Cafe Del Buono

food was okay, but service sucked. maybe it was the waitress, because the other table was better served. for us, she barely ever paid attention or greeted us. the only time we got a smile was when she dropped off our check, probably gunning for a tip, which we didn’t leave. she even gave us a hard time for a high chair for our baby, stating fire safety rules — but she could have moved us to a different table if that was the case. the food was good, but not remarkable. we went for lunch, and the place is pretty small.

Friendly staff and bar but nowhere near «the best greens in Utica» as some reviews suggest. Those can be found at Giorgio’s or the home of THE BEST Utica Greens, Chesterfield’s.
I ordered medium hot greens with sausage & meatballs on the side. The greens had NO hot (or medium hot) peppers, very little garlic and were literally soupy. The homemade meatballs were good but the sausage and red sauce were just ok.
All I could think while eating was, «there’s nothing special about this.» I’ve heard that some of the other menu items are good but their greens are not up to the high standard of Utica Greens that can be found in other restaurants.

great service but the place is simply not current, old furniture, small tight quarters. Ambiance a bit dated. Food great.

Fantastic Veal Marsala. Super Service and could not ask for more. Great local place and much more fun than chains. Highly Reccommended. Salad was good but took off the 5^th star.
Cheers.Bill

It is pretty average… sorry but not impressed, friendly service but food was average

This place is the real deal. Authentic Italian food, great atmosphere and very nice staff. Eric runs a great place. Whatever you do, don’t go across the street to The Olive Garden…

LOVE their Del Buono Mozzerella Appetizer and their Del Buono Greens! Their basket bread isn’t too shabby either! My husband loves their Fish Fry any day of the week — I personally usually stick with and really enjoy their «light» dinner selections at the bottom of the menu; such as their Eggplant Rollatini, Lunch Lasagna and Past Fagioli. The waitstaff is typically on point and very friendly. Make sure you get there early because they fill up quick!

Funny evening at the Café tonight. Food is still amazing. Still the best greens on the planet. Sat at the bar with a mostly deaf, very lovely bartender.
Ordered a Pinot Noir got a Pinot Grigio. Ordered Vodka Riggies, got Penne alla Vodka. I hate penne.
Did I mention the bartender was hot? Food was still great. I guess I’ll come again for more abuse.
If you don’t come here for the food you’re stupid.

A Small and cozy spot with very pleasant staff. We sat at the bar and ordered the del bounos calamari and greens. Both dishes were on point. We love the calimari spicy and tender. The greens were seasoned perfectly and tasty, not overpowered by too much bread crumbs. The food is delicious and we will stop in again the next time we are in town.

Have had their lemon chicken maybe 10 times, friendly and quick. A great stop and good bar to wait on during a busy night

Chicken Riggies are fantastic! Small bar and dining room, but they take reservations so call ahead.

This small restaurant is always crowded and very good. Portions are large and reasonable prices. When we’re in town visiting this is one of the few restaurants we can rely on for good food. They don’t take reservations so you have to wait during busy times.

I love this place! I’ve been coming here for years. Since moving out of state, we always make sure to visit anytime we’re in town. The lunch portion lasagna and fried artichoke appetizer are always my favorite.

I LOVE this place! My parents have gone for years and finally took me there for my 30^th birthday. It is my new favorite place to eat in Central New York. Be expected to wait at least 30 minutes though, but worth it.

Started with roasted pepper with smoked gouda bisque… good taste. The Caesar salad was ok. I had the lemon chicken with a side of linguine. Shoulda had the baked potato as a side as the linguine did not mesh with it. My bad. The 3D chocolate cake was very disappointing and left me wishing I hadn’t ordered it. Service was quick and friendly.

Always great food! This is a town where Italian restaurants are everywhere. I’m not a huge fan of pasta, so the many other choices that Café Del Buono has are welcome. They have my favorite greens in Utica! If you’re in the mood for great local food, come here!

Been coming for years with my parents. Go-​to spot for burgers and riggies. So naturally, when I’m back in town, I want to bring my girlfriend (who is not from the area) to try riggies and have some of the areas best grub.
The food is always delicious and the portion size is great when your stomach is rumbling.
My girlfriend and I found that when we come here without my parents (known regulars) we do not receive the same level of service. The same faces that I remember smiling and being attentive when I was younger, are now unsmiling and inattentive. I guess THEY don’t recognize ME. We assume it is because we don’t get bar drinks and therefore the tip will be less. **THIS EXCLUDES MEL WHO IS ALWAYS AMAZING.**
Aside from the second class service I get when I’m not with my parents, this place is a must try!

WOW! The reviews were right. Café Del Buono is fabulous and not to be missed!
OK, it’s a basically a tavern with a small but lively bar and a small dining room. I travel in rather out-​of-​the-​way places in the tropics, so I am not put off by this type of environment, and you shouldn’t be, either. I called ahead and was told they were not busy. No wait, only one other patron at 8:30 p.m. on a Thursday night.
The food IS amazing! The portobello mushroom appetizer IS to die for! The Veal Romano is outstanding. Next time I will try their Greens.
Melissa, the waitress, is a true pro. She timed everything perfectly so that there was ample time to enjoy the mushrooms before dinner was served.
Oh, and they make a damn good Dirty Martini as well!
The price was right. Excellent value for outstanding cuisine.
This restaurant topped the four I visited on this trip to Utica, and I will be sure to go there again when I am back in the area.

My friend and I had about a 25-​minute wait here, but it was totally worth it. Their grump burger was delicious, as well as their chicken riggies. Their portions were very large, which is always nice. Our waitress wasn’t very attentive but overall we had a good experience at Del Buono!

The best Greens & Chix Riggies
Great staff & fun place to meet with friends
A real taste of homemade Italian food
Busy on weekends, but worth the wait
Enjoy a drink in the bar area
Parking & close to movie theater