Buca di Beppo

The place had gotten pretty pricey for the quality, & the menu had lost some of their better selections. Some things were good, some not so much, but at least they were consistent. I ate there probably a dozen times in the past few years & found the wait staff to be friendly & prompt. Even though it was a chain, it was one of the very few decent choices available near Highlands Ranch.
Sad to see you go, Buca…

This is one of my favorite places to go with a group. We had a work event there for a dozen people and sat at the huge Pope table. The server was great. The food was amazing and in reading reviews I think some things are just better than others. I recommend the Apple Gorgonzola Salad, Chicken Carbonara (the best I’ve ever had!), and Fried Calamari. My one gripe is it’s $ 7 for a small glass of wine…

We (party of 4) went for my daughter’s birthday, she had wanted to try Buca for a while so we decided to go for her birthday, big mistake. We went early and the place was not very busy maybe 4 other tables.
We started off with the Cheesy bread Florentine, this was a tasteless gooey mess of bread and non discript cheese lacking any flavor.
Since there were 4 of us we ordered a Ceasar salad and that was OK probably 7 or 8 on a 10 scale.
We decided to order 2 entrée since they say feeds up to 3, first was chicken something, wish I could say what it was but it was so bland and tasteless I could not tell you if it was chicken parmigiana, chicken limone or saltimbocca, lets just say it lacked any real flavor at all.
next was Gnocchi al telefono described as Italian potato dumplings tossed with fresh mozzarella in light roasted garlic marinara and a touch of cream. These were a gummy mess once again lacking any distinctive flavor at all!
We skipped dessert as we had cake at home. You may ask why we didn’t complain, two reasons, my wife does not like to complain about food in restaurants and my daughter dislikes it too. I would have sent everything but the salad back for sure!
There are much better local places that take more care in making their food than Buca, we drove from the other side of town for a Fazoli’s quality meal.

Huge portions however the service is terrible and the food really isnt anything special.
there are much better places in the denver area if you want to expirience good italian food.
The décor of the restaurant is weird, unappealing, and tacky.
Try Tratorria Stellas, or Maggianos.

WTF! Did I seriously just pay $ 22 for THAT seafood platter?!? I haven’t been this upset about wasting my money at a restaurant in a long long time.
I decided to finally try out the Buca di Beppo by my house after passing by it for years; I wasn’t ready for the level of mediocrity I was going to face.
After a trip through their kitchen, which I thought was pretty cool, my server sat me by the fire exit (not cool), at which time I ordered the seafood trio appetizer ($ 22).
First off, the bread they brought out was cold and somewhat stale… Really? I received my meal in about 10 minutes since the restaurant was empty, only to be fundamentally disappointed! The mussels were cooked correctly was were drenched in an extremely chunky tomato sauce that drowned out the delicate mussel flavor. The shrimp in the «shrimp scampi» was overcooked and tough, and drenched in runny flavorless «white wines sauce» that tasted more like butter in wine — not good! Finally, this was easily the worst calamari I have ever had! It was soooooo overcooked that I had to chew each piece for at least 10 second before I could swallow — I promptly told my server to make me a new batch. The new batch was not nearly as overcooked but still too chewy, and tasted like it was only dredged in flower (no spices) — after adding salt and pepper it was just alright. Also, the marinara sauce they served with the calamari (I’m guessing it was on the mussels too) was vastly flavorless and too chunky to dip the calamari into.
Overall, this was a horrible eating experience — I am very mad I just WASTED my money there, and needless to say I will never be back. It was so bad I will make sure to tell all my friends and family to never go there!!!

I’ve been trying to think of how to write this review but have had no luck. So I’m just going to type whatever comes out and hit post. The food wasn’t terrible. The waiter was a little too close for comfort when he was giving us time to look over the menu. And by too close I mean like 10 feet away the whole time, watching tv at the bar. We ordered a sampler platter, another dish with 4 kinds of pasta stuffed with cheese, and a pasta dish. Nothing stood out to me as being something I’d order again. The calimari on the platter was small but tasted good. The fried cheese probably came out of the freezer. The mushrooms stuffed with cheese were pretty bland but the sauce they had was good in large amounts. The plate with the 4 kinds of pasta stuffed with cheese was supposed to be 4 different kinds. Seemed to me like it was 4 of the same kind, in different shapes. And lastly the pasta dish was lacking in flavor. White wine cream sauce was creamy but didn’t taste like much. Needed A LOT of crushed red pepper flakes on it. Oh almost forgot, the spicy sausage we got on the side was GOOD! That was the highlight of the meal which should tell you something.
Forgive the fact that there are no names of dishes in the review. I wasn’t happy enough with the food to remember them.
If it weren’t for the giftcard and coupon we had, we probably wouldn’t have gone. And unless we get another one, we probably won’t be back.

I love this place. It is a little expensive so I would just bring a coupon to save some dough. Luckily they are all over the place. The Coupons App. has a good one, as well as the entertainment book. I have never ordered anything I didn’t like here. The service is great. The food is deliciuos. I even eat salads when I come here. They make a wicked good salad. It’s a fun, family atmosphere. I love that the small feeds three. I was happy to see that this one has survived. Unfortunately, they had to close the Bucca in Colorado Springs.

Is it possible to get to try everything you were eyeballing while skimming through the menu but not leave feeling like a big ol saucy ball? The answer is yes!
Our group of 6 managed to order the perfect amount of food and leave feeling contently full and satisfied to the point of still having room to visit an ice cream shop after.
The host greeted us with enthusiasm and took us on the standard kitchen tour all while carrying on a conversation to our table. We were seated in the Wine Room and Sam was our server. He was one cool cat. We were given plenty of time to decide on what we wanted and Sam did a fantastic job on convincing us on the greatness of certain items when we asked him. The MOD also made a point to stop by our table to check on how everything was going. I need to point out one thing Sam did that truly impressed me and that was when he brought us the bill. He asked/​offered to split the check for us 6 ways. We didn’t need it split but it was a very nice gesture for him to offer. When we left we received a genuine thank you for coming from the host. Total top notch service.
On to the food. Mangia Mangia Mngia!
To start, Large Cesar Salad and Cheesy Garlic Bread. The salad was dressed perfectly and the large filled each of our 6 plates with just the right amount of salad. The crunchy garlic bread was baked well and get the marinara sauce with it and go for the gusto and spoon some right on top.
Our main eats went as such
Large Stuffed Shells (12 per order)
Large Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken Parmesan (3)
Small Gnocchi
Small Spicy Chicken Rigatoni
I was surprised that everything was truly tasty and prepared rather dare I say deliciously. I have not been to a Buca in about 3 years but my last experience I remember was not a good one.
The stuffed shells were awesome! I loved the spicy Rigatoni even though it was a little less under than al dente but I don’t mind a bite to my pasta. The pesto sauce served on the bottom of the prosciutto stuffed chicken was magical and you seriously can not go wrong with gnocchi in a pink sauce.
Service was super stellar, food filled our tummies up with tastiness and it was just an all around delightful dinner. Thanks Buca Denver for changing my mind on your mass chain Italian ways.

I am a fan!
The food is for large groups or families. Good variety and each dish did not disappoint. The favorites have to be stuffed shells, gnocchi, chicken parmesan, and so much more.
Great atmosphere packed with pictures and creative displays of the Italian culture in a cozy but comfortable environment.
Service is a priority here, so if you are unhappy for any reason take the time to address it with a server or manager, but I can not complain.
Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Bread = Delicious

I was floored at how boring, tastless, and just plain BLAAAA. We spend $ 100.00 for 2 with wine and were so dissapointed. Service was OK, place was cute but for $ 100 for dinner I’ll go somewhere that is not a chain with Ragu used as the sauce. Sorry Guys

I visited with my wife and daughters on a Friday night. The wait was as promised, but we were packed in the smallest waiting room ever with 30+ other people. The décor is quite interesting. Your tastes may be different than mine, but I’m really not into orange walls with every photo or trinket nailed, glued or stapled to the wall. It did give something for my kids to look at while we waited for our food.
We ordered 2 kids meals (spaghetti with meatballs and cheese pizza). The cheese pizza was so though and cardboardish that my daughter couldn’t eat it (nor could I). Kids meals were seven bucks! The adults ordered a shrimp pasta and a flatbrad pizza. Not too bad, but pizza had same problem as my daughters and each cost over twenty bucks. We sat without drink refills for over half of the meal.
With a bill of sixty for two adults and two kids, no alcohol… this was a unpleasant rip off. I favor the huge place in the DTC that has always over performed and underpriced. Carmines is also a great choice… I’d save Buca for the prom kids.

This place serves large family-​style Italian, and for a chain it’s not bad. I’ve been to this location a couple of times as well as to the now-​closed downtown location a long time ago, and I’ve had decent but not wonderful food each time. Some dishes are really good but others are just kind of there. The garlic bread is a huge ripoff and the salads aren’t anything exciting, but if you choose your main dishes correctly you can still do well here. I really enjoyed the Penne San Remo, which was chicken with sun-​dried tomatoes, artichokes and peas. The ravioli were ok and everyone seems to love the chicken saltimbocca, though I’d obviously prefer more prosciutto and less chicken. You definitely need to come here with a group, as the menu is designed for sharing. Don’t go here if it’s just you and one other person unless you want to have serious leftovers. Everyone enjoys getting walked through the kitchen on the way to their table so if that sort of thing appeals to you, give it a try. As long as you realize that this is not the best or most authentic Italian food ever, and you enjoy the emphasis on large groups of people, you’ll be ok.

My husband have been to two other Buca’s. One in Lenexa, KS. and the other on the Country Club Plaza in Missouri. We decided to try this one to see how it stacked up to the others. I had a personal sized lemon chicken and my husband had a personal sized chicken marsala. I ordered a Ceasar salad and my husband had a regular ranch salad. We both enjoyed our salads and the bread they brought also tasted great. My lemon chicken was not dry and was very flavorful. My husband also gave high marks to his chicken marsala. We were both too full to have dessert. All of the items we ordered ordred in prompt order. The food tasted great, but my only complaint was the lack of consistant waiter service.

The service really saved this place (service is 5 stars, but the food is only worth 2)! Okay, so if you’re old school you know how truly amazing the Buca experience was about 5 – 10 years ago. They have since completely sold out to the typical «Corporate American Restaurant».
We went for a Buca reunion party with about 20 or so and were seated right away, the staff all said ‘Hi’ as we were going to the table. The experience itself was awesome and, it’s just the food that was lacking. Over priced and under tasty. My wife and I shared a small calamari (that was way over cooked) but still decent, a small salad and small manicotti.
I remember a time when you could smell the garlic and fresh Italian flavors from the Light Rail train and walking through the kitchen was like a punch in the face with garlic, basil and maranara. Flavorful, made from scratch everything to now being pre-​processed bought crap. And the part that I don’t understand is how ridiculously expensive everything is on the menu… they go to cheaper ingredients then raise prices to absurd amounts, I can’t figure it out. Go Corporate America, go! It’s been about a year and half since my last visit and don’t plan on going back for about the same.
Like I said that staff at the Littleton location rock, and if you’re getting a group together, this a great location if you’re down south and don’t feel like driving all the way downtown Denver or Park Meadows. Just don’t expect to have your taste buds explode like in yesteryear!

Well, I’ve eaten here more than a few times. Last night I gathered with some fantastic people for a reunion, and was pleasantly surprised by the change in quality of the chow.
The last time I ate here the marinara was basically ketchup. We got some garlic bread and a side of the sauce to accompany it, and it was better. Not the best, but not bad. For dinner, we had the sausage-​stuffed shells, chicken saltimboca, and spicy chicken rigatoni. The first two have always been a good standbye, the latter was something new. We liked everything.
Now, our servers were awesome! Mike and Dani took very good care of us. We had over 20 people and lots of seperate checks, and they handled it like pros. I was very happy that we decided to eat there, the overall experience was great.
Oh, and limoncello. :)

Created comfy atmosphere and very friendly waiters but the food… need more layer of flavor and taste. It was one note. Portion is huge. It’s family style restaurant that I like.
We had APPLE GORGONZOLA SALAD that was okay. I wish Gorgonzola cheese was sharp and salty. Iceberg lettuce was chapped lightly covered with oil (EVOO?). I am from New York City so my review might be NY standard Italian.
MARGHERITA pizza was not for me at all. Thin crust was nice but Mozzarella cheese had no flavor. Overall, pizza needs more crispiness in the crust and cheese and the sauce need, not one note, deep flavor to complete this pizza to a next level.
PROSCIUTTO STUFFED CHICKEN also had a same issue with me. Only has one flavor. Chicken was cooked juicy and moist but lacking of flavors.
My husband told me what do you expect? It’s a chain and we are in CO???

Hate their system and food is rather mediocre.
When I refer to «their system» is the fact the items on the menu are not individual, they are for sharing. Items come in small or large portions. The problem is, it is hard to guess the right amount of food for a group of people, specially if you do not know much about their portions. Even when comparing two small items (or two large) the portion size varies.
So you are part of a group of four (for example) and what do you order? a small entrée and a large one? two small entrees? an appetizer and two small entrees? A pain in the…(no wonder I have seen many people leave with doggy bags).
Food is not impressive. The chicken parmigiana is dull, and what is worse the tomato sauce is bad. In many cases the secret of a good entrée (usually applies to pasta) is in having a great sauce. The chicken cannelloni are average at best. The Italian food is my favorite, I do not pretend to be an expert but I know a bit. Let me tell you Bucca is very far from great.
Overall, I do not recommend Buca Di Beppo. I have gone there as a part of a group. I would never go there by myself. The decoration of the restaurant and service are OK, but it gets really loud in there. And there is not too much space between tables.
Thumbs down for Buca Di Beppo!

Listen to me fair Unilocalers, for I have for you a tale certainly too bewildering to believe.
Our tale of intrigue begins with my ongoing, insatiable desire for fried cheese. I love fried cheese. I love it to an unhealthy extent probably, save for the fact that virtually nowhere has it on the menu in any form (except for the 9^th door, who I adore in part for their fried goat cheese… but thats another story, which I’ve already told… several times)
My burning desire for said burned cheese led me on this fateful day to none other than Buca Di Beppo. Everytime I drive past said establishment, I comment to whomever is with me (usually my fiancée) «Man, they have the best fried cheese. We should go sometime.» To which she usually replies «Whatever. You and your fried cheese.» THIS TIME HOWEVER, her reply was far more favorable. It being dinnertime-​ish, and us with no other plans she responded «Well, if you love it so much why don’t you marry it?» to which I said «Because I’m marrying you, silly!»
Actually what she said was «Well, lets go then!»
We roll in.
«Its going to be about 15 minutes. Actually, I don’t really know how long, but at least 10 minutes probably.»
«Ok.»
…20 minutes later… several bunches of soccer-​partying-​familes come and go through to a private party. Ok, we must be getting close.
«How much longer do you think?»
«Uh…well, probably no more than 10 minutes more I think.»
«Ok…I think we’ll go sit at the bar.»
«Ok.»
We go sit at the bar. «What beers ya’ll got?» «Well, we’re out of Peroni, Sam Adams and Miller Lite, so. Bud Light and Fat Tire.»
«I’ll have a Manhattan.»
Bartender brings me a Manhattan (on the rocks??! seriously?) and the lady her vodka cranberry. Buzz Buzz! Its time to sit down! Bartender is going to be our waiter too, not bad, not bad. First off, we peruse the menus. There is the beloved fried cheese! We must have it! The portions at Buca are quite large (theoretically.more on that to come) so, we decide to split the fried cheese, as well as some delicious-​sounding ravioli to go with. Mmm. I can almost taste the gooey goodness! Waiter tells us, that our cheese will be out soon, and he will bring us some bread too! Most excellent. The lady and I are happy as clams, sipping our drinks, visions of fried cheese dancing in our heads. Minutes later, our somewhat aloof waiter comes back and non-​chalantly informs us that they are in fact «Out of bread. Sorry!» «Hmm. Ok, we reason. This is a minor setback, for what is italian food without bread? Well, its still delicious, that’s what. We wait.
And wait.
«Actually, I don’t know how to tell you this, but we’re out of fried cheese and ravioli too.» Our aloof waiter swoops in, and crushes our dreams with one blow. «I’m really sorry, would you like to see the menu again and pick something else?» «No…thats ok. I think we’ll just go.» «I don’t blame you.»
And he’s gone. The manager comes by to tell us our drinks are on the house, apologizes again by saying «This RARELY happens. I’m really sorry (wait, you mean this has happened before? and you’re still in business??) and to promise us that next time they’ll do better. Well Buca, I’m sorry but fried cheese or not (in this case, not) I’m afraid there isn’t going to be a next time.
Its a really weird feeling, walking out to your car from a restaurant hungrier than when you came in.
Luckily, Chipotle came through for us. 2 for 1 burritos and beers!
(in retrospect, its really hard to decide whether to give 1 or 5 stars… due to the outlandishness of the absurdity. I srsly thought ashton was waiting around the corner to tell me I’d been punk’d.)

To be fair, I kinda knew what I was getting into with Buca Di Beppo, but I sure had high hopes! I’ve only ever been to Buca once in the former LoDo location and remembered it being pretty good, especially for groups. While I got the most enthusiastic welcome I’ve received in a long time when I walked through the front door, my excitement was slightly diminished when they were out of the limoncello martini, and then out of the one type of beer my brother-​in-​law requested. The apple gorgonzola salad was delicious though (it must have been, since I ate almost the entire thing myself and it was portioned for three!) but I felt like the flavors were a little too overbearing in the chicken saltimbocca and spiced shrimp dish… I think I just prefer my flavors a little more subtle so you can really enjoy what you’re eating. Also surprising was the lack of flavor in the olive oil for dipping — even with salt, pepper, and parmesan it seemed to be very flat.
That said though, the service was top notch and I haven’t seen a friendlier group of waitstaff in a restaurant in a long time. Since my sis lives nearby, I would definitely come back and try out some drinks at the bar.

This is more of a 3 ½ star I think thanks to my tasty drink and dessert. Thought I’d try this for a fun girl’s night out with some friends from out of town. The décor is fun (lots of family pics on the wall) and my friends liked the festive music.
I had a Raspberry Lemon Drop, very tasty, while my friends tried the wine, which they were just okay with. The waitress actually knew something about the wine other than «you should have red with pasta», which was nice. We also had the house bread, which was very fresh.
We ordered a small Penne Arrabbiata, which serves about 4. It wasn’t that impressive – nothing different than what I could make at home. However, we followed it up with the Tiramisu: a tasty, rum-​soaked creation that could easily serve 6.
It was a little more of a family joint than I’d expected. This would probably be good for a crowd with kids; I’ve found it’s really hard to go wrong with children and pasta.
All in all, I would recommend swinging by here for a great group dessert but it didn’t really satisfy my urge to get fancier than the noodles and canned sauce I throw together at home.