Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina
3050 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Ann Arbor for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
3050 Washtenaw
Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 - Phone (734) 971-2442
- Website https://bigalora.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Mary J.
Came on a Sunday afternoon - loved it! Minimal clean decor, killer pizza ovens - would be fun to sit at the big table by the ovens! Server was happy and attentive, and it was happy hour - sweet! Loved the Bacco Sausage pie, though, it is described as having hot peppers as a topping, and they were not hot at all - so - pour on the crushed red pepper! Salads looked large portion and delicious - will try that next time!
(4)Noah M.
Ridiculous pizza. I mean ridiculously good. Light dough and brunt on the bottom perfectly. Crispy lots of flavor but doesn't bottom out the pie by drowning the other flavors. Had the prosciutto di Parma. Subtle rich taste that shows up after the bite. The other one I tasted was the clams something or other. Buttery, nice and salty and clam flavor galore! Try them both! 45 beers on draft, mostly local. Some I actually haven't seen at Ashley's or Fraser's. $2 off drafts and wines from 2-6pm. Worth it to come here just for that. On to booze- 20+ scotch, 30+ bourbon, numerous bottles of gin, vodka, rum. Just go there!
(4)Yana B.
First of all, I love the ambience! I think the space is really well thought out, despite the high ceilings the restaurant looks warm and welcoming. I can't wait for the patio to open. I love the large selections of beers - Griffin claw this winter was an awesome addition. Crafted cocktails are delicious as well. Unfortunately, the food is a different story. I've eaten here 3 times now and it is mediocre and overpriced. Wood fired wings were dry, Brussels sprouts were completely overcooked (I'd rather eat raw sprouts!!!), on the other hand - fried shishitos were delicious. The carrot ginger puree is rich in flavor. Awesome for winter, not so much for the summer. The salads are decent, especially the Bigalora chop and wood fired beets with arugula, would prefer less dressing, though. Also, you'd be better off ordering a half size. Being a European, I love the Italian thin crust. The pizzas are decent overall, especially with a sunny side egg on top. Pasta on the other hand was horribly disappointing. Our waitress told me pappardelle funghi were creamy, they weren't. The pasta wasn't cooked properly, clumped together, not salty enough. Kind of regretted ordering a dish for $17 that I could cook better at home - for $3. The mushrooms were sautéed without a sauce or anything really. I ended up using some chili flakes and salt, just to make it more flavorful. Unfortunately, even the tiramisu, an Italian restaurant staple, is sub par. Since now on, I am coming for a beer or a cocktail, if hungry, I learned it's safe to order a pizza. Normally I'd entertain the idea of ordering a cheese plate or a charcuterie plate with my drink, but the selections on the menu are very standard and don't tickle my fancy. Grana Padano, Provolone or Gorgonzola on a cheese plate? Come on! Even Whole Foods can do better than that! The place has potential, but I would hope they learn to cook simple dishes and put a little imagination into them.
(3)Colleen H.
Love this place! The pizzas are amazing and I highly suggest the grilled carrots and feta! I did carry out one night and the bill was cheaper than the other very popular AA pizza place (house). Full bar, awesome space and I cannot wait until summer to sit outside on the patio.
(5)Sue D.
We used to drive to their Royal Oak location, so we are thrilled they have opened up less than a mile from our home! Pizza is fabulous. Thin, blistered crust. Fresh, thin layer of crushed tomatoes. Delicious, fresh mozzarella. This place and Mani are tied in my book for best Neapolitan pizza in Ann Arbor. The salads are also lovely. I especially love the grain salad. We usually get the roasted olives, too. Their meats and cheeses are beautifully selected. Wines by the glass are pricey. I wish they would offer some for less than $10. The bottle prices are quite reasonable, by contrast, so you should take that route if you have a group of wine drinkers.
(5)Holly M.
Stopped in for brunch with my mother-in-law today. So glad we did! Service was friendly but professional, attentive but not pushy. The menu had a wide assortment of dishes to choose from. I had the waffle with macerated strawberries, pine nuts, and maple syrup; my mom had polenta with sausage, poached eggs, pesto, and roasted tomatoes. Prices were very reasonable. We'll be back for dinner, next time!
(5)Carol O.
Food and atmosphere were excellent! We tried the caprese appetizer, Italian ham white pizza, roasted carrots, spaghetti and meat balls and a cannoli for dessert. Ask for Armondo and tell him his Philly friends sent you! He gave us great recommendations, was very entertaining, and an attentive waiter!
(5)Anita M.
First time eating here! I came here with my mother on a Saturday night around 8 PM. We were promptly greeted and seated by a hostess. The inside part of the restaurant seemed quite noisy, but nothing to complain about because we were seated in the outdoor area. The outdoor dining area is cute and spacious, with string lights and a glassed in section for the winter. With some woods nearby, it made for a nice setting. We got fenghi pizza, with goat cheese, thyme & mushrooms and I ordered a bowl of the Minestrone (vegan) soup. The service was fine, nothing to complain about. Because it was so busy, the food took a bit of time to come out. However, the wait wasn't unbearable at all. The minestrone was fantastic, with a healthy balance of noodles and veggies. Both my mother and I enjoyed the pizza. My only complaint is that the pizza was a little too oily, with olive oil pooling on top of the cheese. Other than that, the pizza was delicious and we easily finished it between the two of us. Definitely will be back!
(4)Dominic P.
We were a party of 8 for Sunday brunch. Our food came out over the course of about 10 minutes so the people that were served first, trying to be polite, waited to begin eating. Their meals were cold. My wife's frittata was runny. My wife's friend frittata was burnt. I had the polenta gorgonzola. The polenta was bland and devoid of seasoning. There was too much pesto which overpowered the dish. The sausage was under cooked and pink in the center. The poached eggs were hard boiled -- not a single drop of runny yolk. This is what tops off the experience and sums up Bigalora. When I asked the waitress if the eggs in my dish were supposed to be hard, her reply was, "Sometimes they are like that. Sometimes they are runny. I don't know. It's never consistent. I guess it depends on who is cooking it."
(1)Amy C.
Bigalora is a prime example of a pizza parlor done right. I'm in love with the ambiance here--the interior is spacious and well decorated, and the outdoor seating area is beautifully lit with string lights. The selection of appetizers and pizzas is vast, and even if pizza's not your thing, there are plenty of salads and pastas to choose from. In a classic Italian fashion, our meal was also served with complimentary bread, which helped distinguish Bigalora as a more upscale pizzeria and Italian eatery. I tried the crispy brussel sprouts appetizer here and it is phenomenal. I've never liked brussel sprouts before, but as my friend put it, they were "better than McDonalds." It's high praise for veggies, but I have to say that it's completely true. I ordered the bacco sausage pizza and loved that as well. The pizza has a sweeter flavor to it because of the onions, but the sausage adds a subtle spiciness. These were two of the most popular items here, and I would highly recommend them as well.
(5)Greta B.
Trendy new restaurant beautifully surrounded by trees. I love the atmosphere and menu selections from soup to wood fired pizza. Single size thin crust pizzas generous and the choices were delicious!!!Excellent waiter and great service time. Great for groups and family's. Casual, industrial decor with soon to be beer garden which will be great for TGIF gatherings!!!
(5)Jiah C.
Given that this was the FOURTH disappointing visit... I will not be coming back here. Upon every visit, we've always had a problem with service for some reason. How busy they were and time of day varied throughout, but the shitty service was pretty consistent. We always make a note to be friendly and cordial customers and service usually starts off on a positive note then just rapidly declines every time. They just do not seem to care at all-- don't care to be prompt with orders or interactions, don't care if orders get screwed up, don't care to offer anything else to replace it, don't care to swing by at a reasonable time to check on how we're enjoying (or not enjoying the wrong food), don't care if we need another drink, honey badger style. Seriously, don't give a shit. At least, our server didn't care. And strangely, we had him as a server at least once before and felt exactly the same type of presence and service-- wanted to give the benefit of the doubt... Our mistake. I admit the host staff greeted us properly, and thankfully another server was able to take care of some of our mishaps. Otherwise, the pizza is decent but nothing to write home about, although part of the bad taste was left along with my experiences, I'm sure. We tried the shishito peppers this last time and had to send them back as they were just sitting in a large pool of grease and they were very over salted. I enjoy the atmosphere, interior and their menu offerings (although most of the apps are hit or miss)-- but the consistent horrendous service doesn't even make me want to grab takeout from here.
(1)Nae B.
Business travelers- I would definitely come back. Food is great and large drink selection. Plenty of seating options w a huge patio. Lots of bar seating which is perfect if you're alone or just like sitting at the bar. I travel to Ann Arbor a ton, so I'm glad I found this place. Closer to the hotels and highway without having to navigate downtown traffic and parking too.
(4)Marinda H.
Hip industrial atmosphere with high ceilings (i.e., loud). Busy on a weekday lunch visit. Ordered the Chopped Salad which was good, very typical chopped, nothing amazing/interesting - large was plenty for 2 to split for lunch. Ordered the Pesto Genovese pizza (grape tomatoes, pine nuts, mozzarella) - pizza dough was light and similar to a good pita/naan, good but nothing amazing and seemed small (6 pieces). Server was friendly. Overall I thought it was pricy and not really worth the $ - lunch for 2 splitting large salad and pizza was over $30. Won't throw a hissy if someone suggests but I won't actively chose this restaurant again.
(3)Jacqueline S.
Seriously love this place! Located outside of downtown Ann Arbor which is great for busy nights to avoid the crowds/traffic. The apps were absolutely amazing (meatballs were perfection) and the pizzas were exceptional! Service was great (pizzas only bake for 2 minutes so they pretty much come right when you want them!) Great place for a date except for the fact that it's a bit noisy and everyone is seated pretty close to each other- try to not get seated in the middle of the room if you're trying to be intimate. Great place to grab a specialty pizza and a glass of wine!
(4)Michael E.
This first time we went to Bigalora, on a Sunday afternoon, we had a great time. I wrote: "Traditional thin-crust pizza as it should be. The key is Bigalora's long-rise dough combined with a very fast trip through a 900 degree wood fired oven. The result is a light, flakey, crisp crust with a bit of smokey wood flavor." The pizza was indeed delicious, the ambiance was pleasant and the staff was friendly and helpful. Then we went back on a Saturday night. This time, the noise of people trying to yell over each other just hammered at me while we were trying to eat, and to make it worse, they had music on the PA, which made people talk even louder. And the server mixed up our orders with the people next to us, which meant three of the four pizzas had to be remade. That should have at least earned us a small comp of some sort. As for the food: The crust at Bigalora is excellent, and the baking is done perfectly, but with the exception of the Pizza Margharita, which has fresh mozzarella, they flood the pizzas with way too much of their mozzarella "blend," though I suppose people who grew up on Little Ceasar's like that. The pizzas also lack seasoning- they're drizzled with a ton of cheap olive oil, and neither the sauce nor the pizzas have much in the way of flavor. We also ordered a calamari with marinara, which was bland. The squid rings were soggy, not crisp, and had no seasoning whatever, and the marinara sauce- the same thing they put on the pizzas- was almost tasteless. The simple pizza- the margharita- is still a pretty good choice, especially for only $12, and they offer a large variety of interesting toppings, although some of the more intriguing ones I saw on my first visit (duck prosciutto, for example) are no longer on the menu- I get the impression that management is trying to cut costs. The basic pizza is still good, but they need to work on the quality of their basic ingredients.
(3)Paul H.
We had the prosciutto pizza and the chicken parmesan, and it was possibly one of the most perfect cuts chicken I've ever had. The pizza was very good, they have a special method of preparing their dough (biga pre-fermentation), and the dough is thin and incredibly chewy, and the toppings were fresh. Lots of Michigan craft beers and ciders on draft. Good stuff!
(4)Darrell K.
This is my second time visiting. I love this place! The waiter was great! really attentive, Knowledgeable and friendly. My friend and I split a pizza. The taste was one of the best. I always compare thin crust to my other favorite(Tomato Apizza). The sauce and crust here were just right. We got the sauce plus mozzarella with onions, mushrooms and pepperoni as toppings. Great taste combination.This place is upbeat and lively. You also can't beat the craft and various beers. It has quickly become one of my favorites.
(5)Lindsey S.
So fresh & Crisp I love that they make almost all of their items in the wood oven !! We got the sweet potato w balsamic drizzle = incredible Brussels sprouts - perfection CHICKEN WINGS ARE THE BEST W THE CARAMELIZED ONIONS ON TOP !! PERFECTION PERFECTION, .50 cents on WEDNESDAYS !! WiNG WEDNESDAY !! LOVE THE BIGA CHOP - its honestly one of my most favorite salads in ann arbor, best salad in ann arbor , good combo of crunch and vegetables yum yum yum in my tum, id eat this everyday !!!!
(4)Kristine K.
At first, I thought it was simply inconsistency, but now I recognize an unfavorable trend at Bigalora as quality of food and service take a nosedive. The appetizers are decent, and the Biaglora chop salad is actually quite good. The pizzas are wood-fired, resulting in a nice, charred-appearing crust. If you are now imagining a crisp, delicious pizza crust, you are WRONG! On more than one occasion, the dough has been raw! How is this possible even when I order the pizza "well done"?! - - Inconceivable! (using my best "Princess Bride" Vizzini impression) As a self-proclaimed anti-hipster, I find the bar annoying, because unless you are ordering scotch, whiskey, or microbrews, your options are quite limited. Vodka is quite nearly absent. And, I feel like the selection of wines pales in comparison to the overly stocked aforementioned hipster beverages. On my most recent visit, the hostess was wearing a baseball cap, sloppy sweater, leggings, and UGG boots. Why is this a problem? Because, this is not your $15 meal purchased at a corner pizza joint. When you are shelling out $100 for a dinner for two (appetizer, salad, two pizzas, and cocktails), you would like to see someone a little bit more "put together" - - Or, at least, someone not wearing their pajamas. Overall, a really downhill experience at Bigalora, which is too bad. I am not sure that I will be returning due to their trend of sloppy food and service...there are too many other (i.e. better) places to eat.
(2)Natalie T.
I went for restaurant week and was really excited to try this place. It looks so cute and modern inside, like a place where the cool kids hang out. The outdoor space looks really cute and cozy too. So, based on the appearance, I had pretty high expectations about the food. And sad to say, I was disappointed. I had the risotto ball, which was actually really good. For my main meal, I had the bacco sausage pizza. It was very average, at best. Nothing to write home about. For pizza to be one of their specialties, I was expecting for it to at least be memorable, but it wasn't. I don't even think I finished the whole thing. When it comes to food, I like to at least make sure my calories are well spent. For dessert, I had the pistachio gelato. So, all in all, the best parts of the meal were the appetizer and the dessert. The pizza definitely left much to be desired. On another occasion, I went back to give it a second try based on the recommendation of my friend. He praised the Tuscan fries which have garlic, rosemary, grana padano, and sea salt. I haven't really met a fry I didn't like so I was sure I would approve. Unfortunately, I was sadly mistaken. I was highly disappointed to the point where I again, did not even finish the fries. I even went so far as to go to another restaurant (which will remain unnamed) to satisfy my fry craving for the day. I'm sorry to say I will not be frequenting this restaurant again. In it's defense, I did taste a piece of my co-workers Crispy Brussels Sprouts pizza one day at work and it was actually not bad. I don't think I would order it because I'm not crazy about brussel sprouts but given this fact and that I actually enjoyed it, I think that says a lot. I think the only way I'd eat Bigalora again is if someone had it and I was tasting some or if someone paid for me to go. I'm sorry, Bigalora, I really did want to like you. I guess you can't win them all though. Two stars for the ambiance thoough.
(2)Stephanie B.
I am so happy that a good place for fired pizza moved into the neighborhood! Last night my husband and I split the fried Brussels sprouts, fontina stuffed gnocchi and the pizza margherita d.o.p. Everything was on point. I definitely recommend the spouts. They are light and crispy, and there is more than enough to share with 2-4 people. The gnocchi was a nice comfort on a cold and dreary day and the pizza was excellent. They have many incarnations of pizza to chose from, but sometimes all you need is classic and they do it well!We were seated right away in their heated patio (it was raining) and it was a little quieter than the main restaurant. Our server was sweet, and attentive. Parking can be tricky, but I have never not found a space.
(5)Bethany O.
Enjoyed wonderful roasted veg pizza from the Bigalora truck @ Wed 08/19/2015 Farmers Market. Wood stove utilized a blend of apple/cherry/ash wood -- fragrant & maintains temperature. Great staff. Lovely to dine al fresco, surrounded by nature's bounty!
(4)Christopher F.
Came back here during restaurant week, for Sunday lunch. Unlike last time where they did not honor their Sunday lunch restaurant week deals even though nothing was mentioned on their website. This year they did, we tried the cauliflower puree, carrots, and the potato croquettes. I liked each appetizer, not a big fan of carrots but the reduction they used enhanced the flavor of the carrots. The cauliflower puree was great, I was surprised how much, I enjoyed it without cream. For entree we ordered the sausage, serano chile pizza, and the artichoke pizza, both were absolutely wonderful. This last experience removed the bad taste in my mouth after eating there last year.
(4)Sylvonna R.
I ordered take-out from here a few weeks back when I was running errands in the area. My first impression was that the large windows and industrial decor made the restaurant seem really open and airy...and the outdoor seating area makes me incredibly anxious for warmer weather to get here! Now on to the food. I ordered the Prosciutto di Parma and it was...different? Flavorful, AMAZING crust, but light on cheese and the prosciutto was just layered on in really long slices, which made it hard to get a good bite without pulling all the toppings off with it. I definitely want to go back and try it again before I make up my mind about the place. Seeing as it seems like an awesome place to meet up with friends for drinks, I hope to get back sometime soon!
(3)Keena J.
If you want your regular pepperoni pizza save your money and go somewhere else. But if you want grown up pizza come here! The light crust & fresh ingredients are fantastic! Don't forget the salad! It's so fresh! The outside eating area is the best!
(4)Bethany G.
Came here for Ann Arbor Restaurant Week and walked in with high hopes. The atmosphere is great with a hip warehouse style. Unfortunately everything after walking in was downhill. While we saw everyone else get complimentary bread, our waiter never gave us some and we felt uncomfortable demanding something we didn't pay for and weren't 100% sure was free (just 98% sure). The chefs salad was good but unfortunately my flavorless risotto ball wasn't and it was hard to eat in the bowl provided while swimming in sauce. The entrees were only worse. The pricey gnocchi was cold and the portion was way too small, especially for my husband. I couldn't believe people would normally pay $16 for that. The edges of my sausage pizza were all burned to a crisp the turned to ash in my mouth and there wasn't enough of anything on it- a thin burned crust with very little sauce, cheese and toppings. By the end of two courses we should've been full but instead were praying the dessert portions were large. But again we were disappointed. The chocolate "gelato" I ordered tasted like it came out of the large ice cream tubs you would normally buy for a five year old's birthday party. It definitely wasn't gelato. My husbands scoop of pistachio ice cream tasted freezer burned and lacked flavor. The service was slow and the table next to us was clearly frustrated by their waitress who was rarely seen. No one seemed especially pleased. Our drinks were also WAY overpriced (non alcoholic at that) which severely jacked up our check, something we weren't expecting as the drink prices weren't listed. We will definitely not be going back and are sad we wasted our money there.
(1)Reese S.
It's a really nice location with large windows and open seating. Service was a bit slow, even though there weren't many people (I think it's the pizza that makes it a long wait). Food was good. We got the whole grain salad and the grilled vegetable pizza, both of which were really tasty. Split between two people and there were still leftovers.
(4)Patty U.
I have been here a few times. I love the bloody marys, they are the best in ann arbor in my opinion. I typically get a large salad and split a pizza. I have had most the pizzas and i like the Brussels sprouts one best. Parking can be tricky but a great inexpensive place.
(5)Boris N.
The best part about Bigalora is their location. Sitting outside on a warm summer evening can be quite nice. The food and the service is a hit and miss; and considering the portions size the food is somewhat overpriced. I had my worst martini there. We tried calamari, which was too dry, a couple of pizzazz (edible, but nothing to write home); salmon was so overcooked (burnt) we had to send it back. The service is efficient (maybe we were lucky), but rather impersonal; they say all the right words, but don't mean it. Our first visit was better than the second, so we would probably not come back any time soon
(2)Michael K.
This place is excellent. More craft beers than anyplace that serves decent food. The pizzas are all very good so be adventurous and try something new here. Brussel sprouts especially.
(5)Utha M.
We arrived on a Friday around 7pm. Nice exterior. Great interior decor. Big bonus is a large glass enclosed patio area with 4 big garage doors that can raise or lower depending on the weather. Overhead radiation heaters for cooler nights. This is where we sat for a dinner for 4. A very enjoyable atmosphere. What was great: - Service: very prompt, thoughtful and appropriately friendly. - Drink selection: 40+ beers on tap! Decent wine selection. - Appetizers: wood roasted olives and heirloom carrots were super delicious and nicely cooked. What was good: - Pizzas: we tried 3 (brussel sprouts, duck, margarita). The style is thin crust with wood fire charred edges. 2 arrived cooked perfectly. One (margarita) was a touch undercooked. - Gelato: nothing special, but acceptable. - Atmosphere: Outside covered area was pleasant but still a bit loud. Very loud clanging of dishes behind our table at an exposed server station (begging for a different location further from diners or an enclosure to block the view and noise of dirty dishes being thrown into tubs?!). It got a bit windy with both sets of garage doors raised, and it took the staff way too long to address by lowering one side. I'm guessing the inside seating is really loud, as there are zero sound treatments incorporated into the design (an unfortunately common oversight). What was bad: nothing. Overall we really enjoyed our experience. We would go back. Hopefully they deal with a few annoyances (noisy unsightly server station, slightly undercooked pizzas, maybe some attractive sound treatments). If they do that, and maintain the great service...this place should keep succeeding.
(4)Laurie M.
Service was very slow. We arrived at 6:15pm on a Sunday and left at 7:45pm and we only ordered one margarita pizza, a side of Brussels sprouts, an iced tea, and a diet. The pizza was good but the Brussels sprouts were greasy and over-seasoned. The water glasses that were sitting on every table were all turned upside-down (I'm assuming so nothing falls into them) and almost every glass had condensation built up on the inside. If you are going to set the glasses on the table prior to seating, either dry them off or turn them right-side up so they can air out. Gross.
(2)Eric A.
They have really good pizza and a large wine list. They also have a decent beer selection. If you're looking to eat a lot of food, expect to spend a lot of money because their serving sizes are fairly small. This is a kind of place where you pay for their quality of ingredients and professionally prepared food, not quantity. I expect that if I go to this place more and explore their menu beyond their pizza, I could either go up or down a star, but from my first experience, I enjoyed the place. They have a great location on a side of town that is developing, and the atmosphere is great. Overall, if you want some gourmet pizza and have the money to spend, I expect people wont be disappointed with this place.
(4)Patrick T.
I would give Bigalora 5 stars but unfortunately I have to dock 2 stars for their recent abandonment of their specials. The food is fantastic. I've loved everything from the pizzas to the pasta to the apps. My service has always been spot on from all the bartenders. (I only sit at the bar.) Magid, Anna, Brandon and Ray have all been great. The interior, the atmosphere, the presence always makes for a lovely drinking and dining experience. The amazing tap selection, the glorious wall of liquor and Fernet Branca on tap all win points from me being a bartender myself. With all of that said, it really pains me to have to complain that some of my biggest motivations for regular attendance are slowly but surely disappearing. When I first came in to Bigalora the happy hour deal was half off ALL draught beer. And from someone who works in the industry, I completely understand how much money you lose when you offer a deal like that. But from a consumer standpoint $2 off just isn't as good. With that deal being downgraded, I internalized it and decided that it wouldn't be a dealbreaker for me. I'd continue to support the establishment and still revel in the fact that $.70 wings were offered every Wednesday... I love those wings. But now $.70 wings are a thing of the past as well. This might be my dealbreaker. It's not that I'm cheap, but like anyone else, I'm more likely to frequent an establishment that builds a reputation off of building clientele off certain promotions. I look down upon establishments that BAIT AND SWITCH with promotions. If you build a client basis with your promotions and then remove said promotions, you are basically removing your clientele along with it. The relationship you create with your customers based upon the deals you offer is violated once you discontinue those deals. It's just bad business decisions all around. It becomes even worse when your staff has to apologize that your establishment no longer offers a certain promotion. You're basically bestowing the guilt of bad business on your employees. So while I've been a happy hour regular here, and more specifically a WING WEDNESDAY happy hour regular here for many months, I may just not be so much anymore. Of course when I get a hankering for the food, I'll stop in. Like I said, I love chatting up the bartenders, some who are regulars at my bar as well. But sad to say, that weekly notion I got to go to Bigalora for wings and beer is gone...
(3)Mara B.
I came here with one other person on a Saturday night around 8:30pm. The restaurant was quite busy, but not packed by any means. We decided to sit at the bar, which was perhaps 2/3 full, but after 10 minutes of sitting there without any of the bar staff looking our way, we decided to move to a table instead. Despite there being several open tables visible, the hostesses told us they couldn't seat us because all the servers were "too busy." Um, seriously? With that, we headed back to the bar and managed to get some drinks and put our food order in. The food arrived quickly, though we did have to ask for share plates and silverware. The balsamic glazed sweet potatoes were just okay; the glaze was thick and overly sweet, very much like BBQ sauce. The pizzas on the other hand (pesto chicken, and the ricotta and tomato) were very good, if a tiny bit too charred on the bottom. Though the pizzas were tasty, I'm not sure we'll be coming back. The service left a lot to be desired.
(2)Liz W.
It was ummm ok. I was hoping for so much more. I think I was most annoyed by the pricing. Our drinks (2 beers and 2 glasses of wine) were supposed to be half off (happy hour) and were not. My husband paid, not me and was sticker shocked. Later when we were in the car on the way home and discussing the meal he mentioned the bill and I was like WTF and doing the math together we realized the drinks were charged to us full priced even though we were within the allotted time frame. Highly miffed but I was exhausted and did not feel like calling then you just forget so we ended up eating the cost. Regardless it was wrong on their part, felt like bait and switch. Probably an honest mistake but it still irks us enough we will not go back. The food for the most part was good. Not mind blowing but happy. We had some prosciutto and melon. Always a great combo and it was indeed tasty, the prosciutto is really f-ing awesome. James had a pepperoni pizza that made him very content. Neither of those items are a very big whoop for a chef though. Easy dishes. My gnocchi was not a dream. I wanted to bitch but our server was nowhere to be found. Probably lingering so she could charge us full price for the drinks? At any rate by the time she wandered up my husband was done with his and she didn't seem to care/notice that I had barely eaten any of my dish. Hell she did not even ask if I wanted a box. So yeah the late sticker shock thing was especially annoying. Had I known at the restaurant I would have surely bitched. Both about my dish, which I should have bitched about anywho and the lack of promised discount. Yeah I think we just won't be back. Tip to Bigalora, wait staff matters. They can cost you business and ruin your reputation. Some customers won't bitch, they just won't ever come back.
(2)Daron D.
Came here after hearing so much about it. First point I can give them is that the place is beautiful and clean. I also love the fact that they do indeed have a lot of beer on tap ( 35 or more). For my starter I has two things: the wings (can't think of the exact name of them, but they are cooked in the wood oven, served with onions and oil, and although they are really big, I can say that they are really good) and the garlic fries (some of the best fries you will ever have and easily the best thing here and maybe best in area, I will have to think on that though). As for my meal, I went with the pepperoni pizza and added garlic and pancetta (Italian bacon, a bit fatty to me). The pizza was nice, thin, charred a bit and really good. Also I would recommend they gelato, which is really good (but kind of high in price) and they have a good selection. Overall a really good place and as you can tell a 5 star place and very well rounded.
(5)Aaron S.
Hello Brussels sprout pizza, you make my soul very happy. I'd tell you more about the menu here, but I found my love here early. Oh- there is this: the peanuts are just some peanuts with rosemary... yep. But- the dessert? Oh dear, try the salted caramel sundae. Just do it. Actually, just have that for a meal. It's huge and more than enough to split with two people. I'm not sure if this is still a thing, but ordering some of their menu items for carryout can be cheaper than dining in. The last I checked it could be up to $3 less for a carryout pizza.
(4)Ann W.
Bigalora is located at Arbor Hills, an upscale, open-air mall that includes Zola, Sur la Table, Antropologie and other less generic retailers. Biga is a yeast-based bread starter that is fermented over 72 hours at Bigalora and forms the basis of their pizzas and frittelle. In addition, biga is used to produce the delicious, light and holely bread served at this restaurant. The meal started with large, plump and meaty chicken wings lightly marinated, partially baked, and then finished off in the 900-degree oven for crispiness. With the sweetness of roasted onions, the wings did not need any other sauces or dips. They were delicious. While they are on the small plates menu, there was nothing small about the dish. Additionally, on Wednesdays, this dish is half-priced. Next up was the Bacco sausage pizza. It consisted of sweet sausage with a strong (but not overpowering) flavor of fennel; onions; peppers, and mozzarella cheese. The crust was chewy but thin; the combination was flavorful. Now I know why my friends love this place. For dessert, I enjoyed the frittelle, fried dough rolled in sugar, in the same vein of a doughnut, with two different sauces: strawberry and chocolate (pudding). As with the other dishes sampled at this restaurant, the portion was huge and great for sharing. The server was very knowledgeable and patiently answered all my questions about meal preparation and ingredients. Because of those questions, he did ask whether I was a reviewer. Alas, I can only aspire to be a Ruth Reichl.
(4)Caitlin B.
I was here a few weeks ago while visitng Ann Arbor with my fiance. His childhood home is walkable from here, so we came here for dinner before hitting the road to get home to Chicago. I'm not always a huge Italian fan, and I don't typically seek it out, but his Mom loves it, and she recommended this place. We had consumed a pretty large brunch earlier in the day, so none of us ordered the pizza, but it looked good at the tables around us, and many of the combinations sounded delicious. Complimentary bread and olive oil, but a very small portion- 2 slices of bread for 3 people. We asked for more while we waited for our entrees, but we had to ask more than once. I was pleased to see that there were some healthy options on the menu. A few different salads, and a variety of proteins you could pair with any side to make a meal. I had a chicken breast and brussels sprouts and my fiance had the salmon, also with brussels sprouts. Both the proteins were a bit on the dry side, and the brussels needed a few extra minutes in the wood-fired oven, as they were soggy and toothsome, instead of a deliciously crisp exterior with a creamy core. This isn't what they're known for, so I assume that the pizza is the better option here. The dessert stole the show, and I would come back here just for that! We ordered a caramel sea salt parfait with vanilla gelato and peanut brittle. It was FANTASTIC. Huge portion (honestly challenging for the 3 of us to finish), rich, and all of the components were delicious in their own right but paired perfectly. If you are here for dinner and considering dessert, you will not regret ordering this.
(3)Li C.
OK so I don't ever really give 5 stars but A2 has a serious shortage of good pizza places.. And I can't believe it, but finally a place that can compete with Mani Osteria! Crusts are true to the Neapolitan style. Superb texture-- a little chew and little crispy. Bacco sausage or Mushroom Pizza are my favorites. Risotto balls are amazing! Marinara recipe is on point. The owner/ family Chef Luciano Del Signore, was nominated for James Beard award. Well deserved, his is food is warm yet inviting. Atmosphere is totally relaxed and unpretentious. Beautiful and bright interior-- full of natural light. 48 damn good mitten brews on tap!! I opened the beer menu and I was in heaven. So I haven't even mentioned that parking is effing FREE and you don't have to fight traffic.. what are you waiting for? =) All their pizzas are $4 cheaper when you take out instead of dine in. Perfect for a weekend movie night or if you dont feel like being waited on.
(5)Chloe Z.
I love the atmosphere here! It is spacious with high ceilings and a huge bar. A great place to meet up with friends after work or for a nice dinner. I've only tried the brussels sprout pizza, which was good, but I don't know if it was as good as other reviews made it out to be. The brussels were a bit burnt..but maybe that's just how it's supposed to be since it's wood-fired. I've also tried their wood-fired wings- on Wednesdays they're only 75 cents each! They are very good and definitely beats out BDubs. They also have a huge alcohol selection, and both of the wines I've tried were great!
(4)Katherine P.
Went here today for the first time, for a staff holiday party luncheon. AMAZING! We ordered family-style, and there wasn't a single thing I didn't like. My favorite salad was the Vineyard, and I loved the Margherita pizza. The Bacco Sausage pizza was delicious as well. The crust is PERFECT! The pizza is light, but incredibly tasty. We didn't try any pastas. The service was good. The only bad side- my co-workers' tiramisu came out frozen. Other than that- can't wait to go back!!
(5)Mark L.
Very good! Got our part of 8 right in. Service was impeccable, and the food was awesome. The beer list was amazing as well. All around good place.
(4)Anna Mae T.
It was our first visit. The food was delicious. We recommend the Tuscan Fries. We are in the loft and I saw several other orders come upstairs. Pizzas were good too. Service was a little slow, but they were busy on a holiday weekend. We were upstairs in the loft which seemed a bit quieter. Kids meals are a little pricey ($7) but a good value since they include a drink and a generous sized bowl of gelato. Still, $59 tip included with an appetizer is pretty much normal for Ann Arbor with my family of 3. My husband and I also have leftovers for tomorrow.
(4)Amanda R.
Stopped in today around 1PM with three others. Firstly I was a little annoyed by how small their sign is, but me being a girl and knowing where lululemon was really helped me out when it came to finding this place... I'm not sure if that's good or bad! They have an extensive list of beers on draft, which is a plus, and their cocktail list looks really good as well. I wanted to try one of their craft cocktails with lavender and violet "juice" as I really love lavender flavored drinks, but you can never beat a MI craft beer especially with such an extensive list. Their prices on drinks and beer are not even bad either which makes this spot even better. Their pizza's, wow. I didn't read any reviews before I met family here, but I did look at pictures to kind of get an idea on what type of pizza I would want to order. We ended up ordering three different pizza's: duck prosciutto, margharita or however you spell it, and the Brussel sprout pizza. The best, as we all agreed, was the Brussel sprout pizza. I would have ate every last slice if we didn't have to share. The duck was second and the classic well known flavor was third. Great pizza for a great price. Their other dishes looked and sounded good too. We were offered free house salads as it was before 2PM and these salads were no joke. Huge, fresh, and delicious. This is how house salads SHOULD be in so many other places. I would have paid for that salad. We only had one hiccup. The waitress charged our table with another table's tab. Their tab was like 30 bucks compared to our party of four that was around 100. Sure, we could have just signed and left her to deal with that mess, but that's not exactly the most respectful thing to do. She quickly fixed it and apologized, but other then that she was very on top of everything else. The place is a bit small and when they seated me I thought "Damn, these tables are small.. How are we going to fit four people here?" It was a struggle to fit all the people, food, and drinks as I suspected. That was really the only negative because everything else was really relaxed and nice. Brussel sprout pizza, I love you. I will see you again soon.
(5)Colleen Z.
Three words: brussel sprouts pizza. That's it. Order it and be happy for the rest of your life. It is SO good. But there are other items on the menu that are excellent as well. One of my favorites is the carrot ginger soup. It is pure and perfect. The bread is always good too. I also like the white mushroom pizza but frankly, I always order the brussel sprouts pizza so I have little more to comment. I took one star off for a weird reason but the restaurant is always cold. I am not one to typically ever be cold but I usually have to wear my coat. It is a strange thing but true. But please don't let that keep you from visiting. You'll be happy to discover brussel sprouts pizza!
(4)Sumi W.
OK, maybe FOURTH time is the charm here. I'm still disappointed about them getting rid of the jazz night but the food quality has improved. Pizzas were great and I'm going to stop complaining about the prices after having eaten at Zola Bistro (just across the parking lot)... once you've had their $12 BLT, the $10 pizza here seems down right reasonable. Love their pistachio gelato.
(4)Liz T.
One of our favorite places...great happy hour...47 taps...great cocktails...perfect wood fired pizza and calamari...Sorry to see cheese/sausage plates go...were so good!
(4)Barb M.
I've been twice. First time was OK. Loved the appetizers and service wasn't bad but the pizzas were just so-so - nothing all that exciting. I went with a large group a second time the other day and was seated upstairs where it was quieter (which is nice because the place is LOUD). Had *fantastic* service and was still impressed with the appetizers (any veggie roasted in the oven were delicious but the carrots take the cake). Pizzas still aren't worth making a special trip for but they are definitely good. Maybe I'm missing something with them I want to be wow-ed by more than just a good crust. Still, I'll go back and keep trying things. Especially if their service is consistently solid.
(3)Amber E.
Update: I gave Bigalora another chance after the manager reached out via Twitter and Yelp- which I appreciated very much. I've had two great experiences now at the bar for happy hour and for lunch before the Sunday rush. Happy hour specials are great - on weekends in the entire restaurant? Can't beat it. Pizza was yummy. Free parking. I'm very pleased with this addition to the east side.
(4)Margaret V.
I'm very conflicted about this review and to be honest, I am being very generous by giving this place three stars. I was really excited when I heard Bigalora would be moving into this location. I couldn't wait to try it and decided to wait a little bit after the opening to let the crowds die down. I came tonight (Saturday) and while it was busy, I was able to get a table near one of the large TV's showing the Michigan/Texas basketball game. The hostest was very sweet and friendly and showed me to a table. The watiress, Emily was also very sweet and handed me a food menu and drink the menu. The food menu is substantial, but the drink menu is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Despite the extensive drink selection, they only had one pinot grigio and it is priced at $10 a pop. Yikes. Whatever. I wasn't in the mood for a pizza so I ended up ordering a salad and a cup of soup. This is where it gets tricky. I ordered the garden salad with proscuitto and ended up getting the chop salad. While I was eating it I kept thinking to myself "I don't think I ordered this". It had garbanzo beans and eggs on it. Those are two things that I would have asked to be left off the salad. The dressing was nice and it was filling. In regards to the soup... maybe I eat too much americanized minstrone, but I found the ministone to very bland and not all that great. I will admit, there was an ample amount of it, but it just wasn't very good. While the waitress was very sweet, when she brought me my bill I noticed that she had misheard me and had thought I had said chop said when I said garden salad. Mistakes happen and it only cost me $1.50 extra, it wasn't worthwhile bringing up. I will admit that I was kind of bummed. The restaurant is beautiful and I will come back for a pizza and I think the tiramasu, but I hope I can give it another star. I really want to LOVE this place!
(3)Jim H.
First time visiting and we were very impressed with the food and the atmosphere, although we had some mixed issues with the service. First, they do wood-fired pizza perfectly. Wood-fired/Neapolitan pizza can be found almost anywhere now, but it is not always done this well. The recipes, ingredients, crust, level of char, proportions of sauce - all done very well. My wife had a fantastic white sangria and the beer list (and whiskey selection) were all done well. The hostess and front desk were friendly and our server (Angela F.) was very helpful, attentive, and quick. The bartender needs to smile more! My one big issue: The large table next to us had two young children and to keep them entertained, their parents brought a portable DVD player that was being played very loudly. We cut them some slack because they were finishing up, but it was very annoying and I'd ask that the restaurant not allow this. I know it may be "family friendly" to allow this for little kids but it was quite unfriendly to my family.
(4)Oliver V.
Great venue for a weekend brunch. The staff was pleasant and the decor was well suited for this type of restaurant. We had a Bloody Mary and it was really different from the usual as they used a lot of pickled juices and vegetables...which gave it a spicy dill kick. The pizza was okay, thin crust, wood oven as advertised. The duck confit did not have much in the way of toppings so it tasted empty and devoid of flavor. However, I really like the chopped salad and risotto balls...those were more unique and full of taste. Would come back, but not expecting much. Mani downtown makes some kick butt pizza and any downtown location is so much more fun when you can sit outside and people watch...assuming its a nice day in AA.
(3)Cindy L.
Do NOT recommend for brunch for various reasons stated below. 1. Poor and slow service (this is consistent and not just for brunch hours) 2. Below average brunch food. 3. Over priced considering the poor service and below average quality of food. 4. According to the Ann Arbor News this venue has one of the most food violations in the area. Nasty!
(1)Allison L.
If you love variety in your pizza toppings, you will love Bigalora! I tried the funghi white pizza with mushrooms, goat cheese and fresh mozzarella. It was crispy, cheesy deliciousness. My friend tried the duck prosciutto red pizza, which came with tasty roasted red peppers on top. The service from the hostess to the waitstaff was quick and friendly and the atmosphere is chic. I am so glad this place opened up near my apartment!
(4)Timothy S.
Stopped in for lunch. Was not expecting much, but was I surprised. Very nice decor. Pizza was good. Neo style. Lepording was good. A bit too much char on one side, but still very good. Crust was crisp with a very soft interior. Toppings were well distributed and just the right quantity. I defiantly will go back for dinner.
(4)Dave S.
Fantastic beer selection. Amazing pizza. Great atmosphere. I like coming here because the service is great, the food comes out fast, and my kids can make noise and no one notices. Happy hour is awesome. The sausage pizza is my favorite.
(5)Michael S.
Looking at the menu prior to going, I was not impressed. I heard about the fantastic draft beer list, but I was wary of the pizza. I'm not a thin(ish) crust guy, since those I've had tended to be crispy. I much prefer the thicker, chewier crust common to Chicago style pies. The pizza I had here was delicious and plenty chewy. It must be the process. My SO and i met some friends there. The size of our party got us seated at the Chef's Table, located near the ovens and gelatto. We were immediately seated, which was not surprising since the place was nowhere near crowded. Our waitress popped right up with water and bread and took our drink (beer) order. The list is broad, if not numerous. Many fine examples of all style were represented. Prices were decent, too! Our group did not stick to pizza, though that's what I had. The other stuff looked great, as well. Prices here were reasonable, especially for the quality we got. Not just our waitress was wonderful, but other staffers interacted with us just as well. We will be back to take advantage of the nice happy hour. There is one caveat. Parking seems very limted, so give yourself time during the busier hours.
(5)Al M.
My wife and I checked out Bigalora yesterday and loved everything about this new Cucina tucked into an upscale shopping alcove off busy Washtenaw Ave. It had been open about 60 days as of this writing. First, the service was excellent. Plenty of attention and enthusiasm over the restaurant and the menu. We truly felt like guests. We liked the liter bottle of cold Agua left at our table (nice touch), along with the house olive oil and on special request, a decent Balsamic (probably 8 years old) from Modena for the bread dipping. I am liking this place already! Although the specialty at "Biga" is tomato pies from the wood-fired ovens with a variety of interesting toppings, I see that they also do salads, appetizers, pastas and some tasty looking deserts. Maybe next time...we are here for the pizzas. Opting to "build my own" pizza, I jumped for a combo of veggies including the sautéed red onions, roasted red peppers and the 'shrooms. Our waiter pointed out that the dough is made fresh without yeast so it results in a thin, crusty pie reminiscent of one you might find in Naples. My wifester ordered the Bacco Sausage Pie right off the menu which had sweet Italian sausage and hot peppers...dynamite appizza! Needless to say, the pies didn't disappoint with a perfectly done thin crust with just the right amount of "char" on the edges. The sauce was also very tasty (I'm guessing no sugar added making it authentic to the west coast of Italy). The veggies however, were the show. The combo of the three we had was a home run! This place is not cheap, but it is very satisfying experience and one that you won't come out feeling like you overate based on the thin crust. Solid four stars!
(4)Nish M.
First time trying pizza and ordered a variety of toppings from brussel sprouts with pancetta, mixed veggie, asparagus with onions and pepperoni. It was good but not anything extraordinary.
(3)Joe M.
Saw this bistro as we shopped in the complex, and it looked neat from the outside, so we decided to give it a try on a Tuesday afternoon. The restaurant was very modern looking and pretty busy for lunch. We were greeted at the door and sat quickly. The waiter was a little out of it but greeted us and described the menu. We ordered the risotto balls, a pizza to share and 2 salads. The nice thing about going for lunch is that with the purchase of a pizza, you get a soft drink and salad free of charge. The appetizer was pretty tasty but a little pricey for the size. The salads were quite good and large. The pizza was also flavorful and enough for 2 people. I'm giving the restaurant 4 stars due to the wait staff being somewhat lacking and the price. The food was good and we hope to return.
(4)J T.
I really wanted to like this place. The restaurant has a great space inside and convenient to shopping in the area. I love wood oven pizza and Italian food in general so I'm always eager to give a new pizza place a try. We visited on a weeknight and it was not busy for 6pm. We were seated fairly quickly but that is where the positives end. First off the glass I was given was dirty as the servers hand obviously was not clean. Then we were given a plate of bread with 3 dirty plates. Not just one, all three had obvious food residue on them. Gross! We asked for new dishware but my glass was never replaced. Then the ultimate in grossness occurred. The table near us had children that were making quite a mess of their table. One child had their cheese shaker in their mouth, on the floor, in their food etc. Guess where that cheese shaker ended up next when our food arrived? Yup right from their table in the middle of the child's pasta onto our table. It was covered in old pasta sauce and kid drool. Talk about unsanitary! Why would a server take such an obviously dirty item from another patrons table and give it to someone else??? Both pizzas we ordered were mediocre at best (margarita and veggie). Both were floppy and undercooked and basically had to become a rolled up taco in order to eat them. It's too bad because this place could be great...but clearly hygiene and food quality need to improve.
(1)Wendy K.
Met up with some friends for dinner since they could accommodate a larger group. The atmosphere and design of the restaurant is upscale. I ordered an iced chai latte which was just okay, not something id order again. I shared the large garden salad which was good and just enough to share between two people. Also ordered the duck prosciutto pizza which was disappointing. A couple of strips of prosciutto was all we got on top of a red sauce and cheese. Definitely not worth the money, I will probably give this place another chance but won't be anytime soon.
(3)Chris C.
If I could've rated 3.5 stars on the overall experience I would have because the service was terrible. The pizza and salad were great, even though the salad came halfway through eating the pizza. Unfortunately, our drinks never came and I had to remind the server to cancel them before the bill arrived. It was our first time dining there and I would definitely go back, but I wouldn't sit in this server's section again.
(3)Kate B.
Restaurant has a modern-kitsch look - all high-ceilings and hard angles. As such, it makes for a very loud/noisy boisterous dining experience (especially if other diners have children in-tow). You will likely have to yell to be heard by your server and speak-up to fellow diners. The restaurant was very busy when we've gone, but the service has been excellent each time. The food, however, leaves much to be desired... Each dish was very attractive but was missing something -- usually needing acidity/brightness, sweetness, or heat. Many dishes tasted flat. Beet salad was OK, but needed more vinegar to balance the sweetness of the beets, nuts, and red onion. Chopped salad was also OK, but again wasn't balanced, this time needed more sweetness as the radicchio was particularly bitter. Pepperoni pizza was wonderful, crust done perfectly. Other pizzas were not-so-good, crust burned in places, raw in others. Tomato sauce was standard "squeezed" canned tomato, with little other discernible flavors (could really have used some black pepper and liberal-lashings of x-virgin olive oil!) Non tomato pizza were quite good, especially the potato and asparagus varieties. Strozzapreti Norcina: pasta was overcooked to almost mush, and the sauce was dreadful - tasted like canned Chef Boyardee...thick, sticky, heavy, bland. No balance whatsoever, very disappointing. Spaghetti and Meatballs was also disappointing - again overcooked pasta, and the same awful sauce as on the other red-sauced pasta dishes. Meatballs could have come from a Gordon's Freezer. Pappardelle funghi was quite a bit better than the red-sauced pasta items, but still overcooked and again NO acidity in the dish! Just a bit of lemon-juice or dry white-wine in the reduction to brighten it up, again disappointing. Meat and cheese assortments were all very nice, but not much cooking involved. Appetizers were all quite good - simple and well-made with a cocktail or glass of wine.
(3)Crystal P.
Definitely will be back here again! A very nice Italian restaurant in Ann Arbor without being totally expensive as say the ones on Main Street. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to eat the pizza but my friends ordered two vegetarians and they said they were delicious! I ordered chicken wings wood fired and just my luck it was wing Wednesday 75 cent wings; normally $11 for 8 but I paid $6 well worth it, they were jumbo and had a nice smoky wood fire taste while being crispy and moist. We split the dessert of some chocolate gelato...YUM and almost sinful, and tiramisu yum again!
(4)Donna M.
Numerous gluten free menu options. Excellent GF pizza! Large variety of craft beer on tap. Friendly & quick service. Good place for families; yet ideal or dates or night out with frienda. Patio should be nice when it's finished.
(4)Debbie C.
I really like this new place in the Arbor Hills Shopping Center. I would of given it a 5 star if the outdoor patio would have been done this summer. We kept hearing it would be open but it never happened. The food is awesome and the wait staff is great. I learned that when you order carry out pizza you receive a big discount. I high recommend you ask about it. My favorite is the huge hoppy beer selection and the brussel sprout pizza.
(4)Regis W.
The pizza here is amazing. At no other pizza spot have I had such creamy mozzarella, flaky crust and smooth tomato sauce on one pizza. We got the backo (sp?) sausage pizza and even though I am not a huge sausage person, I loved it. In fact, I can't imagine something you could put on this pizza that wouldn't be delicious. Other than the food, the ambiance here is pretty cool and the service is great but relaxed. We were greeted with a "hello gorgeous!" And had an interesting conversation with our waiter, Ray about paleo food, which is weird in a pizza place but somehow made senses. He was a great server - really informed about the food and was attentive but not a helicopter. They even had the game on so maybe this could be a classier beer and pizza game day joint than our usual haunts!
(4)jim g.
Again, a very nice dinner here. We had the Vegetali pizza with added "mushroom ragu" and no cheese. Cheese is clearly not needed. This fire roasted but soft thin chewy crust is wonderful! And without the cheese lower cal but VERY tasty. The wood roasted heirloom carrots with the peanuts and sweet balsamic-- YUM And, as always, Anna the bartendress, could not be more helpful or more pleasant
(5)Lynn H.
We were here late on a Saturday night. The joint was jumping when we got there, but people left and it got quieter. Our food was good and the liquor was f i n e - (although pricey). We had their sausage pizza, their cheese-less artichoke & garlic pizza, their version of Margarita (basil, tomatoes, & fresh mozzarella), gnocchi, roast Brussels sprouts, roast carrots, and a small plate of meatballs. I think my favorite were the gnocchi and the carrots although the pizzas were all good.
(4)Jacqui H.
How unfortunate that what seems to be a fun and trendy meeting spot has simply the worse pizza I have ever had. I really tried to like Bigalora, however, after the third visit and third completely burned pizza , this specialty wood fired pizza oven place should be renamed wood blackened carcinogen pizza and focus on training their cooks on how to properly prepare the house specialty.
(1)ima h.
This is my favorite pizza place in MI. High quality ingredients arranged with chef quality skill. Portions are small, the food is fresh, and the taste is worth every calorie. Some of my favorite items: Wood Fired Beets salad - 4 stars - fresh, tasy, light, healthy, very nice vinaigrette White Pizza/Manilla Clams - 5 stars - very tasty, light, slightly spicy, fresh Strozzapreti Norcina pasta - 5 stars - insanely tasty, great mouthfeel, good depth of flavor The takeaway: this place is not cheap; however, the food and preparation techniques are above par. If you value quality over quantity and like Mani Osteria, you will most likely love this place, as it is a bargain in comparison. If you are on a budget and looking to consume a lot of calories, you will probably be disappointed and I recommend you go elsewhere.
(4)Mike G.
Good Neopolitan style pizza and excellent salads with a good beer and wine selection. Would give more stars if the service was not so inconsistent. I have had very good service and terrible service. There is a particular waitress who as of the time of this review is still employed but we refuse to sit in her section when we dine here. Absolutely clueless and inattentive and mind boggling she is still employed. Most of the other staff we have had have been average to very good. Food and value is good enough that we still dine here every month or so.
(3)Ryan B.
Modern interior, loud, lots of TV's, very good food. We had the Bacco Sausage pizza, and a gluten-free Margherita pizza with Risotto balls and wood fired carrots for apps. Bacco Sausage, nice thin crust, tangy tomato, good sausage a very very nice pie. My wife said the gluten free crust was the best she's had by a large margin and loved her Margherita. Risotto balls were very solid, but the star was the carrots, I do not even like cooked carrots and these were that good.
(4)Rob D.
The only thing keeping this from being a one star review were the cocktails...they were very good. The service was horrible. We ordered a pasta dish to share as an appetizer...they knew we were sharing it, but didn't bring extra plates, a spoon to serve it up, or offer any grated cheese. There was just no concept of anticipating what we might need or want...except another cocktail! The pizzas were just ok. Neither was completely cooked and the clam pizza was laughable. There were 10 of the smallest clams I've seen in my life on the pizza and the tiny amount of meat in each shell was more like jerky...a very poorly conceived and executed pizza. We gave some feedback to our server regarding the service and pizza. We never saw a manager or anyone else. Bad all around, especially when you consider the prices! Won't be back.
(2)Moody A.
Service and ambience was great. Unfortunately the pizza sucked. The fries were good but the vanilla gelato tasted like regular vanilla ice cream that you buy by the tub at the grocery store. This restaurant has the potential to be great but their pizza recipe is from "happy's pizza". Worst wood fired-pizza.
(1)Kelly E.
Very fresh mozzarella. None of the stringy pieces of Costco shredded cheese; big dollops of real cheese! The heirloom carrots with goat cheese and balsamic was a great appetizer. They serve bread and olive oil for the table. I had the roasted eggplant pizza, which was big enough to take half of it home, my friend had the margarita, and my mom had the chopped salad and soup. The portions were nice, but not overwhelming. Lots of vegetarian options! They have a huge bar selection (complete with a ladder). The location is nice for lunch if you're out shopping. It's kind of dead down there in the evening, so it's not an ideal location for dinner in my opinion.
(4)