Last month, we hit the newly opened Italian(ish) restaurant, Biagio, on Moody St. in Waltham. I was curious to see what else it would bring to the table that the other high-end Italian places in the area haven’t already covered.
The big three are: Tuscan Grill, La Campania, and Il Capriccio. Where you dine usually breaks down by whether you prefer rustic Etruscan ambiance (Tuscan Grill), cozy al fresco dining (La Campania), or a booth-and-frosted-glass- partition type of experience (Il Capriccio). But, regardless of your taste in decor, you’re virtually guaranteed a great meal.
So where does Biagio fit into all of this? Space. It has lots of space if you get turned away from the others.
Biagio's great hall of a dining room with its large framed mirrors and drapes is a refreshing departure from reproductions of Italian grottos, both real and imagined. But, foodwise, it’s just not in the same league. I’m not sure it’s trying to be. Then again, that’s how it’s priced.
The tortellini Alfredo was pretty good. Service was nice. Big portions, to be sure, but I prefer smaller portions with some nuance. I wished I could have traded some of it in for a little subtlety. My cocktail, on the other hand, was a little too subtle (however, I was the one ordering the martini with neon blueberry alcohol, so really, I have no one to blame but myself).
With its roof deck and live music, I can see this being a popular spot to decompress after work. Or as the least common denominator (or is it greatest common factor?) when dining in a large group since you can’t please everybody, anyway. But, if you’re really trying to impress a certain someone who loves food (whomever that might be), then I refer you back to the second paragraph.
Biagio, 123 Moody St., Waltham, 781-891-0100
Tuscan Grill used to be at or near the top of our list back in the days before kids, when we could go out as much as we pleased. Then we started noticing the food and the service going downhill. The last time we went, which was back in 2004, the service was SO bad and the food SO ordinary, that we vowed never to go back: http://verbatim.blogs.com/verbatim/2004/11/its_so_hard_to_.html
We haven't been to Il Capriccio in years either, although the food was consistently great, because we prefer the food and atmosphere at Campania -- we love it there! It's not a cheap night out, though, by any means. Thanks for the tip on Biaggio -- sounds like it's not necessarily worth the cost of babysitting.
Posted by: Karen | May 18, 2007 at 07:22 AM
Not for me, anyway.
I, too, find myself at La Campania these days. Il Capriccio's not my style, but they do know how to cook. Sorry to hear about the Tuscan Grill. It's been a few years since I've been there, myself.
Posted by: Tammy | May 18, 2007 at 10:47 PM
You guys are so lucky! If we want to eat *good* Italian food, we have to drive 2 1/2 hrs. to Des Moines to get it! Seriously!
Posted by: Sally | May 19, 2007 at 07:40 AM
I LOVE la campania, but it definitely is pricey. I'm hoping to try Biagio soon as a cheaper alternative ;-) Does anyone know where to find their menu online?
Posted by: Jess | August 20, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Welcome, Jess. I haven't seen their menu online. But, if you do go, let me know what you think.
Posted by: Tammy | August 20, 2007 at 12:41 PM