Nostalgic Italian food! Shared a lunch combo for under $20. Great service from Jeff during lunch hour. He pours a stiff Hendricks Tonic. Excellent, central Gaslamp location in DTSD. read more

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The fact that they could accommodate my large family and were attentive made our experience extremely memorable. They made sure our food was up to our standards, which can be very tedious but never once was there any indication that it was. All in all, the environment/experience and our food were everything we could have hoped for. read more

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Such great customer service from Arturo I've never been offered warm water for my baby before at any restaurant!!! I highly recommend the $40 bundle it was plenty of food for my husband and 3 kids!! The restaurant was very clean and such a great vibe definitely coming back! read more

My Son was craving for Italian food and since he was in Spring break he called his friends to dine in with us and of course whenever he brings his friends that meant that I was the one paying as always ;) So since it was not just me and my son dining out, I decided to bring them to BUCA DI BEPPO, it's a a good Italian restaurant with a mostly Family style foods to order. We have been to Buca de Beppo in the different locations they have and their portions are really good sizes. Here are what we agreed on to order: *LARGE ITALIAN SAUSAGE PAPPARDELLE *MARGHERITA  PIZZA *GARLIC ROASTED CHICKEN  & POTATOES *FETTUCCINE ALFREDO w / CHICKEN *CAESAR SALAD *MOZZARELLA GARLIC BREAD *VILLA GARDEN SPRITZ *COLOSSAL BROWNIE SUNDAE My VILLA GARDEN SPRITZ is very refreshing, and as always their mozzarella garlic bread and caesar salad were good. We had 2 sets of Pasta, the LARGE ITALIAN SAUSAGE PAPPARDELLE and the FETTUCCINE ALREDO with chicken. My Son and his friends liked the ITALIAN SAUSAGE pasta and I liked the FETTUCCINE ALFREDO Pasta more, maybe it's because I was craving for something cheesy that day. The MARGHERITA PIZZA was not my first choice, but one of my son's friends chose it. I didn't like it, it tasted like a regular Pizza. I liked the ROASTED GARLIC CHICKEN with potatoes, it's juicy, tasty, and had a good size. For the DESSERT I always choose their COLOSSAL BROWNIE SUNDAE, this is served in a huge Martini glass, this is actually a good one and it's a really a good size for sharing. The service was good. We found a parking space right away in front of their restaurant. read more

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Used a gift card to order pickup after work. The decor was adorable and the hostess was genuinely kind, though parking downtown made me work for it. I really wanted to like this place, but the food felt like it was made without much love. The "large" pizza that claims to feed 3-4 was surprisingly small for $27.99, and the taste was... giving Chuck E. Cheese with a hint of romano. My sons were not impressed and amazingly refused to eat because it smelled like socks. The mozzarella garlic bread was undercooked and needed a trip to our oven. Once it was actually cooked it was tasty after adding some seasoning. The meatball was a little too pink for my daughter and had to be cooked more. The rigatoni arrived cold, dry, and needed extra sauce and seasoning. Overall, everything was bland and missing that extra love. Even with the nice staff and cute atmosphere, the meal just wasn't good. Maybe just a bad day for the cook and my bad luck since some people left pretty good reviews. Unfortunately, I won't be back and happy the bulk of the cost was covered by a gift card. read more

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Holy cow, it is a lot of food......3 grown men barely put a dent in it. I did not know it was a chain. The salad was great. The lasagna was meh...come hungry read more

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We came in before the dinner rush, and were seated right away and a big table. The ambiance is fun Italian art, photos and memorabilia on the walls. We all decided to get pizza, fettuccine and ravioli. All of the food was delicious. We didn't have to wait too long for the food. The waiter was very nice and attentive. read more

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As always, it was a pleasure dining in for a quick bite, our server Jeff definitely made an amazing first impression by greetings us soon as we walked in & sat us down and made the most refreshing Moscow Mule of the evening as well as the Roman Tiki drink, looking forward to returning and seeing Jeff! Thanks! read more

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant - Milan Mule & Roman Tiki - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a new location for Bucca di Beppo. Parking was hard to find, so we had to park in a paid lot nearby. They have great family style options and service was very attentive. We started with their complimentary bread and olive oil/vinegar. I got a mocktail and he chose a cocktail. For apps, we shared the meatballs, calamari, bruschetta, mushroom bites, and Caesar salad. I was getting full already! For our entrees, we chose the chicken carbonara and lasagna. We couldn't pass on the chocolate cake! At the end of our meal, they gave us complimentary shots of limoncello! read more

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Was craving chicken parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo, Buca didn't disappoint. Came in on a hopping Saturday night, we sat at the bar so we could order from them lunch menu (smaller portions). Kyle our bartender/server was awesome. Was so much fun chatting with him as he did his good work. We were probably annoying but if he we was he never let on. Drinks and dinner were fantastic with plenty of leftovers for breakfast. Yes, I love cold pasta. So happy we have such a laid back place close to here we live. read more

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant - Fried Mozzarella - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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What could improve? Clarity in our options. No one explained how things work, and online menu looks very different. We were handed every menu at the table which we then ordered and were told they didn't have those options today. Also online it said that most meals available available in gluten-free options. But when we got to the restaurant, after asking, they only gluten-free options where the chicken limone and a salmon dish for entree. We wanted individual meals, But even though it said it was available online, they said that it was only for lunch menu. We planned individual meals, of which we were handed menus for as stated previously, which did not say lunch only on them. We ended up getting a cesar salad $26 for a medium size bowl, and 3.5- 4 small flat dry pieces of chicken, with a lovely looking sauce put on the side, but were then told it had gluten in i the sauce. So the delicious lemon chicken was not actually available gluten free. You had to get it without sauce which wasn't said initially. We paid $80+ for dry chicken plate and a cesar salad, hardly big enough for 3 people, and two fountain drinks. We had initially ordered alfredo fettuccine along with it not were not willing to pay another $40 for my son to have a couple of bites out of and no one else wanted it ( i was willing to pay $15 + for the individual.) We also had to ask for melted butter to make the chicken palatable, it was so dry. Staff was nice and as accommodating as we asked for but we were hungry when we arrived and felt trapped at rediculous prices and we couldn't order what we absolutely wanted. . Our bad experience could have been prevented if it was explained from the very beginning. read more

Rising from the ashes, Buca di Beppo has not only emerged from corporate bankruptcy, but they have opened at a new address within the Gaslamp Quarter. The former site was on the edge of East Village and began to look dilapidated. This spot took over the space of a LA-based 24-hour diner in the southwest corner of the Quarter that had been closed for years. The exterior of the suite was rather muted except for an unusual sidewalk sign. Upon entering, the inside was exactly how I remembered this business when I first dined at an out-of-state Buca di Beppo some two decades ago. Red and white tablecloths adorned each table. There were plenty of black and white photographs on the walls along with gaudy decor. I noticed at least two private dining rooms that each had a theme, one of which was in "honor" of the pope. This chain is known for family-style Italian food in HUGE portion sizes. On the top left corner of the menu, it stated that a small order could feed three while a large order could feed five. The most significant difference nowadays was the higher prices due to inflation and labor costs. Spaghetti with Meatballs was one dish we always ordered. I chose a small serving which set me back $39.99! Two of their famous half-pound meatballs adorned a bed of spaghetti served with marinara sauce. I sprinkled a lot of parmesan cheese on top of the dish when it arrived at my table. It was pretty basic and filling, especially the meatballs. I think I consumed about 1/3 of the order before packaging the rest as leftovers. I even took home some of the complimentary bread that was served with a side dish of balsamic vinegar in olive oil for dipping. The worker who was staffing the outside hostess stand also double as my server because they were not busy on the night of my visit. I had no issue with the service I received as other staff members assisted as needed. I gave a four star rating for my dinner at the new downtown Buca di Beppo. read more

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Amazing food and service from Arty for my daughter's first birthday in the "pope room". We were a large party with multiple babies and toddlers and Arty was attentive, friendly and made the experience so special with a giant birthday dessert at the end of our meal. read more

The inside looks fantastic and I love the vibe but the food was well below mediocre. The chicken canneloni didn't have much flavor too it and it was extremely greasy. The cheese tortellini was also extremely flavorless and I would not recommend. The portions are large and enough for 2-3 people if you have an appetite. The waitress was very nice and understanding because we waiting for about 30 mins before the last person in our party arrived and she didn't rush us. read more

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We are blessed to have a wonderful server Arturo helping us for our early dinner, he is super friendly with great attitude which makes our dinner a wonderful experience! This is our 1st time to this new location & the place is perfect, in the middle of gaslamp, great decor, clean & food is always good here! read more

Pricey but if you come for lunch it's reasonable with the same quality of food. Nice dinner date of friend gathering. The service was good considering they were a little busy but it is near the convention center. The appearance of my food was good but I had to grab and run so I don't know how it taste just yet but looks delicious. read more

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I was hosting a friend and we decided to go into Buca Di Beppo San Diego. She loves Italian dishes, and we were both wonderfully pleased by our experience there. Jeff our waiter was attentive from beginning to end never missing a beat. From the moment we were seated we enjoyed an above average dinning experience. The food here is the real reason for this review both my friend and I were blown away and impressed by our dish selections. My choice was the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, before leaving I went back to personally thank the Chef, great job read more

Mmmm. Maybe I'd pass if given the choice to do this again. My friend and I stopped in for lunch. Neither of us had been to a Buca's before so we trusted our waiter for recommendations. I ordered the chicken carbonara, and my friend had the Italian meatball sub. Both of us were underwhelmed. If it's the only place open, I imagine it might be worth stopping by, but if not, I'd pass. read more

Arrived and stood at the door for 30min, no host, no acknowledgment from staff. Had to walk over and get someone's attention only to be told we'll take care of you in a minute. Manager (bald guy with tats) on duty didn't help and didn't care. Waitress told us they had 1-2 people call in sick. While we stood at door there were close to 20 people waiting with zero acknowledgment. Once seated waited about 15min for anyone to even come to table to bring water. After dinner, before desert, they brought desert out and no plates or silverware to eat it. I had to get up and get my own plates and silverware. Manager was sitting at a large table in back of restaurant, on break I suppose, just looked at me, offered no help. Horrible service, don't go here. read more

The food was delicious! Our bartender/server Arturo was so gracious and really made the experience pleasant. The portions are humongous even at the regular size. Definitely shareable read more

This restaurant chain has repeatedly promised to reimburse us the $120 admitting their Alfredo had 'soured' it was rancid and they burnt dishes reheating them thus not made fresh obviously. I sent the receipts as requested and they then ghosted me. Manager, we are still waiting for our reimbursement. I've emailed via the website 3 times since and no response. The customer service is nonexistent. Avoid this chain, way too many amazing places to dine in San Diego, we had the misfortune of choosing Buca. PS bundle up it's very cold in the restaurant, don't wear nice things because it's sticky... we had to clean the table and seats. So wish we had taken those two issues as enough to leave but we didn't want to seem rude and just walk out without dining, goodness I wish we had now. read more

Another fantastic experience at Buca du Beppo Gaslamp! My server was Jessie once again, and she made excellent suggestions for dinner and drinks! Five stars for Jessie! Very fun and traditional Italian ambiance, which is appreciated. A delicious place to bring family or a group of friends. Thank you, Jessie, for a wonderful evening. read more

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Buca di Beppo is Italian that translates to Joe's small place. This Italian restaurant is part of a national chain of over 44 currently open locations since 1993. This location in the Gaslamp Quarters of San Diego opened recently. Limited metered street parking and private parking lots for a fee throughout. Have only dined here during midweek lunch hours and luckily found parking every time. I've seen BDB in the Santa Monica and LA area and never had a chance to dine. My dining friend wanted to dine here as BDB first opened in Minneapolis Minnesota, Vikings state. The restaurant only has indoor seating, no outdoor seating. Upon entry, the bar lounge, and the dining area towards the back with smaller private dining rooms with themes..like the cardinal room and the pope room, each with kitchy( humorous and a bit tacky) decor of all things cardinal and pope. Due to the recent illness of the current day Pope Frances, I preferred seating in the dining room which had the dark red tufted booths, and red and white checkered table cloths, and portraits of notable Italian celebrities and characters on the walls. The menu offers nearly all the usual Italian recipes. We've ordered the signature dishes: spaghetti and meatball, Alfredo sauce with chicken, antipasti salad, garlic cheese bread and Chianti. Every dish was nicely presented, looked appealing and portions were generous. Taste wise, I was unimpressed and disappointed. The spaghetti and meatball dish, specifically the meatball was not great, seems like too much filler was used, the beefy taste was lost. The marinara sauce was surprisingly delish, and I would order just the sauce with pasta, sans meatball. The Alfredo sauce was good but the rich tasting, it needs more cheese! The antipasti salad looked better than it tasted, just add more olive oil and vinaigrette to enhance the taste. The most disappointing was the garlic cheese bread which lacked substance, lacked flavor and not worth it, as you can order another entree for the same cost. The lunch specials are a good value for those who want a pasta and a salad/soup, but don't expect Italian gourmet. It's probably great for families and or a group who want to share a meal. My dining friend who has a bland palate for taste is not too particular liked it all, and since it's his birthday, I'll be generous and genteel in my review and rating. There are so many restaurant choices in the Gaslamp quarters, Little Italy San Diego area and I hope my review will help management my some adjustments. Otherwise, this restaurant will be subject to Bankruptcy Chapter 11, as many of its other locations closed. Service from the staff was always cordial, accommodating and nice from the host, waitress and manager. The food was not terrible but not great. I did enjoy the ambiance of the old school decor with the Italian songs in the background, which is nostalgic of classic Italian. If you want generous service and Hugh portions, this place is for you, Abbondanza! read more

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Wow!! We walked in randomly on their first opening night. They were serving cocktails and a curated menu of apps and entree. The orders were a smaller portion but in my opinion very sizable. The calamari was a hit at the table. We had the meatball sandwhiches. Juicy, delicious. Caprese salad insanely big, love the whole sized mozzarella We had a shrimp cocktail in a large martini dishware. So cool The cocktails were all well balanced. The staff was accommodating to my gluten restrictions and very nice. I cannot wait to go back. read more

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Bucca di Beppo is a real nice Italian restaurant, in the heart of the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego. The spaghetti, lasagna, garlic bread, and tiramisu are so delicious! Bucca di Beppo not only has a great atmosphere, they also have great music to listen to. Our server, Sophia, was amazing! She was very nice, and accommodating, and always had a smile on her face. You could tell she loves what she does! I'll definitely be going back again! read more

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It was a great first experience at Buca, and our server Rodolfo was the best! He made our friend's birthday extra special.

Rude staff, at least the one I encountered. I entered the restaurant to pick up an order. I waited at the front. I observed a bartender behind the bar chatting with a couple friends eating lunch a couple customers at one table. As soon as I looked at the "bartender" he looked at me and rolled his eyes, then continued talking to his friend. The restaurant was not busy at all. Looked dead to be honest. I waited a few minutes because there was no other staff I could see. I figured the host or waiter or someone was in the back preoccupied. Then I see the bartender go and check up on the customers at the table. He came back to the bar and continued talking to his friends. A waited a few minutes, totally confused. Am I supposed to ring a bell, walk to the kitchen, or take my chances with the bartender. My only option was to talk to the only employee I saw there. So, I say, "Hi, excuse me. Is there anyone here that can help me?" He sighs and rudely responds, I'll be with you in a minute. I respond, "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do here, just stand here." He rudely says, "yeah, stand there for now." Then he walks off and gets my order which takes 10 seconds and hands it to me. Firstly, I'm not psychic and I had no idea who he was or what his position was. Asking for help or service in a restaurant like I'm asking for something absurd is absurd. He could have greeted the customer and acknowledged them which he did not. I guess he didn't want his lil pow-wow with buddies to be interrupted. I hope they train their employees in the future to be polite to customers and to greet them with a warm welcome not rolling the eyes like customers bother them. Customers pay your bills people. Don't push them away. read more

The best experience of my life. Chef Cheyenne was amazing and the food was super delicious. And the service was amazing. And the ambiance was great. I'm definitely coming back soon read more

Wow. Worse Valentine's Day reservations ever. Waiting with multiple other couples for our reservations and no one helped any of us for at least 30 minutes. Then didn't even get served water or utensils for another 45 min. Server was great but I think management needs a restructuring. Photo is timer for the time we got sat till someone came to our table read more

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was really good but the service was beyond outstanding, Arturo made our experience amazing he was really friendly and explained the menu for us. Because of him we would come back! read more

Went here with my family on Sunday. Had a great time and the service was awesome! The manager Carmine was extremely friendly and helped us go over the new menu items and also recommended pairing some delicious cocktails! Our server Steven was also very helpful and professional. We will be back soon!! Love Buca! read more

Service: 10 out 10 Food: 9 out of 10 The service here is amazing! I ordered a pizza to go & it was cooked to fast so it wasn't cooked with a crispy crust. The chef came out & apologized & made a new pizza for me. He was sooooo darn nice & sincere.. and the pizza was really good! A colleague recommended this place to me & now I understand why. The Food is made with love! Highly recommend it.. Enjoy! read more

We had such an amazing experience at Buca thanks to our waiter, Oscar! From the moment we sat down, he was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and genuinely fun to be around. He knew the menu inside and out and gave great recommendations that turned out to be some of the best dishes we've had. Oscar made sure our drinks were always full, checked in at the perfect times, and kept the whole table laughing with his personality. It really felt like he went above and beyond to make our night special. Outstanding service like this is rare--Oscar is a huge reason we'll definitely be coming back! read more

Went for happy hour after yesterday's Padres game. Pros: food, ambience, spacious & comfortable seating, location, and our hostess then server Jessie. She made us feel welcome and appreciated. Cons: I had to return quite a few plates that were properly cleaned. Ordering the Joe's old fashion from two different bartenders resulted in two different drinks. Kudos to Jessie for immediately noticing it. I elected to keep the drink vice sending it back. All in all my group of five loved the food, service, and decided we would definitely return. read more

I ordered home delivery. I ordered an anti past salad which was $24 by itself....and ordered chicken to be added to it....an additional $7. When it was delivered, I could not have been more disappointed. Not only was the small stuffed container consisting of mainly lettuce, but there was no chicken included at all! What a miserable experience. Run....don't walk away from this place. read more

We always go to the one at Mira Mesa, but today visited this place. Our favorite is Frutti di Mare, but this place's one was somewhat different. It's dry red source with big flat noodle. The one we know is juicy clear oily thin a little flat noodle. The taste was totally different. Too few clams, shrimps, and squids. Very disappointed. We will never go to this place again. read more

Great place, super nice atmosphere and delicious food! The waiter, Jeff was super awesome! The food is good as always and never fails us! We will be back for sure read more

Staff and service and food was great. Glad they opened back up downtown. The desserts look awesome. read more

The atmosphere was so relaxing the music was so inspiring the staff was extremely friendly not to mention Jessie. She was a sweetheart and brought out delicious Italian cake for my birthday. read more

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant - Birthday cake - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The prices are outrageous....$30 for a starter salad (small) and average price of an entree over $30.... Definitely not a place to revisit anytime soon. This is a restaurant that charges 5 star prices but not 5 star food unfortunately read more