If there is a restaurant in Sacramento that has survived the fickle and fluctuating restaurant industry, it is Biba. The ristorante on Capitol Avenue has been creating award-winning Italian dishes for more than 20 years and it—along with its well-known owner and chef Biba Caggiano—has been recognized for its high standards in seasonal ingredients and authentic dishes that taste like you are in Italy. Biba is definitely a place that exudes old school charm with a proper maitre d’ and servers sporting crisp white dinner jackets and bow ties. Eating here can feel like a special occasion, regardless if it’s a birthday dinner or just lunch with a friend. There is housemade gnocchi (made with ricotta instead of potato) and stuffed pasta made fresh everyday. Servers insist the ravioli will “wow you” and, if not, the multilayered lasagna with meat ragu and cream béchamel sauce certainly will. If you want to skip pasta, try the saltimbocca (pork scaloppini) or honey-glazed grilled duck for gastronomical bliss. Cindy Arora

Recommended dishes: Lasagna $17.50 (Thursday only), Dessert: Zuccotto Florentino $7.50

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Mastercard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $15

Hours: Monday–Friday: 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m.