Stepping into Buca di Beppo, I knew I was in for a treat. Welcoming me, the restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. Eagerly, I tried their thick, fruity tomato sauce, a staple in many of their dishes that I've heard high praise about and I was not disappointed.
Immersing myself in the restaurant's history, I found out Buca di Beppko first opened its doors in Minneapolis in 1993. Unique to the venue is a 'Pope’s Table' that seats between 12 - 18 people, and a 'Chef’s Table' that comfortably accommodates 6 - 10 people, blending a communal space with a hint of catholic tradition.
Find out more about Buca di Beppo on their website: https://www.bucadibeppo.com
Where can I find Buca di Beppo restaurants?
Currently, Buca di Beppo boasts 69 locations spread across the United States. You're never far from one of their delicious meals if you're in any of the following locations:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Washington DC
If you're in California, count yourself one lucky diner because it holds the title for the greatest number of Buca di Beppo restaurants with a whopping 17! No other US state boasts over 6 Buca di Beppo restaurants.
What kind of food does Buca di Beppo serve?
Buca di Beppo is famous for its generous portions, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Offering its main courses in ‘Buca Small’ for three and ‘Buca Large’ that feeds five, there's part of the restaurant’s charm. I found myself reminiscing about crowded Sunday family dinners which gave a homey touch to the whole dining experience.
The restaurant also serves a fantastic range of traditional Italian appetizers with world-famous meatballs and creamy ricotta among their offer. There’s also a wide range of fresh salads, which can be devoured as they are, or amplified with the addition of chicken or shrimp.
Pastaphiles rejoice! The Buca di Beppo menu comprises a lot of pasta options such as stuffed pasta like Chicken Cannelloni, specialties like Lasagna, and traditional pasta as in Spaghetti Marinara. To make your meal even heartier, any dish can be supplemented with sharable sides, such as meatballs, Italian sausage, and green beans.
And for the grand finale – desserts. One of the highlights that caught my eye was their traditional Italian tiramisu – homemade ladyfingers soaked in rum & espresso paired with luscious mascarpone cheese and topped with cocoa and a hazelnut biscotti. If you are like me and find it hard to choose just one dessert, then the Dolce Platter provides a mix of the four favourite Buca di Beppo desserts.
Options for vegetarians at Buca di Beppo
Vegetarians, have no fear! There’s a separate Buca di Beppo menu just for you. You can find an array of delicious dishes from five appetizers, two salads, four pizzas, seven kinds of pasta and entrees, to four sides. I'm told the Apple Gorgonzola salad and Baked Ziti entree are two of the most popular items on the Buca di Beppo vegetarian menu, but feel free to find your favourite!
Vegan options at Buca di Beppo
Yes, vegans are accommodated as well. Buca di Beppo offers multiple vegan dishes. However, remember to look out for their clearly marked items on the vegetarian menu that contain eggs. You can collect full nutritional information on the Buca di Beppo website, or ask when you’re at the restaurant.
Certainly, Buca di Beppo caters to their younger guests as well. The children’s menu is extensive and includes options such as Macaroni and cheese, Spaghetti with meatballs, Fettucine alfredo, Cheese or Pepperoni pizza, and Chicken Parmigiana. These meals are tailored for children under the age of 10 and each one includes a drink option of milk, juice, soda, water or sparkling water.
Are all Buca di Beppo restaurants open at the same time?
Buca di Beppo restaurants typically open from 11am through to 11pm, with an earlier closing time of 9:30pm on Sundays. Keep in mind, though, the opening hours can vary between stores, so it's best to check with your nearest branch for their specific opening times.
Does Buca di Beppo deliver?
Yes, Buca di Beppo delivery is a reality! However, this service depends on your local restaurants, so it's best to verify with the ones closest to you.
Can I take Buca di Beppo food to go?
Most of the Buca di Beppo restaurants do a takeaway or to-go order service, and some even allow you to place this order online. Once again, just get in touch with your local Buca di Beppo restaurant to clarify.
Is Buca di Beppo food considered healthy?
Buca di Beppo certainly offers some healthier options for its customers. While some of their dishes may be high in calories, you can definitely find more health-conscious choices like their mixed green salad, containing lettuce, vinaigrette, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini and olives. Full nutritional information is available on the Buca di Beppo website, to make sure you can stick to your diet!
Does Buca di Beppo cater?
Yes, they do! Buca di Beppo caters for all sorts of corporate or social events, whether it's birthdays, weddings, business meetings, fundraisers, graduations, you name it! The minimum order for catering orders is $75, and orders can be placed on the same day, but it's recommended to do so 24 hours in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Indeed, Buca di Beppo holds some fantastic promotions. At the time of my visit, they had ‘$5 wine Wednesday’ where guests enjoy white, red or sparkling wine for just $5. This promotion is only available for dine-in at some Buca di Beppo restaurants. Make sure to ask your local restaurant for any ongoing promotions.
What about gluten-free food?
Yes, Buca di Beppo offers a gluten-free menu, but note that the company cannot guarantee no contact with gluten. They have a variety of gluten-friendly appetizers, salads, entrees, and sides. The only dessert that's gluten-friendly is ice cream. The Chicken Saltimbocca is a favourite amongst their gluten-free menu.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delicious, fruity tomato sauce
- Communal dining perfect for gatherings
- Wide range of dishes including vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Child-friendly menu
- Offers takeaway and delivery services
- Great promotions like ‘$5 wine Wednesday’
Cons:
- Opening hours may vary from one restaurant to another
- Cannot guarantee gluten-free meals
- Delivery service is not available at all locations