4. Restaurants

Biba

2801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95816
  • (916) 455-2422
  • Store is closed

Biba Menu

  • Antipasti
  • Primi Piatti
  • Secondi Piatti
  • Insalate

Healthy Meal suggestions for Biba

  • Antipasti
  • Primi Piatti
  • Secondi Piatti
  • Insalate

Visit below restaurant in Sacramento for healthy meals suggestion.

McDonalds ( 6370 Mack Rd )
Denny’s ( 7401 Elsie Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Sacramento for healthy meals suggestion.

McDonalds ( 6370 Mack Rd )
Denny’s ( 7401 Elsie Ave )

  • Bekah S.

    I went here to just have a nice dinning experience. I knew from dining here before that I could expect quality fresh food. The service is normally where you can get your glass refilled but not enough to where they are hovering. I had the agnello alla griglia con erbe miste grilled which in layman's terms is lamb chops coated with a garlic, rosemary, sage and lemon zest mixture, served with pan-roasted bell peppers and grilled polenta. I substituted the grilled polenta for red potatoes. I did not think there was enough potatoes for the amount of polenta that it normally comes with. I also ordered the barbabietole arrosto co cipolle e pecorino a.k.a. roasted beet with sweet vidalia onions, extra virgin olive oil, aged red wine vinegar and shavel pecorino cheese. The person I came with had calamari fritti and the fettucine con gamberi, pomodoro, panna e peperoncino which really means, housemade fettuccine with prawns, tomtoes, cream and hot pepper flakes. Instead of fettuccine noodles she had linguine noodles as that was her preference. She thought that the coat check was funny as the lady at the door held open the jacket as she inserted her arms in. If I didn't know that it was normal, I would have thought the woman was frisking her. The drinks were strong, the quality of the lemon drop was good but they put too much crystallized sugar on the rim where the taste was muted. I had lemon gelato of the day which was creamy and she had zuccotto fiorentino chocolate coated, dome shaped, rum scented pound cake filled with whipped cream, chocolate, almonds and hazelnuts. She thought the crust of the pound cake was the best part. I knew it was not going to be a cheap meal but only really thought my lamb could have been larger portions. Overall it filled but did not exceed expectations.

    (4)

  • AuburnChicki E.

    I just have to say WOW! I've waited a number of years to make my way into this little Sacramento gem. This was by far the best dining experience I've ever had in Sacramento. My fiance took me for my birthday last night and it was so much more than I could have asked for. The service and staff were classy, helpful, kind and genuine. Something I find rare in high end restaurants now a days. Even when being sat, the suggestion on where to sit at the table so we'd have a "nicer view of the dining room" really added a warmth to the piano playing and the even better suggested glass of wine. We started with the Spiedino dell' Adriatico (shrimp, scallop & calamari on spinach) and if that was all I ate that night - I would have died happy! I chose the Saltimbocca alla Romana for dinner and the veil was so tender you could cut it with a fork. My fiance ordered the New York steak..which initially came to us with to much salt. At the mention of it to our server, Jeanine, she was sincere in her apology. She never made us feel ill about actually speaking up that something was not right. Then she even brought some hot, house special ravioli's and polenta to graze while waiting for the next fresh steak. I was so impressed with the care they put into their service and their food. Everything was served hot and with the most amazing spices, textures and flavors. By the time we got back to the steak we were so full! Perfection, and worth the wait! I'm not a huge fan of steak and even full I kept wanting "just one more little taste". Everything about this meal was fun and flavorful, and worth every penny. We didn't have room for dessert but once they learned it was my birthday they brought me a piece of Tiramisu to take home...complete with a candle. I enjoyed a bite of it with my coffee this morning and thought about how special they made that dinner for us. We will be raving about this place and hoping to go back for more in the very near future!

    (5)

  • Samantha B.

    I was super excited to go to Biba for my 10 year wedding anniversary. We made reservations, got all dressed up and headed out. I have read some reviews that talked about the decor but it seemed fine to me. We were promptly seated, recieved menus and prepared for yummyness. Unfortunately, it never really arrived. We started with a crab/white fish cake and a salad. The cakes were pretty fishy but Im not much of a seafood person so that could have been me (although I usually like crab cakes). The salad consisted of romaine lettuce, pine nuts, croutons and gorganzola dressing. It was a very large plate with very little taste. The croutons were tasty but other than that was very bland. Ehh, we've got entrees coming, right? My hubby ordered the lasagna and I got the Osso Bucco based on how tasty the plate at the next table looked. Niether my husband or I liked the lasagna much, it was made with green noodles (spinich?) and had very little sauce. It just seemed to taste a little funny to both of us. The Osso Bucco didn't taste bad, it just didn't taste like much of anything. Some salt and pepper during preparation would have gone a long way. Neither of us is big eaters so we ate enough to get by and asked for the rest to be boxed. The waiter brought back the back with our boxes and although I didn't notice until later he didn't box the lasagna. Granted we hadn't enjoyed it but there was at least half of the plate left. I cant say that this is a bad restaurant, others may have different palates and enjoy the food. However, I wasn't happy with the food or the fact that we weren't able to take our leftovers home, especially since we paid so much for the food. We had fun dressing up but wont be going to Biba again.

    (2)

  • Michael L.

    A great restaurant and one I have enjoyed previously. The service is classically good, efficient, friendly and a complement to the food- which I think is magnificante, with fresh herbed tastes. To many dishes to describe--just go if you have a chance-- It can be crowded and a bit loud due to hard wood, glass and some close quarters. Get a reservation for sure. Good selection of wines- CA and Italian- Maybe some new decor might be in order, old style type wall mirrors, which contribute to the sound level, could be changed out. Go!!!!!

    (4)

  • Nicole F.

    I was disappointed. Maybe my expectations were just too high. The food was just so-so. Nothing was terrible but nothing was great either. And I think our waiter was faking an Italian accent.

    (3)

  • Casey H.

    So after dining here last Friday night I have to say that all of the negative reviews were correct. Biba is in major need of an upgrade from their swank 80's theme with pink lights and edged glass. The clientele is mainly geriatrics with a snobbish attitude toward the younger generation. Horrible fake Italian accented waiters that forget what you order and add phantom dishes to your bill and expect you to pony up for it at the end of the night. The non existent wine list was a major upset as well, why advertise it on the menu if you don't stock it in the cellar??? Also beware of the smell of this place, can't put my finger on it but it smells like kitty litter that is in need of changing and rotten meat. Advise you to think twice about spending any money here. Not up to par at all

    (1)

  • Dumuzi N.

    I have been going to Biba's for almost 5 years. I never had a bad meal and food here is very tasty & consistently good. Gnocci is my favorite here.

    (5)

  • Carrie-C N.

    Ate here while I was at UC Davis. After trying out all the other places, I don't hold this place in high esteem anymore. At the time, I thought it was up there with one of the best, but now, I see that it's a bit pretentious. The food was pretty good. I had the lasagna. Even though I'm not a big fan of lasagna, I like this one. The service, however, was pretty bad. If the restaurant revamp its service, it probably would be a lot better! I would rate it a 4 star, but the service alone compelled me to take away a star.

    (3)

  • Mrs P.

    Really good food. Really small portions. Good service. I would go there again, but it wouldn't be my first choice. When I went it seemed like the crowd was a bit older.

    (4)

  • Kim N.

    When I was in school in Davis, I used to watch Bibba's cooking show on The Learning Channel. I would get back from class and my mouth would water to all these dishes that were created. I would long to go to Bologna where she was raised to sample this cuisine. One day as she was making lasagne, she mentions that it's one of her favorite dishes at her restaurant in Sacramento. SACRAMENTO? That's like 20 min from where I lived. How could I have watched this show for well over a year and not know that she had a place nearby me? I didn't have to fly to Bologna, all I had to do was drive across the causeway on I80. Biba's TLC kitchen, which is homey and charming is not the same as Biba's restaurant. It's a fine dining restaurant in an 80's-ish style when the restaurant was opened. The setting and service are formal. The tables are adorned with fine white table cloths, nice stemware, people are wearing suits and ties, and there's someone celebrating something big at every other table. Was this environment going to change my view of the food? I'd been a fan of the simple cuisine of the show and didn't expect to be eating dinner with the politicians at the Capital. However the food is every bit as good as I had imagined it. What I had seen on the show had translated perfectly when it hit my taste buds. My Italian ex-girlfriend had described to me a dish of her youth, pasta tossed with a puree of fava bean, garlic, olive oil and chicken stock. Low and behold, a variation of this dish was an appetizer on the menu. Instead of pasta, the puree is served with broccoli and crostini, topped with Pecorino cheese. Simple, yet wonderful. The I saw the dish that I had seen the day I had discovered Biba was close by. The Lasagne Verdi alla Bolognese Housemade spinach lasagne, layered with both a Bolognese meat and bechamel sauces. Blind luck that I would be here on one of the few days it was offered. I however was destined to have this dish.If you've seen the movie "Big Night", you'll know that Biba's lasagne is the equivalent to their Timpano. Another of the dishes my ex had once described: Bistecca alla Fiorentina. A perfectly grilled T-Bone steak marinated in fresh rosemary and extra virgin olive oil, with a side of polenta. For those of you who know your cuts the T-bone/Porterhouse contain Filet on one side of the bone and the NY on the other side. Two wonderful steaks in one. The beauty of Italian cooking is that it is simple and therefore the best ingredients have to be used in order to enhance the entree's flavors. There's no better example than what Biba does. I no longer live nearby and I don't believe her show exists anymore either, but you can bet that I still dream of this place. I'm not that crazy about the semi-stuffy atmosphere but the cuisine more than makes up for it. My favorite Italian restaurant in Palo Alto also moved to the Sacramento area and I'd have to say that state capital is starting to give the bay area a run for it's money in extraordinary Italian cuisine.

    (5)

  • P C.

    Biba is a very well known restaurant and not just in Sacramento. You can often find Biba at the restuarant. This is authentic Italian food. If you are willing to spend on food, then this establishment is a must try. Reservations are recommended.

    (5)

  • Grant y.

    Very good. I went here when it first open in 86. I think it was the first week. It was good then and it stays constantly good. I like watching Biba on TV making a dinner.. She makes it look so easy. Keep up the good work Biba.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    Pretty great- Biba serves real Italian food with a flavor of Tuscany. Right down the street from the incredibly overrated Paragary's, Biba is the real deal. Every time I've been to Biba I've gotten excellent service, especially when the place was too packed and I ate at the bar (the bartender is pretty awesome). The food is great and if you stay through the dinner rush you'll get a glimpse of Biba inspecting the troops- she stops in almost every night. Sacramento needs more restaurants of this caliber. And yes, she's the same Biba you've seen on TV.

    (5)

  • Sammy J.

    Yup. This place is one of the best restaurants in town and deservedly so. I have eaten here about seven times in my life and every time has been a mouth orgasm. Offhand, I've had lamb, steak and fish. Always perfectly done. However, do yourself a favor and ALWAYS order the pasta of the day, usually a ravioli and gnocchi. They are superb and can suffice as an appetizer or a main, depending on how you play it out. Delicioso. Recently, my date and I went and just sat at the bar on a Friday eve. The pianist was playing some melodic jazz standards. We split a bottle of sav blanc, ordered a starter salad and then delved into the lobster raviolis and pesto gnocchi apps as the main. I would have eaten the plate. he consistency of both was exactly what pasta should be.TSuperb bartender made sure our every need was tended to. I think for everything including tip, it was about $100 and worth every penny. I would eat here anytime my checking account allows it.

    (5)

  • R C.

    I've only been here once some years ago, but that was enough to turn me off permanently, although my experience was technically mixed. Our food was excellent, and so was our waitress. But it was the general ambience and first impression I got that turned me off from every wanting to go there again. When I walked in, the hostess glared at me like I was some cretin off the street, and coldly asked if she could help me. That made me feel realllly welcome and comfortable. The whole atmosphere and ambience of the place was 'the beautiful people' vibe, and I just can't deal with that. I want to dine at a place that has excellent food and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where nobody is snotty.

    (3)

  • stacy k.

    Eatened here quite a few times. The food is good. BUT, the tiramisu is outrageoulsy delicious!!!!! I'd only go back for the tiramisu. Trust me, it's worth it!

    (4)

  • Shana G.

    Oh my god!! I have to say that this was a pure delight! One of the best Italian restaurants that I have ever had the pleasure of dining at! The pastas were all home made and the dessers were delicious. I would recommend this place to everybody!

    (5)

  • Reina M.

    i have mixed feelings on my experience here... negatives: 1. our table wasn't ready when we got there so we headed to the bar. the bartender took 10 minutes to even acknowledge us even though there were 2 open spots at the bar and we were the only people standing by it. (i guess we're not 70 years old so he ignored the 20-something year old hoodlums). when he finally acknowledged us, he said "i have to go take care of something at the other end of the bar but i'll be back to take your order." he then ditched us for another 8 minutes. in the meantime, the manager looking dude was bringing out new wine glasses behind the bar and didn't even look at us. i was pissed at this service so i turned my back and even contemplated leaving. the bartender finally came up to us and condescendingly said "ladies, you have my attention for a moment." whatever douchebag. we left the bar area and went to check on our table. 2. our table still wasn't ready (our res was at 8:30pm and it was already 8:50, with many open tables in the back dining room). a few minutes later, the hostess came up to us and said "right this way." anyone who knows me knows that i HATE poor host/wait service. if you make me wait, then say "thank you for waiting." it's not that hard. what's happened to the food service industry??? 3. the service was slow (although our waiter was great, see below). it took about 10-15 minutes for us to even get the bottle of wine we initially order, and at least another 5 more minutes for our first course to come out. we didn't get out of there until a little after 11pm. 4. it was freezing in there. we were sitting by the window (closed) with 3 open vents next to us. we were able to turn down 2 of them but it was still very chilly. positives: 1. our waiter, ruben, was jovial and upbeat the entire night. even though the wine and food came out slow, i don't really think it was his fault and his joking attitude kept the mood light. 2. the food. i have to admit, the food, for the most part, was outstanding. i had the wine & dine menu, which included 1) fresh mozzarella with cherry tomatoes in a pesto olive oil paired with a heringer estates chenin blanc (the appetizer was absolutely phenomenal; the wine was not...it was also too tart and didn't pair well with the also tart cherry tomatoes), 2) garganelli pasta in a braised pork, porcini mushroom and tomato ragu (this was also amazing, and the zinfandel paired well with it), and 3) oven braised rabbit in a tomato and balsamic vinegar sauce (very tasty and huge portion, but braised a bit too long; paired well with the petite syrah). i had some of my friend's gnocci with pancetta and peas, and it was a bit underdone, so it was a little too potato/starchy in the middle. but the flavoring was good. another friend's seared chilean sea bass was also very well cooked and flavored beautifully. one of the best sea basses i've ever had. 4. they have a pretty good well-rounded wine list that's not hugely over-priced. we had 2 very nice saintsbury pinot noirs that were priced at around $52 each. 3. the bartender later apologized to one of my friends for his earlier poor service. but whatever, a little too late, buddy.

    (3)

  • amy h.

    Dude, where's my sunglasses? Take some lessons from Moxie and tone down the million watt lightage. Way too bright in here for my eating pleasure and made it difficult to discreetly stare at the mostly older clientele. I had high hopes for this place being that I remember seeing Biba on TV as a young binge-eater-in-training eating half gallons of ice cream on the couch because it was too freaking hot to play outside. But I digress. I ordered the osso buco--perhaps I should have ordered something else--but I think I just wanted to say "osso buco" out loud. When said in Italian, one can feign ignorance of it being poor baby cow. The waitress was right in that it was fatty but my constant craving for creamy polenta influenced my decision. Saying osso buco out loud was not worth it. In general, it is a difficult feat for an Italian restaurant to be 3+ star-worthy, especially when priced in the high $20s, and I would say that Biba did not prove this theory wrong. Or perhaps I was too traumatized by how bright the place was. It was probably excellent back in the day when it was the only restaurant in midtown. Perhaps I will give the pasta a try someday...during lunch when I have my shades handy.

    (2)

  • Colin G.

    Biba is the bomb. By far, the best restaurant in Sacramento unless you have the requisite virgin sacrifice necessary to get into the Kitchen. Biba is competitive with any of the top SF or NYC places, and it's right here in the Big Tomato. Biba herself sometimes rolls around the joint where you can properly bow down to the glory of her name. If not, then Ramon is a great waiter and will take care of you.

    (5)

  • Sam L.

    I was so excited to try Biba after reading all the excellent reviews, but I have to say that I am a little confused as to why everyone loves this place after I trying this place out myself. I was first thrown off by their decor, which is in DIRE need of an update. Even the Biba sign has a tacky 80's feel to it. But nonetheless, I was excited to try the food. I got the gorgonzola salad to start. I couldn't believe they were charging $12 for a salad that was honestly just romaine lettuce, gorgonzola dressing and walnuts. Overpriced issues aside, the salad wasn't even good. For my main course I got the fettuccine, which was fine, but nothing to brag about. The only exciting part of the meal was the tiramisu, but by the time the dessert came around, my boyfriend and I just wanted to get the hell out of the place. The service was TERRIBLE. We never saw our waitress and had to wait 15-20 minutes just have our plates cleared in between courses. I would never recommend this place to anybody. There was a lack of warmth in the restaurant that I feel most Italian restaurants have. You'd honestly be better off at Buca di Beppo- better ambiance and better food. And don't even think of trying to plan a nice romantic dinner at this place- the tables were crammed so close next to each other, I could hear the girl chewing at the next table over.

    (1)

  • Eric D.

    I enjoy Biba. It's great to see her at the restaurant overseeing everything. She is an institution and every time I've been there it's been a real pleasurable experience.

    (5)

  • Christina O.

    Finally had a chance to go here. It was great! I have been to a lot of Italian restaurants, but Biba's is the most amazing one by far!

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    It's well known for engagement proposals, and if you're lucky Biba will come over to congratulate you. It's always a good experience for me, and the ones who dine w/me because we know the front and back crew. I like the spinach lasagna (only served on Thursdays and Fridays), so it's a must try if you like lasagna. It's not very meaty, and it looks funny (green lasagna)... but it's awesome!! I also like the Oso Bucco, because it reminds me of a good linner (lunch-dinner) on a rainy day. I am a big fan of their seafood soup, and the mussels are fresh. The aroma of the soup is so hearty that when you smell it, it reminds me of SFran. Also try the zuccotto (desert)... it's like a icecream cake but melts in your mouth. The zuccotto is an inspired culinary art to my eyes. The best dish that I would visit over and over is when the seabass is on the menu. It's so fresh and the aroma is so enticing. A must try for the seabass. The front and back crew always do a good job when we dine. Hope your experience will be too!

    (5)

  • Robert R.

    This is one of my favorite Sacramento restaurants. It is quality Itailian that you don't usually find in the valley. The breadsticks that they have at the bar are phenomenal, everything i have had on the menu has been outstanding (aside from the salmon ravioli). If you are in Sac and need a great Italian place, Biba's is the place to go.

    (5)

  • Hariraj N.

    Top class service, food that literally melts in your mouth, elegant surroundings.

    (4)

  • Melissa W.

    I went to Biba for this first time this week to celebrate the holidays with my S.O. and my mother-in-law. She had always wanted to go and I had always been curious. I think they both had a decent meal, but mine was dreadful -- absolutely bland and very uninspired. I expected so much more from all the hype. The best thing I had all night was the glass of Tempernillo I order to start off. I had a romaine salad with "walnuts and Gorgonzola,", which came with 2 pathetic little walnut halves and no cheese to speak of. Just a plate of cut up romaine. Then I moved onto the homemade pasta with homemade marinara and ricotta cheese. As I am vegetarian, it was the only thing on the menu I could order. I was hoping for wonderful pasta -- homemade! It was extremely bland -- no seasoning at all. It had almost no sauce to speak of, and if there was ricotta, its a surprise to me. It was a real let down. And BTW, We were definitely the youngest people in the house. It was all 60+, very quiet couples -- who ate in total silence and indifference. No good vibes at all.

    (2)

  • Angel-Max G.

    I live in Emeryville, CA and I had heard about Biba's for quite some time. I've tried many fine Italian restaurants in SF and the Bay Area so I was especially excited to try Biba's and their new summer menu which I reviewed on the website before my visit. The food went above and beyond in satisfying my expectations. I began with the Caprese salad which was beautifully prepared with local heirloom tomatoes that were so sweet. The mozzarella di buffala I specifically took my time to enjoy with the olive oil with every bite. Great start! Next, I asked if they had any gluten free option since I didn't see any on the online menu. Much to my surprise they had a gluten free Fusilli available with a phenomenal veal and pork ragu. If you are mindful of gluten please ask your server about this option! I am so happy I did. After that incredible pasta dish I was incredibly satisfied and took some time to finish up my glass of tempranillo. I debated whether or not to have dessert but I decided to do so since I figured it'd be a nice way to cap off the whole experience. I selected the Zabaglione with berries which was a great choice since it was a light, delicious dessert that didn't make me feel "heavy" as some desserts tend to do after a fine meal. This Zabaglione came in a perfect portion with local berries. Finally, I was able to meet the great Biba herself. A marvelous evening indeed. Please treat yourself to Biba's and don't hesitate to ask for the specials of the day or for info on the food sources. The food is prepared fresh here and, boy, does it come through with the dishes.

    (5)

  • Angie H.

    I finally had the chance to dine at Biba Restaurant, and it was everything I had hoped it would be. White clothed tables with a classic, refined ambiance. No "scene" or trendy vibe - just classy elegance with amazing food. I started with a delicious green bean and tomato salad with pesto dressing, which tasted like it had been picked from a garden minutes before. For the 2nd course, I chose the mushroom stuffed ravioli (day's special) which was I believe the best ravioli I've ever had in my life. The pasta was thin, and you could taste the flavorful filling rather than a mouth-full of semolina. The service was prompt and professional, and they knew ahead of time that I was vegetarian (I had asked about that over the phone prior), and the server explained my options immediately without me having to restate anything about my diet. Such a treat to dine here, can't wait for the next time!

    (5)

  • Wesley H.

    Decent food but pricy. Go there for a New Year's or Valentine's Day and there is a set menu at $75 to $100 per person. They also require a deposit to be paid by cash or check in advance which is pretty inconvenient. We've been there several times and love their food. Unfortunately after our last experience, we won't be going back. What was a HUGE TURN OFF, as a younger minority couple, it was a little disturbing to see that Biba herself walked around the dining area and personally greeted all of the patrons (older caucasians), but she passed over us. I guess our money is not as good as their's. When you get over $200 from us for dinner and drinks on New year's Eve but we're not worthy of acknowledging, its pretty insulting to see EVERYONE around us get visited and thanked except us. Its a shame, because my girlfriend is an amateur Italian chef that idolized Biba. It was heartbreaking for her to get snubbed like that. For that reason alone, we won't be going back..

    (1)

  • Joel S.

    I must say, because of the celebrity status of Biba this is a very overated restaurant. The food is good, service was terrible. We were served our entrees and never saw the server until we were done with our entrees. I saw Biba at the bar, she hadps no interaction with patrons at all. For the price I would expect better service. This is a minor fact, could not even find an after dinner mint, even lower priced italian restaurants offer a mint. Decent, not great food. Overrated for sure.

    (3)

  • Leila C.

    If you're under the age of 35, follow these directions: -Go during happy hour, sit at bar. -Enjoy a great drink (or two), nibble on some appetizers. -Enjoy the best people watching money can buy. -Thank me after your awesome experience. Seriously, if you don't love this I'll buy you a drink.

    (4)

  • Jen K.

    took my fiance her for her birthday. Italian food is my fav and Bibas didn't disappoint. She signed a cook book and came and gave it to my girl. The food was AMAZING! Pasta was cooked perfectly. We had a great time and will go back over and over again!

    (5)

  • Blake R.

    Finally got to try this place, and it wasnt anything special. I orders the Halibut, it was a great piece of fish but everything with it was pretty tasteless. I expected more. I could be wrong but siting there i felt the place was a little dated (felt like it was stuck in the 80's)

    (3)

  • Greg K.

    I'm amazed I haven't written a review here before - I was going to to write a roughly 4.5 star review, as I agree the food is not always mind blowing. This is simply very traditional italian food, with a northern emphasis, extremely well executed. It is simply excellent service without the extremes of some higher end restaurants. The restaurant was lightly remodeled last year, removing some dated decor, but the clientele definitely skews older and the atmosphere more formal. Although many complain about the pricing, it is competitive with any other nicer restaurant in Sacramento. At one point in the past, this was a pricey restaurant for the city. The rest of the city has caught up in pricing. A huge plus is the fact that Biba still makes the effort to greet every diner. That got the extra star added to the review. My dining guest had the burrata antipasti and the lasagna. The lasagna is ten layers of thin freshly-made spinach pasta, a rich ragu and a lovely bechemal. My primi was a perfectly al denta pasta in a rich pork ragu, with flavors developed over time. This was not a showy dish -- in fact, it was even a bit rustic. I had a fish secondi that was well executed, although cooked a little more well than I would prefer, but not overcooked at all. The vegetables on the side were simply prepared but incredibly tasty. I could eat a whole bowl of the mixed corn and baby zucchini mixture. Every other meal I've had here has had consistently good execution, excellent service and perfectly Other positives here: as in Europe, the wine bottle markups are not high. Pours were generous by the glass.

    (5)

  • Jess C.

    When you walk in, you'll be transported to the 80's... the waitresses have probably been serving SINCE then, I kid you not. The decor was 80's too - brassy wall lighting, outdated artwork, shiny gold trims, pink neon lights, and lots of mirrors. Wow, this place is starting to sound a little like something else... if you know what I mean. JK! The bread was ok and they have didn't have any good salad selection. The seabass I ordered lacked the freshness and butteriness that I'm used, but it was prepared with a nice crust. The Pappardelle (wide noodles with braised pork and porcini mushrooms) was actually... pretty amazing. The pasta was made fresh, pressed thin and cooked just right, and the braised pork porcini sauce was delicate but very flavorful. I finished with an unamazing tiramisu. I'd definitely come back for some wine and pasta, but everything else seemed a bit pricey and uninspired.

    (4)

  • Maria B.

    We love Biba! We have a very large family and love to go enjoy a wonderful Italian meal here. The owner of this restaurant puts her own true touch on everything that comes out of her kitchen. We are going back in June for a celebration of one of my son's graduation. We can't wait for that decadent homemade pasta!

    (5)

  • Mary S.

    The best AUTHENTIC Italian food from Northern Italy. It's real treat to enjoy a romantic dinner here. Grab a pre-dinner drink at the piano bar. Move into the dinning room for dinner. I recommend that a party of two split an starter and pasta before the main course. And of course since they have the best tiramisu around to split that too with a couple of decaf espressos. For me this is the kind of place I save for date night or a birthday, given the prices! I personally wouldn't bring young kids here. Often you'll see Biba eating here and supervising the kitchen! Glad they recently refreshed/remodeled!

    (5)

  • Stacey H.

    LOVE Biba! The food is fab. The service is extraordinary. The ambiance is old school. Got to come here again last week for Dine Downtown Week and had a dining experience that would be hard to beat. First, kudos for providing black linen napkins to us ladies wearing black. It keeps the white lint from sticking to our ensemble and is the sign of a restaurant that cares about their patrons. Details like this are what keeps Biba at the top of the dining scene. Ok, I admit. The clientele may be a little older although I was happy to see lots of young groups taking advantage of the prix fixe menu. Old to me is 80; young is 20ish. Food was spectacular. Let me enlighten you.... Polpette di Granchio e Cappe Sante. Crab, prawn and seafood cakes. Light, crispy, large, delightful. Gnocchi di Ricotta con Gorgonzola. Housemade ricotta gnocchi with sweet gorgonzola sauce. Gnocchi are little pillows of love and these did not disappoint! A perfect sized portion to leave room for lots more to come. My fave course! Spaghetti alla Puttanesca. Spaghetti with tomatoes, garlic, capers, olives and hot pepper flakes. Not too spicy. Not a fan of olives, but picked around them and loved every bite. Filetto di Manzo con Pancette Affumicata. Grilled Filet Mignon wrapped in smoked Italian bacon. Beef with bacon? Are you kidding me? Awesome! I could feel my arteries clogging up, but at least I will die with a smile on my face. Branzino in Padella con Burro, Capperi e Limone. Sauteed Sea Bass with a wine, butter, caper and lemon sauce. Superb. Perfectly cooked. Every bite a mouth-watering delight. Apple Crostata for dessert. A perfect ending to a perfect meal. Courses were perfectly spaced out so as not to hurry you yet give you enough time to linger and converse with your compadres. If our server thought he might be interrupting a conversation, he hung back until we were finished talking. Actually, we're big talkers so he probably just jumped in when he saw a rare break in the conversation. For drinks, I had the House Pinot Grigio and Hubby had a cocktail,...or two. So for the special menu at $30 per person, the dessert which was not included in the prix fixe menu and drinks, dinner came to about $100. Not bad. Pros: Are you kidding me? The food! Service is impeccable. Black linen napkins rock! Good value. Cons: Decor is old school (outdated) and could use a little refreshing. Not a fan of the eye-height stick-on mirrors that encircle the room. Can get loud in there.

    (5)

  • Moses H.

    Good stuff. Had a decent meal from here last night (take out; we couldn't get a sitter). The tagliatelle was cooked perfectly, and the serving was large, although for the price it seemed a bit lackluster. The special ravioli - stuffed with roast chicken - came in what at first seemed a very paltry serving, but once I ate a few and realized the level of richness (it tasted like half a stick of butter in each!), I was quite satisfied. The calamari was nothing special, not especially crispy, but the serving was large and it was beautiful to look at. The osso bucco was delicious - very fatty, but that's what you get when you order shank, and the marrow was delicious. The sauce it was in was one of the better preparations I've ever had - I'd definitely order that again. Finally, the sweetbreads were delicious - I'd like them seared a bit more, with a crisper texture on the outside, but that's something I can ask for when I go back. They were wonderful and the serving was large, the ham and mushroom sauce was a nice complement. Overall I'm happy. Overpriced if you get takeout, but to sit in that beautiful room with the perfect service, it's just right.

    (3)

  • Stacy G.

    Biba is a delightfully authentic Italian establishment. Very classy and very expensive. Looking at the menu, you may say to yourself, "Sweet sassy molassy. Eight dollars for a salad?" However, as an occasional indulgence, it can't be beat. The seasonal ingredients are so fresh, and so thoughtfully assembled and paired with each other. The house-made pasta is expertly prepared, as are all of Biba's offerings. As one reviewer put it, if you have been to Italy before, you will feel as if you never left at Biba. And if I compare a the price tag on the meal with a price tag on a trip to Europe, it makes me feel much better about the bill at the end of the night. Biba does have a way of transporting me to a different world, and giving me a glimpse into a simple, refined, and delicious way of life - Italian-style.

    (5)

  • Razza M.

    I booked for us to try Biba for Downtown Dine week. Maybe my experience reflects that Biba is in Midtown and not Downtown... On arrival, I was dropped off first, I was greeted with an uncomplimentary comment about being first. I suggested I wait at the bar. The barman made me feel better. When we got our seat, I was concerned that we had been misclassified as we were amongst the senior contingent, I don't think I look like I am hanging in there. Well we said our preference was for the Prix Fixe but I'm not sure that was a good thing. The Prix Fixe meal was good, above average. The wine,a Babera from Amador, was something I might regift. So I said to myself, was this worth 120.00? the answer was no. i would rather do that at Plan B or Grange or FireHouse.

    (2)

  • Keith R.

    Have again: The chocolate mousse was delicious and for $9 I received a very large helping, enough to share. The special 3-course salad, pasta and filet mignon was good, with the pasta very good and the steak a bit small and not that flavorful. OK for $35, but I probably should have had their house made pasta instead. Excellent service. However, despite asking for a quiet table, we were seated in the back corner of the dining room and it was incredibly noisy, so bad we had to lean closely to the center of the table to hear our foursome. The bar area with a nice piano would have been far, far better. This very bad noise level almost resulted in just two stars.

    (3)

  • Eric M.

    OMG try the lasagna, gnocchi, and ravioli. The calves liver was also awesome. The staff was fabulous, the chef amazing. Worth every penny!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:30 pm - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Valet, Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Dressy
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Categories

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

Biba

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