Bibiana

My husband and I went to Bibiana last night to celebrate our anniversary. I completely agree with FoodFiend. The food was quintessential italian, every dish we had was crafted with a simple preparation and had subtle flavors and a heavenly taste.

We visited Bibiana on a Wednesday night. While the place was full, it was a mix of business men and tourists. The crowd didn't hurt the atmosphere,...+READ My husband and I went to Bibiana last night to celebrate our anniversary. I completely agree with FoodFiend. The food was quintessential italian, every dish we had was crafted with a simple preparation and had subtle flavors and a heavenly taste.

We visited Bibiana on a Wednesday night. While the place was full, it was a mix of business men and tourists. The crowd didn't hurt the atmosphere, but it was something that I did notice upon arrival. Of course it was a weeknight. I am sure on a Friday or Saturday night there is a younger mix of patrons.

Our waiter was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the food. His recommendations were spot on and he knew the menu inside and out, as if he created it himself.

We started with the Fried Squash Blossoms, Crostini Di Pollo, and black figs stuffed with cheese. We knew we were going to have an incredible evening based on the appetizers alone. The figs were outstanding, slightly sweet, complemented by the cheese and topped with shaved almonds and a drizzle of balsamic (i think).

We then had half portions of the bucatini and the risotto with green apple. The risotto was out of this world. Food Fiend nailed the description, it was absolutely perfect. And while sometimes risotto can be overly rich and heavy, this risotto had the perfect balance of creamy rich texture without being overpowering.

My husband then had the duck and I had the branzino. The fish was presented to me table side and then taken away to be filleted. I was served a beautiful plate of soft white fish with an incredibly subtle yet flavorful drizzle of sauce.

We also shared the chocolate bomba for dessert and enjoyed it immensely. The wine list was superb.

Bottom line, we can't wait to return!-COLLAPSE / REPLY (9 Replies) (by rachgolden, updated October 15, 2009)

I went to Bibiana for my birthday this past weekend. I was looking for a restaurant that would remind me of some of the restaurants I went to in Florence. Although nothing can compare to being in Italy, this was a wonderful and close second. The service was wonderful. The staff was very professional and knowledgeable. I appreciated the servers fully honest opinion on which entrees were his...+READ I went to Bibiana for my birthday this past weekend. I was looking for a restaurant that would remind me of some of the restaurants I went to in Florence. Although nothing can compare to being in Italy, this was a wonderful and close second. The service was wonderful. The staff was very professional and knowledgeable. I appreciated the servers fully honest opinion on which entrees were his favorite (and not even always selecting the most expensive one). They were also quite knowledgeable about the wines. We ordered a ton of food and all shared some bites. Everything was DELICIOUS! I don't usually say that. Below is a breakdown of what we ordered. I LOVE food and I love dining out. I have to say this is by far my new favorite restaurant in DC. The only thing I have to warn you is to be patient. We were there for about 3+hours. It is a true European dining experience!
Apps:
Polpettini: delicious, tender, salty
Arancini (saffron rice fritters)- AMAZING. Tasted like fried mac n' cheese, even though it isn't
Fiore de Zucca (fried squash blossoms)- incredible squash flavor and perfectly crisp and juicy

Entrees:
Calzoncelli: (pasta stuffed with pancetta, brown butter, sage sauce): Tender pasta with salty, delicious pancetta. Light sauce- not heavy. Delicious
Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia (black spaghetti, blue crab, spicy oil sauce): This was a delicious surprise. I assumed it would be fishy but it wasn't in the least. Completely fresh taste with a kick.
Agnolotti: (sheeps milk ricotta filled pasta, lemon, marjoram, spinach): This was incredibly light. It was refreshing and wonderful.
Anatra: (duck breast, grilled peaches, celery root) Never had duck this good. Seriously. It was so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It was like duck bacon.

I would highly recommend going to Bibiana. The portions are perfect, the food is amazing and service is great. Just remember, be patient, bring an empty stomach and a full wallet. Ordering all of this food gets pricey.-COLLAPSE / REPLY (4 Replies) (by devouringdc, updated October 8, 2009)