Buca di Beppo

I will first say this is a very special place. My husband and I have spent more than one date there before and after we were happily married. A friend of mine told me about this place. He said don't forget to ask for the "kitchen table". I had no idea what he meant so I asked for it when I made my reservation. This very special table is located in the cent of the kitchen. We got to see all the chef's and cooks and every one that works there. We saw all of our food being cooked and even got some "mess up orders" on the house. We loved the service and the food. For great Italian food this is the place! It's located down town so you can catch a movie before or after you eat.

Posted 06/15/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

One of my personal favorites! First and foremost, the food is authentic "NY style" Italian--fresh, delicious and plentiful (you will go home with leftovers)! Whether you're a party of two or twenty two Buca will not disappoint. The staff is knowledgeable and hardworking, the prices are very fair, and the dining rooms are filled with the most wonderful Italian kitsch. This establishment is a "do not miss!"

Posted 03/27/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Food is wonderful and so is the service.
Prices are lovely and nice.
The atmosphere needs a little work, but the food makes up for that loss. I'll be coming back.

Posted 01/26/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I love the decorations and the service. The food was soooo good and the people are very nice.

Come here in at least a group of 3-4 b/c their menu is a family-everyone-share-on-the-table style. I highly recommend the garlic-cheese bread and their roy rogers. The 1864 Salad is very good too... Price is affordable and if you tell them it's your first time, they will give you a tour of their kitchen.

Posted 12/18/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I've went to this place twice and I ordered the same thing but that's only because I loved it the first time I got it. I forgot what it's called but its like spaghetti with clams and stuff on it. I think that is one of the most popular item on the menu. It's a pretty good price too, especially because they give so much. It was enough to share with three, maybe even four people. The calamari isn't so bad either.

Posted 12/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

The first time I went there with a friend, we both ordered a dish each without realizing how huge the portions are. Each dish can be shared with two people. The food was pretty good. Wouldn't recommend the salad though, it was very, very oily. Probably just as unhealthy as the pastas. Anyways, you get what you pay for. It is a bit on the pricey side. I would go there again with a big group of people.

Posted 12/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Did anybody say lemonball mojito? They are the best here, a must have! This place is great. Really crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly. It is all family style. Huge portions, and an eclectic Italian style.

Posted 11/07/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I dont know much about authentic italian food but i do know what i like and Bucca delivered. The portions are great and i thought the food was delicious. The service varies based on how busy it has been. The prices are a not cheap but based on the portions it makes sense, i highly recommend this for family gatherings.

Posted 10/30/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Wow! what huge portions the restaurant provides. If you go to Buca de Beppo, go hungry. Most servings are large enough for two. The restaurant can get a bit loud but it is a fun place to go for a meal.

Posted 09/26/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

This is the worst place to eat. The food was okay but the server was terrible. My server didn't even say hi or ask what we wanted to drink. They messed up on our drinks, food and our bill. But the worst of all, the server was rude, unprofessional and irresponsible. He dropped a knife on my feet and he didn't even pick it up or apologize to me.

Posted 06/25/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Buca di Beppo serves family style, which gives you the ability to try many different types of food in one sitting. Overall, this is a great place to eat. One thing thou it tends to get loud so it is not a great place for conversation

Posted 06/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Coming from Italian background, I know my Italian food and this was not even close to a real Italian food. I love the family style dining but the service is no more than an average.

Posted 04/30/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

This is great restaurant to go with a group of friends or to hold an event. They serve huge portions and everything is served family style. It's a great environment, and everyone seems to be more interactive becuase of the casual and relaxed ambiance. Basically, you feel like you're at home... in Italy.

Posted 12/14/07 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I think the atmosphere is loud by design. I went during early dinner hours to the bar (at the downtown location), when it was quiet and fairly empty, and read a book as I waited. The manager stared at me (at least he was smiling) and then turned the lights down on me. I suppose I was ruining the ambience.

I had to scream in the ears of my friends at the location on Westview Parkway to be heard.

Posted 11/02/07 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I first visited this restaurant for a friend's birthday dinner celebration. This is one of the best places in San Diego for a festive family style dinner. Portions are large, delicious, and made for sharing. Large groups are best so you can order lots of dishes and try a bit of everything. My favourite dish there is the marsala chicken. In addition to great food, the atmosphere is energetic and fun. The walls are painted in bright colours, while the decorations and music make you feel like you might actually be in Italy.

Posted 09/05/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Buca Di Beppo is by far my most favorite Italian food restaurant, from the arrangement of the restaurant to the variety of quality dishes. All the food are fairly prices and serve family sized dishes. I love their pasta dishes, salads, pizzas... basically everything! That includes their housebread as well. And the interior decorating is more fun than any restaurant I've ever visited. Definitely worth a visit, if you are simply into food.

PROS: Decorating, quality food, bread, salads, pasta
CONS: The Kalamari was not the best, and meals occasionally get slightly pricey

Posted 07/28/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?