Located in the historic Old Tavern Building, just minutes from the State Capitol, Biba Caggiano, celebrated chef, cookbook author, and TV personality, brings a bit of Italy to Sacramento. Savor the flavors of Biba's award winning authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly but refined ambiance, with attentive service that will make you feel instantly welcome. Enjoy spuntini with a cocktail or glass of wine in the lounge area, kick back and listen to piano music, or order a full meal at the bar or in the dining room. Only the finest and freshest ingredients are used and the food is truly Italian...house made lasagne Bolognese on Thursday and Friday and a different stuffed pasta dish every day. Osso bucco alla Milanese (veal shanks) or stinco di agnello (lamb shanks) are just some of the entrees you may expect to find. California and Italian wines are available to complement the food. And don't skip the dessert. The Tiramisu is to die for!
"The service was outstanding. Unfortunately the meal was pretty poor. The risotto was under cooked, the gnocchi was tough, and portions of the fish were over cooked and tough. Additionally the portion of fish (halibut) was awfully small. I wanted to love this place but I just couldn't."
Dined on 5/14/2013
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"I had heard great things about Biba's and maybe that is why it didn't fully live up to what I was expecting.
I got the Spinach Lasagna and although I enjoyed it I was expecting more. The actual pasta was divine; twenty layers of paper thin spinach lasagna noodles that you can cut through like butter. Sauce was good but it didn't wow me and the meat just okay.
My mother got the "Garganelli with a slowly simmered pork and prosciutto ragú" which was highly disappointing. The pork was just ground pork in the sauce and there was darn little of it. And there was no prosciutto that we could see.
For the amount of money I paid I feel like I should have left more satisfied. I didn't hate my experience but I certainly will not return."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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"We eat at Biba a lot. The service is always the best as is the food. We have tried many restaurants, but none have met the exceptional standards set by the staff at Biba. Our waiter was wonderful and he made my Mother's Day dinner a fun and enjoyable experience. Biba is the Best of the Best!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"This was our first return visit to Biba's in about two decades. We expected first class food, treatment and setting and were not disappointed. The extensive but affordable wine list offered plentiful choices for any budget. The dishes were quite exquisite and the wait staff knowledgable and friendly. The evening cost less than we expected and delivered better than expected. Perhaps it was extra-crowded because of Mother's Day celebrants, but our early evening dinner took a little longer than we would have preferred – about 2.5 hours for a 2-hour meal."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This is not your typical generic "Olive Garden-type" Italian restaurant. The dinners were excellent, the best Italian I've had outside of Italy and I will dine here again. I had the sweetbreads appetizer and my entree was rabbit. Both were delicious and obviously not on your typical Italian menu."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"How did they grill those scallops? This was the question we continued to ponder as we discussed the wonderfully prepared dinner into the night. The meals were served at the perfect temperature after being expertly prepared. Presentation, flavors, textures and service were perfect. The room was a bit loud... but it was Friday night and the room was energized. Biba worked the room and the tables as a gracious hostess and spoke with us at the end of the evening.
Bottom line... I consider the food the best I've eaten since my visit to New Orleans about 20 years ago."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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"If you want some of the best pasta dishes in the country then you have to try Biba's pasta. Homemade and fresh as it can be, I've eaten very good pasta from NYC, LA, to SF and Biba's pasta is just outstanding. Then you have to top it off with her homemade tiramisu "AWESOME"."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We live in Berkeley and rarely get to Sacramento. The main reasons we did was to revisit the Railroad Museum & to have dinner at Biba's.I have several of Biba's cookbooks & use them often.
If asked to define Biba's in one word-- it would be GRACIOUS. The menu was wonderful. It's difficult to find sweetbreads or liver anywhere today. Both were on the menu!They were accomodating when my husband asked for a half order of gnocchi to precede his large veal chop. The waiter filled all of our requests with warmth and alacrity. She was friendly, but not obtrusive. The ambience is perfect for such a special meal. One thing we liked was the vastness of the building & the spacing of the tables.We would go back time and again if we lived there."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Exceptional & Excellent food, varied wine list, quiet atmosphere, good lighting (you can see your food), very clean & elegant home feel to the ambiance. Bar looks cozy, intimate & easy to visit &/or meet people. Tune your ear to the accent of the waiter, otherwise you'll have to ask for a repeat of what was said (like we did) - but he was very handsome, professional & friendly. We went for our anniversary & the hostess remembered my request for a quiet, intimate area, where we could talk. Unfortunately it was Bibi's night off & we missed her! Next visit I will ask specifically if she will be there the evening I reserve. My understanding is she personally visits every guest & is quiet a treat to your dining experience & evening! Wonderful~"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"This was our first time here and it was excellent. The food is superb. The pasta was amazing, as all fresh-made pasta should be. The ambiance is nice; vibrant and a bit loud which I like because then you feel like you can relax and enjoy your meal without the need to be "proper". My husband and I like to order multiple dishes and share them so we can try a bit of everything. Our server split all the dishes for us and even coursed them out for us. This could be our new Italian place."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"This experience was not quite as good as last time we were there. The waitperson seemed a bit too busy and steered us wrong on the wine selection. When the maitre-d'/wine steward arrived he seemed to not respect our wishes--a little sniffy. We did finally get a wine we liked, but most places do not grudge some tasting beforehand, especially since we eventually ordered 2 bottles. Salads were a bit soggily over-dressed and over-salted. Ask for dressing on the side. The entrees were also not as wonderful as the last time. My sweetbreads were overcooked, though nicely seasoned. The others were happy with their dishes, the halibut and the salmon, so I would award a "good" on this count. Dessert was a cherry tarte, and it was outstanding."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We read the great reviews on yelp, but I had no idea what to expect...the outside and the area weren't much...but the bar was open and friendly...the dining room is like old world dining..roomy but not expansive..the building itself is over 100 years old and the dining room has old world charm..DON'T READ 'OLD'..more charming..wait staff were friendly..helpful...food was surprisingly good!!!! the lasagna pasta was soooo thin...and my unusual dish of orrozpetti and scallops with a hint of broccoli heads was great! unusual ..no red sauce..no cheese...but delicious!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I cannot believe I was disappointed. The server told us the soup was minestrone and it was a bean soup, good, but not what we expected. The calamari was excellent, the pasta was not hot when served to us, it was warm. We were told there was a big party and that was why it took so long to get served. It was just not the usual excellence we are used to at Biba's."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2008
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"We dine at Biba's four or five times a year and find the service well above many more expensive restaurants and the prices lower. An excellent choice for an exceptional meal with great service at a reasonable price."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"The Wait staff, has that just right touch, I was never asked a question when either myself or my date had food in our mouths or preparing to take a bite. The napkin swap was a nice touch for my date who was wearing black, wait staff immediately swapped the white one for a black."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We enjoyed our lunch at Biba. The food was great as always. The nicest part was our server (Beth) she was exceptional. Very helpful and knowledgable about the menu as my husband requires a gluten food meal. We would ask for her again the next time we go there."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Staff was friendly and accomodating. We arrived early and were graciously invited to join happy hour in the bar. The bartender, Joon, was very friendly. The dining area was bright and cheery. Salads were woderful with very fresh crisp ingridients. I asked for some arugula with my beet salad and they happily accomodated my request. The "fish stew" was indredible! THe best of any I have ever had. Fish and seafiood was fresh and the broth was heavenly. I had to resist asking for more bread to soak it all up. My husband had the rabbit and stated if ws perfect. We won't stay away so long in the future."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Pleasant, open atmosphere, good menu, and well prepared food. Professional, friendly service, no pretensions. Reasonable prices, especially for lunch. One of Sacramento's best restaurants."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"As always, just such a relaxing and enjoyable lunch with Biba and her very Professional and Friendly staff......!!!!!! The entire meal was simply wonderful and beyond all taste and presentation expectations......!!!!! A Truely beautiful way to spend your day......!!!!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2008
Special Features: romantic, great for lunch
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"Biba is justly famous for its 10-layer spinach lasagna. Portions are just right, as well. When we are in Sacramento we always make a point of eating there."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Staff and food were excellent. It was my daughters 29th birthday and the staff put a candle on her desert which was very nice. No singing which was also nice. Biba's has a nice open atmosphere in their dinning room and a more intimate atmosphere in the lounge area. Enjoyed the happy hour as well. Thanks"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The quintessential Italian food experience: remarkable food, an affable owner who knows her customers, professional waitstaff, a barkeep who can make standards as well as chi chi modern twists. Gnocchi - to die for; Friday/Saturday 7-layer lasagna - melt in your mouth. A wonderful table for a special occasion which is noted. And a little "extra" at desert.
None better - that says it all."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Biba's is excellent! The lasagna is truly Italian. Eight layers and hard to make. Lots of prep time. The beet salad is exceptional. Great gnocchi and ravioli. Our server was the best. She has been at Biba's for years and made the meal come alive. It is truly wonderful to dine at Biba's."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Overall the experience was very nice. The entree I have was very tasty, ravioli in sage butter sauce. Restaurant a little pricey for quality of food. My daughter entree was overloaded with bacon and had very little flavor. Also, the restaurant makes no accomodations for those who do not eat pork or shrimp. So they will not alter or substitute meats/items to appease the customers. I would hesitate to recommend this place to family and friends."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2008
Special Features: great for lunch
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"Loved the soft yellows of the main dining room, especially with the noontime sun streaming in. Food was better than A+. I settled on the spinach lasagna (available on Thursday and Friday only). The flavors blended together so well that no one ingredient just grabbed you and took over the entire experience. My husband chose the luver and onions. He said they were prepared differently from his "normal," but were excellent. How else to top off a birthday lunch than with a too-big-for one piece of Tiramisu?"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We very much enjoyed the experience at lunch. The only downside is it was expensive. If it had been $30 less it would have been the perfect experience. (Our bill for 2 was $92)"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Biba is always a great go to for us. I highly reccomend you split the gnocchi nad ravioli specials with someone. No matter what they are they're always phenominal. I'm a big fan of their oso buco and sweetbreads as well."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Biba is excellent. I had not been there on several years and found it to be as good as before or maybe better. The setting is very nice. The service was excellent and our waiter was knowledgable. The pasta was incredible and we were also very pleased with the salmon entree. We finished with a shared tiramisu and a glass of port. Couldn't have been better!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Worth the trip from Vancouver,WA! Excellent food, service and ambiance. Biba ROCKS! But once again, Open Table has this ridiculous rating about NOISE! Biba has SMOOTH noise, just like the food. Grr.OT!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Biba's is one of the best restaurants in the U.S., according to Gourmet magazine...and I agree. As a Sacramentan since 1984, we've been coming here since it opened. The food is out of this world, the service impeccable, the ambience romantic and elegant. Also good for a great business lunch. Be sure to try the lasagna bolognese on Thursdays and Fridays. A wonderful dinner for two, with appetizers, wine and tip, would be about $125.00. Given the high quality and incredible food, I think it's a great value."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Food was fantastic; best we've had anywhere in Sacramento by far. Osso bucco, gnocchi, bacon-wrapped sturgeon and calimari were all exceptional. The dining room was quite loud, so when we go back -and we definitely will go back- we will probably ask to be seated in the bar/lounge area. That space seemed more intimate and less noisy. Well done, Biba!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Biba's is our special occasion restaurant. It is always our first choice and always a wonderful experience. The service is outstanding; the food is first rate."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Biba's never disappoints and the lasagna is so delicious it must melts in your mouth! The service is always impeccable and our waiter, Beth, is the best!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Brought a friend from out of town who is Italian and she loved everything about Biba's. We even saw Biba milling about. And while she didn't approach our table, it was refreshing to see that she takes such a personal interest in the opinions of her customers. I have been here many times and have NEVER had a bad meal. My friend from Ohio will now make Biba's a regular stop on her Northern California trips. It's a little bit of Italy for her. Comfort food as we say. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant.....even the breadsticks are amazing!!!! And I found a new favorite wine. The Rodney Strong Merlot is aawesome and I would recommend it if you like a smoothe Merlot that's not too heavy."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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"Biba's provides a classy, welcoming setting for dining at it's best. being of Italian heritage, I have developed discriminating taste for quality Italian food. Biba's hit the mark and exceeded my expectations."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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