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Sam & Gabe's Italian Bistro

8631 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 271-9200
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Ranked #2 of 63 restaurants in Urbandale
Cuisines: French
6 visitor photos
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39 reviews from our community

76% Recommend
    18
    12
    4
    5
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Auburn Center, Pennsylvania, United States
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

The server was pretty good, the wine was good, but the main entrees were terrible. Again, I thought I'm in the land of pork and corn so the pork tenderloin medallions would melt in my mouth, but alas I was wrong twice in a row. When I think of a pork tenderloin I think cut with your fork and melt... More

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See 3 more reviews by Peter B for Urbandale
Clive, Iowa
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2013

We've been going the Sam & Gabe's for years. The fact that we keep going back is the best testament to the food and service. I haven't had everything on the menu but everything I've had has been terrific. It's a little pricier than the chains (you know who they are) but well worth it. If you haven't tried it,... More

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Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2013 via mobile

We ate here after with a large party and the service was superb even with our large party of more than 20. I had the Lasagna Forno and a side of eight meatballs. The Lasagna was delicious and pouring with flavors, and so were the meatballs in red and white sauces. Katie got the Veal Chop and it was very... More

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Des Moines, Iowa
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
46 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

3 adults and 1 child ate and the bill came to $95. We were "forced into ordering a child's meal $6 (didn't even include the drink), as they were going to charge a plate fee for my daughter to share her meal with her 5 year old. My steak was tough as shoe leather - I did order it "well,"... More

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See 5 more reviews by Cyndeetrek for Urbandale
Des Moines, Iowa
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
24 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 February 2013

The food here could turn any ordinary dinner into a special occasion. My husband had the sea bass which was encrusted with asiago cheese. My mom and I had the asiago cheese encrusted chicken which was baked with marinara and more cheese. This was the best marinara sauce I've ever had! The service was impeccable - we never had to... More

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West Des Moines, Iowa
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
30 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2013 via mobile

I moved out to DM from NYC, and this was recommended to me. I know good food !! I have been to some of the finest places in NYC. This place is a breadth of fresh air in DM. Finally, I found a quality place to enjoy fine cuisine with style. After going to other places in DM, and being... More

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See 2 more reviews by Andy F for Urbandale
Johnston
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
29 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 January 2013

Had a large party of 15 here. Service was wonderful. Tasty food and good prices. Servers were on the ball and willing to make us happy

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See 3 more reviews by pbtmm for Urbandale
Ankeny, Iowa
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 December 2012

Des Moines has a very deep Italian immigrant base and therfore can lay claim to some of the finest italian food in the country. Steeped in a rich family tradition, The Talerico's continue to strive for fine dining excellence, And it shows. From the white linen tablecloths to the impeccably dressed staff, this is one that is sure to please.... More

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Des Moines, Iowa
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 December 2012

The food is always outstanding but the service is what makes this a great restaurant. You can never go wrong with the halibut or any of the steaks. Love the sausage and pepper app. Yes it can be noisy at times but you know you are in a great place when there are that many people!

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See 2 more reviews by Kim B for Urbandale
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
34 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 December 2012

on the menue when you go. It is the most wonderful fish I've ever eaten. If you have room for an appetizer, you HAVE to try the Italian Nachos, which are flooded with Grazianos Sausage - a piece of heaven made right in Des Moines, Iowa. This restaurant is pricey, and has very limited hours - but an evening here... More

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