Came out to the West Des Moines location on University for dinner and was glad we made reservations…read moreahead of time, as the front lobby gets packed quickly. To kick things off, they brought out the complimentary bread basket and signature dipping oil. The oil blend is always a great start to the meal and ours was freshly stocked. For an appetizer, we tried the Calamari Fritti. The presentation was beautiful--lightly golden and piled nicely--definitely a strong start visually and texture-wise. For the main event, I ordered the Fettuccini with Lobster. The execution on the kitchen's part was a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the pasta itself was cooked perfectly al dente, holding its structure exactly how you want a thick noodle to. On the other hand, the sauce fell a bit flat for me--it just felt a little mid-tier and lacked that rich, memorable flavor pop you look for in a luxury pasta dish. The atmosphere walks a nice line between a casual weeknight spot and a slightly more upscale evening out. It's got a warm, energetic vibe that works well for a date night or a family get-together without feeling overly stuffy or pretentious. I would go 4 1/2 star if I could but it leans more towards 5.

Valentine's Day at Biaggi's turned out to be one of the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday dining…read moreexperiences I've had in a long time. I made our reservation in advance at 11:30 AM. Since Biaggi's was operating reservation-only for Valentine's Day, I didn't want to risk it. Smart move. When we arrived for our early lunch reservation, the place was almost completely empty - quiet, calm, and beautifully set up for what would clearly become a packed evening later. There was something really special about being there early. The white tablecloths were perfectly pressed, the fireplace was glowing, soft lighting filled the room, and the entire space felt intimate and relaxed. No noise. No crowd. Just that upscale Italian ambiance without the rush. We were seated immediately, and the service was attentive from the start. Water glasses filled. Warm bread delivered. Friendly but professional tone. There was zero stress in the air - which is rare for February 14th. Now let's talk about the Chicken Marsala. The presentation was elegant and clean. Golden-brown chicken cutlets layered in a rich Marsala wine sauce, surrounded by earthy mushrooms and caramelized onions. On the side were creamy mashed potatoes with a bright lemon wedge and fresh herbs sprinkled over top. Vibrant sautéed greens added color and balance to the plate. The chicken was tender and perfectly cooked - juicy inside with a light crust that held up beautifully in the sauce. The Marsala sauce itself was outstanding. Deep, slightly sweet, earthy, and glossy. Not too thick. Not too salty. Just balanced and layered with flavor. The mushrooms were plentiful and meaty, adding real substance rather than just garnish. The mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery, and they soaked up that sauce perfectly. A little squeeze of lemon brightened the whole dish and kept it from feeling heavy. The sautéed greens were fresh and lightly dressed - a perfect contrast to the richness of the Marsala. What impressed me most was the execution. Even though it was early and the restaurant was still quiet, the dish felt like it was prepared with full care and attention - not rushed, not pre-staged, not sitting under heat lamps. By the time we were finishing, you could tell they were preparing for the evening rush. Reservations were coming in, tables were being set with precision, and the staff clearly had a well-organized plan for the night. Choosing the early reservation at 11:30 AM turned out to be a hidden advantage. It felt like a private Valentine's lunch in a beautifully prepared restaurant before the evening energy took over. Biaggi's delivered not just good food, but a calm, elegant experience on a day when many places feel chaotic. The Chicken Marsala alone is worth returning for. We'll absolutely be back - maybe next time for dinner when the room is glowing with full Valentine's energy.