My husband and I tried going to Baratra's on a Saturday for lunch but it was closed so we hit the suburbs for Biaggi's. We hadn't been to one in about 6 years. The food was surprisingly good, nice server. Vegetarian options for me. Only drawback was that it really felt suburban and chain like when you are used to the local family owned spots. We are mid 30s and were the youngest by a long shot. If go again though if I'm in that neck of the woods!
(4)
Mohan R.
One of the best place to go to in West Des Moines. A bit pricey but well worth it. The decor is great, and service was excellent. The waiter took care of us and we had a big group.
(5)
Beatrice W.
Traveling through and referred to Yelp for some references. Like Italian food so stopped here. We were delighted with the quality, freshness, flavors and service. Would highly recommend. They have an all you can eat pasta bar with a chef mixing together one's choice of pasta, sauce(s), vegetables, cheeses, etc.
(4)
Jennifer W.
My husband and I stopped in for lunch today. We came around noon and were seated at a high top table in the bar. Our server was Peggy, who reminded me slightly of Red from Orange is the New Black. She was attentive and friendly. I've been here a handful of times but clearly forgot how wonderful the bread and oil/cheese/spice combo is. YUM. I ordered a glass of Prosecco and my husband ordered a Fat Tire from the tap. We had the bacon wrapped dates to start. I noticed it was on the online menu through Yelp, but not on the menu we had. When I asked, Peggy said they still have them. I ordered the soup and salad combo. Unlimited refills for $9.99! That's a legit deal if you ask me. I was pretty much set by the time I got my food but did ask for seconds on the salad. The Lobster Chowder is .50 for a refill, still not bad. The Ceasar salad had big slices of cheese mmmm love that. Overall, I was pleased with the food and my experience here.
(4)
He And She I.
We stopped in at around four o'clock on a Sunday afternoon, and found a quiet, well-run restaurant, until the crowd arrived. Service slowed then. Food was excellent (lobster in cream sauce and seafood cannelloni). Specialty breads not very good, but that's not what we came for. Desserts REALLY good...donuts in caramel sauce and chocolate chocolate chip ice cream.
(5)
Lindsay M.
Fantastic food, amazing Chef! We eat here every chance we get and it's wonderful everytime.
(5)
Pam W.
Highly recommend Biaggi's. The chef is one of the best in the metro area. We have never been disappointed with what the menu had to offer and the service and prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions you receive. We like that you can still get reservations there. Headed out again this Friday and looking forward to it.
(5)
Robert B.
We had not eaten at Biaggi's for several years. We were disappointed with the restaurant when it first opened here, but we certainly raved about it tonight when we gave it a second or third chance. My BW's house salad was light and flavorful. I started with the Chicken Florentine soup. Absolutely great! Creamy and rich, with a hefty amount of diced chicken. For entrees, BW had Garlic Shrimp Oreganata, and I chose Capellini di Mare (both pictured below). Beautiful presentations, and delightful sauces. And large portions -- forcing me to quit before I cleared the plate. (A first time for everything.) My entree included shrimp, mussels, sea scallops, calamari rings and clams. As you know, that calls for a lot of attention to the cooking time of each item, for they're gelatinous if undercooked and rubbery if cooked too long. The chef nailed it perfectly. The shrimp were done to a turn and the scallops were still tender but fully cooked. Someone in the kitchen really knows how to do it. Service was very fast, and our server, Allie, was knowledgeable and conscientious. She was attentive without being intrusive, and she seems very happy in her job. Even though we arrived fairly late in the evening, she greeted us enthusiastically and offered helpful recommendations about the dishes we were considering. A warm and friendly young woman. No dessert for either of us, I'm sorry to say. We'll save that experience for the next time.
(5)
Adam P.
I will warn you my bias for local food might come through a little on this review of a chain. If you are using yelp your probably looking for something local any way. If this is your idea of fantastic Italian food then your parents failed you, your taste buds have failed you, and your sense of good service has failed you. There are far to many great local home cooked Italian restaurants in the area to eat here. If you think this is a five star restaurant then you deserve to be fitted with cement shoes. The pasta was over cooked and over sauced. The service was slow. I felt like I was bothering them if I asked for something. Over all I was not impressed and would rather spend my money elsewhere and let the sheeple have this place.
(2)
Mandy M.
This was the first place I ate after moving to Des Moines. It was meh. The waitress messed up our salad orders, but other than that the service was fine. I had the lobster corn chowder to start. It tasted like something from a can. Very bland. My husband's caesar salad was much better. Ordered the penne bake. The sauce was very runny and not at all what I was expecting. Overall it was fine, but nothing spectacular. Had some of my friend's spaghetti and meatballs. Very tasty. The portion sizes were huge, and the price was good for what you get. I would probably go back, but it's nothing to write home about.
(3)
Zack E.
Biaggi's is located on University and is very easy to find. The building has a brick exterior that is dimly lit. The building is decorated with several paintings and lights. The restaurant itself contains low lighting. The Tuscan colored walls, the espresso trim, the burgundy drapes and the bottles of wine really show the Italian Culture. The music selection is made up of classical and Italian opera. They have a wide variety of food including Traditional Italian Cuisine. The pasta is very well made. They have a sausage and bacon soup that is a favorite among many customers. There is a dessert called Bomboloni that is deep fried Italian donuts covered in a rum sauce and is served with vanilla bean ice cream, this is one of the best desserts I've personally ever had. Overall I really enjoyed the restaurant. The waiter helped suggest items to try which was very helpful. Whether the occasion is celebrating with family and friends or going on a date, Biaggi's is a good choice.
(4)
Katie I.
We were immediately seated when we came in for dinner. Our server was very attentive and quickly got our drink orders. We shared the Bruschetta app, chicken parm and Rigatoni Bolognese. All were awesome! Nice wine selection too, I will definitely be back next time I visit Des Moines!
(5)
Stephanie D.
They had bread on the table that was out of this world: soft, warm, garlicky, with other amazing ingredients that I couldn't identity because i was eating it so fast. I got the lobster fetticcini which I cannot spell at the moment, it was amazing-the service was quick, friendly, and they had multiple waiters helping our party of 11, we got served much faster than I thought we would. They had no problem bringing out plates for the cupcakes we brought because It was my b-day. Great service and great food, I will definitely go back.
(4)
C S.
This restaurant was recommended to me by coworkers as one of the best Italian restaurants in town!!! My server was absolutely great!!! She took over my table because the person it was assigned to had a ton of other tables and she didn't want me to wait. I must say that great customer service is hard to come by but she did an excellent job! The waitress told me her favorite item on the menu so I said why not try it. It was a chicken entree that has a honey mustard, rosemary glaze!!! It was absolutely delicious!! I also tried the Nutella dessert. It was similar to a brownie with a chocolate melted inside and it was also served with ice cream!! I couldn't remember the exact names of everything that I had on the menu but it was one of my favorites here in Iowa!!! If I'm in town I'll definitely visit again and bring a friend!!!
(5)
Cornel F.
This is a place that's open past 9pm which seems to be pretty rare in the DSM area. We enjoyed the pasta which was al dente vs the usually overcooked dish one usually gets. Good atmosphere for families
(3)
Tracey C.
The food was good. Not much of a selection on the menu. The service was good and the wait was long.
(3)
Debbie B.
Try the Maine lobster pizza. We shared it. Double yum. Also, we shared a spinach salad that was very tasty. This may be a chain, but it's a good one!
(5)
Cyd K.
bleh
(2)
Alexis R.
Oh man...my parents and I had the BEST dinner at Biaggi's last night. It came recommended by a good friend who is gluten-free. We aren't gluten-free and can vouch for the "regular" menu as well! My mom simply raved about the Salmon and Shrimp Milanese. It comes with this creamy saffron risotto...holy schnikies. I had Chicken Marsala. The chicken was delish and it also comes with two things for which I am a sucker: pureed, garlicky cauliflower and garlicky sauteed spinach. Cripes. Yes please. On top of all of that wonderfulness, the wine list rocks. It just so happened that I found out they have my FAVORITE pinot grigio on the list. It was fresh and perfectly chilled. I'm serious, if you like pinot grigio, order the "Riff." Perfect with almost anything because it's so good. Our waitress, whose name was Chantal, I think, was also such a charmer. She was chatty and knowledgeable and totally enthusiastic about her job. That never hurts. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It is far superior to most Italian chains. Highly recommended.
(4)
Andrea T.
I do not typically review chains but I decided to review this restaurant due to my experience. My boyfriend and I came here on a Sunday night. Upon arrival, there were a few couples waiting for a table. There were four tables open in the bar area and we asked if we could sit there instead of waiting for another table. After they went and checked if we could sit at one of the open tables, we were seated. It took a little while for the waitress to come and take our drinks order. I really do not think she was very happy that we were sitting there. She brought us bread and the long rectangular bread is normally good but this was doughy and not appetizing. We were stuck eating the hard bread left in the basket. We wish we would have stopped her from adding pepper to the oil as well. We ordered after a while of sitting and waiting. I opted for the Shrimp and Crab Cannolis and had the Lobster and Corn soup. My boyfriend had the Ziti al Forno and the Lobster and Corn soup. The soup was ok. It did not have much lobster in it and could have used some more flavor. My main dish was very good and my boyfriend enjoyed his as well. We decided to get dessert and had the Bananas Foster. It looked strange when it came out but it too was good. I think one of my biggest complaints was the immaturity of our waitress. She always asked things in the strangest ways and did not seem to have complete respect for us. She also did not tend to our table much. We also got to listen to the bartender gloat to the girls at the bar with all of his wine knowledge. Wow, was he trying too hard! Overall, yes, the food was good. But the service needs to grow up!
(4)
Carrie M.
Dear Biaggi's, You Are FAB_U_LOUS. Let me count the ways. CARPACCIO STUFFED MUSHROOMS BRUSCHETTA CLASSICO CHOPPED CHICKEN SALAD FARFALLE ALFREDO RIGATONI ALLA TOSCANA Brewed Coffee Any dessert, seriously ANY dessert. I've never had a bad meal yet! themarketingpartner.com
(5)
Justin B.
My wife and I went here just to have a nice dinner, and since my last trip the quality has dropped. Upon entering the wait staff was friendly, and seated us promptly. When the food finally arrived, it was bland. In addition, the Olive Oil at the table has been replaced with, what tastes like a Canola / Olive Oil blend. Yuck!
(2)
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Address :5990 University Ave
West Des Moines, IA, 50266
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Catherine S.
My husband and I tried going to Baratra's on a Saturday for lunch but it was closed so we hit the suburbs for Biaggi's. We hadn't been to one in about 6 years. The food was surprisingly good, nice server. Vegetarian options for me. Only drawback was that it really felt suburban and chain like when you are used to the local family owned spots. We are mid 30s and were the youngest by a long shot. If go again though if I'm in that neck of the woods!
(4)Mohan R.
One of the best place to go to in West Des Moines. A bit pricey but well worth it. The decor is great, and service was excellent. The waiter took care of us and we had a big group.
(5)Beatrice W.
Traveling through and referred to Yelp for some references. Like Italian food so stopped here. We were delighted with the quality, freshness, flavors and service. Would highly recommend. They have an all you can eat pasta bar with a chef mixing together one's choice of pasta, sauce(s), vegetables, cheeses, etc.
(4)Jennifer W.
My husband and I stopped in for lunch today. We came around noon and were seated at a high top table in the bar. Our server was Peggy, who reminded me slightly of Red from Orange is the New Black. She was attentive and friendly. I've been here a handful of times but clearly forgot how wonderful the bread and oil/cheese/spice combo is. YUM. I ordered a glass of Prosecco and my husband ordered a Fat Tire from the tap. We had the bacon wrapped dates to start. I noticed it was on the online menu through Yelp, but not on the menu we had. When I asked, Peggy said they still have them. I ordered the soup and salad combo. Unlimited refills for $9.99! That's a legit deal if you ask me. I was pretty much set by the time I got my food but did ask for seconds on the salad. The Lobster Chowder is .50 for a refill, still not bad. The Ceasar salad had big slices of cheese mmmm love that. Overall, I was pleased with the food and my experience here.
(4)He And She I.
We stopped in at around four o'clock on a Sunday afternoon, and found a quiet, well-run restaurant, until the crowd arrived. Service slowed then. Food was excellent (lobster in cream sauce and seafood cannelloni). Specialty breads not very good, but that's not what we came for. Desserts REALLY good...donuts in caramel sauce and chocolate chocolate chip ice cream.
(5)Lindsay M.
Fantastic food, amazing Chef! We eat here every chance we get and it's wonderful everytime.
(5)Pam W.
Highly recommend Biaggi's. The chef is one of the best in the metro area. We have never been disappointed with what the menu had to offer and the service and prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions you receive. We like that you can still get reservations there. Headed out again this Friday and looking forward to it.
(5)Robert B.
We had not eaten at Biaggi's for several years. We were disappointed with the restaurant when it first opened here, but we certainly raved about it tonight when we gave it a second or third chance. My BW's house salad was light and flavorful. I started with the Chicken Florentine soup. Absolutely great! Creamy and rich, with a hefty amount of diced chicken. For entrees, BW had Garlic Shrimp Oreganata, and I chose Capellini di Mare (both pictured below). Beautiful presentations, and delightful sauces. And large portions -- forcing me to quit before I cleared the plate. (A first time for everything.) My entree included shrimp, mussels, sea scallops, calamari rings and clams. As you know, that calls for a lot of attention to the cooking time of each item, for they're gelatinous if undercooked and rubbery if cooked too long. The chef nailed it perfectly. The shrimp were done to a turn and the scallops were still tender but fully cooked. Someone in the kitchen really knows how to do it. Service was very fast, and our server, Allie, was knowledgeable and conscientious. She was attentive without being intrusive, and she seems very happy in her job. Even though we arrived fairly late in the evening, she greeted us enthusiastically and offered helpful recommendations about the dishes we were considering. A warm and friendly young woman. No dessert for either of us, I'm sorry to say. We'll save that experience for the next time.
(5)Adam P.
I will warn you my bias for local food might come through a little on this review of a chain. If you are using yelp your probably looking for something local any way. If this is your idea of fantastic Italian food then your parents failed you, your taste buds have failed you, and your sense of good service has failed you. There are far to many great local home cooked Italian restaurants in the area to eat here. If you think this is a five star restaurant then you deserve to be fitted with cement shoes. The pasta was over cooked and over sauced. The service was slow. I felt like I was bothering them if I asked for something. Over all I was not impressed and would rather spend my money elsewhere and let the sheeple have this place.
(2)Mandy M.
This was the first place I ate after moving to Des Moines. It was meh. The waitress messed up our salad orders, but other than that the service was fine. I had the lobster corn chowder to start. It tasted like something from a can. Very bland. My husband's caesar salad was much better. Ordered the penne bake. The sauce was very runny and not at all what I was expecting. Overall it was fine, but nothing spectacular. Had some of my friend's spaghetti and meatballs. Very tasty. The portion sizes were huge, and the price was good for what you get. I would probably go back, but it's nothing to write home about.
(3)Zack E.
Biaggi's is located on University and is very easy to find. The building has a brick exterior that is dimly lit. The building is decorated with several paintings and lights. The restaurant itself contains low lighting. The Tuscan colored walls, the espresso trim, the burgundy drapes and the bottles of wine really show the Italian Culture. The music selection is made up of classical and Italian opera. They have a wide variety of food including Traditional Italian Cuisine. The pasta is very well made. They have a sausage and bacon soup that is a favorite among many customers. There is a dessert called Bomboloni that is deep fried Italian donuts covered in a rum sauce and is served with vanilla bean ice cream, this is one of the best desserts I've personally ever had. Overall I really enjoyed the restaurant. The waiter helped suggest items to try which was very helpful. Whether the occasion is celebrating with family and friends or going on a date, Biaggi's is a good choice.
(4)Katie I.
We were immediately seated when we came in for dinner. Our server was very attentive and quickly got our drink orders. We shared the Bruschetta app, chicken parm and Rigatoni Bolognese. All were awesome! Nice wine selection too, I will definitely be back next time I visit Des Moines!
(5)Stephanie D.
They had bread on the table that was out of this world: soft, warm, garlicky, with other amazing ingredients that I couldn't identity because i was eating it so fast. I got the lobster fetticcini which I cannot spell at the moment, it was amazing-the service was quick, friendly, and they had multiple waiters helping our party of 11, we got served much faster than I thought we would. They had no problem bringing out plates for the cupcakes we brought because It was my b-day. Great service and great food, I will definitely go back.
(4)C S.
This restaurant was recommended to me by coworkers as one of the best Italian restaurants in town!!! My server was absolutely great!!! She took over my table because the person it was assigned to had a ton of other tables and she didn't want me to wait. I must say that great customer service is hard to come by but she did an excellent job! The waitress told me her favorite item on the menu so I said why not try it. It was a chicken entree that has a honey mustard, rosemary glaze!!! It was absolutely delicious!! I also tried the Nutella dessert. It was similar to a brownie with a chocolate melted inside and it was also served with ice cream!! I couldn't remember the exact names of everything that I had on the menu but it was one of my favorites here in Iowa!!! If I'm in town I'll definitely visit again and bring a friend!!!
(5)Cornel F.
This is a place that's open past 9pm which seems to be pretty rare in the DSM area. We enjoyed the pasta which was al dente vs the usually overcooked dish one usually gets. Good atmosphere for families
(3)Tracey C.
The food was good. Not much of a selection on the menu. The service was good and the wait was long.
(3)Debbie B.
Try the Maine lobster pizza. We shared it. Double yum. Also, we shared a spinach salad that was very tasty. This may be a chain, but it's a good one!
(5)Cyd K.
bleh
(2)Alexis R.
Oh man...my parents and I had the BEST dinner at Biaggi's last night. It came recommended by a good friend who is gluten-free. We aren't gluten-free and can vouch for the "regular" menu as well! My mom simply raved about the Salmon and Shrimp Milanese. It comes with this creamy saffron risotto...holy schnikies. I had Chicken Marsala. The chicken was delish and it also comes with two things for which I am a sucker: pureed, garlicky cauliflower and garlicky sauteed spinach. Cripes. Yes please. On top of all of that wonderfulness, the wine list rocks. It just so happened that I found out they have my FAVORITE pinot grigio on the list. It was fresh and perfectly chilled. I'm serious, if you like pinot grigio, order the "Riff." Perfect with almost anything because it's so good. Our waitress, whose name was Chantal, I think, was also such a charmer. She was chatty and knowledgeable and totally enthusiastic about her job. That never hurts. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It is far superior to most Italian chains. Highly recommended.
(4)Andrea T.
I do not typically review chains but I decided to review this restaurant due to my experience. My boyfriend and I came here on a Sunday night. Upon arrival, there were a few couples waiting for a table. There were four tables open in the bar area and we asked if we could sit there instead of waiting for another table. After they went and checked if we could sit at one of the open tables, we were seated. It took a little while for the waitress to come and take our drinks order. I really do not think she was very happy that we were sitting there. She brought us bread and the long rectangular bread is normally good but this was doughy and not appetizing. We were stuck eating the hard bread left in the basket. We wish we would have stopped her from adding pepper to the oil as well. We ordered after a while of sitting and waiting. I opted for the Shrimp and Crab Cannolis and had the Lobster and Corn soup. My boyfriend had the Ziti al Forno and the Lobster and Corn soup. The soup was ok. It did not have much lobster in it and could have used some more flavor. My main dish was very good and my boyfriend enjoyed his as well. We decided to get dessert and had the Bananas Foster. It looked strange when it came out but it too was good. I think one of my biggest complaints was the immaturity of our waitress. She always asked things in the strangest ways and did not seem to have complete respect for us. She also did not tend to our table much. We also got to listen to the bartender gloat to the girls at the bar with all of his wine knowledge. Wow, was he trying too hard! Overall, yes, the food was good. But the service needs to grow up!
(4)Carrie M.
Dear Biaggi's, You Are FAB_U_LOUS. Let me count the ways. CARPACCIO STUFFED MUSHROOMS BRUSCHETTA CLASSICO CHOPPED CHICKEN SALAD FARFALLE ALFREDO RIGATONI ALLA TOSCANA Brewed Coffee Any dessert, seriously ANY dessert. I've never had a bad meal yet! themarketingpartner.com
(5)Justin B.
My wife and I went here just to have a nice dinner, and since my last trip the quality has dropped. Upon entering the wait staff was friendly, and seated us promptly. When the food finally arrived, it was bland. In addition, the Olive Oil at the table has been replaced with, what tastes like a Canola / Olive Oil blend. Yuck!
(2)