Earlier this week I checked out a new place in Waltham called Biagio. Biagio is at the far end of Moody Street, just beyond the main drag (past Margarita's and over the bridge). The restaurant has its own, free parking lot (major bonus points), a large bar, a spacious dining room, a second floor lounge which can be reserved for private parties, and . . . wait for it . . . a roofdeck!
The restaurant has a traditional Italian feel. Dark wood, warm lighting, and flowers and herbs accenting each room. The wine list is extensive with great selections of wine by the glass. We tried a Sauvignon Blanc that was perfectly fruity and light.
The meal begins with a basket of warm foccaccia bread. The bread is doughy and topped with the perfect combination of herbs. It comes with two dipping sauces - a tomato and basil hummus and olive oil with balsamic vinegar and garlic cloves.
We started our meal with the Caesar salad which was a generous portion size and had the perfect amount of dressing. Caesar is alwasy a gamble because you can get soggy, dressing covered lettuce. Ick.
Impressed with the bread and the salad, I was wow-ed completely when my meal arrived. As a vegetarian it can be hard to find entrees with no meat, poultry or fish, especially in a nicer restaurant, let alone entrees that actually sound appetizing! I ordered the grilled summer vegetable plate which came with asparagus, portabella mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots over a tomato and artichoke risotto. Absolute heaven!
My dining companions ordered the salmon (served with spinach and garlic mashed potatoes) and an eggplant dish (eggplant rolled with ricotta cheese, covered in marinara sauce). Everyone was practically licking their plates by the end!
The restaurant does have dessert, but we were too stuffed to test it out. I will absolutely go back for another meal, for wine and dessert, or for a private party upstairs. You can't beat free parking and the food was exceptional. Although the rain kept us off the roofdeck, I am sure that's fantastic as well.
Bravo, Biagio!
