I know what you're thinking... a fine restaurant in Waterloo?. But next time you're up that way give it a try. The chef knows his stuff and won't over cook your lamb or your salmon. Nice wine list, friendly atmosphere, good service, and unusual art work.
This guy is argueably the best chef in the region. How he can continually put together culinary masterpieces is beyond me. He must keep great notes. Another great thing about this place is they have an extremely low corkage fee and you can afford to bring that one bottle you've been saving for just the right experience Special place.
Okay, if you can't get to John's Grocery to talk with Wally, this is the place you should be. They value wine as much as you do and it shows. They know the regions, varieties, many of the vinyards, and how to pair it with what's for dinner. Very nonpretensious and homey. Don't step on the dog, (that lucky dog).
You will love this place. The sushi is the freshest and the variety the widest and the sushi chefs just may be the friendliest as well as most knowledgeable. I judge a sushi place by it's Chirasi Don and this place has the best. Remember, Iowa is a long way from the sea and for sushi "fresh" is all important. There is no work-around.
The Japanese menu is good, but the Chinese menu has disappointed. Stay with the Japanese/Sushi. I agree with a previous post: you WILL become a regular once you've tried them.
I haven't been to Dodici's but Biaggi's has become a favorite since banning smoking. The noise in the main dining room will be bothersome so try the back room, bar (booth), or if your party is large enough, the private wine room. Good wine list. Excellent appetizers (try the clamari), Salads (Caprese listed as appetizer), and entrees (love the osso bucco). All servings are large (this is Iowa) so my wife and I will split a bottle of wine, appetizer, salad and entree and walk out the door considering the culinary experience one of the best deals in Cedar Rapids. And the wait staff is tops. If they'd only kill the noise level, and maybe the TVs...
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