Ottawa Foodies

I have been to Biagio's twice in the last month. I had the Grazzi pasta both times (very good). It is quite al dente compared to most restaurants but I found it perfect, another diner we were with complained about it. I was not impressed with the salad I had either time though, the first time I opted for the caprese salad which to my surprise was a plate of mixed greens with the tomato, basil and bocconcini on top of crostinis. On the second visit I had the caesar which was disappointing as well. On the first visit I had the Napolitani (chocolate phyllo layered with chocolate mousse) for dessert and it was incredible! I love how they served ammaretti cookies with our lattes as well, it was a nice touch. Overall a mixed experience but I would return.

My husband and I went to Biagio's on Friday night. We were a bit surprised at the location, it seemed more like a place an East Side Mario's would be.

Service was prompt and attentive. I started with the soup of the day, sausage and cabbage in a tomato broth. It was good, but not exceptional. Hubby had the smoked salmon platter, which was slices of salmon, capers, red onion, crostini and ricotta on a bed of greens. It was fresh and good.

For the main course, hubby had the Grazzi (penne with onion, prosciutto, vodka, and parmigiano in a tomato cream sauce). It was very flavourful, but the pasta was just a bit less than al dente. It could have used a couple more minutes of cooking, in my opinion. The tomato cream sauce was delicious.

I, on the other hand, had a VERY disappointing pasta dish. I ordered the Funghi (fettuccine with wild mushrooms in cream sauce). The pasta was cooked to perfection, but the problem was with the rest. The wild mushrooms were overpowering in a very unpleasant way. I thought it was a mixture of rehydrated mushrooms (they all tasted the same!) because they had the same mushy-ish texture you get when you rehydrate porcini, for example. There wasn't the nice tender texture of a sauteed fresh mushroom. After a few bites of the mushrooms, I just put them to the side and ate the pasta. The cream sauce just sat in the bowl and didn't add much. I mentioned it to the waitress when she cleared our plates, and she came back to say that there was only 1 rehydrated mushroom and the rest were fresh. That was a big surprise!

Overall, it was OK, but I'm sure that there are better Italian restaurants on Preston where we can get a decent pasta with real wild mushrooms!

This is our favourite restaurant in Ottawa. The pasta cannot be beat (it is so fresh and perfectly al dente) and the steak is to die for. Service is always perfectly attentive, though it is funny how the servers always read the specials from little papers in their hands. They must change the specials often (which is good!).

If the beef tenderloin or filet mignon is the special, don't pass it up! Otherwise I recommend the pasta. Save room for dessert. The napolitani (chocolate mousse and chocolate wafers) is our favourite, followed by the chocolate and raspberry tartufo, followed by the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Yum. The creme brulee is also exceptional.

You also can't beat the price. We took my entire family (six of us) and with five alcoholic drinks, three apps, six mains, three desserts AND five coffees, we only paid $195 before tip. Biagio's has never done us wrong - thumbs up!

I love the decor and atmosphere. It's the kind of place you can go in jeans but still feel a touch of class.

Great service! Our waitress was so friendly and attentive.

I had: Pasta shells stuffed with sausage, peppers and ricotta, with a tomato cream sauce. Fantastic! And lots - 6 big shells.

Roommie had: Veal Scallopini. He said it was good, even though it didn't look extremely appetizing. The side of veggies looked great! Fresh green beans, squash and carrots. Roasted potatos.

Their free bread and chili oil is delicious! Bread topped with oil and rosemary.

Price was right too.

I'll go back!

The place looks a little dated on the outside but they've done a really nice job on the decor inside. I heard from friends that the pasta was really good but I had the pizza both times I was there - just the way I like it - thin crust with interesting toppings. The chocolate mousse and waifer dessert is yummy beyond words. Good espresso.

always fresh and delicious!

I couldn't decide whether I liked my pasta or boyfriend's pizza better :)

I know you are only supposed to confirm links to exceptionally good items - but this is my favourite salad in town. The greens are always fresh and the dressing is subtle but amazing. It's best paired with the complimentary rosemary bread.