Insider Pages Reviews for Osteria La Buca

4 Stars: Freshest Italian in LA (by vanaaron)

vanaaron — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT

The freshest pasta I've tasted in LA. The bruschetta is great and tiramisu is phenomenal. I was less impressed with the pizza, but I'll have to try out another pie to really give it a fair chance... still by far one of the best Italian places in town.

Try to get a spot up top near the fireplace if you can

3 Stars: Okay, Lovely Interior, Expensive (by indyjo)

indyjo — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I went to Osteria La Buca because it was relatively close to my work and it had five (5) stars on this site. The restaurant is right by the studios in a slightly sketchy area. The inside, however, is lovely and it definitely seems like an industry hangout. My waiter was nice, but pushy. I consented to a meal that I didn't pick and ended up ordering a dessert I did not want. I had one of the pasta specials which wasn't anything special... It wasn't really good at all. It was about on par with spaghetti and Ragu. Plus, my companions and I were left hungry due to the small portions. The Diet Coke mix was off as well. The tiramisu, however, was actually pretty good. The bill for three (3) pasta dishes, two (2) desserts, and three (3) soft drinks came to eighty dollars ($80) before adding in a tip. Although the prices aren't exorbitant, they are way too much for the quality and amount of food you receive.

5 Stars: Romance, service with love, and great food (by jujudiva)

jujudiva — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

This is my new neighborhood joint. Well, when I have someone over with money willing to treat me, that is. I went there last night for the first time after seeing that is is packed nearly every night of the week even while restaurants around the country are reporting slow downs in business. There is a great energy inside. If you don't know Italian wines - which I don't really - just ask for a reccomedation. Or ask to try a sample. They will gladly oblige. Have a drink at the intimate bar and then have your dinner there too. Or move upstairs to the cozy fireside room. The ravioli with butter and sage sauce is perfection. The pizza was delicious - I prefer a little crispier crust, but the quality of ingredients and preparation were obvious.

This is the place to take your friends with money who don't know this pocket of LA and then they will think you know secrets about the city that they don't.

Last night, dinner for two with salads and two drinks per person came to $143 including tip.

5 Stars: Great place!! (by rena m.)

rena m. — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:39:00 GMT

The atmosphere is amazing.

The food was great and they have a wide selection to choose from.

Out server was very friendly and helpful.

Overall great place to just hang out!

5 Stars: BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN LA (by lucky77777)

lucky77777 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I'm a former restaurant owner and I'm a pretty damn good cook. I found La Buca a few years ago and I have watched it grow into a beautiful restaurant. Comments to other reviewers. It's not a pizza take out joint. The pizza is served as a first course.Secondly, if a waiter rushes you, ask to speak to the manager. The waiters interested in turning your table over.Don't put up with it because the owner won't. The food is delicious and because they know me I am treated very nicely. The main pleasure beside the food is that they recognize you and greet you warmly, something that many restaurants in LA lack. It's not an Olive Garden, so relax and let them take you back to Italy. Lokk at the Chandelier and enjoy the ride.

5 Stars: Best Italian outside of Italy, or maybe inside too (by jdaro)

jdaro — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Mamma is a grand master of pasta. Get the bolognese. By far the best I've ever had. I have never had a bad meal here. My wife and I have been eating here since it was four tables where the patio is now. Always great service and excellent suggestions. Can't make up your mind. Let the waiters choose for you. They will never steer you wrong. Oh and I almost forgot about the wine, great wine that's hard to find most places.

5 Stars: THE BEST PASTA ANYWHERE! (by MSTIVALI)

MSTIVALI — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Oh My God! I ate lunch last week at LaBuca, absolutely, by far the best pasta ever. I enjoyed the pesto pasta with a glass of Proseco, then topped off with tiramisu and expresso. I thought I was Italy for a second.
I also recommend the caprese salad. I took a friend for dinner a year ago and she is still talking about this salad. And of course Filipo is pleasant as always. Thank you for sharing your Momma with us.

5 Stars: Amazing Pastas, Great Service and Beautiful Wine Pairings (by winelovinlady)

winelovinlady — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I recently had a lovely experience at Osteria La Buca. I went with my boyfriend for dinner and we shared the most fabulous meal! Our Italian waiter greeted us with charm and a friendly tone and even brought us into a room to show us the fresh homemade pasta before they cook it so we could pick out what kind we wanted! We shared a few pasta dishes, their gnochhi and a burrata appetizer that was to die for! I would highly recommend this place! They also were great at suggesting wines to pair with the meal. For a romantic evening...Osteria is a perfect Italian spot;)!

5 Stars: fun atmosphere (by nlvisitor)

nlvisitor — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

great food, great service, cool place.
my friends and i were in from out of town and were treated like stars, unlike the snooty other 5 star l.a. restaurants we visited. had a great time- LOVED our food and will be back!!

3 Stars: solid but very plain (by albertoy)

albertoy — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

not bad, pretty solid pasta but nothing to rave about. place is nice and cozy, maybe a little too dark....

3 Stars: Delicious food but expensive and... what's with the aggressive wine pushing? (by nginla)

nginla — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

The food was delicious, except for the salad and dessert. Honestly in that department, I've had better at Maggiano's and I'm not even kidding. But the pastas are absolutely to die for, and the atmosphere was nice. So I would go back, minus the salad and dessert in favor of that wonderful pasta. The service was prompt, friendly... problem is, the waiter was pushing the wine and alcohol SO aggressively, you had to wonder. Is the food (quite expensive, small portions) not enough to keep that place open? We all know restaurants make a huge margin off the booze they sell, but to be THAT pushy about it... and then to literally make you feel bad for opting for ONE $40 bottle instead of giving in to the incessant $90 wine push was completely ridiculous! That alone will make me think twice about going back. A little advice to Mama, let the food speak for itself and tell your waiters to ease up on the "pressure sales" tactics with the alcohol. For God's sake, it's LA; we all have to drive home! A little irresponsible... and greedy... and annoying.

5 Stars: Pasta pasta pasta! (by crankypanda)

crankypanda — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I always order the same thing:

Salad with mushrooms and fusilli (sp?) vodka. It's so good it makes me cry. I can't comment on any other dishes.

The service, though, is phenomenal. I understand they've remolded and made the place flashier and more modern, but it maintains a warm atmosphere and uber-friendly and helpful staff: all Italian, all smiles. My favorite Italian in LA.

5 Stars: Best Italian food in the city - maybe even in the US (by yummyeater)

yummyeater — Sun, 25 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I've been meaning to post this review for months and after another amazing meal I came home and made myself write this. This place is unbelievable. The pasta is perfection in both taste and al dente! My favorite part is the sauce - OMGGG - I am NOT a sauce person. I eat spaghetti with ketchup because I don't really like sauce. At other Italian restaurants I push the sauce off my pasta as much as possible, at La Buca I scoop up every last bit. We literally ask for more bread just so we have an excuse to eat more sauce. I'm absolutely obsessed with the arrabiatta. The tomatoes are so fresh, it's just the right level of spicy and it's the only arrabiata I've liked since I traveled to Italy a few years ago. I've also had the pesto - we love it on gnocchi - and the vodka sauce - both incredible. Ok, so we've covered the pasta and the sauce and now I have to talk about the tiramisu. I have to preface it by saying, I hate tiramisu. I tasted my husband's tiramisu at La Buca a few visits ago and could not believe what I was eating - soo amazingly moist with a very heavy coffee flavor. Now, everytime we go we have to order it. In addition to amazing food, La Buca's staff is very authentic Italian which matches the extreme authenticity of the food (we brought our friend who is from Italy here last month - this is the ONLY Italian restaurant she has liked in the US. she basically licked her plate clean - and she is PICKY!). Mamma, if you ever get to meet her, is ADORABLE! She was so sweet and I was impressed that she actually came out to meet her customers when we requested it.

I could write forever about La Buca. I honestly don't know why anyone would go to another Italian restaurant when they could go here. La Buca is in a world of its own. You HAVE to go and go often. La Buca is by far the best Italian restaurant in the city - what are you waiting for? P.S. I think I was supposed to shout out to Ricardo from our last visit and I forgot - YOU DA BEST!

4 Stars: No parking, ridiculously overcrowded and a two-hour wait...? Who cares -- go there anyway! (by freebie_grabber)

freebie_grabber — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My December '07 experience: A German/English redhead, a Chinese Muslim and a half-Polish atheist drink raspberry brandy with a Spanish-speaking Lebanese dude at an Italian restaurant. Only in Los Angeles.

I highly recommend you eat at Osteria La Buca on Melrose. Recently renovated; they can barely keep up with the demand for "Mamma's" home cooking. Observe the oversized Fellini print on the wall and the custom wine bottle chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Drool over the beautiful hostess as she attempts to translate the ingredient "wurstel" (in their Tagliatelle Viennese) by touching her own flawless cheeks. Ask for Marwan; you won't be disappointed. Salut!

4 Stars: delicious (by tryst N.)

tryst N. — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:32:00 GMT

Great authentic Italian food! An intimate place for great food (they make their own pasta) and conversations with friends or loved ones. One of the best Italian food I've had in quite awhile.

1 Stars: Gone is the old La Buca we loved... (by dolphen1)

dolphen1 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

It was a very sad evening for us. What was once an awesome, charming, delicious and authentic Italian restaurant has seemingly gone corporate. The food has suffered. The atmosphere is now "trendy" instead of intimate and sweet. The love that "Mama" put in each and every menu item is gone, replaced by something akin to an upscale Macaroni Grill.
They do have an extensive/expensive and professionally designed wine list. It wouldn't surprise me if they opened up a sister location in Beverly Hills.
To the old La Buca: R.I.P.

1 Stars: WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND (by bdbdbdbd)

bdbdbdbd — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

So we actually live around the block from this place and have been wanting to go here for awhile so we acutally saved our first meal here for valentines day this year to make it kind of special. We took the time to make a reservation 5 weeks in advance. When we arrived we were treated like we had no reservation and were made to wait with people that walked in off the street. When i mentioned to the hostess that we made a reservation she agreed in non english and just wrote our name down. This kind of set the mood for this place. We looked up the menu online and were prepared for what we were going to have since we are vegatarians and obviously can only eat certain items. We were given no notice when we made the reservation there would be a Pre fix menu on valentines nite and nothing from the normal menu was availiable. Seems like they TRIPLED their prices just for such a special occasion. KIND OF LAME for a "neighborhood" place.After waiting 15 minutes they finally seat us in the little side room where the heater is broken and basically it was like sitting outside with no heating source (which if it was summer it might be nice but unfortunately it was cold outside).. Anyways it took us at least 6-8 times to get the waiters attention to get another glass of wine. The food actually wasnt that bad. BUT the biggest,grossest, worst thing about this place and what will make us NEVER return was when we turned to look on the wall next to us and theres a big r@ach crawling around on the wall. When we alerted the busboy he said "oh a cucaracha" and laughed and smashed it on the wall much to our disgust and amazement. When we received the check the waiter asked how everything was we were like umm there was a r@ach on the wall while we were eating the waiter laughed and said ohhh okay and walked away. Not exactly the response we were wanting when we just paid 139.00 for a meal.

5 Stars: Real Italian in a Cute Atmosphere (by wilby120)

wilby120 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We tried this place a few weeks ago and were blown away. It's a little far from where we live, but I'd drive there any day of the week. I believe the restaurant has been renovated recently with a new lodge-type feel that was very cozy. It took a little while to be seated even though we did have a reservation, and I wouldn't say the service was the best. BUT, the food was outstanding. We tried 3 types of pasta (spicy marinara, vodka sauce and one other that I am forgetting) and also got white fish. To start, we tried a calamari dish and a margharita pizza that was amazing. And we brought our own wine, so i can't comment on that. I really enjoyed this place and will defintiely be back.

5 Stars: Gnocci made for those who love gnocci (by westhollywoodgirl22)

westhollywoodgirl22 — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Large, light, fluffy pouffs of gnocci melt in your mouth along with the delicious pink vodka tomato cream sauce highlighted with shrimp. Everything is homemade, everything is fresh and flavorful, just as you would hope for.
The bread is warm and served with a flavorful, a bit spicy, marinara sauce.
The place is tiny tiny. MAKE A RESERVATION.
Regulars are hoping the upcoming expansion won't take away from the pokey charm, but from what I could see the last time I was there, the bigger version next door will feature a fireplace upstairs. That and "Mamma" in the kitchen will keep me going back for as long as I adore gnocci.

5 Stars: Best pizza in town (by njackson82)

njackson82 — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

If you want to feel like you're in italy when you eat, this is the place for you. No kidding. Run by all Italians, they speak Italian, act italian, and even have their Italian mother back in the kitchen cooking! Having that said, they are pretty strict with their seating time slots due to their extremely limited space (hence the name buca, which means hole in italian). But this pizza here is some of the best i've had and I frequently go there just for that. The pastas they make fresh in house are mezzo mezzo at best, and they don't have a liquor license (but you can bring your own bottle of wine for no corkage fee). It's definitely an experience, but don't expect to sit at 7pm and be able to stay all night cause their 9pm reservation time slots will be filled and you will be rushed out. Ma questa e' vita!

5 Stars: Don't worry - they're expanding !!! (by pbobo)

pbobo — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Good news people - they are expanding into the space next door, so perhaps that will help with the 90 minute "time limit" on seating. Either way, my husband and I finally tried La Buca last week, and... WOW... unbelievably delicious everything (especially the sausage/mushroom pizza and gnocchi with pink sauce). Impressive wine list too. We received excellent service and can't wait to go back. In fact we are going to order pizza take-out tonight, so don't forget to consider that as an option too. The food is just too delicious for some of the negative reviewers to not give it a second chance... they're really missing out. Coming from a looooonngg background in the restaurant industry, I can 100% money-back-guarantee that every single restaurant known to man has had unhappy customers from time to time. That doesn't mean the food is not amazing. DEFINITELY give La Buca a try - I'm glad I did!

5 Stars: Heaven on a Plate (by lalalauren1)

lalalauren1 — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The homemade pasta melts in your mouth. Mama in the kitchen is the best chef in LA! The warm ambience and service make you feel right at home. MUST MUST MUST EAT HERE! Our favorite restaurant--highly recommended!!!

5 Stars: EXTRAORDINARY dining experience, served with love and warmth. (by elfo)

elfo — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

La Buca is one of Los Angeles's GREAT hidden gems. Run by a warm, Itialian family--Mama making homemade pasta in the kitchen, the restaurant features authentic, even rustic Italian recipes, prepared with skill, love, pride, and the highest degree of culinary sophistication. One could easily pay three times the price at Valentinos, but the meal would not be any better, as La Buca is as good as it gets. Menu features simple but PERFECT, mouth-watering pizzas, seafood raviolis with subtle but complex flavor combinations and daily specials. My wife and I usually start with a salad of fresh burrata cheese over baby arugala, served with sweet ripe cherry tomatoes and Italian sausage and prosciutto, followed one of the daily specials-- anything from prime steak with gorganzola to expertly grilled fresh trout. Be warned to call in advance for reservations, as the word is getting out fast.

1 Stars: SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE!! (by queenofengland)

queenofengland — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I was there with a guest from London and thought it would be an interesting place to take someone who does not know LA well, and instead of going to the "know" places around the city, I thought it will be a unique experience. Instead we received constant harassment throughout dinner regarding the time that is allowed for a table to be occupied, since the establishment only has 11 tables- mentioned by the waiter.
We were having a full-on 3 course meal and they were requesting us to complete that within an hour and a half..??
Our final bill for the 2 appetizers, 2 main course and dessert and coffee came out around $100- excluding the wine that was provided by me. I think with that kind of price range - $50 per person, I think La Buca could afford to give us more time to enjoy our meal and not treat us as if we were in a fast food chain or a diner- By the way, the hand-made Pesto Pasta was not even that great.

5 Stars: Best pizza I have ever eaten in my life hands down (by seanraee)

seanraee — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

This place is all about being the real deal. It is not your run of the mill Italina restaurant. Their fresh pasta and real home sytle pizza is nothing short of being in the old country. I will contiue to eat here as long as they don't change a thing.

4 Stars: Maybe I'm too old for this? (by miraculous)

miraculous — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The majority of positive reviews seem to resound, "YEAH, BRAH!!! YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN KEG!!!" Maybe this one focuses on a different issue: the food. I wanted to get pizza delivered tonight as I was really hungry and I found out the Rite Aid near my house doesn't carry frozen. I was looking to go cheap, but being that La Buca got a 9.8, I figured I'd spend the extra money and get some good delivery. Online menu was impressive, and more than I wanted, really. Delivery is minimum $25, which is steep for just me dining, but I ordered anyways. I have now eaten an entire 12" pizza and half of a 16". I'm not full, just satisfied. It's thin crust, which I'm not a fan of, so that might play a part. But it still raises a question in my mind why people excited about saving money are also excited about eating here. This pizza is thin. Not bland, but not far off. Not filling. Not ordering from here again. On the positive note, delivery was around 15 minutes.

5 Stars: Yes, It's A Wow (by mrfoodla)

mrfoodla — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Amazing pasta, taglietelli my fave, with the fume sauce. From the fresh salads to the amazing pizza and pasta, I love this place.

You need an rsvp, or at least a call before opening - even to grab an early slot, but it's worth it. There are only ten tables or so...make sure one of them is yours. Oh, and as everyone else has mentioned, it's not fancy...it's just damned good, and the no corkage fee policy is great - perhaps you should bring your own glasses though, as they offer only the most basic authentic 'chianti glasses' (aka small tumblers).

1 Stars: FAIR WARNING (by meemeeh)

meemeeh — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

OK, so, Ive never written an online review before. But this experience was so unpleasant that it warrants a fair warning. I was prepared to have a delicious meal with my boyfriend and a good friend. My plans were foiled. La Buca is a very small establishment. Nothing wrong with that. BUT, our waiter seemed to believe that we were taking up more space and time than we deserved. When we sat down and he immediately tried to up sell us on our appetizer. He wanted us to get the $16.00 sampler; we wanted the $7.00 Bruschetta. We received our food (which for the most part was delicious) and had been eating for less than 7 minutes while my friend was in the middle of telling a very interesting story. The server came over and saw that we didnt have our forks in our hands, shoveling our food down our throats at 30 reps per second, and felt the need to interrupt her and ask if we didnt like the food and/or if we were done. He hovered over our table for the rest of the dinner (I believe we were there for about 60 minutes) asking us every 5 minutes if we were done. We werent done with our food, but we were pretty much done with him. At one point I saw him whispering to another server and making hurry up motions with his hands. The place is about the size of a shoe box, Im not sure how he thought we wouldnt be able to see or hear his comments. Or maybe he wanted us to hear. Either way. I honestly wish that Id had a different experience at La Buca. The place itself was charming. I dont know, maybe we just got a coked up waiter. But Im not willing to go back and test it. If you choose to take the test, DONT GET THE CARBONARA.

1 Stars: Pushy Waiter Spoiled the Mood (by sineadeen)

sineadeen — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I wish I could say that this charming little Osteria would become my new favorite LA Find, but I have to say that I was completely tuned off by the pushy wait staff (or at least one in particular.) It started 3 minutes after being seated, when I was recommended to order the $27 steak and the $16 appetizer, mind you, before my friends had even arrived.... When I decided on a less costly item, I was quickly served and less than 10 minutes into the meal was interrupted when the waiter told us to eat the pasta quickly while it was still hot. I took that as a sign to hurry up and get out, but decided to take my sweet time as a result. I was also disappointed by the $5 bottle of aqua natura that I found to taste more like tap water, which I believe it to be. I must admit that my gnocchi bolognese was delicious and I like the free corkage and bring your own wine policy, but I can't recommend this as a friendly establishment.

5 Stars: Amazing food...make a reservation (by kkneafsey)

kkneafsey — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This place has very very good food with a New York small restuarant feel. Also for the time being you can bring your own wine with no corkage fee (until they get their liqour license). Make sure you make a reservation though -- you will never get a seat and may get a some tude from the wat staff.

5 Stars: Best Pasta in the United States of America (by scottkeiner)

scottkeiner — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This homey little restaurant has the best pasta I've ever eaten outside of Italy, and it's better than most places IN Italy. It's tiny bistro atmosphere is perfect for a date or getting together with friends, and the Italian staff is extremely friendly and extremely Italian. Go there now. Eat Pasta. You will be happy you did.

The only problem, it's always packed. Make sure to make a reservation several days ahead of time or prepare to wait.

3 Stars: Disappointed with the pizza (by oliveirt)

oliveirt — Fri, 26 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I live nearby, so I was psyched when I read about this place. I came by without a reservation, so I didn't get to stay, so I ordered a pizza to go. Boy was I disappointed. Nothing horrible, but it just wasn't good pizza. That's the last thing I'd describe it as.
Maybe the pasta's better. We'll have to wait, make a reservation, and see. The place really is tiny!

4 Stars: the pasta is where it's at (by bluegazer)

bluegazer — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Wow, it is REALLY a small space. So be aware they now take reservations and have also started carrying a limited number of wines. As for the results of our first sojourn into their menu, the Calamari was better than average, the Napoli Pizza was very good but could use a bit more salt in the dough (even with the anchovies), the Trenette al Pesto was IT and totally made the experience for us. I can't recall the last time I had well prepared pasta with the right amount of amazing sauce. For dessert we tried, per the waiters suggestion, the pear tart, but it was just okay...there are other Italian restaurants which excel in that arena. Parking is a pain, but weekdays at 7 p.m. the parking on Melrose opens up. Well have to go back if just to try more pastas!!

1 Stars: disorganization loses customers (by janmelport)

janmelport — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Husband and I w/ a friend showed up to our reserved dining time on Friday, 2/10/06 to discover that our reservation was missing. Wait staff was self absorbed and took no responsibility for mistake after I was able to confirm making it. I have visited this restaurant enough to recognize someone on the wait staff but not this night. Our last visit to La Buca was suggests that service was lacking. We've even tolorated the occasional comment to finish by a certain time due to tight seating.

We won't return to La Buca - menu is limited, location is not convenient unless you are a true local and can walk there. Parking on busy Melrose and neighboring streets is limited. With or without construction, La Buca should work to keep their loyal customer base because customers have choices and will always find new places to dine.

5 Stars: Wonderful food, zero attitude! (by boiledpeanut)

boiledpeanut — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Our favorite new restaurant of the year, hands down. Perfect thin pizzas, freshly made pastas, among the best we've ever had, anywhere, all made by the owner's Italian mom. The service is warm and friendly, and they take a huge amount of pride in their food.

5 Stars: Best Pizza I've had for ages (by max million)

max million — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Tried La Buca for lunch. What a fantastic little Italian place! Wish I lived closer.
Arugula, mushroom and parmesan salad to start - had a delightfully light and lemony dressing. Shared a 12" pizza - the Caruso? - topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms and Italian sausage. My, oh my - those little chunks of sausage were time bombs of intense flavour. Super tasty with a leading note of fennel. Thin, light crust - in short - an incredible pizza. Best I've had in LA, but I must admit I rarely eat it. La Buca is BYO - no corkage fee.
Cute venue, soon to be expanding, I believe. Hope the charm remains intact. I know the food will. At present it's a very small place, so call ahead for a table.
Far from expensive -- 1 salad, 1 pizza, 1 aranciata = approx $30, inclu tip (from memory).

5 Stars: Family recepies (by chefblue69)

chefblue69 — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

La Buka is the place to go if you like great old-world Italian food. The chef/owner has brought her family recepies over form Italy and serves them up in a cosey little place just for you. You will love it if you have any tast at all.

5 Stars: Fantastic! (by geezopeez)

geezopeez — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Went to La Buca on a whim the other night and was thoroughly surprised and elated with not only at the selections on the menu, but also with the prices! Amazing deals for such delicious homemade pasta. The staff was very attentive and charming, making sure our waters were filled and our stomachs happy. Make sure to get a reservation as there are probably only 6-7 tables in the entire restaurant. I'd prefer my date to take me here over hoity toity restaurants as it's very quaint and pleasant. Very cute place --it reminds me of a precious little eateries stuck in small alleyways in New York-- that will undoubtedly be the talk of the town very soon.

5 Stars: Forget Fabiolus' for Dinner! (by benabetts)

benabetts — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 01:00:00 GMT

He's only open for dinner now, but don't let that stop you from experiencing this former Fabiolus waiter's creation. He brought Mama over from Italy to run the kitchen and the results are worth the European serving pace. Excellent home made pastas and pizzas straight from Mama's kitchen. Unless you have an Italian grandmother expert chef who cooks all the time, you've never enoyed food like this. Highly recommended!