Ristorante La Buca

I came to this restaurant last night with my bf because we had a groupon. It was an interesting restaurant, old Italian feel, wait staff were interesting (we had Derrick and loved him), the clientele was mostly older folks. They bring fish specials around on a cart which I thought was nice. Our clam and mussel app was really good and both our entrees were good too. We got Italian rum cake for dessert which was so good I am still thinking about it today. Overall this is a nice restaurant with good food. Glad groupon brought us here.

I absolutely loved it!!! A giant underground authentic Italian restaurant on locust. Took us by surprise. It was a bit of a older crowd. I loved how the rolled all the food out on carts

I have to give La Buca five stars because I have no complaints.
Service was excellent, attentive, and our small talk was beyond pleasant– it was filled with pride in working at La Buca. We sat in the Pavarotti room where Luciano Pavarotti himself dined in 1980. Fast forward 36 years later, we dined on food prepared by the same Chef Giuseppe Giuliani, still cooking at age 83.
Food was old-​fashioned, which was comforting for me. It was neither too small nor too generous in portion. We dined family style on frutti di mare, spinach and fennel salad, eggplant parmesan, and caprese salad, then veal marsala, chicken scallopine, lamb chops, fettuccine alfredo, and bucatini amatriciana. I have to say, my favorite was the bucatini. I think I even wiped my bread in the bowl…
We skipped dessert as we were celebrating with a birthday cake elsewhere, but we did get a bottle of wine for the table. There was a limited selection, but what they had was good enough.
As for ambiance, you can tell the place is old, but I would refer to that as old world charm, rather than dated. The grand scale mural paintings are timeless. La Buca translates to «the cave,» and with its location in the basement, exposed brick wall in some parts, and warmth in both service and atmosphere– it lives up to its name in a good way.

We received a gift certificate for Christmas so went eager to dive into the menu.
Overall, I felt like this place was a bit confused. The service and presentation was somewhat over the top but the food was simple and straightforward. They do a «presentation» of the night’s fish options but all the fish was previously frozen, including the langostines which I had considered getting until I heard the entrée was $ 44! Some of the fish included a table-​side plating option which is nice but, again, the fish itself was kinda «eh».
The starters were good. Hubs got the clams casino, which were delicious but disappointing in the portion size. I got a Caesar salad– it was literally a bowl of lettuce and some cheap, unseasoned croutons. Not a flake of Parmesan or anything to be seen. For $ 9, that was HIGHLY disappointing, although the flavor of the dressing was good.
Entrees: I had the shrimp risotto. My husband had tilapia with shrimp and crabmeat. They were both on par with something you’d get at an Italian-​themed chain restaurant. Good– but not matching the big display done in the processing of ordering. My dish was covered with peas (which I detest), which was not disclosed on the menu. (In fairness to the chef, I’m aware that traditional risotto is made with peas so I don’t really include that as a «complaint” — more of an annoyance). My husband’s fish was not seasoned at all and was just kinda «eh». The side dishes (which you’re not given an option about) were roasted potatoes and broccoli– neither of which were anything special.
Dessert was crème brûlée and was delicious.
The location is lovely– just off Washington Square so it’s a nice place if the weather is nice to stroll after dinner. The restaurant itself is in the basement but comfortable and not oppressive.
Overall, the check came to just about $ 100– we felt it was overpriced for what we received but we did have a nice time. Since we’re outside the city, the likelihood of our coming back is small since if you factor in parking, etc., you’re spending a premium for a meal we can get locally for half the price. If you’re local to this place, it’s not a bad option for a nice meal out.

It’s so rare to find a great restaurant like this. It’s fine service and great food. They bring a fish cart around and prepare some at your table. How often do you see that?
They don’t hit you over the head with prices. And they have a Happy Hour six days a week – with a bartender who’ll probably remember what you had the last time you were there.

This place was such a terrible disappointment, I signed up for Unilocal just to write this and hopefully save someone else’s stomach and wallet.
In short, the food was awful. Shockingly overpriced fare that could have come out of a church cafeteria or low-​budget Italian chain restaurant. It even made my date queasy (I have a strong stomach, but didn’t feel great afterward either).
To begin with, the bread rolls came out cold. We should have taken this hint and left immediately. Instead my date and I ordered bruscetta to start. It was almost okay, but far too salty. We hoped the main course would be better.
It was far worse. We each got veal (veal parmasan for my date, veal la buca for myself) based on reviews I’d read on here. Both dishes tasted like nothing but salt, and the presentation was weak. I’m kicking myself for not photographing the plates. The «roasted potatoes and broccoli» described as the sides for my dish were actually a perfectly round little scoop of orange-​ish mashed potatoes (too salty) and a boiled chunk of broccoli with no seasoning at all. My date opted for pasta with red sauce on the side, and it was (once again) over-​salted and WAY heavy on sage. HOW DOES AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT SCREW UP PASTA? Disgraceful.
Service was okay, a bit slow but friendly. Sadly it didn’t matter because the food was so bad. Maybe I was just imagining things, but it seemed like our server kind of knew the food sucked and felt bad about it, but had to do his job.
I’ve dined out a decent number of times in Philly, and never had a bad experience — I’m amazed this place can stay in business in a city with so much great food.
I regret going here, and I also regret not asking for the manager upon tasting the entrees — had I not been with a date, I definitely would have asked for a refund and left hungry. Worst $ 100 I’ve ever spent on food, period. Don’t go here.

One of the best salmon entrees in the city. The cheesecake is amazing as well. Great location just off of Washington Square Park.

I am writing this review because I was disappointed when googling this restaurant that Unilocal came up with an average of three stars — I am a big foodie and this is a five star place by far, but I think perhaps people were just expecting something different.
I have be coming to La Buca for 15 years and its still one of my favorite restaurants. The food is classically delicious, nothing experimental and nothing over the top. The wait staff have all been there for decades, the bar is full of locals, it feels fancy and homey at the same time. It just has the perfect old world charm with white table cloths, carts to show the menu options, and picturesque wall murals in the cave-​like setting. If you are looking for a romantic venue for a special occasion, a quiet dinner venue for colleagues, or just great upscale simple food, this place will be perfect. Its definitely not scenes — no trendy hostess, loud music, pitch black dining room — but thats why its so great! Its not cheap — but its totally reasonable for a fancy restaurant in Philadelphia and has large portions unlike many other place I go to (and love!).
Foodies — try the langoustines, the dover sole, or the one of the many veal dishes. If you’re not adventurous — the pasta and steak options are simple and fabulous. Either way, they have the best authentic caesar salad in the city! The bar is well stocked and the cocktails are strong. Nobody will be unhappy!

The food wasn’t great and service wasn’t either. Just very mediocre. Dessert was tiramisu, came out frozen. Felt very processed and pre made.

My husband and I just returned from our delicious dinner at La Buca. We went because I had purchased a Groupon but after dining there, we would go back without one. Derrick, our waiter, made the experience even more enjoyable as he was very attentive and offered good suggestions. Our appetizers were delicious; I had the eggplant and my husband had the sautéed calamari. Our main courses were also great-​scallops and veal parmesan. Even though the restaurant was on the empty side for a Friday night, the atmosphere had an old world charm. We thought the restaurant was a great new find.

Had dinner tonight at La Buca for the 1^st time. What a great place. It’s in a basement and when you go down the stairs, it’s like another world. Very relaxing and cozy. Everyone was friendly and makes you feel at home. Our server was excellent, one of the best we’ve had in a while. He was professional and on top of everything. The food was very good. Split a buffalo mozzarella app, 2 pasta dishes and 2 desserts (tiramisu and rum cake). Everything was tasty. This is the kind of place you don’t see much anymore. It’s like a throwback of how solid Italian restaurants use to be. Makes for an enjoyable meal.

We had a wonderful experience last night at Ristorante La Buca. Our waiter was very attentive, and our meal was delicious! We enjoyed Chicken Picatta and Chicken Parmesan with potatoes and broccoli… excellent! The desserts were terrific, too… cheesecake and strawberries with whipped cream.
Thanks for a memorable meal… we will be back! :)

The service here was phenomenal. Either the previous reviewers were just bratty or the management took what they had said to heart, which means even more in my book. Service was extremely attentive. Water class was always full. The server would constantly keep up updated on our food status without us even asking. Perhaps their meals take longer than average because they use fresh ingredients because their dishes do taste very fresh. The calamari would be a solid starter, as well was the wedding soup. Soup was a bit expensive for its size, but it was still delicious. The seafood appetizer (mussels and clams) were great. All shells were open and all the meat was there. I got the sword fish which was cooked to perfection and came with a generous steamed broccoli stalk that had that perfect crisp. My boyfriend had a pasta dish that was also very good called the Pappardelle ai Funghi e Mascarpone. I really do highly recommend this place regardless the previous negative reviews. Even if those reviews were true to an extent, the restaurant took it as constructive criticism and made a change. Give them a chance.
P. S. When I ordered the soup, the waiter brought out an extra spoon «I case I decided to be nice and share» which I thought to be very thoughtful.

My parents and I had dinner here yesterday after I saw my doctor at Penn Hospital earlier. We made friendly conversation with Abraham who greeted us and he comforted me about my pending spine surgery. He offered to get me a pillow for my back. It was the most thoughtful and friendly service we have ever had! The staff was extremely attentive and we all LOVED OUR FOOD! The atmosphere does have that classic feeling. Yes, this restaurant has been around for almost 40 years and I can see why.
They made a perfect dry gin martini to start. I loved my salad raddichio, shitake mushrooms and bacon, so delicious! For my dinner I ordered the scallops, seared to perfection, with savory swiss chard and creamy escalloped potatoes. For desert we shared the Italian rum cake, fabulous! Then they offered us an extra dish of it just to be kind! As we were leaving Abraham asked when my surgery was, I told him it was scheduled for next week. He told us they would be happy to make us all some soup during my stay at Penn Hospital!!! They are angels from heaven.
This was the BEST ATTENTIVE SERVICE EVER. When I left I wanted to hug them all! They even offered to open the door for me knowing I have back pain. I love the staff for how they treated us and I love the real Italian food!!!

We came here before our show at the a Walnut Theatre and wish we had more time to enjoy the ambiance. We had mentioned that we only had an hour until the show and our guy in «the white shirt» was very attentive to our timing. Our bread and water refilled nonstop. Our meals were out to us very quickly. I would recommend to any theatre goer before any show. We will be back again.

First, the good;
Excellent bruschetta — very fresh and clean. Added celery to it for some reason but was good. Very limited wine menu but the chianti was good. And the pasta was tasty. Even the location had its charm if you enjoy OLD SCHOOL (note the caps, thinks 50s-​70s) building and dining style.
So why am I giving this a single star?
This was the worst service I’ve ever experienced in 30 years of living (and trust me that’s included alot of restaurants). After it took me a little extra to decide on my dining selection my wife and I were ignored (as in the waiter repeatedly!) as he walked past out table and refused to stop even when asked on numerous occasions.
The manager Abraham swung by on occasion but gave us sarcastic half assed service. Upon asking why it took 30 minutes to make bruschetta he said it was made fresh and that he had checked so no worries. After that he barely came to us except at the end of the meal thinking maybe he deserved a tip.
The waiter only spoke to us at the end of the meal thanking me for coming. Beyond that he didn’t refill out water or check on us one time in the entire meal. We had tabled of older regulars or just older clientele go through multiple courses with numerous checks on them before we even got bruschetta — and I don’t care how fresh it is it should never take 30 minutes.
I don’t ever plan on patronizing this restaurant again. Nor do I recommend anyone else do it.

La Buca is a classic. This subterranean old-​school Italian restaurant is almost the last of its generation in Philadelphia. But it is so awesome to have a spot which I can step into and see how my parents and grandparents dined once upon a time. And fortunately the food is excellent — it actually is. The meatballs with red gravy were very tasty and then we came to the amazing pasta. The Augustus Caesar of all pasta dishes originates from Rome (or more specifically to the east of Rome in the province of Lazio.) It is Pasta all’Amatriciana! The sauce with its mouth-​watering combination of guanciale, pecorino, onion, and tomato is the favorite of so many of my Italian friends. Yet in Philadelphia only a very select few restaurants have this concoction on their menu. La Buca is one of them and their Rigatoni all’Amatriciana was perfect! Also of note here — the hot pepper flakes were actually hot and the grated cheese ‘cheesy’. Service is by a friendly well-​dressed older gentleman whose sole aim is to serve you in a professional yet friendly manner. The décor is replete with colorful murals and paintings. Walk around and view them.
Tables at La Buca should be in heavy demand. A historic city like Philadelphia needs to keep the doors open of some restaurants from past generations. Go to La Buca and enjoy the tasty Rigatoni all’Amatriciana!

The décor of this place is a hoot and one should experience if for that alone. It is refreshing to eat in Center City in a place that is not loud and trendy. But, the food is really inconsistent.
I have been twice to this restaurant. The first time I wanted to lick the sauce off my plate. I had fantastic swordfish that was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Super fresh. 5-​star experience. The second visit I ordered the same item and it tasted like something my grandma would have made: canned olives and a sauce that tasted like a McCormick jar sauce. Not good. Tasted institutional.

Update on previous reviews. I went back today for lunch after a 2 month period since mty last visit. I was surprised to see the LUNCH menu prices had increased about 30%. The Panninis, which were $ 9.95 in February were now $ 12.95. The Pasta Sishest that were $ 6 (half) and $ 11 (full) are now $ 15-​$ 16. The meat entrees (chicken dishes) which were $ 12.95 are now $ 15.95-$ 16.50 and desserts were formerly $ 5. and are now $ 7.00
the food is still excellent and portions substantial but it is not the «great lunch find» it was before as the prices are nearing dinner prices at nearby restaurants.
I’m posting this because I previously called this a «bargain». I can’t say it is such anymore. But the food IS good, and I’ll back — just not as often.

I was in Italy a few months ago and this place offers genuine Italian American cuisine. The ingredients may not be 100% from Italy, but the ambiance and the cuisine certainly are.
We had a lovely server who was as proper as could be. Her presentation shows that she was taught very well.
This place is perfect for a date or family gathering.
In addition, the pricing on this is very easy to deal with. This is one of those small details that makes it much easier when there are so many different variations of pasta, chicken, veal, beef, etc.
The only reason why it is not getting a perfect 5 is because the bread was not fresh and a bit stale.
I will certainly come back here again in the future.
Even though Unilocal says it is not wheelchair accessible, it is! There is an elevator down