Lived nearby the area and always wonder how's the look inside and taste of the food they served. Â So, we went there with the family to give this restaurant a shot. Â The place is beautiful and cozy. Â First impression was good when we walked into the door, I was trying to imagine how good the food will be because of the way how the interior was done. Â
  We ordered some pasta and pizza and boy oh boy aren't we all disappointed.  The pasta was bland - no taste at all.  I was expecting a in-house made pasta sauce from real tomatoes but no it was some caned pasta sauce that wasn't even seasoned right.  In our family, pasta is our number 2 favorite dish,  The Cheese cake factory make far more better pasta than this place that claims to be an authentic Italian restaurant. I make my own home made pasta and it's incomparable, maybe I should to teach the chef how to make one.
  The pizza is so so and not quite hot when we got it.  Service is below average.  The waiter is always no where to be found and even forgot our order that we ended up having it to go.  Shouldn't left him a tip because of the food and service was below par but I took pity.
  If you want a really good Italian restaurant, go to Calo Ristorante.  If you don't want to drive that far you can try Nonno Pinno's Italian Kitchen.
We went there for a birthday with several people. There are separate party rooms, which was great. We had a package deal with the party. Â The amount of food was obscene!!! First off, the house bread was hot and yummmmmmmy! Then there was salad, great mozzarella! The garlic mashed potatoes could have used more salt, but the pasta dish was excellent! Everyone was raving about the Chicken Picatta as well. Overall, great, friendly service and good quality, fresh food. Definitely will be back!!!
Review Source:i love this place! Went there with my family and we had a very good time! Best think is the owner or the owners. They are around you all the time to make sure you are feeling good! I felt very special ! Two people we spent @ $60 bucks! Very good italian food and atmosphere! Sometimes they have live band!
Review Source:So, we were back for dinner and this time the results were mixed. Â I thought the meal was great, but the husband really did not like his steak. Â The special of the night was a bone-in 32 ounce ribeye, so of course he was all in. Â But, I have to agree that an Italian restaurant is not the place for a steak - there was a layer of salt and tenderizer on this meat that ruined any flavor that might have been in the meat itself. Â My veal scallopini, had a lot of lemony sauce too, but other than that, was very tender and there was a ton of it on the plate. Â The pasta fagioli soup was delicious and the wine pours are extremely generous. Â He got the chocolate lava cake to end the meal and that was large enough for three people. Â All this and still under $100, so it is very reasonable. Â
I get creeped-out by how much this place reminds me of my hometown (Addison), but the food is better than things I have had elsewhere and if the husband just sticks to the ravioli, I think he would be happier.
Had my wedding rehearsal dinner here Fri, 08/25/12 organized by my MIL and sister in law. They had a private section for us. There was abt 30+ of us. Their staff was great, and food was fantastic. It was my one bridesmaid's birthday on that exact day and I brought a surprise birthday cake for her and while my other bridesmaid and I were cutting the cake, one server insisted on cutting the cake for us. Ambiance? A+ Food? A+ Staff? A+ THANK YOU CUCINA BIAGIO FOR MY PERFECT WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER.
Review Source:Wow was I impressed with this restaurant last night! (5/10/2011)
My husband and I were both coming home late from work, and were looking for a quick bite to eat.We decided on Biagio's because I had a Teacher's Appreciation Week coupon I got from a friend and we order from their carry out counter (Superossa) quite often and aren't ever disappointed...so we headed there after 8:30pm for some dinner. Being Wednesday night, the place wasn't packed by any means, but there were several customers in their cozy booths and enjoying the surprisingly romantic and  beautiful atmosphere.
Now, this wasn't our first time in the restaurant, we attended events and parties here in the past and probably even had dinner just the two us before...but this time was so memorable for two reasons: the owner Rose and the outstanding dishes.
We usually like to order off the specials' menu at restaurants thinking we are getting something fresh and innovative...our expectations were exceeded! From memory (and I know I won't do these dishes justice) we ordered two dishes we could swap back and forth to enjoy...one was a delicious risotto with Gorgonzola cheese, panchetta, and other delicious additions....the other was the salmon special. Sounds normal...salmon special...but let me tell you it was anything BUT! The salmon was deliciously seasoned and cooked...adorned with fried prosciutto and fried spinach....FRIED SPINACH...it was out of this world. The crispiness of the spinach and the beautiful saltiness from the prosciutto was heaven....the textures and flavors of this dish tasted and looked like something you'd get a fancy, overpriced trendy restaurant downtown...but lucky for us we were two 'kids', under-dressed, enjoying the heck out of our dinner.
To our surprise, the owner came by and asked us how are meal us... I say I'm surprised because my husband and I are a young couple and many just assume we a puck kids that don't know their food or don't tip well. Our server treated us like anything but and even the owner (at that time at night) took the time to talk to us. We got to talking about teaching and it turns out she attended the same high school at which I currently teach...small world. We really enjoying meeting Rose and the conversation we shared...and apparently the feeling was mutual, because she sent us some of her tiramisu....WOW. I honestly didn't think we could possibly enjoy another bite of food...wrong again. Light and tasty- the perfect ending to a delightful late night meal.
I HIGHLY recommend dining at this establishment.
I was fortunate enough to connect with an old friend tonight, and going to Biago's for the first time felt just like that; an old friend: Â comfy, warm, familiar, and openly inviting.
The staff were equally kind, from the moment that I anxiously walked in to my awaiting friend at her table.  They pointed in the direction of our table, and were helpful with entrée selections and child friendly dishes for my friend's cute daughter. Â
Just like old times, we were already planning our meal via our texts, and since she arrived first, I told her that I had a taste for an appetizer of calamari and so did she. She put in the order. Â Great minds thinking alike as usual, it was ready within moments of my arrival. Â We also ordered triangle shaped fried mozzarella, and what a heaping this stuff was. Â Don't even think of counting calories here or worrying about your Weight Watchers Points when you dine here. Â Leave them at the door. Â You can make up for it the next day, but in the meantime, enjoy some bread, parm cheese and olive oil. They will gladly give you large servings of their bread to carb up along with your pasta.
The vodka sauce with shrimp and cavatelli was deeeevine. Â Thank you, Sweet Jesus. Â Right amount of sauce, shrimp was done perfectly al dente, cavatelli nice and dense, held up to the rich sauce but not too thick where the pasta was gummy. Â Perfection on a plate. Â
On this trip, we didn't try any dessert, but I will *try* to make it a point to leave some of that bread in the basket so I can sample some sweets here.
Love the settings of this place with Old World feel, high ceilings, lavish tapestry, giant sized booths, and clean bathrooms (always a plus for this germaphobe!). Â Parking plenty, with a large lot. Â The entrance is in the front, and not facing the parking lot, so look out the window and get a laugh (like I'm sure she had one of me) of patrons trying to find the entrance.
A much classier establishment than I thought; for some reason, my mind has always thought this place would be like an Old Chicago on the inside. When we walked in late on a Sunday night, I felt out of place in casual wear as I noticed the candlelit tables, impeccable place settings, and gauzy curtains hanging from the high ceiling--unexpectedly beautiful. And despite being the only table that needed to be waited on (with the exception of a party in a separate room), the service was still spot on and the food delicious.
Hot bread and a plate of olives, freshly grated parmesan cheese and garlic oil were a nice complimentary start. The soft, roasted garlic cloves in the oil made for a nice appetizer when spread on that delicious bread. We then got the pasta e fagioli soup, which I wolfed down. For entrees we had the ravioli with meat sauce and tortellini with spinach and Italian sausage. Would get either of these again; I think the tortellini was even better as leftovers the next day.
I would definitely go back, but it would depend on what I'm in the mood for and who I'm with. As far as pasta dishes go, I still prefer Vince's selection, but prices are similar either way. If you're looking for a showy Italian dining experience that won't break the bank, though, this place is a winner.
we came here  in November  of 2011. I made a reservation for 4 people on a Sat. night. the place itself is nice, even nostalgic (in a good way).  As far as  taste and quality of their food , I must say, it is not as good as it was just a few years ago. As our dinner went on, we had 3 bottles of white vine and after all we decided to come back to Biagio again, despite that we didn't like our meal.
 So, last week, in March, 2012, we stopped by with the same people, but didn't go for dinner, just drinks at the bar. They have a band, playing on Fridays and Saturdays.
The music is all American classic and for us, the youngest people in the room, it sounded almost exotic. We found ourselves to be surrounded with a very elegant crowd, truly nice, appreciative audience. Me and my husband  got our drinks, while waiting for our friends and I remember feeling like that was my first time when my parents allowed me to stay with them and their friends at "adults only" kind of party. You know, that warm feeling of belonging to some "inner circle"...No? anyway, my husband says I have a tendency to imagine things. Still, the people were the best part of this place! When our friends arrived and joined us at the table, a very pleasant  gentleman who was sitting next to us with his wife, came up to us and  asked our friends what would they like to drink , because the bartender due to his respectful age might not be able to notice you right the way ! Apparently, this man was a regular customer  and he delivered our order to the bartender.  And the drinks were good.  No watery taste, no cheap alcohol, just an old good way of mixing and pouring. If you are used to a large  selection of Martini with a million different flavor, don't ask for it here.
I wouldn't go to Biagio too often, because overall there is nothing extraordinary about this place. But sometimes, when you feel tired of loud places and all the drama of searching for the "next newest bar/lounge/restaurant", or if you live somewhere in this area and don't feel like going Downtown, this place can be quite what you need.
The best steak I've ever had. I live in the neighborhood and have gone here often. Recently, i was their celebrating a birthday with family and they had a special that evening, a bone in ribeye steak, which I ordered. The steak came out, still sizzling and about the size of both of my hands together. It was huge! Â I cannot even begin to explain how flavorful this steak was. It was cooked to perfection and melt in your mouth tender. I have been to many of Chicago's top steak houses and this is still the best steak I've ever eaten! It was so big, i couldn't finish it and took the other half home. It tasted just as good the next day, right out of the microwave. Looking forward to them having that special again!
Review Source:I was standing in line at Sears Golf Mill with my two kids and armfulls of winter coats, boots and snowpants. Â The kids had been semi-cooperative in the selection and trying on of said items and had been bribed with a nice lunch at a real restaurant where the waiter brings you the food.
So started the argument of where to eat. Â Now this line at Sears is not moving and with all this stuff in our arms, tempers were starting to fray when my son yells, "I want Italian!". That's when the four foot, six inch and rather round Grandma behind me chirped in. Â In a thick Italian accent she says, "Little boy, you like Italian? Â Well, of course you do. Â Everybody loves Italian food.". After a few questions about his favorite Italian entrees I asked her what her favorite Italian restaurant is. Â And she said "Biagios on Lawrence at Harlem". Â Now I'm thinking, that's ten congested miles out of my way. Â But I'm looking at this lady and I know I will not get a better, more qualified recomendation than what she just gave me. Â So down Harlem Avenue we travelled.
Now I am not a professional critic, though if someone would like to pay me, I wouldn't say "no". Â So I like to put all reviews in the context of my particular situation.
Picture a frazzled Mom in jeans, a hoodie and ponytail with two equally frazzled kids in t-shirts walking into a really beautiful restaurant. Â Will we get good service, will we be dismissed, is this going to take a long time, is this going to cost a fortune? Â All this runs through my head.
We are seated immediately with friendly professional service. Â White linnen tablecloths and napkins, two private parties with everyone in suits and fancy dresses on either side of this rather large restaurant. Â But seperated so as not to disturb the main room.
We have fresh bread brought to us with huge glasses of chocolate milk ($2.50 each) and I have a bottle of Pelligrino with lemons ($5). Â We ask for the kids' menu but are told we can order whatever we want and they will make it in a smaller size. Â Anything at all, including off of a Supparossa menu he then hands me - I assume there is an affiliation. Â My son immediately orders the cheese pizza with bacon. Â Kinda wierd. Â He has never ordered this before but this is what he wants and the waiter doesn't flinch. Â ($9)
This is when my daughter decides to get high maintenance. Â She wants the lemon risotto seafood recipe I ordered at the last Italian restaurant we went to (Via Roma in Des Plaines). Â Risotto is not on the menu. Â "Not a problem", says the waiter. Â We can make whatever you want. Â So I try my best to remember the ingredients of the previous recipe and decide I will also get it, lemon risotta, clams, shrimp, mushrooms - "NO MUSHROOMS!" shouts my daughter. Â "Ok, no mushrooms", says the waiter. Â He couldn't have been more accomodating. Â For the two of us the cost was $27 and it was delicious and beautifully prepared though I did think the clams tasted a little too clammy but I ate them all and then all of hers because she thought they were a bit more pungeant than the first recipe as well. Â We even got a nice cup of pasta fagiole to start.
We were stuffed and very pleased with our meal. Â Spilled chocolate milk and not a bit of attitude from our waiter. Â Really a great place. Â I look forward to returning with my husband sans children, as the place really does lend itself to a special occasion. Â My total lunch bill for three was $52.09 before tip. Â
I am really happy to have listened to the little Nona in Sears.
We went in expecting a great meal. Â And listening to the specials we assumed we would be charged appropriately. Â Food was actually ok, not excellent or outstanding. Â But when you are told shrimp is part of a dish then charged an extra $8, then double charged for your families meal you tend to think otherwise. Â Being told by mgmt. "it's your bank, not us" and then told "well the server could have charged you $34 rather than $24" for your meal leaves you questioning whether this establishment is worthy of any business whatsoever.
Review Source:I went to order take out for me and my gf.
I had the chicken parm.
She had the Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Chicken Parm : Barely had pasta =( I was a little bummed the chicken was great I just feel there was TOO much marinera, so next time i'll ask for all that on the side. The portions were Big.
Spaghetti and Meatballs- Meh. Wasn't her favorite. She really didn't finish eating it.
Calamari- REALLY GOOD I LOVED IT!
Let me start with saying that I REALLY REALLY liked walking through the place! It was clean, classy  and with tones of a romantic feel in the air, I instantly and completely forgot I had a pressing deadline at the end of the day.
Our hostess sat us and drinks were brought out. With the warmest and fluffiest bread I've had in a while melting in my mouth, our waitor chatted us up and made us feel really welcomed while taking our order.
L ordered a pasta dish with shrimp and broccoli and I ordered a chicken cesar salad. Since we told our waiter we were in during our lunch, we almost instantly had our food on our table--Kudos to that!
My salad was a perfect green and meaty mountain of heaven! I LOVE chicken cesar salads and with tons more green than yellow lettuce chunks filling up my salad - I felt super spoiled considering the night before (at Olive Garden) I had a yellow chuncked salad =[
L's pasta had HUGE chunks of broccoli and shrimp. Between his mouthfuls of "oh-mahhh-gahh this is sooooo good" it's safe to say he like his food also.
All in all, we had a great experience. The hostess and waitor were incredibly friendly and the food was good!
I was in Chicago on business yesterday and stopped in at Cucina Biagio just because it was close to my meeting...It was a good decision.
I was impressed upon walking in. Â It had the look of an upscale Italian restaurant that you would find in the downtown area but without the prices. Â The tables were covered in white linen and the wait staff all dressed appropriately.
Fresh, warm bread was quickly delivered to our table along with olive oil, olives and Parmesan cheese. Â Great.
I had a bowl of Pasta Fagioli and it was delicious and for my meal I opted for a Italian Beef sandwich. Â It was big, the meat was tender and lean and the au jus was spicy and awesome. Â
I cannot wait to return to this area of Chicago for follow up meeting...but the real reason is to have lunch here!
Had a horrible experience hosting a private business event here. Nice atmosphere, good food, but the restaurant host insisted on "entertaining" our guests (12 men, 2 women) with sexist jokes, despite numerous warnings from the attendees that this was unacceptable. His behavior  made our party so uncomfortable, they left before dessert was served.
Review Source:It's funny how shoddy service can really make or break your experience. Â This would have otherwise been a 3-4 star experience.
A friend and I came by for dinner before a movie at the AMC down the way; we found Cucina via Yelp. Â We decided to share a pizza. Â Our snooty waiter made it sound like the 10" pizza was tiny. Â I believe his words were "it's personal sized". Â When asked how many slices it was, he snootily and sarcastically replied he could have it cut into as many slices as we wanted. Â After ordering, he didn't even take the menus away (a busboy actually did, like 15 minutes later when our pizza arrived), another not-so-subtle hint hint that oh, maybe we should order more. Â His demeanor and service rubbed us the wrong way.
Otherwise, the host was friendly, the atmosphere lively, energetic, and warm, and all the other diners seemed happy. Â The pre-dinner bread was perfectly crusty on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and warm all around. Â Oh, and by the way, the pizza was more than enough for 2 ladies to share. Â Jerk.
+100 on Open Table, though I'm not planning on coming back.
I've been here for lunch and dinner. Â Lunch has been good, dinner, just OK. Â
They start  you with a basket of crunchy crusted bread and nice toppings of garlic oil, grated parm, and olives.  Entrees come with soup or salad.  Recent dinner of rigatoni gorgonzola was good; the pasta, asparagus, and mushrooms were done perfectly al dente, and the pine nuts were crunchy, but the sauce was too heavy. I like my sauces to be a flavor enhancement, not a soaking bath.
Dining partners had rigatoni al forno and cheese ravioli with meat sauce. Â Both were in the "just OK" camp. Â
Also, I swear the garlic dressing on my salad was not made by the restaurant, but bottled. Â
The venue itself is beatuifully decorated and gives off an upscale feel, but you will not feel out of place being very casually dressed. Â Service was attentive and efficient.
This is a place you should try if you're in the area, but don't make a special trip across the city.
This is one of my favorite places for take out. Â You need to try their party pizza. Â If you would like a more romantic evening, then by all means dine in the retaurant. Â The selections are plentiful and the wait staff is professional. Â The prices are medium to high, but the food is worth it. Â I highly recommend.
Review Source:This place is comfortable, tastefully decorated and serves very memorable pasta dishes. Simple dishes, but superb taste. Â
The part that stuck with me was the way the waitstaff was professional, but personable. Â I attended a large party, where the food was served family style. Â Every so often, our server would come & and say "more pasta?" or "you guys all good?" or something to that effect. Â
He came across more as a friend than a server...extra points in my book. Â Harwood Heights is a haul from the city, but I'd make the trip back for sure.
Went back to eat in the bar (no kids virtually a guarantee). Good service, good food, good drinks, good prices. Flat screens featured Sox and Deal or No Deal - perfect bar watching. Then the entertainment started. A dude with a keyboard and regulars providing the vocals. It was great - Tony, you're awesome
Review Source:We just hosted my mom's 70th birthday at Biagio and had a wonderful party. Â The staff was amazing, extremely attentive, and the entire party flowed smoothly without a hitch. Â The meal was served family style. Â There was plenty of food, all delicious, and the staff made sure we were all satisfied. Â The private room we had was perfect and all of our guests were extremely impressed. Â I will definitely have another party here.
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