Biancaffé: Less is more
With its emphasis on balance, restraint and authenticity, Biancaffé offers a quietly confident Italian dining experience that lets flavour, service and atmosphere speak for themselves
Biancaffé offers something far more difficult to achieve in Dhaka's competitive dining scene: restraint, balance and authenticity.
Adding another feather to the cap of Gulshan's growing list of Italian eateries, it is among the most widespread names to enter the conversation; an Italian cuisine destination where timeless elegance meets bold yet intricate flavours, without unnecessary excess.
The décor reflects this philosophy. Clean lines, thoughtful lighting and a calm, uncluttered layout create an atmosphere that is inviting without being performative. Everything feels deliberate. The tables are well-spaced, the environment hygienic, and the staff properly trained, polite without hovering, attentive without interruption.
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Service arrives on time, without any delays. It is the kind of efficiency that allows the food to remain the centre of attention.
Stromboli
We began the meal with Stromboli. This appetiser delivered a raw, honest combination of beef pepperoni, cheese and bread. The cheese is prominent, almost blunt in its directness, while the sausage flavour remains intact and unmasked by seasoning. For those who prefer subtlety over spice and masala, this is an ideal starting point. Calling it an appetiser feels a bit misleading. The portion is substantial and heavy enough for two people to share comfortably.
Price: Tk850
Chicken Parmesan
Next was the Chicken Parmesan. It is their best seller, and it is where the kitchen truly begins to assert itself. This dish is balanced, comforting and satisfying without being overwhelming. The chicken is well-cooked, topped with a tomato-based stuffing and Parmesan cheese that complements rather than dominates. The spice level remains intentionally low, allowing a mild black pepper note to lift the flavours gently.
What pushes the dish further is its pairing with potatoes. The mashed potatoes are smooth and well-seasoned, while the baked potato comes generously stuffed with cheese, pepperoni and subtle seasoning. It is the best value-for-money item on the menu.
Price: Tk850
Alfredo Pasta
The Alfredo Pasta continues this theme of measured indulgence. Served with a garlic bread toast, the pasta leans into creaminess without tipping into heaviness. The sauce has a garlic profile, rounded out by cheese and a delicate vanilla note that adds depth rather than sweetness. The black pepper is felt, while the chicken cuts through the taste effectively. This is a pasta that feels rich yet composed.
Price: Tk1,100
Chicken Pizza
The Chicken Pizza was an authentic, thin-crust experience. The base is crisp, the toppings evenly distributed, and the cheese applied with restraint. Black pepper plays a subtle but noticeable role, enhancing rather than masking the flavours of chicken and mushrooms. While the pizza stands well on its own, chilli sauce adds a welcome contrast without disrupting the overall profile. The cheese does not drown the crust, the toppings do not overwhelm the base.
Price: Tk1,600
Pomegranate Drink
The pomegranate drink was a refreshing interlude. Perhaps this is the item that could not live up to the expectation. It had lemon soda essence with a slightly pungent edge. Actual pomegranate seeds add texture and authenticity. But the orange juice syrup was too much; it tasted more orangey than Pomegranate. The drink is not overly sweet, which works in its favour, though the ice is perhaps a touch excessive. This item felt a bit overpriced.
Price: Tk700
Brownie
Special Brownie dessert arrived as redemption, and it proved to be a perfect conclusion. Thick, creamy and not too sweet, it avoids the cloying intensity that often defines chocolate desserts. Even after a filling meal, this brownie remains approachable.
Its flavours are soft and soothing rather than overwhelming, encouraging slow enjoyment rather than indulgent excess. It is the kind of dessert that quietly earns its place rather than demanding attention. Totally worth it.
Price: Tk250
The tables are well-spaced, the environment hygienic, and the staff properly trained, polite without hovering, attentive without interruption. Service arrives on time, without any delays. It is the kind of efficiency that allows the food to remain the centre of attention.
One of the best aspects of dining at Biancaffé is how the meal leaves you feeling afterwards. Despite generous portions, there is no sense of heaviness. Even when full, there is no discomfort, a testament to both ingredient quality and careful execution.
Biancaffé does not attempt to redefine Italian cuisine in Dhaka, nor does it chase trends. Instead, it focuses on doing the fundamentals well—authentic flavours, balanced portions, attentive service and a calm, welcoming space. In doing so, it quietly distinguishes itself.
