We were across the street with family at the local pub and literally stumbled across this restaurant and entered through the back door. We were so happy we did. We ended up having an excellent meal. My father in law who said he wasn't hungry quickly changed his mind when he saw the food coming out! We had a great dinner and we would definitely go back if we are in Barrie anytime soon. read more

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My fiancé and I went to Il Buco and honestly, it was one of the best fine dining experiences we've had in Barrie. I had the seafood risotto, and it was absolutely incredible -- perfectly cooked, rich, and full of flavor. The bruschetta was also perfect -- fresh, flavorful, and just the right start to the meal. The service was a little slow at times(refills/check if we were doing alright), and our table was on the smaller side, but the staff handled it well. The servers were quick to clear empty dishes, which made everything feel smooth and comfortable despite the space. Overall, a lovely experience from start to finish. Definitely one of Barrie's gems for fine dining -- we'll be back for sure! read more

Went for daughter graduation and it was absolutely amazing Service, food and atmosphere. Marsala was so good

Dropped in by chance during Barrielecious. Lucky me. Excellent choice with a downtown Barrie waterfront view. Excellent quality at a reasonable price. Great Italian food in a fantastic location. read more

Amazing food and wonderful staff. Will continue to visit this fine establishment for as long as I can.

4.5 really ! This restaurant is by far Barrie's finest. Truly one of the best Italian Dining rooms in the Province, if not Canada. The food is excellent, the service 2nd to none, and the aroma and ambiance is wonderful. Thanks Il Buco for making Barrie your home, and for keeping your fare and your service so wonderful for so many years. (Not to mention the great outdoor patio, lake side) read more

We went here over the weekend and had their Localicous menu. I cannot say enough good things about our experience. From the moment we were seated our waitress was friendly and available. We started with cocktails, then an appetizer with a choice of soup or salad. I had the soup, a delicious pumpkin soup that was served hot, not tepid, and everyone else had salad. Three different salads and all very tasty. The entres came, and again we all ordered different ones. I had the shrimp fettuccine and it was delicious. Lots of shrimp in a creamy sauce. Dessert was a choice of tiramisu or chocolate mousse. My husband and l ordered one and then traded. Both were yummy. I highly recommend this event. There are limited tables so make sure you make a reservation well in advance. I reserved mine on a Tuesday for a Saturday evening and we got the last table. It's a 2 hour seating window so you can enjoy the meal and company. And the price is even better. At $35.00 per person you can afford that bottle of wine to accompany your meal. I would definitely go again next time l am in Barrie. read more

The food was good, I enjoyed my salad and entrée. The service was also good. It was busy and noisy. Unfortunately, the staircase leading up to the restaurant was filthy. Lots of dirt as well as a big patch of hair. Ewwww. We sat by the window outlooking the patio, which was covered in bird poop. read more

Best restaurant in Barrie. Great food, great atmosphere and friendly service. Try the tiramisu!

Great service and wonderful food. It's a wee bit loud but that's because everyone there is happy with their meals!

Greasy cheap food slow service over priced just not worth it. There are better options in the area.

Excellent all around! We were 7 and everyone loved their food- salmon was excellent, paella was great, chicken, and calamari were excellent. Good sized portions but not overwhelmingly huge, just perfect. Prices were right on- $23 for my salmon and it was filling and very good. The service was top notch from reservation taking to front desk to the server. The ambience is romantic, relaxing and up scale. Everything was clean. Drinks were all great in modern stemware, which I know sounds silly but nothing like having a $16 glass of wine in a tiny old fashioned glass! Highly recommend. read more

Excellent Italian food. Husband and I were there for Valentine's Day lunch. They have a 3 course lunch special. We had mushroom penne and I had an Italian salad. Hubby had beef carpaccio. We both had cappuccinos and tiramisu for desert. The food was very light and flavourful. Tiramisu and cappuccino were delicious and authentic. Service was great and the restaurant has a very warm and cozy vibe. Looks out on the lake. Clean and comfortable. Prices are decent as well. I will definitely be coming back. read more

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Excellent and friendly service on top of terrific food makes this place one I would highly recommend and will certainly return to again. Came here for dinner with my boyfriend, first time for us both. There was a pickerel special which we both got and throughly enjoyed. We also shared the mussels in a white wine sauce which were very tasty. The service was exceptional. Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. On top of that, we had another server who also came by to check on how we were doing and see if we needed anything. It never felt pushy or too much. As we were leaving we heard a beautiful voice. They offer live music performed by what look like one gentleman who had a such a nice voice. One of the best parts was how easy it was to talk. Meaning the place was not noisy. Always nice! We both agreed we will be back for sure! read more

fantastic!!!! went here to eat last night with my family and it was an incredible experience! Our server was very helpful and friendly, he knew what he was talking about and showed very quick service. We ordered three different appetizers; the calamari and shrimp puttanesca, steamed mussels with pernod sauce at our severs recommendation, and a caesar salad. The calamari and shrimp was great, had a perfect level of spice and a bit of a smoky flavour which we loved, the mussels were amazing and the sauce was exquisite! The appetizer portions were perfect as in most restaurants they appetizers are bigger than the entree, but that wasn't the case here as we were still hungry for our main dish. I ordered the conchiglie, it was so tasty and cheesy, the kitchen knows exactly what they're doing here and I will definitely be returning. read more

We have been looking for a good Italian restaurant since our favourite one closed a few years ago now. We finally found it in Barrie. A half hour drive from where we live but definetly worth it. We had a table overlooking the bay. A great view as the sun set. We started with the famous roasted garlic appetizer as well as the antipasto with freshly sliced mozzarella and topped with pesto. We shared a Cesar salad also. I had the pasta special which was a spinach and cheese ravioli in a fresh tomato sauce. My husband had the chicken scaloppine with a mushroom Marsala sauce. The chicken was very tender and the vegetables were tasty and cooked to perfection. For dessert we shared the cheesecake (last slice in the place because it was very busy) with a berry sauce and a latte. Very tasty. My husband said his coffee was strong but very good. All in all it was a great experience. The food was hot and the large crowd all seem pleased. I had a glass of the Venezia Merlot and it was good also. Even the price was surprising low for everything we received. read more

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Calling All Italian Cuisine Lovers!!!!! This is your place!! Aside from some of Barries finest maître d's RJ Tighe, Johnny Lemay and Jen this place by far offers the finest Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. I won't deny it; it is a favourite summer patio spot of mine to enjoy a glass of vino and their Enrico's Famous Oven Roasted Garlic topped with a goat's cheese cream sauce, pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes served on a toasted baguette which is not offered on their Barrielicious menu but made me anyway! Thank you!!! This time around I thought I would try something other than their amazing pastas and went for their grilled pork tenderloin with a dried cranberry port reduction....why?.....because they prepare it properly! Medium! .... Each bite melting in your mouth. If I hadn't started of with my garlic dish and a caesar salad I would have had another plate for sure! What does one finish their meal off with? Why their Classic House Made Tiramisu of course. This restaurant by far creates with love and guarantees consistency. Buon Appetito!! read more

Il Buco Ristorante - a dessert in a glass - Italian Near Me - Barrie, Ontario

One hot Saturday evening during Covid I decided to try and get a seat on the patio. I was told they were fully booked and was offered a take-out menu. I walked away and read the menu. I tried to call but couldn't get through. So I went back to place my take-out order. I was offered a table for a short period of time until the next reservation came and ordered my meal. It came quickly and was served with a smile. The food was delicious. The Caprese salad was to die for-very fresh and the pesto on the cheese was fantastic. I took my pasta to go, and ate sitting out over Lake Simcoe. The pasta was homemade and the sauce was meaty and tasty. I couldn't have asked for a better evening meal. Next time I will be sure to make a reservation well in advance. read more

Il Buco Ristorante - a view of the water and rocks - Italian Near Me - Barrie, Ontario

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Great food, had the veal special and the same with my partner. We both loved it. Great and friendly staff. The desserts were also real good, I had the tiramisu and he had creme brulee. read more

Dined here for Mother's Day! They had a pre-set menu which had fewer options than normal. It was really well rounded offering pasta, meat dishes, vegetarian dishes, and gluten-friendly dishes. First off, the bread was delicious. I don't usually indulge as it's a waste of carbs for me, but these were warm little crusty pillows with the softest insides. They were drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and parm. cheese! Did I mention they were WARM. Aka the best types of bread. My family shared the spicy, creamy shrimp appetizers and the caprese salad. We got 6 tiger shrimps and 3 large rounds of tomato and bocconcini. Enough food to share between 6 of us. Our mains consisted of the lasagne, shrimp linguini, salmon, quiche and scallops. The main meat dishes came with a salad and the pasta portions were enough for left overs! I appreciate the servers. They worked really well all day to serve and make the mother's feel special. They bus girls were quick to clean and re-organize tables without making it a central point of the floor space. It was a really lovely setup they provided for the day, and I know both mom's in our group enjoyed their day thoroughly. read more

Great day in Barrie, while walking downtown , we figured to take a chance at walking in at Il Buco. Not particularly fond of Italian restaurants since I'm Italian and nothing surprises me or impresses me on Italian menu's. But this place impressed. Not a huge choice on the menu, but what was served was absolutely delicious! 4 of us, so we decided to order 3 appy's and 4 mains, this way we can share. Can't miss on the appetizers, but if you want to try something a little different, try the roasted garlic cream sauce with sun dried tomatoes. Could have eaten a pot of it,.... so good. Mains are as impressive as the appetizers. I loved the stuffed pasta shells with rose' cream sauce. The seafood pasta as delicious. Usual desserts are offered. Crime brûlée's had the perfect amount of torched sugar on top, not to small not to large, just perfect to end the night! And to top it all off, being served by Francesco, who had us in stitches through out the night. I'm an hour away, but will definitely return soon! Salute!!! read more

Great from start to finish! Lovely ambiance, beautiful view, attentive service, delicious wine and a variety of food choices. The Caprese salad and the salmon entrée did not disappoint. Leave room for Tartufo! read more

Il Buco Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Barrie, Ontario

Ideal for a date night downtown for cheap night at the movies. Amazing steak. We found the food very good. Great service. Easy to find parking. read more

We have been several times - love the quality olive oil & beef carpaccio & the pork was lovely, they have talented opera singing waiter. My bf loves the salmon & it's a cozy atmosphere, we always have had great service! read more

Il Buco has more ambience then any other restaurant in Barrie. The food is excellent, the wine is superb, the staff friendly and very attentive. The patio in the summer feels like being in the Caribbean. If you're in a hurry GO TO MC DONALDS,!! read more

As usual the food was fantastic and Johnny was incredible ! , one thing I wish you would consider is some options for my wife who doesn't drink or people who are making responsible desicions concerning drinking and driving, one choice of non alcoholic beer ( and becks at that) is just not really a choice at all more of an after thought. St Regis makes a very drinkable dry Chardonnay and a very palatable Cabernet Sauvignon, these are readily available locally and would give your customers a non alcoholic choice, This would put you head and shoulders above your competition and show your willingness to serve your customers needs. Thanks again for a great meal. G. DeJardine read more

We waited for 20 minus , and told us the kitchen is closed. Very rude, horrible experience.

Really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. When I entered the restaurant from Dunlop, I felt like I was in an apartment building, until I got to the restaurant which was a nice surprise. Server was pleasant, attentive, and helpful. Candles on the tables. Penne was delightful. Would love to go back. read more

Another over rated restaurant 2nd floor joint warned my friends do be fooled, Barrie very few 5 star places

I am from Toronto and have travelled all over trying Italian food, and this restaurant is amazing. Five star food, five star service. I forced my coworkers/friends to come here after I read the reviews. I usually have a sixth sense for these things. At first when we walked in through the downtown entrance, my friends said, "where the hell are we??!!" I assured him he would be pleasantly surprised. It was my first time here but I had done my research. The food was amazing. They customized our antipasto. Everything is made in-house. The bread, the cold grilled veggies. Best antipasto. We had the veal for entree, hot Italian sausage with rapini(favourite by far, best rapini hands down) and the bolognese pasta. Don't question it, just come here and relax. Beautiful view, amazing food and friendly staff! Sarah is theeeeee best! Love her! Keep it up! We will be back read more

We randomly picked this Italian restaurant because my fiancé loves Italian food and this was the only one with a table available for 4 people. I enjoyed their services and the waitress was very nice and smiley. I ordered a bottle of the Italian wine which costed me 89 bucks and the taste was not really satisfying for this price. But they provided us a decanter which helped a bit. I ordered, for the main course, lamb shack and the meat tasted good. My fiancé ordered ravioli with spinach and chicken inside and he liked it. But I think they may wanna work a little bit harder on improving the tastes of the food to lure the clients because on Friday night, merely half of the tables were occupied. read more

This restaurant has gotten better with the years. The last two times we have been, we have had amazing meals. Finest Italian fine dining experience in Barrie. read more

I cannot tell you how great this place is without first saying it's not that obvious from the Main Street but once you are inside WOW. From the staff to the ambiance and overlooking the lake and then the food. I can't remember the last time and I travel extensively, that I have come across anything as good as this. A definite stop or come to for no reason you will not be disappointed! read more

Last night we attempted to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary at II Buco Ristorante and unfortunately we were sadly disappointed. We arrived without a reservation which we should have made as Barrielicious ( a local food celebration) was going on. They should have told us they were full and unable to accommodate us but they didn't. We were approached and asked if we had a reservation and when we stated we didn't the gentleman turned away saying another woman would have to deal with us as he could not work the computer, fair enough. The hostess saw us and acknowledged as she proceeded to seat other couples arriving after us with reservations. We waited and waited... Each subsequent arriving diner with a reservation was asked would you like to sit inside or outside as there were many empty tables in both areas. When she finally spoke to us we were informed that "all I have are these high top tables in the corner but the view is good"... fair enough, we accepted even though we felt like we were in a bar. We had heard great things about this restaurant and we eager to celebrate there. Then we waited and waited for anyone to approach us, we watched as other diners arriving after us were being served food and drinks and still we waited and waited. Then we left, I wish I could comment on the food but I can only comment on the service. No one noticed us as we walked back through the restaurant and out the door! Please make a reservation here, if you don't you will be completely ignored! read more

First off, I should say that I have not actually eaten proper food at Il Buco. You have to actually get food to know how it tastes. My friends and I waited almost an hour for food, and decided to leave at that point. We did not order complicated food, we just ordered a pasta dish each. Our server and the staff said they were overwhelmingly busy, and the patio area was full, but a large portion of the interior restaurant was not. We were not treated at all well by the staff; as soon as our server found out we were not ordering appetizers and wine she made a face and it was apparent we were not a high priority. We were served some bread, which was tasty, and then ignored for half an hour until we asked for more water, and when our food would be ready. Our server said ours was next in line to be made. When we were brought water there was no apology; the waiter just said, "Here's some tasty water, enjoy it!" We were then ignored further until I actually went and found our server, and told her we were not happy with the wait and would like to know when our food was coming. She said, "Well, we're busy, and people usually order appetizers to hold them over and the wait doesn't seem so long," therefore further snubbing us for not ordering appetizers or wine. She said they were about to start cooking our food at that point, so I'm not sure what was going on when we asked before. Again, we only ordered pasta dishes, not full-course meals. If Il Buco thinks their customers should be ordering appetizers and drinks as requirement to get good service, they need to mandate a dressing code or a drink minimum. We wouldn't even have minded an hour wait if they'd just apologized on occasion and paid some attention to us. read more

I have dined at Il Buco often and the food is fantastic. Courteous, friendly, and really great service. The food is very delicious. I have a limited diet and some food allergies and the wait staff have always been very attentive and accommodating with that so they make it easy for me. The Owners are really nice people and the view of the water from the restaurant is beautiful. Everyone says the desserts are wonderful, so all in all, I highly recommend dining here. read more

I too had a horrific experience at Il Buco. Went to this restaurant with some friends looking for a great dining experience only to be met with disappointment and no food. We waited for nearly an hour without being served any food other than the complimentary bread and red pepper spread. The service was horrible. The waitress was rude and it took 15 minutes to get our water glasses refreshed. During the hour wait for food, no one came to apologize for the wait and when we asked the waitress about the delay she simply said that the kitchen was behind and our order was going to be called. That was 20 minutes before we finally had enough and left dissatisfied and frustrated. I recommend you avoid this establishment at all cost. read more

The moment you walk in that door it feels like home, as everyone welcomes you like your family. With it's beautiful chandeliers, burgundy walls, and its crisp white table cloths, it has a warm sophisticated feeling. To add to your experience you always have a friendly waiter with a great sense of humor to take your order with a friendly smile and treat you like your the richest person on earth. You are handed a wine list and an amazing menu that everyone can understand followed by a refreshing glass of water without being asked. All this and an amazing price for what you get. For lunch you get a three course meal for $13 and for dinner it gets a little pricey, but believe me it's well worth it. If you're big fan of muscles I highly recommend you order them at il buco, as they were the best muscles I have ever had, or at least the best one in Barrie. Good eats and good times at il buco restorante. Have fun. read more