Biella

My wife and I went to Biella for the first time ? we chose the place based on all the stellar reviews so our expectations were high. Our expectations were met and exceeded. We had a reservation, we were seated immediately by a very friendly greeter, and moments later our outstanding server appeared. The menu is set up similar to the way you see menus in Italy ? by courses. The portions are large and the food mostly outstanding. We shared an appetizer - Pizzetta Saltimbuca with Grilled Chicken and Prosciutto, my wife got the Baby Spinach Salad with pears and blue cheese ? she said this was the best salad she ever had, we each got a pasta dish that was outstanding, my wife had the venison chop that was wonderful. I got the NY strip steak, the steak was the only miss of the evening, it was slightly over done and not real flavorful. The only criticism we have is that the dining room is very loud, at times it was hard to hear each other. It was fairly expensive, without tip we dropped $170 A less expensive way to enjoy this place would be to share appetizers, have a salad and skip one of the two Piatti courses. The next time we go we are going to share the chicken pizza, have a salad and a pasta course and call it good. That will still be in the $100 range with a bottle of wine. At $10.00 the Pizzetta Saltimbuca is an outstanding value, it is larger than a dinner plate. Pros: Outstanding food and service Cons: Noisy - pricey more

Love the food, love the atmosphere... I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! Chef Andrew is incredible... his knowledge of food and how he prepares it, is a delight in itself! If you love Italian-Americana Food, you will LOVE this place... Very romantic, great food, great wine selection... worth every penny! Keep up the great work! Pros: Awesome quality! Cons: none come to mind! more

We had a phenomenal experience dining at Biella! I've had my fair share of fine dining all over the world and this food ranks right up there! The scallops we had as an appetizer were well prepared and absolutely delicious. The flavors were put together nicely, complemented well by the brilliant wine selection. I highly recommend this restaurant; we'll most certainly be back!! Pros: Food quality aste more

My husband and I dined here for the first time for our 5th anniversary. It was amazing. When I called to make reservations, I told the host that my husband is in a wheelchair and we would need a table where he not only fits and is comfortable but where he is not in the way of the servers or other patrons. They not only had a perfect table ready for us, they coned off a perfect parking spot for us in the back close to the door. We only had to park, come in, and viola! Our table was ready. Our server was gracious and attentive. I did have to ask for the specials, but she was ready whenever we needed her. We chose the lamb and pork tenderloin. All the food was amazing. We sampled each other's dishes and agreed that we had chosen the best from the menu. Our server suggested a great white wine for me and recommended the Creme' Brulee for dessert. Everything was scrumptious. At the close of the meal, the host came over to check on us and presented us with a personalized anniversary card and a gift card for $10 off our next visit. We felt pampered, attended to, and cared for without feeling crowded and out of place. We aren't usually fancy pants people, prefering french fries to french cooking. However, we will be going back to Biella to celebrate our next special occasion. Pros: Romantic, Service, Food Cons: Noisy, Strong Fish Smell from the Special when Delivered more

Nice ""lite"" atmosphere. Well timed courses by servers and kitchen. Often a ""Twin-Cities whos-who"" which is unusual for us in the SW burbs. Slightly daring menu without conflict. \r Excellent ""dining"" experience repeatedly. I would take my CEO as well as my mom. more

Not having dined at many ""authentic"" Italian restaurants, we found the menu somewhat confusing. The service is what you would expect from an upscale establishment. The food was some of the best I've ever tasted, the Fettuccini Bolognese alla Rossa was an excellent blend of sweet and flavorful that had me wanting to order another plate. My second plate, the Proscuitto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, comprised of the tenderest cuts of pork with an interesting but delicious mix of sweet corn and creamed spinach. Ending the meal with some simple yet satisfying coffee and biscotti was the perfect finish to a wonderful meal. Pros: Food, Food, Food Cons: menu more

Great service, very nice setting, and the food is just excellent. more

My husband and I recently dined at Biella with another couple. The entire experience was fabulous. The food was beyond my expectations. The chef went to every table to ensure the meal was to everyones satisfaction. I couldn't have been more pleased. This is a perfect restuarant for a special evening out. Pros: romantic, great food, great wine more

Our last minute decision turned out to be the best. I am new to the Excelsior area and I was very impressed by everything at Biella. The staff was very knowledgeable and made fantastic wine reccomendations. The atmosphere was very pleasant and romantic. This is our new favorite spot!! Pros: wine list more

This was a fantastic dining experience on par with the top restaurants in Minneapolis. The food and service was excellent but the personal touch is what really puts Biella into the upper echelon. more

My husband and I went for a special occasion, and I was very disappointed to find no vegetarian options on the menu. I am usually pretty safe with Italian fare. I asked the server if they had anything and he went and talked to the chef and came back and offered ""pasta with vegetables."" How unimaginative and disappointing! Cons: limited menu more

Great Food, Great Service! We were apprehensive about sitting at the bar, restaurant was packed, but when the bartender greeted us we were so pleased. BEST BARTENDER IN TOWN!!! I don't know what imalive had but I think he should change his name to imamoron. Pros: Bar Service Cons: Little Noisy, Very Busy more

How often do you go to restaurant once, twice, maybe even three times and never get a simple, ""it's good to see you"" The staff at Biella seem to be very perceptive as to who is who. I've been there several times and each time the food and the staff woo me more. I eat out at least twice a week and have concluded that Biella is at the top. Pros: Service, Food, Wine List more

Everything about my husband and my dining experiences at Biella have been wonderful. We have tried many of the items on the menu. As a starter the scallops are our favorite but for parties to share the pizzas are great. The daily fish is usually what I love, my husband loves the filet, though we have never been disappointed with any of it. The servers make you feel so welcome, they are very knowledgeable and very attentive. If you like wine they have a great menu for that as well. We enjoy going during the week for a more intimate dining experience because the weekends can get really busy. Definitely one of our favorite restaurants. Pros: food, service, wine Cons: noisy more

I am from New York and Philadelphia two of the best dining meccas in the U.S. for Italian restaurants and I can't believe I've found a place here in the Twin Cities that is comparable. You are actually treated as a guest and NOT a customer. Food is fabulous, service impeccable (and very friendly) and the atmosphere is downright charming. A nice change from the numerous chains in the cities. Also, the chef actually came by to say ""hi"" and also the owner. I was totally impressed. It will be a frequent stop on my culinary excursion. Pros: Great staff, homemade desserts, ambiance Cons: none that I could see more

Ineffective unprofessional and stressed out young staff,appearing to have been recruited at local highschool;Drafty,loud ,cold room with chairs wiggling so at the seams(oh,they are all like that says the teen maitre D)that best behavior and immobility for fear of crashing thru one's chair is highly recommended. A la carte""game"" was a pheasant with all the wild flavor of a back yard chicken .the mushroom salad showed some potential,but for $100 for two(including $30 bottle of wine}a miserarable performance Cons: bad service, drafty cold room, mediocre food more

Biella is a very good restaurant, combining good service with very high quality food. The wine list offers a nice variety and is not over-priced. Try the scallops for an appetizer - they are great. The service was professional and prompt. It was full so I recommend reservations. more

This little quaint resteraunt is the perfect image of what fine dinning should be. From the friendly staff that greats you with smiles and an amazing knowledge of their menus and wines. This place has everything a couple could possible need or want. Pros: Friendly Staff, Amazing Food, Delicious Location more

yum. Everything I have had at Biella is 'to-die-for' great! Loved the Gnocchi & the Cannoli. The staff are knowledgeable & helpful. But, the food takes on center stage for sure. Pros: food!, close to home, romantic more