Biba Restaurant

Recommends

shellybelly299

Joined 6 years ago

Amazing...Outstanding. Our dinner was simply amazing. My friend and I could not decide on appetizers, so our server suggested half portions of the two we were debating...buffalo mozzarella with roasted cherry tomatoes, and a crab cake. Simply amazing flavors. Next we split an order of the gnocci with gorganzola cream sauce. Paired with a glass of pinot noir, this was simply one of the best dishes I have ever tasted in my life. We lingered over this course for quite a while. Next, the main course - I had chicken stuffed with prosciutto, parmigiano and fresh sage, served with parmigiano mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus. Wow! My friend had filet mignon wrapped with panceta with mushrooms and a brandy cream sauce with the same parmigiano mashed potatoes. After laboring over the dessert menu - everything sounded so good - we finally decided on tiramisu (how can you NOT have the tiramisu?), and a chocolate coated, dome shaped, rum scented pound cake stuffed with whipped cream, chocolate, roasted almonds and hazelnuts. We were also interested in the house-made gelato, so our server suggested a scoop each of chocolate and vanilla, and she brought us some fresh raspberry sauce and chocolate sauce to go with. Everything we tasted was simply amazing, perfectly seasoned, quality ingredients, great flavors. The service was excellent - attentive, but not overbearing - our server offered suggestions, and even asked the kitchen for a little special preparation based on our preferences. The server was very relaxed, let us take time over the menu and between courses to decide what to select next. For a busy Friday evening, I was extremely impressed with the service. We were allowed to take our time and enjoy every aspect of our meal...we were there for about 3 hours.

Overall, one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Best restaurant in Sacramento, no doubt.

Recommends

shrinkingviolet

Joined 6 years ago

the gnocchi are to DIE for. For a long time, I used to only order gnocchi at other Italian restaurants to see if they would compare with those of Biba's. I have long given up trying. The gnocchi are truly divine and I always order it when we go there. Of course, my husband complains because he can never find anything to eat on the menu. I have always found that we got great service (but we always order a bottle of wine...several reviews seemed to hint that otherwise, the service was lacking).

Doesn't Recommend

somertime

Joined 6 years ago

Over rated. Since moving to Sacramento I have heard nothing but awe about Biba. Sadly, I was disappointed by the lack luster of attention to both my party and our food. We dined on a Wednesday night; yet, we did not receive much attention from our server and had to wait nearly 10 minutes to be greeted. Our entrees came out cold and our server did not check back to make sure we were happy with our dinners. To add salt to a wound, we were anticipating a great dinning experience and left with a much lighter wallet and no satisfaction.

Recommends

s_drack

Joined 7 years ago

Not Snooty - Not Rushed. I've been to Biba's on several occasions for a variety of reasons: with close friends to celebrate Christmas, with my husband on our anniversary...in every case I felt well taken care of, never rushed, always accommodated. It is not a place to go if you are in a hurry...you should devote the evening to the culinary delights offered. I can never decide what to order (offerings are by course and there are many!) so, in several instances, I have asked to split dishes with my fellow diners and have always been accommodated. That way, we can try several different things without over-indulging or wasting portions. Recommendations and descriptions of dishes from the waiters are always accurate. Wine list offers many compliments to the varied menu. While pricey, I've never been disappointed in any way and would not hesitate to recommend Biba's to family and friends. Contrary to some of the other reviews I read on Biba's, I find it comparable to some of the best New York restaurants...I just returned from a trip there...and, again, would heartily recommend a leisurely evening at this fine restaurant.

Doesn't Recommend

dj_mc_entertainment

Joined 7 years ago

Overpriced AND Overrated. Biba is one of those "Celebrity Chefs" who's featured on the "Cooking Channel" and numerous TV cooking programs.

Although I think her cookbooks are da bomb, my family gives "Biba's" (the restaurant) a BIG THUMBS DOWN......

the "overly attentive staff" is condescending and swarmy.......

the portions are rather chintzy.....I was still hungry after my meal was completed.

the prices are really expensive, considering what you get!

My supposedly "1/2 chicken" was puny and dried out.....it tasted like overcooked game hen......My daughter did not like her pasta dish.......Only my wife (who eats like a bird......she's 5' 2" and weighs 105 pounds) really likes Biba's food (although she also agrees that its not worth the money).

Doesn't Recommend

debbie1of6

Joined 7 years ago

Just Average. Having moved here from NYC is was disappointted that there aren't any authentic Italian restaurants in Sacramento. I heard several rave reviews about Biba's and decided to go. Needless to say, I was terribly disappointed. The menu was boring; typical to say the least. I have seen the same selections in diners across the country. Biba is infamous and I expected so much more. On a positive note they have a nice wine selection, an attentive (not overly friendly) staff, and the ambiance` is lovely. Unfortunately, I don't think Biba's is worth another trip. I wish it were, I sure do miss authentic italian fare that I don't have to make myself.

Recommends

jenway90

Joined 7 years ago

Amazing. I have been here twice and it is one of the best restaurants anywhere. Service is excellent and the food awesome. My absolute favorite is the Gorgonzola Gnocchi-TO DIE FOR. Biba is such a wonderfully warm and friendly person. I am a total foodie and this place passes the test. I highly disagree with the previous poster who said the decor was good but they were packed in. Try some of the nicer restaurants in SF if you want to know what packed in really means. They decor at Biba's does leave something to be desired, it's very Miami Vice. I think it's kind of entertaining. Service was impeccable and the timing of the food delivery was perfect. Champagne by the glass is limited.

Recommends

cachef1

Joined 7 years ago

Biba Wins Hands Down. Biba, hands down, it is the best restaurant in the city. The service begins at the front entrance, often with a greeting from Biba. You will need reservations. In the dining room professional service takes command. Confused over an appetizer? The staff recommends those that can be split, some are not on the menu at all. Entrees are always seasonal and run from the best duck you will encounter, veal milanese, osso bucco, ravioli as thin as silk, most pasta and all desserts are made on the premises. The wine selection is well thought out and fair and does not affect service. This is trattoria cooking at its best, and yes, trattorias can be somewhat loud. If you haven't met Biba at the door, she will visit the table, and may offer a tour of the kitchen. I would rather eat here once than waste my money elsewhere.

Doesn't Recommend

aprilone

Joined 7 years ago

Disappointed!!. Granted the decor and attentiveness to detail was good, but the service and response from the manager to a few miscommunication concerns with the waitress was terrible. Never made it to the entrees because of a mix up with the appetizers. Was surprised that such an elegant establishment had a manager with such poor customer service skills. I will not go back.

Recommends

ilatom

Joined 7 years ago

Wow!. We went to Biba's to celebrate our anniversary and could not have been happier. Taking advice from another review, we asked to be seated in the bar area which proved to be a perfect choice. Everything was excellent, highlighted by Biba stopping to ask how things were & then dining at the bar so when we left we had a chance to thank her for a marvelous evening. Highly recommended. The prices are commensurate with quality & the wine list is very fair in pricing with about a 50% markup!