Out of town visitors? First date? Networking brunch? Pre-party chow? Here's your place. Cafe Bionda is that one restaurant that everyone wants in their arsenal. You know, the one that makes the perfect backdrop to all of life's daily mile-markers. A place where the food always satisfies, the vibe never falters, and you can impress the pants off of anyone who hasn't been here.
The service here could be described as over-attentive, with a staff completely absorbed in making sure you enjoy your meal. Upon being seated, patrons are greeted with warm bread and tangy marinara sauce for dipping. The menu consists of simple Italian fare. Sea bass and mussels come delicately seasoned, and salads feature the freshest greens, lightly oiled.
Enough filler, though; we all know that the only way to truly compare Bionda to other Italian joints is to measure the merit of the meatball. Whether you order them on a platter, atop pasta, in a sandwich, as a side or even on a salad, you'll find the simple seasonings of Bionda's tender meatballs delectable and more than a wee bit addictive. The menu may be traditional Italian, but the urban loft space lends a trendy warehouse vibe to the ambiance, making it a terminally hip place to suck down some noodles.
Average cost: $10-$20
Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe
