Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

I guess this is the fancy Italian chain restaurant.  While it is better than say Olive Garden or Carrabbas, that is not saying much.  On top of that it is just to expensive for what you get.  That fake, country rustic vibe is prevalent throughout.  

Service is cheerful and peppy.  For a large group they did fine.  Everything from the kitchen came out at the same time.  Which is professional, though some things were cold.  Understandable, but I wish places like this would just bring the food out when it is hot.  Maybe I am alone in that regard, because most places will do this.  Anyway, that really is not a big deal.

They shout from the highest high top table that everything is freshly made or sourced here.  If that is true, they need better sources or they need to make better pasta.  Just the typical over stuffed pasta dishes that are found in most Italian places.  The scallops are bad.  Rubbery, chewy, and flavorless.  The salads are not that good...the dreaded and bland Caesar, house, and wedge.  Calamari is dry, rubbery, and flavorless.  Average wine list, and a crappy beer list.  Both pretty typical for such a place.  

There are not a lot of great options for Italian in Champaign/Urbana/Savoy.  This place certainly has that faux chain look that draws people in by the masses.  Which is probably why they have been open for so many years.  Though just an upscale Olive Garden.  Manzella's is about the same, with a much friendlier, welcoming vibe (if a bit dated), and better bang for your buck IMO.

Great service. Food was really good, but took off one star because it was nothing special.  The prices were fair, and I will definitely return here.  In my opinion, way better choose than Olive Garden

I am in town on business and I have eaten here twice in the last two weeks. The food is really good and the staff is very attentive. I like the atmosphere. The food isn't just the normal "Italian" food offerings. They have a few unusual things which make this place better in my book.

The bread they serve is great because they serve both a normal Italian bread and a focaccia.

The first night I ordered the Chicken Pietro which was amazing. It was really one of the better chicken dishes I have ever ordered. I didn't want the vegetables that came with the dish and they had no problems substituting then for a different vegetable medley.  

The second night I ordered the Salmon and Shrimp Milanese. Again, it was very tasty, and the risotto it came with was truly delicious.

I was very pleased with both of my meals and if I am every around a Biaggi's again, I will try to eat dinner there.