Buona Restaurant & Catering

I stopped in here for lunch today, I usually go to Portillo’s however this was across from my hotel. The restaurant is very clean and the service was fast. I was able to walk up place my order get my number and he brought the food directly to my table. The beef was OK. I thought that it was salty, the potato salad was full of flavor and good. They have a number of other items on their menu that I’d be willing to try. I would stop in here again for lunch if I ever stayed at the Hyatt place in Itasca. I’m giving it a three stars because I feel as though it did not stack up against Portillo’s beef.
On future trips this area I will try out some of the other menu items and I may change my overall rating of Buona beef

I just wanted to provide additional info on my latest interactions with this location.
So my last few visits were better hence why I’m giving 2 stars now but seriously 25% of the time, at a minimum, they screw up the order.
I’m not going to write another long winded review because they’re not worth my time anymore but I will say this location is the worst. Love Buona, hate the Itasca location. Luckily my company is moving to Schaumburg and I won’t be visiting this location much longer.
— — — — — — — previous review — — — — — — — — — — — -
*****THIS REVIEW ONLY APPLIES TO THE ITASCA, IL LOCATION*****
This is an email I sent 11÷3÷2015 to and never got a response:
Where do I begin…
I’m really not one to complain so I’ll start out positive. I love Buona. Always have. I visit a location at least once a week. Sometimes 2 – 3 times a week, sometimes only once. I rarely have issue at any other location than your Itasca, IL location.
The best part of my experience today was the online ordering system from the phone app. Aside from that, this was hands-​down the worst interaction with your establishment I’ve had over my 20+ year of patronage with Buona.
Today I ordered a 7″ buona beef, dry, with hot peppers, red sauce and an order of fries. While I mostly got what I ordered it wasn’t edible. I ended up throwing it away. So not only did I waste 100 mybuona points, I also wasted $ 3 & change of my own money and I’m still hungry.
I got back to my desk and opened the bag and initially thought «OMG they gave me the wrong order…» upon inspection, it was intended for me just whomever does the QC before the food goes out to a customer clearly didn’t perform his/​her job because it was all wrong. I’ve attached a picture showing the order on the receipt and what I received so you can clearly see this. Not in the picture is the check number which is #1 541 801.
So the dry beef was the only part that was correct. I got a beef cut in half, dry, with 2 side cups. One filled with beef juice, the other filled with sweet peppers. Sweet peppers that I just don’t like and beef juice being the exact ingredient I didn’t want today, hence the dry/​extra dry and red sauce that I paid extra for. The receipt attached to the bag had my order on it correctly. Why didn’t the food inside match the receipt. The fries were there but they tasted not only under-​cooked but were soggy and cold. Cold to touch as in they probably sat out for a decent amount of time before they were placed in the bag. On top of all of that, all the food was cold. I placed the order at 11:30…40-ish AM and specified a pickup time of 1:15 PM. In fairness to the location, I got there around 1:20 PM however I doubt 5 minutes difference can account for something being COMPLETELY cold. The bag had to have been sitting there for much longer than that.
At any rate this is an ongoing problem I’ve had with that location and I will not be returning. I’ve officially had it. If I get a craving for your food I’ll have to travel elsewhere because the Itasca, IL location is full of incompetence. If I had to guess I’d say 75% of the time they cannot get this order correct. Luckily for me, it’s usually not THIS fouled up. Just a bad location. If this happens to me this frequently, and it took me a while to start complaining, can you imagine how many others go unheard. Just complete incompetence…
For instance the cashier who rang my order and took payment. When reading back my order he read the «extra dry» request for the sandwich and laughed and said «well that’s weird». I didn’t know you paid your employees to offer their opinions on people’s food selections. Neither did the other cashier, who looked at him funny afterwards. Then the person who «handed» me the bag didn’t actually hand it to me, he sorta tossed it to me. The bag hit the counter and I figured it was weird but just left given that I’d already paid. Then (not really a big deal but…), I’m holding out my hand waiting for the cashier to hand me back my card and receipt, like every other cashier I’ve had there does, and he ODDLY places each receipt down individually and then places my card on top of it and walks away. Like he didn’t see me there holding out my hand to take back my card??? I know I’m sorta nitpicking at this point but I’m annoyed.
Oh well it’s time to get back to work and end this rant but that location has lost a long-​time customer. I’ve worked for my company for 9+ years and have frequented the Itasca location for lunch since I’ve worked here. I can’t do it anymore. I can’t support them any longer.
While I may be only one customer complain, I’m sure there’s others.
Please DO NOT have that store’s manager call me like last time. I’m done.

Came here couple of times for lunch. I have tried their ceased salad, Portobello Provolone Panini and shakes. I liked everything so far. Staff is polite and service is quick. The place is clean and neat. Since It’s very convenient for me to just walk there to get my lunch, even in cold weather and sandwiches being my favorite lunch items, I don’t mind going there again and again.

Review applies to the Itasca, IL location only.
Normally, I wouldn’t review a fast food place or give a bad review but after numerous complaints and an email or two without a response — they have it coming.
The last three salads I have ordered — the lettuce was wilted and brown. My co-​worker and I each ordered a 7″ beef through the drive-​thru. When I opened by sandwich — there was literally 3 pieces of beef. Her sandwich was overflowing. I called and complained and was offered a new sandwich. Got the new sandwich and there wasn’t much improvement. More beef, but dry.
This last time I ordered a crispy chicken sandwich with pickles. The chicken was so overcooked, it was dark brown, dry and so hard it was difficult to cut. I sent an email with picture — no response. Sent a second email, with a picture of the sandwich and receipt — still no response.
Needless to say — quality and consistency have gone downhill from the time they opened to now. The fact that they can’t even acknowledge an email. Sorry — I’ll stick to Portillos.

I work close to this Buona location and have been here many many times and the experience is always great! The cashier Jessica who works here is always cheery and friendly and always gets my order right. Whether taking out or dining in, the staff is always in sync and makes it an awesome time! Keep up the great work!

This was the first time eating at Buona and I wasn’t impressed. The menu was difficult to find and they screwed up my order. I ordered a chopped salad, but got a side of thousand island dressing instead of vinaigrette.

Always come here for lunch since my work is down the street.
Love their caesar salad, chicken parm sandwich, parm chips, Pollo pomodoro sandwich. Beef… never ending deliciousness on the menu
I’ve never had something I don’t like
Join their rewards program for money off

Live down the street and thought I would try buona beef instead of portillos or big sammys and this was a mistake. I ordered a dunked cheesy beef, cheese friends and a meatball sandwich. When I got home the cheese spilled in the bag which was unfortunate. However the real problem came to the beef sandwich. It barely had any meat on it. I had way too many bites that did not contain any meat or barely any meat and it was cold. It also was still dry in some areas even though I asked for it to be extra juicy. Seriously disappointed by the beef. Good flavor but a cold, dry beef with barely any beef is not acceptable. Looks like I’ll drive further to go to portillos or big sammys next time.

This was the worse grilled chicken salad I have had. I asked for fresh grilled chicken but received a cold chicken heated up; the texture was rubbery. The salad was primarily iceberg lettuce which couldn’t hold a torch to the McDonalds grilled chicken salad. It’s a shame that McDonalds has a better salad then this place. Told the cashier and she stated if I would like to talk to the manager. I see no point in talking to the manager, he or she knows the quality of food they are serving and I don’t think they care. Should be there job to make sure every meal is served with the best quality products.

Food is good. However drive thru service is the slowest I have experienced at a Buona. Even during off peak hours you still have to wait 10min for simple dishes, and I only order for 1 or 2 people and never a lot of food. Often after the wait the food comes not how I ordered it.
Please improve your drive thru service as this location is close and I’d like to continue to be a customer.

First time here. Much better then the local EGV hot dog stand. Had a combo it was very good, could of been a little more juicy but I did not ask for that.

This place is ok. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. The prices aren’t bad. Not cheap, not expensive. I’d say it’s average. The food is not spectacular. In fact it’s just subpar. I go here reluctantly with coworkers for lunch only because there is nothing close for lunch other then this place.

This place is su…
It’s just a few min away from my office, therefore I go there couple times per month. Their food is not bad, but their service and cooks massing up my orders way too many times. I wouldn’t write anything if it was just one time or two times accident, but these guys making it wrong any other time. So, today I had a pizza pickup, with 3 ingredients, one was missing. Couple times fries was missing, and when I asked the guy who brought my food that I didn’t get fries with my order he never showed up again. So, I asked manager and he gave me back money for the fries. These are just couple examples, and it’s getting very annoying! I hope someone from their management read this review and will make better quality control!

Food selections are great. Current spinach strawberry blueberry salad is perfect. Pair this with $ 5 pizza on Thursday and you have a great dinner with a soda for $ 11! Great deal and you’ll be satisfied.

Nothing good to report unfortunately. I got their egg and pepper sandwich, there Friday special, and got FOOD POISONING!!! I WAS UP ALL NIGHT PUKING! Stay away from this space it isn’t sanitary! My order took place as of yesterday 3÷7÷14. Be aware! This was at lunch time. I am still sick a day later. Wtf is going on at this location??? Whatever it is things aren’t being cooked correctly.

I wish Buona would stop changing its menu. It has become less vegetarian friendly. How about offering beans instead of meat as a salad offering?
Several weeks ago, I ordered online a family pack of beef sandwiches for my parents. The order was supposed to include bread, but did not. I contacted the company and was promised a coupon. While it did take a while to receive a response, the company did follow up to my complaint about not receiving it.
The canoli is wonderful, and I am thrilled that gluten-​free bread is now an option.

Italian beef, with cheese, hot and sweet peppers, order of fries and a pop.
Oh, and don’t forget the extra grease.
Awesome!

This location is in the same lot as the Hyatt I was staying in. Never tried it so I gave it a shot for lunch.
Was slightly confused when I walked in as to where to go/​what to do. Figured it out quickly. Big menu. Multiple things looked good and I wasn’t even that hungry, that’s a good sign. Lunch rush was in full swing but the atmosphere was still nice. It was a bit loud but should be expected.
Ordered a chicken artichoke panini. Chicken tasted like actual chicken. Good, distinguishable flavors. Bread was good and grilled right.
Service was quick and friendly. Wouldn’t hesitate to try more.

This is my Buona Beef location for lunch cause it’s close to my office. You can dine in, take out, or drive through. I usually dine in.
The set up is kind of different form what I’m use to in a typical sandwich/​pizza place. If you haven’t been here before (I’m not sure if it’s the same layout like the other locations), in the front of the entrance you pick up a menu and walk through the left side of the room where the open kitchen is located. There, you can see the staff making food like a pizza station, salad, and sandwiches. During lunchtime, sometimes they display what the popular meals looks like.
My friend and I use our Entertainment booklet coupons of buy 1 salad/​pizza with a drink and a side and get 1 salad/​pizza for free. So our meal split comes to $ 6 bucks each not bad cause it does get pricey like a $ 10 lunch. I figured it’s because of the quality of the food, they make it fresh for you, and your dinning experience sitting it their nice marbled tables and dark wood chairs and real utensil. I would compare it like Panera Breads.
Finally you place your order (where the heck to you place this huge menu that you’ve been carrying now?). They give you a number for your order and you find a table and sit and wait (kind of like Pompeii restaurant).
The station where you get your fountain drinks and utensils is oddly positioned. It doesn’t really flow well in the room, especially with the huge lunch crowd, it sucks! I wish it was more open not bunched up in a corner of the room.
And the seating arrangements, they have too many tables too close to each other in the main dinning area. If you’re lucky, sit in the semi private area on the far left side of the room or if it’s nice outside, eat out in the patio during lunchtime. Unless you don’t mind joining another tables conversation and it doesn’t get pretty loud so you’ll be shouting at your companion whose sitting right next to you.
Maybe they’re better off setting up these 4 chaired tables together into community tables or get smaller tables or get rid of a few of them. Give me some breathing room please!
As for the food, it’s ok. I’ve tried their buffalo chicken salad, chopped salad, BBQ chicken pizza, Margarita pizza, fries, soups, chili. They are all pretty good, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to come back for any special item on their menu.
They do have folks clean off your table pretty quick for you so that’s a plus.
I would come here once in awhile when I have a coupon for lunch or I got out voted from my coworkers on where to eat.
As for dinner, there’s other places I’d rather go but I bet there’s plenty of room and it would be a much quieter experience when you dine in.

Did you know that you can get your sandwich on a pretzel roll? It’s my newest find a Buona Beef. A bad habit in the making. I had my most recent Italian beef sandwich on a really fresh pretzel roll. Wowza!
Also, their wait times seem to be getting better. I know it’s a chain (even though it’s family owned), but it is still a top spot for a quick lunch if you’re in the area.