39 on the high end for our larger plates. We also offer two different ‘Feed Me’ menus, The Classics for $58 and Chef’s Selection for $68 per person.
When is the best time to stop by?
Though we usually recommend reservations to ensure a table, we do accept walk-ins if there’s availability. There's always a nice, buzzing energy between the low-lit dining room and outdoor garden, so you really can't go wrong on the time of day, even for weekend brunch.
Hero image: Katrina Frederick/Cobi's
