I've been here twice - once for restaurant week - everything was on point! And again for one of those half priced wine nights... which was also great! I love the atmosphere here - classic and casual. Haven't had a chance to take advantage of the patio yet but it does look nice!
(5)
Keith P.
Getting treated like royalty is the standard here at Bigalora RO! Stef, Emilie and Lauren are my favs!
(5)
Sara G.
I'm updating my review to 5 stars from 4--simply because of the FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUT PIZZA. Hello, new favorite pie of the century! Also, the name has changed (somewhat) and my old review is on the Pizzeria Biga (RO) page. Here's what I said about 'em before: --------------------------------------------- Delicious neapolitan pizza!! The crust is thin, charred and doughy-crisp with a hint of sourness that melts in your mouth. The toppings are fresh and fanciful. You really can't go wrong, especially if you make your own. Today's pie was white with ricotta, mushroom ragu and (house made) duck prosciutto. That duck is soooo gooood but some of the fat melts onto everything else so you end up having a VERY rich pizza. Not something I'd get all the time but definitely a tasty treat. Really good quality meats here all around. The speck is salty and thick, as is the pepperoni. Actually, everything that goes into their pizza is tip top. I'm ok with eating in although the plastic glasses and plates feel cheap (as do the plastic chairs). Are they going for an "old pizza joint around the corner where you grew up" kind of vibe? I like how spacious the dining area is, but they have 2 huge TVs playing sports so, meh. The service we've had has always been prompt and friendly. Not even 10 minutes pass and our pizzas were served, piping hot. It's hard to wait a bit for it to cool--the herbs, garlic, and slight-sour tang from the crust combining into a pizza symphony beneath your nose. You just wanna get gobbling. Take-out is fast and efficient. They don't pre-slice when you do, either. No big, they send you home with a plastic pizza cutter (although I've never used it as we already have a metal one that--obviously--works much better, but the thought is appreciated). It's nice to have a place like this near the 'hood. It's rapidly becoming our pizza go-to! Or is that to-go?
(5)
Allie T.
I've been here twice and both times wasn't disappointed. This place has amazing food. Get the heirloom carrots, they're absolutely delicious! We also had the duck prosciutto pizza and a beer flight. So so so insanely tasty. Don't listen to the negative reviews, go here.
(5)
Andree S.
My wife and I have eaten the best pizza in Naples Italy where pizza was created/perfected...this pizza was the closest we've had in the United States. Couple that with a great service, a huge whiskey list and excellent desserts, this may be our favorite restaurant now.
(5)
Naveen N.
Pizza tastes good. Just be sure to schedule your visit to not coincide with a train that passes by on the tracks next to the building.
(3)
Jay V.
Went here with a group of friends. Service was slow, portion sizes small, and a little on the expensive side. Food was good though, so was the beer. Could improve on service and food portions. I will definitely give it another try in the near future.
(3)
juston m.
very nice pizza and extras, i had the sausage, peppers and onion pizza and my favorite part was the sausage. tasty and spicy and not greasy at all, the menu says they make it and you can tell. the beet salad and fries were also worth it. the inside is very nice and i especially loved the tall windows. be back for more. especially the tuesday 1/2 off wine special. love, juston
(4)
Paolo S.
Location: they renovated a former warehouse and that looks clean (no carpet, that is a plus), modern and kind of fancy. They have a nice looking oven, like the ones you can find in Italy, and actually I came for a pizza. The menu is ok, some pizza is expensive (Margherita DOP is $5 more than the regular one, just because of 5 slices of Imported Mozzarella di Bufala.... ) I took the vegetarian one, it arrived quickly (+), on paper covered woodboard. It was far from being round, the border was top thin, flat and too much burned. The burning bothered me more than the irregular shape, mostly because is toxic. The veggie and the tomato salsa were ok. Beer selection is fine! Cannot give more that 2 stars this time
(2)
Ray B.
Went for Sunday brunch; very pleased with the menu and the variety of items that aren't found other places. However, my son's waffle (there were four of us) came out late, as in I was two bites away from finishing my meal when it arrived. And frankly they didn't seem to be overly concerned or cared that it was. Also we had to sit outside as there was going to be a private party later. Again, good food but served with a side of attitude not usually found in RO.
(3)
Caleb Y.
Good food, good environment. It is all good, but nothing blows me away!
(3)
Ashley R.
The best pizza- hands down! Went on a Saturday night to hear a great band- the Chet offensive- and the place was poppin! Was quickly sat at a table in front of the stage, and was quickly tended to by the kind wait staff. Ordered the chicken wings as a started, followed by the amazing chop salad. Their wine selection is top notch, and at such a good price! Then came the pizza.... Wow. Spectacular! I got their margarita pizza and it was so mouth watering- and gluten free! So, if you know what's good for you- get off your couch and go there now! And also stop by the great wine store downstairs!
(5)
T W.
Name changed from Pizza Biga, located in Royal Oak on Main St. above another business wine store. Walk up the stairs. The bar is small but you can wait there while your table is getting ready. There's outside dining. Parking is limited on site but can try street parking, the lot next to the bank or across the street from the restaurant. This is one of my favorite pizza places to go to. I usually do a Margarita (thin crust, fresh ingredients), fries (roasted garlic & rosemary), & a wine of some kind. Dessert is generous, housemade ice cream they say. Have your dentist handy. They also have meat & cheese appetizer selection if you want to try some nibblers. Good salad selections. Wings are average.
(4)
RJ J.
This was my go to pizza place in Royal Oak, but they've gotten greedy, let me explain. Been coming here since they opened, usually twice a week. When they opened they had a great happy hour beer special, sure they were only 12oz pours, but they were half price, and that made it a deal. They also had 1/2 price pizza's (before 5pm) which also made it a good deal, it's a fine pizza, but it's really a personalized pizza, if you think that I'm gonna pay more for a small pizza than say "Buddy's" you're nuts. Needless to say "Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina" is no longer offering discounts on any food at happy hour, which is just amazing considering I can walk out their door make a right over the RR tracks an 1/8 of a mile down and get a good pizza at half the price, and deals on great brewery beer, which is where I will go when I need a pizza fix. Oh and by the way most of their 12oz pours have turned into 8oz , and the selection quite frankly is weak. If you guys think you can be the only restaurant/bar in Royal Oak that offers no food specials on happy hour good luck to you, you'll do it without me, and I don't care if you are a Cucina.
(2)
Christopher P.
Hands down, my all time favorite restaurant. The food isn't to die for, although the strozapretti is one step away from laying on my death bed good. It's the atmosphere and the hospitality that keeps me coming back. Whether you're sitting at the bar watching sitcoms, sports or news laying down some lingo with who I consider to be a greatest hits of bartenders, two of which come from The Oakland in ferndale. Enjoying a quaint date night. Or partying with a large group of chums at one of there banquet tables. You will not be disappointed. The food is GREAT, there is a full selection of craft cocktails, micro brews and wine. And it has the best lighting and architecture of all restaurants I've been too. The building has great history to boot.
(5)
Mark D.
I have been to Bigalora twice now. Both times I have had a good experience. It is accurately rated at 4 stars. Pros: an extensive liquor and wine menu, and half off bottles of wine on Tuesdays. A relatively limited menu of pizza salad and pasta which makes choosing a dish easier. Beautiful decor on the inside with vaulted ceilings. And the patio. It may be the best patio to sit on in Royal Oak. Right by the train tracks you can people watch and get a great view of the sunset. The pizza itself is great, they specialize in thin crust pizza with anything on top. I recommend the smoked salmon pizza, you won't be disappointed. If you're looking to be more on the traditional side the chicken pesto pizza is also a safe bet. The crust is crunchy and tasty and the pizza is cooked at such a high temp that the bottom of the pie doesn't get soggy. The cons: it is busy very often at dinner time. You may have to wait up to 20 mins but they do have a great waiting area. Also at the peak of their dinner rush it can take a bit to get the food out, so grab drinks and be prepared. Their bathroom for the whole restaurant consists of two single bathrooms, which both times I've had to wait in line outside of it like I'm at 5th ave. Overall: a great place to take a date, drink some wine, and sit out on the patio.
(4)
Brittany L.
I went here with a group of 25 for my birthday a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. They put us up in a loft-type room which was mostly separated from the rest of the restaurant. My boyfriend and I split a TON of dishes and ordered a bunch of appetizers for the table. We had calamari, meatballs, risotto balls and brussel sprouts. We also tried the stuff gnocchi, the cappicola pizza, the mushroom pizza and the magherita pizza. Everything was delicious. I will make a quick suggestion - if you aren't a fan of spice, be careful as to what you get. Most of their dishes were spicy. The only downside - our food was a little bit burnt. Other that that, great experience!
(4)
Emilio B.
I've always driven by this place and the outdoor area looked really chill so we decided to go in and try it out. We went during Arts Beats and Eats and I was surprised that we were able to get a table outside in like 10 minutes! Ordered the risotto balls, chopped salad and funghi pizza. The risotto balls... amazing! That was the best part of the meal. The chopped salad was just ok. Lacked flavor and probably won't get again. The Funghi pizza was great. We will definitely be back. I only give it 4 stars because our server (won't name her on here) was a little less than friendly and making us feel welcome.
(4)
P G.
Got a carry out. Ordered cheese pesto.. Not happy. Opened the box and found a blackened burnt pizza.. Never going there again. Update 9/9/15: I just got a "compliment" with someone saying the pizza was supposed to be like that all "burnt" up.. The first time I had it, it did not have ANY burnt tips or anything period! The second time my co worker got it, it was not burnt.. So it's safe to say that they burnt my pizza.. Be aware of this place unless you want burnt pizza!!!!
(1)
Molida K.
I figure if you can't get the basics right, then the restaurant isn't worth going back to. My verdict: I will go back...only for lunch. Here's why: 1) Food was delicious. Calamari cooked PERFECTLY- light, crispy, and seasoned accordingly. Risotto balls were to die for. Rosemary fries were good but nothing to write home about. The Margherita pizza was also cooked perfectly with a light tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and nicely toasted basil leaves that brought the entire dish together. The crust was cooked quite nicely too with little bits of char throughout. 2) Wait time was a little ridiculous- 1 and a half hour wait for a table of 6. It was, however, a Friday night. Meh. 3) The menus all have conflicting prices. The eat-in menu has prices that are $2 more than the take-out menu but of course you are charged the more expensive price. Also the drink menu prices are not updated. I ordered a glass of absinthe that was listed at $9 but was charged $12. I had to bring it up to the server who promptly fixed it but made sure to let me know prices change all the time. In that case, please do not advertise drink prices. 4) Service was ok. Our waitress was nice but took forever to come back and check on us and offer refills.
(3)
Jim S.
I gave it a two because my server was great. Ina, not sure if the spelling, could have been the worst waitress I have ever seen. A glass was accidentally broken. You think she would care. No, she rolled her eyes and walked away. Not sure she cared if someone would clean it up or step in it... Then she came out again and stared at us as she walked away. I was never treated like this. Was amazing. You lost a customer and I'll let everyone I know about this
(2)
Don B.
I was in Bigalora their pizza is great there salads r real good the atmosphere is good .I would encouraged you to try this place.Despite. Thr construction in frontof her restaurant come got. .
(5)
Joe V.
Very tasty thin crust pizza. Ate inside - too hot to eat outside - but it was a little noisy for me up on the loft level. Had the beet salad - was just "ok", but the pizza's were certainly worth the trip.
(4)
Taylor C.
Their brunch is fantastic. However, during busy dinner hours the tables are too closely packed to enjoy yourself. The place gets loud. I had the prosciutto pizza, and the pieces were limp and soggy. Not worth the price.
This might seem odd, but I am not the biggest pizza fan. I know! I'm crazy! (Although, I do have a favorite Detroit pizza place. See my past reviews) Hear me out though... I get a little bored with pizza. It's the first thing people think about for parties or if you're going out with a group it's always "hey let's gets pizza!" It's the same thing as never changing your hair cut and sometimes I can't take it! Ok. Rant over. So I went to Biga with a group of friends expecting it to be good pizza. I was pleasantly surprised however. The pizza was excellent, I could've just eaten the crust, forget the cheese and sauce! What I really loved about my experience was the rest of the menu. So many vegan and vegetarian things! Pan fried sweet potatoes, soups, amazing salads with FRESH greens. They even have a "whole grain" salad, that consists of lentils and other wintertime fare. They also have a lovely wine and beer selection. Half off wine bottles on Tuesdays! It's beautifully designed on the inside and reasonably quiet compared with the size of the dining room. Great place that's Michigan grown!
(4)
Beth H.
Small parking area so either you are lucky and catch someone leaving (because they are always packed) or park short distance away and brave crossing Main Street. It was nasty and raining outside, so I didn't see what was on the ground floor as we ascended the stairs to the host stand for Bigalora. I was just glad the stairs were salted and made it up without mishap, while carrying a car seat. They do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait. If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the little bar or patio lounge area, your wait won't be so bad. We were told 25 minutes for a Four-top but it was only about 10 minutes. Just long enough for the guys to order beers. Two draft beers were $15. That was a surprise, but no matter. No highchairs to be had and the tables are really close together. Very modern and minimal decor, yet inviting and fresh. Good TV placements to keep up with the game while at dinner. The baby with us is an angel so no issue, but if you have an active one, I wouldn't recommend bringing him/her. The menu is perfect. Great selection without over-doing it. We ordered a bottle of Italian red that was just tasty. Pizzas are excellent and come out quick. The olive oil on the table is infused with a bit of spice, that is quite a surprise but quickly becomes addicting. Choose a pizza and customize, but if you are lucky, you have a fellow diner you can share with to order a pizza and pasta to try both! Don't forget the prosciutto. Oh my, it is simply the best. I ordered mine on the side to add to my pizza, as I went. My friend ordered hers on the pizza and it did go in the oven but wasn't compromised. Pizzas are fired for only about 5 minutes. Your food comes out fast! I had the mushroom white pizza and was very happy with it. My husband liked the little pepperonis on his pizza. Friend's pasta was excellent, fresh and looked like house-made noodles. I look forward to trying the gnocchi. The tiramisu was okay. It would have been better if it wasn't served mostly frozen, which was a disappointing. Texture is a big factor in this dessert. Olives, entrees, added prosciutto and two desserts was $50. Not bad for a date night with friends.
(5)
Amanda K.
The first warm day, and we came here to try the patio. Being parents of a little guy, we got here for a very early dinner, and the patio was basically empty, but starting to fill up as we left. We were there during their happy hour time. We ordered some of their yummy looking appetizers, a roasted root vegetable dish and olives and one other dish. We also ordered a funghi pizza which was very delicious. We shared these dishes between the 2.5 of us, and it was plenty of food. We also had some of their delicious wines by the glass, of which they had a very good selection. All in all, I really liked the atmosphere, and great patio, and all teh food we ordered was very tasty. I also like the good, but dangerous, close location to a wine shop, that had us leaving with full bellies and purchase of two new bottles of wine.
(4)
Francheska G.
I love the pizza here. Not too doughy and just perfect. I love sharing memories with my boys here. This tradition of coming here stemed from coming here after my sons appointments at Childrens hospital specialty Center in southfield. It is right next door and ever since his allergy diagnosis , the gluten free pizza at Biga is a must. It is now known as Bigalora but I knew these guys since Biga. The quality is always on point and the service phenomenol.
(5)
Koeun M.
We stopped in for lunch here before taking our kids to the zoo, and it was pretty good. It was not that busy at all. The meatballs were homemade and they were delicious along with their sauce. We also ordered the potato croquette and those were good too. Their Bigalora chop salad was fresh and tasty! Lastly their pizzas are really good too! We had an order of the Margherita pizza and our boys had a regular cheese and pepperoni. I will definitely go back!
(4)
Lis M.
Have been wanting to try this place for a while but are never in the mood for pizza when we're in the neighborhood so when the craving hit today we knew where to go. The place is really nice, high ceilings, open floor plan with a modern decor and friendly staff, especially our waitress, Kate. We especially liked the old fashioned deli slicer on display by the kitchen, we liked seeing it being used to top various dishes. I didn't love sitting under the TV that was on, it wasn't really intrusive but occasionally the dialogue got distracting. We also learned that they have a much larger menu then just pizza and a brunch, all of which we will definitely go back to try but our hearts were set on pizza this trip. We did however take advantage of brunch beverages and my husband tried the fresh squeezed orange juice and an americano and I had a fresh made green juice. All were great, and green juice with pizza turns out to be a wonderful combination. The pizzas are thin crust and very light. The crust was airy which developed a wonderful crisp in the wood fired ovens. We tried the traditional red margarita pizza and the white brussel sprout pizza. The margarita sauce was mildly sweet and very tasty. It got a little soggy in spots because of slightly too much sauce but the taste was still spot on. The brussel sprout pizza also had salty cured meats and was just delicious. We easily could have split one pizza because they are a little bigger than a personal pizza we were happy to have leftovers. Looking forward to eating our leftovers and our next visit. Definitely a great time.
what we experienced was very different than expected. Upon entering the restaurant we started to learn that Bigalora was much more than a "pizza joint"...the menu offers small plates, salads, pastas, pizzas and desserts - all utilizing fresh and local products and remaining as naturally organic as possible. And besides the health benefits - the food is absolutely delicious! My favorite fact I learned about Bigalora was that the menu was created by Chef Luciano - the owner of the Bacco Ristorante, a delicious, upscale restaurant in Southfield. As soon as I heard that, I KNEW the food was going to be delicious...and it was! We tried a WIDE range of items and EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. was delicious: the Bigalora Chopped ($12), risotto balls ($7.50), meatballs ($8.50), caprase ($7.50), strozzapreti norcina pasta ($16), quattro stagione pizza ($14.50) and the salted carmel parfait ($9). Bigalora is an adorable, clean, bright, fresh spot with a great Italian vibe! There is a cozy bar area with drink specials daily and the dining room is large with tons of windows and sunlight. This place is a MUST EAT for anyone who loves fresh, tasty, italian food.
(5)
Natalia G.
Definitely a go to place in Royal Oak. Awesome ingredients, very talented chef! love the bacco patio in the summer as well
(5)
Erin M.
Really enjoyed everything about Bigalora. When we arrived, we were told it was a 40 minute wait. We were with the mother-in-law, so this always makes the hair stand on edge, but luckily there was a cute indoor-outdoor room with cozy little space heaters. It was really comfortable for us to sit in while we sipped our beers and waited for our table. Loved the ambiance in this restaurant. High ceilings and beautiful industrial windows. That and our knowledgable waitress led to a really great dining experience. FOOD: YUM. Croquetas to start. I lived in Spain for a bit, so I'm pretty picky about these. Really good and I converted my boyfriend to the croqueta lovers club. For dinner, we got the asparagus pizza. The proscuitto was really salty and savory. It was an extremely balanced pizza. We put a fried egg on it.... do it.
(4)
Kelly T.
Had a great first experience here. Called ahead this week to arrange a party of 18 to come for lunch. Regan the hostess directed me to email her manager Stephanie and said they could accommodate us. Emailed Stephane several times as our time and number in our party changed leading up to Saturday. She told us no problem! We ended us arriving a full hour ahead - no problem for these guys. They were ready for us. We were seated on the upper level and Amelia dove right in to take care of us. We ordered some apps right away- risotto balls, wood fired shishito peppers, wood fired peanuts. This along with a couple orders of focaccia and we were off and running to a great meal. Our party sampled several different pizzas and pastas along with a couple items from the brunch menu. Nothing disappointed! Then dessert.....several samplings of gelato and sorbet, a few tiramisus, and several salty sweet Carmel sundaes....we devoured it all! I will be back!!!
(5)
C M.
Had the delicious wood fired sausage pizza and the rigatoni served with a tart and rich red sauce. The pizza crust was the perfect crisp/chewy balance. Started with a large chopped salad shared among 3 of us. All of it was delicious and pleasantly served. When my 86 yr old mom asked for a pint of red sauce to take home, they happily obliged --and it cost $3! Will definitely go again
(4)
Kristine R.
Great for what it is! Yummy pizza and great salads! We started with the cheese plate ~ can't really go wrong there, and they don't! I got the orange salad and it was fantastic ~ I love the fresh, crisp flavored! I think a little goat cheese would be a good addition to that tho. My husband got the arugula salad ~ outstanding, very fresh! Our pizza was very tasty as well ~ we got the one with 4 different sections, each with one topping ~ simple yet delicious. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Lindsay I.
Wait time was supposed to be 15 to 20 been here 45 and still no table..... Plan ahead.
(1)
M V.
We liked the look of the place inside, very high ceilings and a lot to look at. Service was spotty, and that's the reason for the missing 1 star. Food was great though. We had the brussel sprouts and focaccia bread for appetizers. The sprouts were not caramelized the way I prefer them, but they were still good, topped with crispy prosciutto. The focaccia was not the way you picture focaccia... it was round and thin, but still very good. The crispiness was great. We order the roasted veggie pizza, with an add on of goat cheese (we love it). The pizza was great, but there were still two things I would have liked better. The goat cheese was almost non existent, would have liked more. And the veggies were cut into very large chunks. I would have liked smaller ones so they could have been spread throughout the pizza. But overall, the taste was still great. We will definitely be back. All of the food we saw coming out looked amazing!
(4)
Terry K.
In terms of casual dining in Royal Oak, Bigalora deserves to be mentioned as one of the better options downtown. PERFECT ambiance from the industrial, loft-like interior to their incredible outdoor patio that is absolutely divine for enjoying wine and dining outside on a beautiful day. It looks as if they focus on using fresh, organic and locally grown ingredients so that's a huge selling point. We went there on a gorgeous Sunday morning a few weeks back and were greeted by a hostess who had no less than a handful of employees lingering behind her and gazing at us in an uncomfortable way. I shook it off as we were seated outside on the patio that had a great view of the city, greenery and railroad tracks. Mimosas were promptly ordered and they were relatively light on the ounces served making them an ineffective buzz generator. Taste wise, they were splendid. The server was friendly although distant and made countless visits to check on us. Love the water they serve in a vintage bottle with large cut lemon slices. So refreshing! I was a simpleton and took no risks ordering the pepperoni pizza with homemade sausage. It was served overcooked with burnt crust throughout including one black, super-sized air bubble that dominated one of the slices. I was only slightly disappointed by this and promptly devoured the whole pie which was very enjoyable. The crust is light, thin and crispy making it easy to indulge and eat in one setting. I also ordered the wood fired wings which weren't as good in execution as they were in theory. Something about the liberal use of onions all over the plate turned me off. My date had the chop salad and prosciutto melon of which the latter got stares, questions and compliments from curious old timers at the table next to us. They don't stay open too late which is unfortunate because I've driven by here many times at night looking for a place to eat and they were already closed. Other than that, I don't have any complaints about Bigalora other than their choice of name. It's worth the few dollars extra for a fantabulous dining environment inside and out plus the opportunity to taste a more eccentric type of pizza.
(4)
Alyssa R.
I've been here a few times, and my experience ranged from A-OK to a big disappointment. Here's the best and the worst according to me: The Best: Happy Hour. I hope they still have half off wine and pizzas, because that's enough reason to stop by in the early evening. I enjoyed a chianti and half off pizza very much, and had enough money with the savings to buy a lovely, fresh salad. My first experience had me coming back a few months later. The "meh....": Came back with a couple of friend NOT during happy hour. Same good Chianti, pizza that was JUUUUUST this side of too expensive and not mind-blowing, and a meat and cheese plate that threw my meal into the 'astronomical' price category. The worst: I ordered Gluten-free pizza. It was beyond sad and into the 'cheese melted on cardboard' category. The conclusion: I won't be back unless I'm with a group of friends who are dying for pizza during happy hour time. Assuming, of course, that this special is still happening.
(3)
Jake V.
Went here with my girlfriend and some of her cousins for dinner. The service was good and they were prompt to get your drinks and food. But the food itself was nothing special. My girlfriend ordered the Wood Fired Heirloom Carrots they were terrible couldn't eat them, the taste was okay but they were chewy and very difficult to cut. The waitress took them back and admitted that they were not cooked right and brought the Wood Fired Sweet Potato which was a little better, at least it was edible. I ordered the Wood Fired Wings and they were very bland, essentially just eating cooked chicken with no seasonings and i think there were 8 on the plate for $11. Personally i feel this place is trying to hard to be unique and it has dropped the ball, its a hipster place that lacks real delicious whole meal food.
(2)
Kyle M.
Killer happy hour special and a conversation conducive atmosphere. Great beer and wine selection at very reasonable prices all the time; with the happy hour special it's almost as cheap as drinking at home... Food is very good as well. Lots of small plates / share-able options. Had the Beet salad and carrot-ginger soup and was happy with both. I would also suggest the sweet potato app. Place is super trendy so beware of hipsters. Sound level is very low which makes this a great spot to be able to hear your fellow patrons.
(4)
Carly F.
Ordered the crispy Brussels sprout appetizer and it was not good. Very, very, very, dry. I guess I didn't know what I was expecting when I read crispy Brussels sprouts lol. The manila clam pizza was amazing and I will definitely be back to try more. Tiramisu was great as well.
(4)
M C.
Atmosphere and food were excellent. Had heir Old Fashioned, delicious. High windows, sky lights, an upper deck, a short bar and out door seating make for a bright space with good acoustics. Service was attentive, but don't be afraid to flag someone down.
(5)
Josh P.
Great service, great food (highly recommend the pesto chicken pizza), and a good selection of beer. Will definitely be coming back!!
(5)
Christopher W.
I am not going to say the pizza is bad because they do a fair job. But decent in the sense that Bigalo achieves OK pizza is par for the course these days as pizza no longer is held to the poor standards we used to know all too well, and when it comes to service, when the food is marginal it doesn't help that I keep wondering where the waitress is. Lets be real there is better pizza to be had, the crust was mushy and why should I pay 7 dollars for french fries just because they are sprinkled with rosemary and parmesan? Was that frozen chewy calamari just like I can get anywhere? Why yes it was...enough sauce to cover all those over-cooked chewy pieces? Not even. Service didn't do much better, and I will say from the beginning when we as a couple asked for a table to rebuffed it was being held for a bigger top to see it go to a couple not 10 minutes later made me wonder. Not whether they would see my return business, as marginal food and poor service isn't a trip revisited in my book.
I use to LOVE this place but Saturday night was an all around disappointment. We've been telling our friends how great the pizza is here. The waitress first brought the chopped salad, which we always enjoy but it was tasteless and lacked dressing. When she brought our friend's mushroom pizza, it was so badly charred and burned that it was laughable that they would actually think this pizza was acceptable! (What are you smoking???)We sent it back and when she brought the new one, it barely had any mushrooms on it. I've had this pizza twice at the other location and it's usually piled high with wonderful mushrooms. My sausage pizza was very good but I was embarrassed I suggested coming to RO Biga after this experience.
(2)
Nancy R.
Stopped in on my way home for take-out. Nice open kitchen, cool dining room, all pretty casual and family friendly. At the bar, ordered Heirloom Tomato Salad Pizza, the nice and professional bartender apologized and said they don't have that one anymore. OK, ordered "Aglio e Olio" ("Garlic and Oil"), added fresh mozzarella ($4.00) and told her that "I like lots of garlic". Pizza came out pretty quickly, the bartender rang me up and I was on my way. Surprised to find the pizza was not sliced at all, but I have heard that some restaurants leave take-out pies whole. This vegan pizza has roasted tomatoes, asparagus, olives, artichoke and oregano. The veggies were tasty and fresh and I loved the crust, but there was no mozzarella, for which I was charged (and which would have made the pizza non-vegan.) But the pizza was dry. I don't want it greasy, but I couldn't detect any olive oil or garlic on my "Garlic and Oil" pizza. Man I missed that garlic! Bottom line: the place looked good, the wait staff was friendly and efficient, the kitchen was fast (it was 7 pm and the main floor was pretty full), but my pizza wasn't that good. I think it would have been with a little olive oil, lots of garlic and the cheese that I paid for, but didn't get. Don't know if I would give it another shot.... 3/5/15, Bar order #34 @ 6:58pm.
(2)
Lynne G.
My husband and I went for lunch today, our 3rd visit. We won't be back. The menus were torn and dirty, not a good sign. The condiments on the table had long hairs on them. The risotto balls were cold and tasteless, the truffle garlic fries..also cold. The only thing we enjoyed was the sausage pizza, served hot and very flavorful! It's a shame. ..this place used to be SO good.
(2)
Mandy S.
I really like the quality ingredients and the simple flavor combinations of the salads, soups, and pizzas. The carrot ginger soup is wonderful, and I love the arugula salad with lemon dressing. BUT.... $20 for salad and soup? Seriously I could run home and whip up store bought arugula and parmesan with lemon and olive oil for a fraction of the cost. It's not that special. And, the rosemary grilled chicken has wonderful flavor, but they are not cooking it to serve. It must be microwaved or something because the last two times I've gotten chicken on my salad, it's been rubbery. I really want to like this place, but they need to re-align their price point and be careful not to cut corners with preparation.
(3)
Sir Poop A.
Go here regularly... ranges from decent to really good. Service could be same scale. Everytime I leave, I often look at my bill and wonder how it added up to such a high amount. Then I realize we had a bunch of drinks :) Clam pizza, Sausage pizza, and strozzapreti pasta are my favorites, but you can't go wrong.
(4)
Emad F.
Nice building. Order the salad if you like Romain lettuce with very miniscule amount of walnuts, strawberries and blue cheese. Go to bar Louis and see the difference! The pizza had great crust but you wouldn't notice it under the runny sauce and 6 (yes I counted them) basel leaves. Hey chef if you want to know what it's supposed to taste like go to Clarkston and try it the Union Wood Chop.
(1)
Morgan S.
The food was good, the service was ok. It was a busy Friday night, and we were told the wait would be about 40 minutes and it was more like 25. The issue I had was that we were a group of 4, and instead of seating us at a good sized 4 top that was open, they sat us at the communal table next to the bathrooms. I know better, and I should have spoken up before they seated us, and definitely before they seated a couple at the larger table. Although the communal seating style can be cool and is "on trend" at the moment, I rarely have a good experience with service when seated at a communal table. We literally watched our waitress take orders from tables seated after us before she remembered to come check on us. I wish I knew her name because she was a little rude, and definitely stopped us from ordering appetizers or another bottle of wine because we were simply tired of waiting for her. Simply put, we would have been happy to order more, spend more and tip better if we weren't hungry and terrified that she would forget about us. Most likely I would go back and give the service another chance or order carry-out. I also suggest that you order the vegan wood fired brussel sprout pizza with sauce. The sprouts are amazing. For the non-vegan, our friends ordered the gnocchi and could not stop raving about it.
(3)
Sonya S.
Their pizza is not only amazing they have "unique" flavors.
(4)
Chris S.
I would probably choose Biga's meatballs if I had to choose only one food to live on. They are light, well-balanced, and cradled in a delicious marinara. The ensemble is topped with just the right amount of Granna padano cheese. I've ordered this dish in many ways as an appetizer, small plate, and large family style platter for a house party. Oddly enough, I've never had the pizza. They look fantastic, but I've been too distracted by the pasta dishes. All in due time... The weekend brunch is incredible with a very unique Bloody Mary that has vinegar, tomato, cucumber and garlic flavors, garnished with a thinly sliced cured cold cut. For those weekend mornings when you want something on the lighter side, the Italian breakfast is perfect! Poached eggs, toast, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, and an arugula greens salad with light vinaigrette. The prosciutto is hand sliced on a vintage machine in-house. The prices are up there, but so far I'm willing to pay a premium for high quality ingredients and imagination. How do they get the fifth star? Maintain consistency and keeping trying.
(4)
Tia H.
Good grief! What's not to love about Bigalora? The crust is lusciousness perfection; thin, crispy with just enough chew. And the topping- fresh and and ohh so non-pepperoni (but you could get it if that's what floats your boat). C'mon! Does Dominos Pizza offer DUCK as a topping? I think not. It's divine. Everything at Biga is outstanding. I MUST GO for anyone who worships the almighty PIE.
(5)
Diane B.
Good pizza funky artisan style pizzas that are not cheap -- a personal pizza cost about $15 but very very good the crust is awesome. We shared the calamari as a. Appetizer very very good awesome marinara sauce . Good selection of local craft brews on tap as well as a large wine selection . Had the salted Carmel parfait for $9 for desert was enough for 2 people to share. Supposedly mDe with vanilla gelato tasted more like ice cream the gelato which I am accustomed to being much lighter maybe the Michigan formula is different then the Phila pa style I'm used to . Great atmosphere there was a wait at 7 PM but not S long a wait as they had estimated. Everything is ala carte at this resturaunt so if you want a salad with that pizza or pasta you will pay more
(4)
William C.
This place is great date bait. Good food. Great atmosphere. Cheap prices. My girlfriend and I went here one night, got a small pizza, a salad, an app, and my girlfriend got a martini. The tab was under $40 and we both thought the food was delicious. Definitely will be back.
(5)
Bitsy S.
Met some friends the other night for dinner at Bigalora's and enjoyed my meal. I had spaghetti with meatballs and a side of sausage. The meatballs were excellent. Now, I've been to 2 Italian restaurants lately and both served the sausage cut flat and broiled. Never had it that way. I'd prefer my sausage in the sauce but it was good, nonetheless. The service was excellent. Even though she had more than us to serve, she ran up and down the stairs, fleet footed, and waited on us without complaint. She answered all our questions and did so with a smile. Royal Oak is such a joy to go back and visit. I was raised in Berkley and it's so nice to "go home." I think all at the table had a good time.
(4)
Suzanne L.
Biga is one of the best restaurants in Royal Oak for a casual night out. Great bartender (Adrienne, Jackie and Rico sometimes too!), fresh, healthy food choices (try the heirloom carrots or the GF pesto pizza), good wine list, happy hour specials, half-price bottles on Tuesdays, big patio. I find there is a reason to go to Biga nearly every day of the week. And sometimes I find myself there more than twice in one week. Coming from a foodie, that's saying a lot.
(5)
Joe B.
This spot seems to remain steadily busy which is a good thing with its own caveats. Service is great once you're seated but the angry masses can make bar service difficult. On last visit we tried the calamari, a few pizzas and a salad. The food was pretty solid. The calamari was tender and their marinara is fresh and full of flavor. The pesto pizza was the favorite but a little overdone and burnt on top. The other two pizzas were good but not overly memorable while the salad was cool and plentiful. I like this place but not at peak hours and I'm very much looking forward to trying their expanded cucina menu on their patio since they've added some newer items with their name change. Drinks are nicely poured and as I mentioned, all things come together nicely once sat but it can be a little unnerving while waiting for a table...patrons are seemingly rude here. Tables are small and get pretty cramped when all the food arrives but if you can get past that you'll enjoy the experience.
(3)
Scott T.
I ate there on a Monday night for a group dinner. The decor of the restaurant is very modern and clean. It reminded me of an Italian restaurant you would find in Italy. The food was very good. The salad was very tasty. We had a few different pastas that were very good. And the pizza's were great. I plan on coming back with my kids in the future.
(4)
Rue A.
OK pizza. pretty much your average thin crust pizza.
(2)
Kristen F.
Their meatballs are phenomenal. The sauce tastes just like my grandma's. Can't remember her name but I had a great bartender here also. Just tried brunch for the first time- AMAZING. The huevos are sooooo tasty. Never a wait either. Great place!
(5)
M. O.
Love love love this place. Best pizza in town-I love the thin crust! It satisfies vegans, gluten frees and meat lovers. I also enjoy a well made drink. The manhattens and Tom Collins are perfect. The bartenders know what they are doing and I enjoy a good cocktail before my meal! I would suggest going during happy hour because it can get a bit pricey. The only other thing I really don't like about this place is that it is so loud. The music is always turned up over the crowd. If you are looking for a quiet place to talk go somewhere else.
(5)
Mary D.
Great staff and great food! Brunch is also amazing! The Belgian waffle is light , fluffy, and crispy on the outside, and the nappies REAL maple syrup. Cocktails are classy and ever changing, and the beer selection is awesome.
(5)
Brian J.
All show and no go......save your money and buy some gas and take yourself to Supino's in detroit where it's about the food and not an overpriced, overrated pie with bad service.
(1)
Arianne P.
Ahh zee pizzahhh! sad for me, I'm now gluten free but places like Bigalora make me happy again. Can't beat flavorful wood fired crust, OMG try the wood fired carrots! Both me & hubby aren't big carrot fans but one night the waiter reommended, Yum yum is all I can say. No five starts due to two reasons, service is hit or miss. Last visit this weekend the waitress was polite, attentive for the first ten minutes and was a long distant relationship after that. And second reason is the Italian sausage needs improvement. I love shaking it up with some prosciutto, goat cheese, shrimp or some arugula on a pizza but when a pizza pie has Italian sausage at a place like this I want it to rock my world. Gelato is very tastey too. Oh and hubby didn't like a citrus kick to the cannoli, keep it sweet and original is his motto. Wine selections are divine, love their Italian moscato but want to try their Pinot Noir selections next time. We also enjoy mixing up the cheese and meat samplers for appetizers. GOOD FOOD and a fun ambiance.
(4)
Mike S.
I went here for my first time for a sunday brunch. The food was good that we ordered, the "atmosphere" was fairly neutral and the service and staff was very disappointing. Not one worker returned a smile. The waitress seemed so unenthused with her job. I don't understand why restaurants in Royal Oak hire "servers" who act so uninterested and bored with their job, and they probably wonder why they don't do well in tips. I would think for a business competing for customers, the service of the establishment would be on their toes, that is one thing that will set a business apart from other businesses. I will go again, but I feel it is just one of the many very average restaurants in royal oak. Come on business owners, step up your game and make a mark in the community.
(2)
Mim M.
in terms of the pizza, i like this a lot better than bastone, which is just down the street. im usually not a big fan of tomato-based pizzas, so i order the white pizzas (which they have a section just dedicated to it, to my delight!). the one i ordered had no cheese, just olive-oil based. very delicious, finished with an excellent wood-fired chewy and crispy crust/dough--nicely blistered from the fire, comparable to the ones i loved while travelling in italy. nice ambiance too, very modern and sleek. service was quick as well.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Nicole R.
I've been here twice - once for restaurant week - everything was on point! And again for one of those half priced wine nights... which was also great! I love the atmosphere here - classic and casual. Haven't had a chance to take advantage of the patio yet but it does look nice!
(5)Keith P.
Getting treated like royalty is the standard here at Bigalora RO! Stef, Emilie and Lauren are my favs!
(5)Sara G.
I'm updating my review to 5 stars from 4--simply because of the FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUT PIZZA. Hello, new favorite pie of the century! Also, the name has changed (somewhat) and my old review is on the Pizzeria Biga (RO) page. Here's what I said about 'em before: --------------------------------------------- Delicious neapolitan pizza!! The crust is thin, charred and doughy-crisp with a hint of sourness that melts in your mouth. The toppings are fresh and fanciful. You really can't go wrong, especially if you make your own. Today's pie was white with ricotta, mushroom ragu and (house made) duck prosciutto. That duck is soooo gooood but some of the fat melts onto everything else so you end up having a VERY rich pizza. Not something I'd get all the time but definitely a tasty treat. Really good quality meats here all around. The speck is salty and thick, as is the pepperoni. Actually, everything that goes into their pizza is tip top. I'm ok with eating in although the plastic glasses and plates feel cheap (as do the plastic chairs). Are they going for an "old pizza joint around the corner where you grew up" kind of vibe? I like how spacious the dining area is, but they have 2 huge TVs playing sports so, meh. The service we've had has always been prompt and friendly. Not even 10 minutes pass and our pizzas were served, piping hot. It's hard to wait a bit for it to cool--the herbs, garlic, and slight-sour tang from the crust combining into a pizza symphony beneath your nose. You just wanna get gobbling. Take-out is fast and efficient. They don't pre-slice when you do, either. No big, they send you home with a plastic pizza cutter (although I've never used it as we already have a metal one that--obviously--works much better, but the thought is appreciated). It's nice to have a place like this near the 'hood. It's rapidly becoming our pizza go-to! Or is that to-go?
(5)Allie T.
I've been here twice and both times wasn't disappointed. This place has amazing food. Get the heirloom carrots, they're absolutely delicious! We also had the duck prosciutto pizza and a beer flight. So so so insanely tasty. Don't listen to the negative reviews, go here.
(5)Andree S.
My wife and I have eaten the best pizza in Naples Italy where pizza was created/perfected...this pizza was the closest we've had in the United States. Couple that with a great service, a huge whiskey list and excellent desserts, this may be our favorite restaurant now.
(5)Naveen N.
Pizza tastes good. Just be sure to schedule your visit to not coincide with a train that passes by on the tracks next to the building.
(3)Jay V.
Went here with a group of friends. Service was slow, portion sizes small, and a little on the expensive side. Food was good though, so was the beer. Could improve on service and food portions. I will definitely give it another try in the near future.
(3)juston m.
very nice pizza and extras, i had the sausage, peppers and onion pizza and my favorite part was the sausage. tasty and spicy and not greasy at all, the menu says they make it and you can tell. the beet salad and fries were also worth it. the inside is very nice and i especially loved the tall windows. be back for more. especially the tuesday 1/2 off wine special. love, juston
(4)Paolo S.
Location: they renovated a former warehouse and that looks clean (no carpet, that is a plus), modern and kind of fancy. They have a nice looking oven, like the ones you can find in Italy, and actually I came for a pizza. The menu is ok, some pizza is expensive (Margherita DOP is $5 more than the regular one, just because of 5 slices of Imported Mozzarella di Bufala.... ) I took the vegetarian one, it arrived quickly (+), on paper covered woodboard. It was far from being round, the border was top thin, flat and too much burned. The burning bothered me more than the irregular shape, mostly because is toxic. The veggie and the tomato salsa were ok. Beer selection is fine! Cannot give more that 2 stars this time
(2)Ray B.
Went for Sunday brunch; very pleased with the menu and the variety of items that aren't found other places. However, my son's waffle (there were four of us) came out late, as in I was two bites away from finishing my meal when it arrived. And frankly they didn't seem to be overly concerned or cared that it was. Also we had to sit outside as there was going to be a private party later. Again, good food but served with a side of attitude not usually found in RO.
(3)Caleb Y.
Good food, good environment. It is all good, but nothing blows me away!
(3)Ashley R.
The best pizza- hands down! Went on a Saturday night to hear a great band- the Chet offensive- and the place was poppin! Was quickly sat at a table in front of the stage, and was quickly tended to by the kind wait staff. Ordered the chicken wings as a started, followed by the amazing chop salad. Their wine selection is top notch, and at such a good price! Then came the pizza.... Wow. Spectacular! I got their margarita pizza and it was so mouth watering- and gluten free! So, if you know what's good for you- get off your couch and go there now! And also stop by the great wine store downstairs!
(5)T W.
Name changed from Pizza Biga, located in Royal Oak on Main St. above another business wine store. Walk up the stairs. The bar is small but you can wait there while your table is getting ready. There's outside dining. Parking is limited on site but can try street parking, the lot next to the bank or across the street from the restaurant. This is one of my favorite pizza places to go to. I usually do a Margarita (thin crust, fresh ingredients), fries (roasted garlic & rosemary), & a wine of some kind. Dessert is generous, housemade ice cream they say. Have your dentist handy. They also have meat & cheese appetizer selection if you want to try some nibblers. Good salad selections. Wings are average.
(4)RJ J.
This was my go to pizza place in Royal Oak, but they've gotten greedy, let me explain. Been coming here since they opened, usually twice a week. When they opened they had a great happy hour beer special, sure they were only 12oz pours, but they were half price, and that made it a deal. They also had 1/2 price pizza's (before 5pm) which also made it a good deal, it's a fine pizza, but it's really a personalized pizza, if you think that I'm gonna pay more for a small pizza than say "Buddy's" you're nuts. Needless to say "Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina" is no longer offering discounts on any food at happy hour, which is just amazing considering I can walk out their door make a right over the RR tracks an 1/8 of a mile down and get a good pizza at half the price, and deals on great brewery beer, which is where I will go when I need a pizza fix. Oh and by the way most of their 12oz pours have turned into 8oz , and the selection quite frankly is weak. If you guys think you can be the only restaurant/bar in Royal Oak that offers no food specials on happy hour good luck to you, you'll do it without me, and I don't care if you are a Cucina.
(2)Christopher P.
Hands down, my all time favorite restaurant. The food isn't to die for, although the strozapretti is one step away from laying on my death bed good. It's the atmosphere and the hospitality that keeps me coming back. Whether you're sitting at the bar watching sitcoms, sports or news laying down some lingo with who I consider to be a greatest hits of bartenders, two of which come from The Oakland in ferndale. Enjoying a quaint date night. Or partying with a large group of chums at one of there banquet tables. You will not be disappointed. The food is GREAT, there is a full selection of craft cocktails, micro brews and wine. And it has the best lighting and architecture of all restaurants I've been too. The building has great history to boot.
(5)Mark D.
I have been to Bigalora twice now. Both times I have had a good experience. It is accurately rated at 4 stars. Pros: an extensive liquor and wine menu, and half off bottles of wine on Tuesdays. A relatively limited menu of pizza salad and pasta which makes choosing a dish easier. Beautiful decor on the inside with vaulted ceilings. And the patio. It may be the best patio to sit on in Royal Oak. Right by the train tracks you can people watch and get a great view of the sunset. The pizza itself is great, they specialize in thin crust pizza with anything on top. I recommend the smoked salmon pizza, you won't be disappointed. If you're looking to be more on the traditional side the chicken pesto pizza is also a safe bet. The crust is crunchy and tasty and the pizza is cooked at such a high temp that the bottom of the pie doesn't get soggy. The cons: it is busy very often at dinner time. You may have to wait up to 20 mins but they do have a great waiting area. Also at the peak of their dinner rush it can take a bit to get the food out, so grab drinks and be prepared. Their bathroom for the whole restaurant consists of two single bathrooms, which both times I've had to wait in line outside of it like I'm at 5th ave. Overall: a great place to take a date, drink some wine, and sit out on the patio.
(4)Brittany L.
I went here with a group of 25 for my birthday a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. They put us up in a loft-type room which was mostly separated from the rest of the restaurant. My boyfriend and I split a TON of dishes and ordered a bunch of appetizers for the table. We had calamari, meatballs, risotto balls and brussel sprouts. We also tried the stuff gnocchi, the cappicola pizza, the mushroom pizza and the magherita pizza. Everything was delicious. I will make a quick suggestion - if you aren't a fan of spice, be careful as to what you get. Most of their dishes were spicy. The only downside - our food was a little bit burnt. Other that that, great experience!
(4)Emilio B.
I've always driven by this place and the outdoor area looked really chill so we decided to go in and try it out. We went during Arts Beats and Eats and I was surprised that we were able to get a table outside in like 10 minutes! Ordered the risotto balls, chopped salad and funghi pizza. The risotto balls... amazing! That was the best part of the meal. The chopped salad was just ok. Lacked flavor and probably won't get again. The Funghi pizza was great. We will definitely be back. I only give it 4 stars because our server (won't name her on here) was a little less than friendly and making us feel welcome.
(4)P G.
Got a carry out. Ordered cheese pesto.. Not happy. Opened the box and found a blackened burnt pizza.. Never going there again. Update 9/9/15: I just got a "compliment" with someone saying the pizza was supposed to be like that all "burnt" up.. The first time I had it, it did not have ANY burnt tips or anything period! The second time my co worker got it, it was not burnt.. So it's safe to say that they burnt my pizza.. Be aware of this place unless you want burnt pizza!!!!
(1)Molida K.
I figure if you can't get the basics right, then the restaurant isn't worth going back to. My verdict: I will go back...only for lunch. Here's why: 1) Food was delicious. Calamari cooked PERFECTLY- light, crispy, and seasoned accordingly. Risotto balls were to die for. Rosemary fries were good but nothing to write home about. The Margherita pizza was also cooked perfectly with a light tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and nicely toasted basil leaves that brought the entire dish together. The crust was cooked quite nicely too with little bits of char throughout. 2) Wait time was a little ridiculous- 1 and a half hour wait for a table of 6. It was, however, a Friday night. Meh. 3) The menus all have conflicting prices. The eat-in menu has prices that are $2 more than the take-out menu but of course you are charged the more expensive price. Also the drink menu prices are not updated. I ordered a glass of absinthe that was listed at $9 but was charged $12. I had to bring it up to the server who promptly fixed it but made sure to let me know prices change all the time. In that case, please do not advertise drink prices. 4) Service was ok. Our waitress was nice but took forever to come back and check on us and offer refills.
(3)Jim S.
I gave it a two because my server was great. Ina, not sure if the spelling, could have been the worst waitress I have ever seen. A glass was accidentally broken. You think she would care. No, she rolled her eyes and walked away. Not sure she cared if someone would clean it up or step in it... Then she came out again and stared at us as she walked away. I was never treated like this. Was amazing. You lost a customer and I'll let everyone I know about this
(2)Don B.
I was in Bigalora their pizza is great there salads r real good the atmosphere is good .I would encouraged you to try this place.Despite. Thr construction in frontof her restaurant come got. .
(5)Joe V.
Very tasty thin crust pizza. Ate inside - too hot to eat outside - but it was a little noisy for me up on the loft level. Had the beet salad - was just "ok", but the pizza's were certainly worth the trip.
(4)Taylor C.
Their brunch is fantastic. However, during busy dinner hours the tables are too closely packed to enjoy yourself. The place gets loud. I had the prosciutto pizza, and the pieces were limp and soggy. Not worth the price.
(2)Chris E.
Delicious food, great atmosphere. Service was very good, will be back. I got the chicken parmigiana as my entrée and calamari for an appetizer. Along with a beer and a side salad. Food came out in great time and my server was very attentive.
(5)Ellie I.
This might seem odd, but I am not the biggest pizza fan. I know! I'm crazy! (Although, I do have a favorite Detroit pizza place. See my past reviews) Hear me out though... I get a little bored with pizza. It's the first thing people think about for parties or if you're going out with a group it's always "hey let's gets pizza!" It's the same thing as never changing your hair cut and sometimes I can't take it! Ok. Rant over. So I went to Biga with a group of friends expecting it to be good pizza. I was pleasantly surprised however. The pizza was excellent, I could've just eaten the crust, forget the cheese and sauce! What I really loved about my experience was the rest of the menu. So many vegan and vegetarian things! Pan fried sweet potatoes, soups, amazing salads with FRESH greens. They even have a "whole grain" salad, that consists of lentils and other wintertime fare. They also have a lovely wine and beer selection. Half off wine bottles on Tuesdays! It's beautifully designed on the inside and reasonably quiet compared with the size of the dining room. Great place that's Michigan grown!
(4)Beth H.
Small parking area so either you are lucky and catch someone leaving (because they are always packed) or park short distance away and brave crossing Main Street. It was nasty and raining outside, so I didn't see what was on the ground floor as we ascended the stairs to the host stand for Bigalora. I was just glad the stairs were salted and made it up without mishap, while carrying a car seat. They do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait. If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the little bar or patio lounge area, your wait won't be so bad. We were told 25 minutes for a Four-top but it was only about 10 minutes. Just long enough for the guys to order beers. Two draft beers were $15. That was a surprise, but no matter. No highchairs to be had and the tables are really close together. Very modern and minimal decor, yet inviting and fresh. Good TV placements to keep up with the game while at dinner. The baby with us is an angel so no issue, but if you have an active one, I wouldn't recommend bringing him/her. The menu is perfect. Great selection without over-doing it. We ordered a bottle of Italian red that was just tasty. Pizzas are excellent and come out quick. The olive oil on the table is infused with a bit of spice, that is quite a surprise but quickly becomes addicting. Choose a pizza and customize, but if you are lucky, you have a fellow diner you can share with to order a pizza and pasta to try both! Don't forget the prosciutto. Oh my, it is simply the best. I ordered mine on the side to add to my pizza, as I went. My friend ordered hers on the pizza and it did go in the oven but wasn't compromised. Pizzas are fired for only about 5 minutes. Your food comes out fast! I had the mushroom white pizza and was very happy with it. My husband liked the little pepperonis on his pizza. Friend's pasta was excellent, fresh and looked like house-made noodles. I look forward to trying the gnocchi. The tiramisu was okay. It would have been better if it wasn't served mostly frozen, which was a disappointing. Texture is a big factor in this dessert. Olives, entrees, added prosciutto and two desserts was $50. Not bad for a date night with friends.
(5)Amanda K.
The first warm day, and we came here to try the patio. Being parents of a little guy, we got here for a very early dinner, and the patio was basically empty, but starting to fill up as we left. We were there during their happy hour time. We ordered some of their yummy looking appetizers, a roasted root vegetable dish and olives and one other dish. We also ordered a funghi pizza which was very delicious. We shared these dishes between the 2.5 of us, and it was plenty of food. We also had some of their delicious wines by the glass, of which they had a very good selection. All in all, I really liked the atmosphere, and great patio, and all teh food we ordered was very tasty. I also like the good, but dangerous, close location to a wine shop, that had us leaving with full bellies and purchase of two new bottles of wine.
(4)Francheska G.
I love the pizza here. Not too doughy and just perfect. I love sharing memories with my boys here. This tradition of coming here stemed from coming here after my sons appointments at Childrens hospital specialty Center in southfield. It is right next door and ever since his allergy diagnosis , the gluten free pizza at Biga is a must. It is now known as Bigalora but I knew these guys since Biga. The quality is always on point and the service phenomenol.
(5)Koeun M.
We stopped in for lunch here before taking our kids to the zoo, and it was pretty good. It was not that busy at all. The meatballs were homemade and they were delicious along with their sauce. We also ordered the potato croquette and those were good too. Their Bigalora chop salad was fresh and tasty! Lastly their pizzas are really good too! We had an order of the Margherita pizza and our boys had a regular cheese and pepperoni. I will definitely go back!
(4)Lis M.
Have been wanting to try this place for a while but are never in the mood for pizza when we're in the neighborhood so when the craving hit today we knew where to go. The place is really nice, high ceilings, open floor plan with a modern decor and friendly staff, especially our waitress, Kate. We especially liked the old fashioned deli slicer on display by the kitchen, we liked seeing it being used to top various dishes. I didn't love sitting under the TV that was on, it wasn't really intrusive but occasionally the dialogue got distracting. We also learned that they have a much larger menu then just pizza and a brunch, all of which we will definitely go back to try but our hearts were set on pizza this trip. We did however take advantage of brunch beverages and my husband tried the fresh squeezed orange juice and an americano and I had a fresh made green juice. All were great, and green juice with pizza turns out to be a wonderful combination. The pizzas are thin crust and very light. The crust was airy which developed a wonderful crisp in the wood fired ovens. We tried the traditional red margarita pizza and the white brussel sprout pizza. The margarita sauce was mildly sweet and very tasty. It got a little soggy in spots because of slightly too much sauce but the taste was still spot on. The brussel sprout pizza also had salty cured meats and was just delicious. We easily could have split one pizza because they are a little bigger than a personal pizza we were happy to have leftovers. Looking forward to eating our leftovers and our next visit. Definitely a great time.
(5)Suzanne V.
Came here on a Friday night around 5:30, just before crowds started to pour in. The place had a cool, industrial vibe that contrasted nicely with the 900 degree wood fire oven they cook the pizzas in. The pizza, by the way, is what you need to order. If staring at dough being stretched, tossed, and topped wasn't enough to whet your appetite, take my word for it: the pizza is divine and worth ordering. There are so many choices, I don't know that anyone could NOT find something that looks good. There's gluten-free options, red and white pizza, and a myriad of toppings, including mozzarella di bufala! I went with the duck pizza, which was so satisfying. The charred crust was topped with a robust tomato sauce, blue cheese, roasted red peppers, more cheese, and crispy pieces of duck, which could've been more pronounced in my opinion. Surprisingly, the blue cheese enhanced the pie, and didn't overwhelm. My sister got the cauliflower soup which was thinner than we expected for a purée, but it was very flavorful. We saved room for dessert: espresso and house-made gelato. The espresso was great, and the gelato (I got pistachio) was smooth and creamy. Great staff as well, I'd like to come back for another perfect pizza!
(4)Chelsea G.
what we experienced was very different than expected. Upon entering the restaurant we started to learn that Bigalora was much more than a "pizza joint"...the menu offers small plates, salads, pastas, pizzas and desserts - all utilizing fresh and local products and remaining as naturally organic as possible. And besides the health benefits - the food is absolutely delicious! My favorite fact I learned about Bigalora was that the menu was created by Chef Luciano - the owner of the Bacco Ristorante, a delicious, upscale restaurant in Southfield. As soon as I heard that, I KNEW the food was going to be delicious...and it was! We tried a WIDE range of items and EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. was delicious: the Bigalora Chopped ($12), risotto balls ($7.50), meatballs ($8.50), caprase ($7.50), strozzapreti norcina pasta ($16), quattro stagione pizza ($14.50) and the salted carmel parfait ($9). Bigalora is an adorable, clean, bright, fresh spot with a great Italian vibe! There is a cozy bar area with drink specials daily and the dining room is large with tons of windows and sunlight. This place is a MUST EAT for anyone who loves fresh, tasty, italian food.
(5)Natalia G.
Definitely a go to place in Royal Oak. Awesome ingredients, very talented chef! love the bacco patio in the summer as well
(5)Erin M.
Really enjoyed everything about Bigalora. When we arrived, we were told it was a 40 minute wait. We were with the mother-in-law, so this always makes the hair stand on edge, but luckily there was a cute indoor-outdoor room with cozy little space heaters. It was really comfortable for us to sit in while we sipped our beers and waited for our table. Loved the ambiance in this restaurant. High ceilings and beautiful industrial windows. That and our knowledgable waitress led to a really great dining experience. FOOD: YUM. Croquetas to start. I lived in Spain for a bit, so I'm pretty picky about these. Really good and I converted my boyfriend to the croqueta lovers club. For dinner, we got the asparagus pizza. The proscuitto was really salty and savory. It was an extremely balanced pizza. We put a fried egg on it.... do it.
(4)Kelly T.
Had a great first experience here. Called ahead this week to arrange a party of 18 to come for lunch. Regan the hostess directed me to email her manager Stephanie and said they could accommodate us. Emailed Stephane several times as our time and number in our party changed leading up to Saturday. She told us no problem! We ended us arriving a full hour ahead - no problem for these guys. They were ready for us. We were seated on the upper level and Amelia dove right in to take care of us. We ordered some apps right away- risotto balls, wood fired shishito peppers, wood fired peanuts. This along with a couple orders of focaccia and we were off and running to a great meal. Our party sampled several different pizzas and pastas along with a couple items from the brunch menu. Nothing disappointed! Then dessert.....several samplings of gelato and sorbet, a few tiramisus, and several salty sweet Carmel sundaes....we devoured it all! I will be back!!!
(5)C M.
Had the delicious wood fired sausage pizza and the rigatoni served with a tart and rich red sauce. The pizza crust was the perfect crisp/chewy balance. Started with a large chopped salad shared among 3 of us. All of it was delicious and pleasantly served. When my 86 yr old mom asked for a pint of red sauce to take home, they happily obliged --and it cost $3! Will definitely go again
(4)Kristine R.
Great for what it is! Yummy pizza and great salads! We started with the cheese plate ~ can't really go wrong there, and they don't! I got the orange salad and it was fantastic ~ I love the fresh, crisp flavored! I think a little goat cheese would be a good addition to that tho. My husband got the arugula salad ~ outstanding, very fresh! Our pizza was very tasty as well ~ we got the one with 4 different sections, each with one topping ~ simple yet delicious. Will definitely be back!
(5)Lindsay I.
Wait time was supposed to be 15 to 20 been here 45 and still no table..... Plan ahead.
(1)M V.
We liked the look of the place inside, very high ceilings and a lot to look at. Service was spotty, and that's the reason for the missing 1 star. Food was great though. We had the brussel sprouts and focaccia bread for appetizers. The sprouts were not caramelized the way I prefer them, but they were still good, topped with crispy prosciutto. The focaccia was not the way you picture focaccia... it was round and thin, but still very good. The crispiness was great. We order the roasted veggie pizza, with an add on of goat cheese (we love it). The pizza was great, but there were still two things I would have liked better. The goat cheese was almost non existent, would have liked more. And the veggies were cut into very large chunks. I would have liked smaller ones so they could have been spread throughout the pizza. But overall, the taste was still great. We will definitely be back. All of the food we saw coming out looked amazing!
(4)Terry K.
In terms of casual dining in Royal Oak, Bigalora deserves to be mentioned as one of the better options downtown. PERFECT ambiance from the industrial, loft-like interior to their incredible outdoor patio that is absolutely divine for enjoying wine and dining outside on a beautiful day. It looks as if they focus on using fresh, organic and locally grown ingredients so that's a huge selling point. We went there on a gorgeous Sunday morning a few weeks back and were greeted by a hostess who had no less than a handful of employees lingering behind her and gazing at us in an uncomfortable way. I shook it off as we were seated outside on the patio that had a great view of the city, greenery and railroad tracks. Mimosas were promptly ordered and they were relatively light on the ounces served making them an ineffective buzz generator. Taste wise, they were splendid. The server was friendly although distant and made countless visits to check on us. Love the water they serve in a vintage bottle with large cut lemon slices. So refreshing! I was a simpleton and took no risks ordering the pepperoni pizza with homemade sausage. It was served overcooked with burnt crust throughout including one black, super-sized air bubble that dominated one of the slices. I was only slightly disappointed by this and promptly devoured the whole pie which was very enjoyable. The crust is light, thin and crispy making it easy to indulge and eat in one setting. I also ordered the wood fired wings which weren't as good in execution as they were in theory. Something about the liberal use of onions all over the plate turned me off. My date had the chop salad and prosciutto melon of which the latter got stares, questions and compliments from curious old timers at the table next to us. They don't stay open too late which is unfortunate because I've driven by here many times at night looking for a place to eat and they were already closed. Other than that, I don't have any complaints about Bigalora other than their choice of name. It's worth the few dollars extra for a fantabulous dining environment inside and out plus the opportunity to taste a more eccentric type of pizza.
(4)Alyssa R.
I've been here a few times, and my experience ranged from A-OK to a big disappointment. Here's the best and the worst according to me: The Best: Happy Hour. I hope they still have half off wine and pizzas, because that's enough reason to stop by in the early evening. I enjoyed a chianti and half off pizza very much, and had enough money with the savings to buy a lovely, fresh salad. My first experience had me coming back a few months later. The "meh....": Came back with a couple of friend NOT during happy hour. Same good Chianti, pizza that was JUUUUUST this side of too expensive and not mind-blowing, and a meat and cheese plate that threw my meal into the 'astronomical' price category. The worst: I ordered Gluten-free pizza. It was beyond sad and into the 'cheese melted on cardboard' category. The conclusion: I won't be back unless I'm with a group of friends who are dying for pizza during happy hour time. Assuming, of course, that this special is still happening.
(3)Jake V.
Went here with my girlfriend and some of her cousins for dinner. The service was good and they were prompt to get your drinks and food. But the food itself was nothing special. My girlfriend ordered the Wood Fired Heirloom Carrots they were terrible couldn't eat them, the taste was okay but they were chewy and very difficult to cut. The waitress took them back and admitted that they were not cooked right and brought the Wood Fired Sweet Potato which was a little better, at least it was edible. I ordered the Wood Fired Wings and they were very bland, essentially just eating cooked chicken with no seasonings and i think there were 8 on the plate for $11. Personally i feel this place is trying to hard to be unique and it has dropped the ball, its a hipster place that lacks real delicious whole meal food.
(2)Kyle M.
Killer happy hour special and a conversation conducive atmosphere. Great beer and wine selection at very reasonable prices all the time; with the happy hour special it's almost as cheap as drinking at home... Food is very good as well. Lots of small plates / share-able options. Had the Beet salad and carrot-ginger soup and was happy with both. I would also suggest the sweet potato app. Place is super trendy so beware of hipsters. Sound level is very low which makes this a great spot to be able to hear your fellow patrons.
(4)Carly F.
Ordered the crispy Brussels sprout appetizer and it was not good. Very, very, very, dry. I guess I didn't know what I was expecting when I read crispy Brussels sprouts lol. The manila clam pizza was amazing and I will definitely be back to try more. Tiramisu was great as well.
(4)M C.
Atmosphere and food were excellent. Had heir Old Fashioned, delicious. High windows, sky lights, an upper deck, a short bar and out door seating make for a bright space with good acoustics. Service was attentive, but don't be afraid to flag someone down.
(5)Josh P.
Great service, great food (highly recommend the pesto chicken pizza), and a good selection of beer. Will definitely be coming back!!
(5)Christopher W.
I am not going to say the pizza is bad because they do a fair job. But decent in the sense that Bigalo achieves OK pizza is par for the course these days as pizza no longer is held to the poor standards we used to know all too well, and when it comes to service, when the food is marginal it doesn't help that I keep wondering where the waitress is. Lets be real there is better pizza to be had, the crust was mushy and why should I pay 7 dollars for french fries just because they are sprinkled with rosemary and parmesan? Was that frozen chewy calamari just like I can get anywhere? Why yes it was...enough sauce to cover all those over-cooked chewy pieces? Not even. Service didn't do much better, and I will say from the beginning when we as a couple asked for a table to rebuffed it was being held for a bigger top to see it go to a couple not 10 minutes later made me wonder. Not whether they would see my return business, as marginal food and poor service isn't a trip revisited in my book.
(2)Vic N.
Bigalora is the same restaurant as Pizzeria Biga, it has just changed its name, however, the same ownership remains. First, let me start out with the positives: Everything is cooked from scratch and only the finest ingredients are used in the preparation of the food. You can really taste the difference when you take your first bite. This is the old-school kind of European restaurant that buys ingredients in very small batches, every day, so freshness is ensured. This is reflected in the preparation of the food as well. Vegetables are always crispy and shiny, cheeses just melt in your mouth, and the meats taste like the "cow was just slaughtered on the farm!" If you like pizza, I recommend the farm egg (add prosciutto), bacco sausage, or the pizza with clams. For pasta, you must try the stratzopreti norcina (spelling?)! All orders come out hot and ready to eat at your table (if you are buying a hot entrée). Another plus is that the pizza is cooked in a wood fired oven. If you have never tasted pizza that comes out of this particular oven, then you have not tasted real Italian Pizza! Give it a try and you will not be disappointed! In addition, the pizza dough is made from yeast that is cultured by the restaurant itself (wild yeast). This makes a much tastier, healthier alternative to other pizzas out there. Now for the negatives: The service is not always that great. It really depends on the waiter you get-some waiters have no idea what they are doing, taking hours to get easy entrees out, whilst others, are right on target. Also, the receptionists are not always the sharpest tools in the shed, and it is because of them, that take out service, and seating in the restaurant, takes so long. Finally, this joint has become a little greedy! They have raised their prices on everything BIG time! This is one reason that I do not come here as much. Also, the portion sizes on their salads and side entries have decreased dramatically! If you are paying so much, you deserve a good portion guys! Bigalora also got rid of their half off entries during happy hour! This was one of the major reasons that my friends and I used to come here. With the increase in prices, and the food cut from happy hour, I do not frequent this place as much anymore. You can definitely see the decrease in clientele with all the changes Bigalora has made. Final Verdict-Bigalora is a fantastic place to eat, but you will be spending much more than you used to. I really hope that they go back to their old happy hour menu and increase their portions a bit.
(3)Corky L.
I use to LOVE this place but Saturday night was an all around disappointment. We've been telling our friends how great the pizza is here. The waitress first brought the chopped salad, which we always enjoy but it was tasteless and lacked dressing. When she brought our friend's mushroom pizza, it was so badly charred and burned that it was laughable that they would actually think this pizza was acceptable! (What are you smoking???)We sent it back and when she brought the new one, it barely had any mushrooms on it. I've had this pizza twice at the other location and it's usually piled high with wonderful mushrooms. My sausage pizza was very good but I was embarrassed I suggested coming to RO Biga after this experience.
(2)Nancy R.
Stopped in on my way home for take-out. Nice open kitchen, cool dining room, all pretty casual and family friendly. At the bar, ordered Heirloom Tomato Salad Pizza, the nice and professional bartender apologized and said they don't have that one anymore. OK, ordered "Aglio e Olio" ("Garlic and Oil"), added fresh mozzarella ($4.00) and told her that "I like lots of garlic". Pizza came out pretty quickly, the bartender rang me up and I was on my way. Surprised to find the pizza was not sliced at all, but I have heard that some restaurants leave take-out pies whole. This vegan pizza has roasted tomatoes, asparagus, olives, artichoke and oregano. The veggies were tasty and fresh and I loved the crust, but there was no mozzarella, for which I was charged (and which would have made the pizza non-vegan.) But the pizza was dry. I don't want it greasy, but I couldn't detect any olive oil or garlic on my "Garlic and Oil" pizza. Man I missed that garlic! Bottom line: the place looked good, the wait staff was friendly and efficient, the kitchen was fast (it was 7 pm and the main floor was pretty full), but my pizza wasn't that good. I think it would have been with a little olive oil, lots of garlic and the cheese that I paid for, but didn't get. Don't know if I would give it another shot.... 3/5/15, Bar order #34 @ 6:58pm.
(2)Lynne G.
My husband and I went for lunch today, our 3rd visit. We won't be back. The menus were torn and dirty, not a good sign. The condiments on the table had long hairs on them. The risotto balls were cold and tasteless, the truffle garlic fries..also cold. The only thing we enjoyed was the sausage pizza, served hot and very flavorful! It's a shame. ..this place used to be SO good.
(2)Mandy S.
I really like the quality ingredients and the simple flavor combinations of the salads, soups, and pizzas. The carrot ginger soup is wonderful, and I love the arugula salad with lemon dressing. BUT.... $20 for salad and soup? Seriously I could run home and whip up store bought arugula and parmesan with lemon and olive oil for a fraction of the cost. It's not that special. And, the rosemary grilled chicken has wonderful flavor, but they are not cooking it to serve. It must be microwaved or something because the last two times I've gotten chicken on my salad, it's been rubbery. I really want to like this place, but they need to re-align their price point and be careful not to cut corners with preparation.
(3)Sir Poop A.
Go here regularly... ranges from decent to really good. Service could be same scale. Everytime I leave, I often look at my bill and wonder how it added up to such a high amount. Then I realize we had a bunch of drinks :) Clam pizza, Sausage pizza, and strozzapreti pasta are my favorites, but you can't go wrong.
(4)Emad F.
Nice building. Order the salad if you like Romain lettuce with very miniscule amount of walnuts, strawberries and blue cheese. Go to bar Louis and see the difference! The pizza had great crust but you wouldn't notice it under the runny sauce and 6 (yes I counted them) basel leaves. Hey chef if you want to know what it's supposed to taste like go to Clarkston and try it the Union Wood Chop.
(1)Morgan S.
The food was good, the service was ok. It was a busy Friday night, and we were told the wait would be about 40 minutes and it was more like 25. The issue I had was that we were a group of 4, and instead of seating us at a good sized 4 top that was open, they sat us at the communal table next to the bathrooms. I know better, and I should have spoken up before they seated us, and definitely before they seated a couple at the larger table. Although the communal seating style can be cool and is "on trend" at the moment, I rarely have a good experience with service when seated at a communal table. We literally watched our waitress take orders from tables seated after us before she remembered to come check on us. I wish I knew her name because she was a little rude, and definitely stopped us from ordering appetizers or another bottle of wine because we were simply tired of waiting for her. Simply put, we would have been happy to order more, spend more and tip better if we weren't hungry and terrified that she would forget about us. Most likely I would go back and give the service another chance or order carry-out. I also suggest that you order the vegan wood fired brussel sprout pizza with sauce. The sprouts are amazing. For the non-vegan, our friends ordered the gnocchi and could not stop raving about it.
(3)Sonya S.
Their pizza is not only amazing they have "unique" flavors.
(4)Chris S.
I would probably choose Biga's meatballs if I had to choose only one food to live on. They are light, well-balanced, and cradled in a delicious marinara. The ensemble is topped with just the right amount of Granna padano cheese. I've ordered this dish in many ways as an appetizer, small plate, and large family style platter for a house party. Oddly enough, I've never had the pizza. They look fantastic, but I've been too distracted by the pasta dishes. All in due time... The weekend brunch is incredible with a very unique Bloody Mary that has vinegar, tomato, cucumber and garlic flavors, garnished with a thinly sliced cured cold cut. For those weekend mornings when you want something on the lighter side, the Italian breakfast is perfect! Poached eggs, toast, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, and an arugula greens salad with light vinaigrette. The prosciutto is hand sliced on a vintage machine in-house. The prices are up there, but so far I'm willing to pay a premium for high quality ingredients and imagination. How do they get the fifth star? Maintain consistency and keeping trying.
(4)Tia H.
Good grief! What's not to love about Bigalora? The crust is lusciousness perfection; thin, crispy with just enough chew. And the topping- fresh and and ohh so non-pepperoni (but you could get it if that's what floats your boat). C'mon! Does Dominos Pizza offer DUCK as a topping? I think not. It's divine. Everything at Biga is outstanding. I MUST GO for anyone who worships the almighty PIE.
(5)Diane B.
Good pizza funky artisan style pizzas that are not cheap -- a personal pizza cost about $15 but very very good the crust is awesome. We shared the calamari as a. Appetizer very very good awesome marinara sauce . Good selection of local craft brews on tap as well as a large wine selection . Had the salted Carmel parfait for $9 for desert was enough for 2 people to share. Supposedly mDe with vanilla gelato tasted more like ice cream the gelato which I am accustomed to being much lighter maybe the Michigan formula is different then the Phila pa style I'm used to . Great atmosphere there was a wait at 7 PM but not S long a wait as they had estimated. Everything is ala carte at this resturaunt so if you want a salad with that pizza or pasta you will pay more
(4)William C.
This place is great date bait. Good food. Great atmosphere. Cheap prices. My girlfriend and I went here one night, got a small pizza, a salad, an app, and my girlfriend got a martini. The tab was under $40 and we both thought the food was delicious. Definitely will be back.
(5)Bitsy S.
Met some friends the other night for dinner at Bigalora's and enjoyed my meal. I had spaghetti with meatballs and a side of sausage. The meatballs were excellent. Now, I've been to 2 Italian restaurants lately and both served the sausage cut flat and broiled. Never had it that way. I'd prefer my sausage in the sauce but it was good, nonetheless. The service was excellent. Even though she had more than us to serve, she ran up and down the stairs, fleet footed, and waited on us without complaint. She answered all our questions and did so with a smile. Royal Oak is such a joy to go back and visit. I was raised in Berkley and it's so nice to "go home." I think all at the table had a good time.
(4)Suzanne L.
Biga is one of the best restaurants in Royal Oak for a casual night out. Great bartender (Adrienne, Jackie and Rico sometimes too!), fresh, healthy food choices (try the heirloom carrots or the GF pesto pizza), good wine list, happy hour specials, half-price bottles on Tuesdays, big patio. I find there is a reason to go to Biga nearly every day of the week. And sometimes I find myself there more than twice in one week. Coming from a foodie, that's saying a lot.
(5)Joe B.
This spot seems to remain steadily busy which is a good thing with its own caveats. Service is great once you're seated but the angry masses can make bar service difficult. On last visit we tried the calamari, a few pizzas and a salad. The food was pretty solid. The calamari was tender and their marinara is fresh and full of flavor. The pesto pizza was the favorite but a little overdone and burnt on top. The other two pizzas were good but not overly memorable while the salad was cool and plentiful. I like this place but not at peak hours and I'm very much looking forward to trying their expanded cucina menu on their patio since they've added some newer items with their name change. Drinks are nicely poured and as I mentioned, all things come together nicely once sat but it can be a little unnerving while waiting for a table...patrons are seemingly rude here. Tables are small and get pretty cramped when all the food arrives but if you can get past that you'll enjoy the experience.
(3)Scott T.
I ate there on a Monday night for a group dinner. The decor of the restaurant is very modern and clean. It reminded me of an Italian restaurant you would find in Italy. The food was very good. The salad was very tasty. We had a few different pastas that were very good. And the pizza's were great. I plan on coming back with my kids in the future.
(4)Rue A.
OK pizza. pretty much your average thin crust pizza.
(2)Kristen F.
Their meatballs are phenomenal. The sauce tastes just like my grandma's. Can't remember her name but I had a great bartender here also. Just tried brunch for the first time- AMAZING. The huevos are sooooo tasty. Never a wait either. Great place!
(5)M. O.
Love love love this place. Best pizza in town-I love the thin crust! It satisfies vegans, gluten frees and meat lovers. I also enjoy a well made drink. The manhattens and Tom Collins are perfect. The bartenders know what they are doing and I enjoy a good cocktail before my meal! I would suggest going during happy hour because it can get a bit pricey. The only other thing I really don't like about this place is that it is so loud. The music is always turned up over the crowd. If you are looking for a quiet place to talk go somewhere else.
(5)Mary D.
Great staff and great food! Brunch is also amazing! The Belgian waffle is light , fluffy, and crispy on the outside, and the nappies REAL maple syrup. Cocktails are classy and ever changing, and the beer selection is awesome.
(5)Brian J.
All show and no go......save your money and buy some gas and take yourself to Supino's in detroit where it's about the food and not an overpriced, overrated pie with bad service.
(1)Arianne P.
Ahh zee pizzahhh! sad for me, I'm now gluten free but places like Bigalora make me happy again. Can't beat flavorful wood fired crust, OMG try the wood fired carrots! Both me & hubby aren't big carrot fans but one night the waiter reommended, Yum yum is all I can say. No five starts due to two reasons, service is hit or miss. Last visit this weekend the waitress was polite, attentive for the first ten minutes and was a long distant relationship after that. And second reason is the Italian sausage needs improvement. I love shaking it up with some prosciutto, goat cheese, shrimp or some arugula on a pizza but when a pizza pie has Italian sausage at a place like this I want it to rock my world. Gelato is very tastey too. Oh and hubby didn't like a citrus kick to the cannoli, keep it sweet and original is his motto. Wine selections are divine, love their Italian moscato but want to try their Pinot Noir selections next time. We also enjoy mixing up the cheese and meat samplers for appetizers. GOOD FOOD and a fun ambiance.
(4)Mike S.
I went here for my first time for a sunday brunch. The food was good that we ordered, the "atmosphere" was fairly neutral and the service and staff was very disappointing. Not one worker returned a smile. The waitress seemed so unenthused with her job. I don't understand why restaurants in Royal Oak hire "servers" who act so uninterested and bored with their job, and they probably wonder why they don't do well in tips. I would think for a business competing for customers, the service of the establishment would be on their toes, that is one thing that will set a business apart from other businesses. I will go again, but I feel it is just one of the many very average restaurants in royal oak. Come on business owners, step up your game and make a mark in the community.
(2)Mim M.
in terms of the pizza, i like this a lot better than bastone, which is just down the street. im usually not a big fan of tomato-based pizzas, so i order the white pizzas (which they have a section just dedicated to it, to my delight!). the one i ordered had no cheese, just olive-oil based. very delicious, finished with an excellent wood-fired chewy and crispy crust/dough--nicely blistered from the fire, comparable to the ones i loved while travelling in italy. nice ambiance too, very modern and sleek. service was quick as well.
(4)