Biba Restaurant

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2801 Capitol Ave
Sacramento, CA 95816

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(916) 455-2422
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Biba Restaurant - Sacramento, CA
Biba Restaurant - Sacramento, CA
Reviews
( 20 )
( 5 )
( 1 )
( 5 )
( 6 )

Best

I have been here several times. Every time I walk in I feel like I am back in Italy.

Worst

Food and service is good as well it should be for the exorbitant prices for a restaurant that has almost no ambiance, the tables are so close together that you can hear other peop...

Just Average 11/1/2006

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. Pros: Ambiance, wine selection, service Cons: average italian cuisine, expensive for the quaality more
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Amazing 9/13/2006

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. Pros: Food Cons: A little pricey but you get what you pay for more
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Biba Wins Hands Down 5/3/2006

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. Pros: excellent food, excellent service, excellent wines Cons: none, none, none more
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Disappointed!! 4/16/2006

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. more
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Wow! 2/20/2006

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! Pros: Beautiful bar area., Terrific food & wine., Friendly staff. Cons: Absolutely none more
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An honest review, must read... 6/16/2005

My wife and I are pretty (very) picky about things like service, food, and attention to details when we eat out, (which seems like it's all the time). I read some reviews on the internet about Biba's and some of them almost made me cancel my reservaiton and go elsewhere, But I decided to go and find out for myself. After my visit to Biba's I highly recommend! The service from our ""Sicilian"" waiter, to the ""youngest"" buser in the place was flawless. My wife and I split an appitizer, split the first course Gnocci pasta, had our own entrees, I had 3 beers, we each had our own dessert and coffee. The bill came to $120 and the food was awesome. We never felt rushed. Treated like family. We rolled out the door. Great Place!! Pros: food, service, Ambience more
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Tables for rent 5/22/2005

The $$ spent for wine(not food) determine the time you are allowed to eat --- whether or not there are other tables available. At some clocked time, you are invited (ordered ?)back to the bar(for a free drink). If crowded, this policy might at least be comprehensible. Pros: Presentation more
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Good, but not great 6/13/2004

Four of us went to Biba for my wife's birthday. We found the food very good, but not outstanding. I had the ossobuco which was very tasty and a romaine salad which was nothing special. The portions were quite large. The service was average- what I would expect in any restaurant. Some observations: 1. Whatever the web site may say, this is a smart casual place, not a jacket and tie place. Most men were in polo shirts and kakhis. I was one of the few with a sport coat. 2. The noise level is very high. Although there was only one large group, there were several groups of four with the inevitable women who can't laugh without the whole restaurant hearing them and who have to clap their hands when they laugh, and the men who feel they need to project their ""Tom Brokaw"" style deep voices. Pros: tasty entrees Cons: noise level more
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great bar tenders and good music 2/8/2004

Forget the stuffy loud seating areas, sit at the bar tip the pianist and chatter with the bar tender as you enjoy true haute cuisine. The gnocchi and the salmon dishes are amazing. more
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Good But Not Great 5/13/2003

I've eaten here twice in the past four months. The first time was for lunch. My NewYork steak had clearly been cooked earlier and allowed to sit. It was served barely warm with Yukon potatoes which were dry and unappealing. My second visit was much more enjoyable. My lamb was succulent and delicious. I have no problem with the prices ""you get what you pay for"". But I do have a problem with the seating. You're packed in like sardines and the accoustics are terrible. I had to shout in order for my table guest to hear me. Pros: Quality Food, Quality Service, Seasonal Menu Cons: Too Noisy, Too Cramped more
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Biba's is the best! 1/29/2003

Great food, great service, great ambiance. Highly recommended for romantic events or to really impress a guest or business associate. Pros: Good Food, Good Service, Good Atmosphere Cons: Pricey but worth it! more
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Poor service, average meal 11/10/2002

I had one previous meal at Biba's with several business associates and felt that it was excellent. Based upon that experience, I took my wife and adult daughter to Biba's for my wife's birthday. We were seated promptly, but then ignored. Our waiter spent much time on the business men next to our table, but was clearly not intested in us. We had poor service from him throughout, although the busboy was quite good. The food and presentation was average. We were all disapponted and felt that overall, it had been a waste of time and money. I do not plan to return and give Biba's another try. Cons: poor service, expensive, poor parking more
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Italian Wins ! 10/10/2002

Italian food wins when sampled at Biba's every time. I go twice a year and am pleased each time with the subtle flavored specials esp. fish and the bolder traditional fare as well. Service is good with no one blinking at special requests. Sacramento's prime spot for a special night out or simply when in the mood for fine food and first class service. Pros: Quality food, ingredi, Fine service, Excellent setting Cons: parking more
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Special Occasions Here 9/14/2002

This is a wonderful place for any kind of special occasion, birthday, anniversary, engagement (becoming and celebrating) and the ""office Special Day"". The service and food are divine. It is always a treat to go to Biba's. Pros: quality/value, outstanding service, Selections Cons: location, pricy more
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Food & service Good--WAYYYY Overpriced!! 8/21/2002

Food and service is good as well it should be for the exorbitant prices for a restaurant that has almost no ambiance, the tables are so close together that you can hear other people's conversations. Yes Biba's food is good but not for that kind of money. Yes Biba walks around--so what, she should for what we're paying he to eat at her restaurant. Desserts and wine are good too, but again prices way too high all around. There are way too many other really good restaurants in town that don't charge this much for just as high a quality of food and service. Maybe it's a status thing for all the downtowners?! Pros: food, service, parking Cons: expensive, crowded, no ambiance more
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Molto Bene 7/28/2002

If you want quality & traditional, dine a Biba's. If you want quantity & fast, put on a bib at Buco's. No other restaurant in Sacramento will give you the most realistic flavors of Italy than Biba's. With the best atmosphere of any restaurant, the best customer service bar none and the highest quality ingredients used to create, not just cook, your dining pleasure, take the extra step, and dollar to Biba's. more
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fabulous 7/18/2002

no comparison, Biba is the absolute best in Sacramento. Here cooking skills shine, everything is excellently prepared. The service is impecibble. Look for Biba at the table near the entrance, its charming how she comes around to ask if your please with the meal. more
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Speed it up already, Biba 5/17/2002

Was it that Euro ethos of ""languishing over dinner?"" Or was it just poor service? We were greeted quickly enough for our 6:30 pm reservation, but the prompt service seemed to cease after we chose to not order a bottle of wine. 20 minutes for our appetizers to arrive, another 20-25 minutes for our entrees. And our server didn't once bother to check-in with our table during the excruciatingly long pauses between courses. The food was quite good, but the overall Biba's experience absolutely did not merit the expense. Pros: Biba visits the table, Food well-prepared Cons: Meal too drawn out, Expensive more
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Menu for Biba Restaurant


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Owner Message

  • Founded in 1986 and located in Sacramento, Calif., Biba is a restaurant offering Italian cuisine, including appetizers, entrees, salads, and wine and beverages. Its menu includes beef carpaccio with roasted cherry tomatoes, honey glazed, grilled chicken with black pepper, and garganelli with ham and peas. Its menu also includes stuffed pasta, linguine with tomatoes, pan-fried New York steak, skewers of grilled prawns, grilled chicken breasts and roasted baby sheets with arugula. The restaurant has received reviews from Gourmet Magazine, Travel and Leisure, Conde' Nast Travelers and the Wine Spectator. Biba also offers a large selection of fine red, white and sparkling wines.. Open for lunch and dinner. Please visit our website for lunch and dinner hours.

Editorial

  • The Scene
    Caggiano showcases the flavors of northern Italy on her menu. Hobnob in the lounge with Sacramento's elite while sipping wine by the baby grand piano. Then set your sights on...

  • 3/26/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9pm, Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
  • Payments: American Express, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Midtown, Central Sacramento
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