Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

Just left this restaurant didn’t even order any food was to disgusted after using their restroom.

Came here with a group of Italian family members after a funeral viewing. For such a large restaurant I felt like they squished us in a corner with 12+ people. Blocking a fire exit… Anyways
The salad we started with was full of flavor and yummy! We tried the Cesar and Italian chop (I think that’s what it was called).
I asked the waitress what sizes to order and she suggested 4 large dinner pastas. It was way way too much food but it was nice to try a variety. The fritta de mar will always be my favorite!

I prearranged the banquet with sales manager and dining room staff more than a week ahead. Banquet held on 12÷28÷15 with 23 guests. Our order included a 2 hour bar package. The service was so abysmal that I wonder if they even remembered they had a party scheduled. It’s almost as if we surprised them by walking in off the street with 23 hungry people.
HIGHLIGHTS
— Incorrect seating arrangement
— Servers not dedicated to party
— Extremely slow course service
— Even slower drink service
— Undersized entrée portion
— Limited («we ran out») draught beer
Our table and drink service was so poor that multiple guests noticed and commented about it throughout the evening. I had to leave my seat to get service at least a half-​dozen times. Service was likely slow because although I had previously discussed and agreed to 2 – 3 dedicated servers for our party, they were actually attending other (non-​party) patrons.
DETAILS:
The seating arrangement and room selection were not as agreed to. We had previously discussed and selected the Cardinal room. We also discussed and decided that seating would be at tables to avoid having guests «trapped» in booths. Upon arrival we were directed to the Wine room, where seating was arranged with two tables at the end of two booths. The manager on duty was apologetic, but implied that our preference for room and seating was not communicated with her. The undesirable booth seating required at least 3 guests to move every time someone in a booth had to get up (it was a 2 hour affair). 8 – 9 of our guests were seated in booths.
Service generally was slow and inattentive. Initial drink orders were slow to be taken and even slower being served (I’d say at least 15 – 20 minutes). One of our guests did not have a place setting when food was served. The same guest did not have a drink order taken until I brought it to a server’s attention. Since servers were rarely in the room with us, I left my place at least 6 times to stop one of them in the aisle to request a place setting and numerous drink requests. The pace of the dinner was exceptionally slow: everyone was literally sitting around «waiting» between salads and pasta, and again between entrée and dessert.
Drink service was particularly disappointing. The two servers who were assigned to our party were obviously busy with many other dining room guests. As a result, it was extremely difficult to get their attention to make timely drink requests (I often got up to flag one down in the aisle). When drink orders were eventually made, it took an exceptionally long time for the orders to be served. Our guests noticed this slow service and often commented on it throughout the evening. I am compelled to underscore that this problem was the most frustrating, discouraging, and unacceptable aspect of our evening. It was this slow service that eventually prompted me to track down the on duty manager and ask for more timely service — — but I think the situation was beyond control because service only improved for a brief spurt.
Entrée portions were meager and undersized. I was dumbfounded when Chicken Parmagiana was presented as half-​breast portions! I am not joking: each boneless breast was literally cut in half — — 24 halves I believe. These were portions from the kid’s menu! It was cheap, tacky, and runs a close second to drink service insofar as disappointment. [NOTE — I followed up with the sales manager about the Chicken Parmagiana portion size, and they responded saying this was a «standard portion» for a banquet (although the menu description for this item describes it as a large chicken breast)].
Bar package included 5 draught beers (previously discussed with sales manager) — — one of which was «unavailable» during our party because they had run out (Blue Moon). Since table and bar service was so slow, I regret having ordering the 2 hour bar package.
I explicitly discussed and underscored the service level expected with the sales manager multiple times prior to our event. To say that service «did not meet my expectations» (or my guests) is a gross understatement.
I would neither choose Buca as a venue for another party, or recommend it for a banquet to others.
PS — The food was great. Except of course for that entrée portion.

Everything is severed family style. In other words what ever you order (even small) is at least enough for 2. As such if there’s only two of you, you’re eating the same thing unless you order twice as much food as you need. Not digging that.
Also everything is a la carte so you’re also eating the same side dishes. Again, not digging it.

Hmm. Well our last buca experience wasn’t bad, but this one was pretty disappointing. Unfortunately we were hoteling it for Christmas and there aren’t many food options for Christmas day. I booked a 530 reservation for 5. We were seated after 6:30. I realize it was crazy busy, but at least have a way shoo people can sit in their cars while they wait. Adobe there is no waiting area with seats and it was freezing outside. I also realize that you don’t want to rush people to get out, but you have been in business awhile and probably shouldn’t run it like the airport. Overbooking just ruins everyone’s experience.
Once we were finally, and somewhat rudely seated, I was appalled. In our area was two large tables and two small tables with dirty dishes just sitting on them. So here you have people waiting but you have open tables everywhere. The second bad part was that those tables were never cleaned up while we were there. Kinda unappealing.
Our server was nice enough, but wasn’t up to par flit a mediocre restaurant. It took over twenty minutes for our basic drinks, bread was forgotten several times and we had to ask several times. Ordering our food was well over 30 minutes into our seat time.
When food finally did come the kids pizza was a sad excuse for pizza. Soggy and super greasy. The gnocchi was way overcooked and virtually has no texture beyond mush. Alfredo was an empty flavor palette. The only good part of the food was the chicken saltimbocca. That was delicious. Refills were illusive. Service was MIA.
Again, I realize it was a crazy busy holiday, bit i still expect a restaurant to perform. You still need to provide a service and be friendly. The food overall was fine, and did the job, bit I was not happy with the experience. I’m not one of those people who rudely complain or treat servers/​hostess/​hosts anyone. I wasn’t whining and making a stink about standing and holding a sleeping 7 year old in super packed entryway for over an hour… The least you can do is your best.

I think it’s a great concept but slightly overrated. The carbonara tasted like fish but the salad with apples and cranberries was yummy, my daughters mac and cheese was so good.

we ate there for the 4 or 5^th time never disappointed food is always great service a little slow
but worth it will recommend to friends

OMG! What a disaster. My wife and I along with two friends decided to try this restaurant as we hadn’t been there in a few years. Upon arrival it smelled like sewer in the lobby when we asked if they had a sewer problem they said they would have to check into it. We were seated and given a stack of menus. I asked my friends if they wanted to leave but they said it was my birthday so it was my choice. We stayed. I passed them out, however, when I opened mine there was what looked like vinegar and oil all over the inside of my menu. The waiter was notified and replaced the menu. We ordered a small pasta with marinara sauce, a small salad, mozzarella garlic bread and a chicken saltimbocca dish. The salad came immediately and the garlic bread did not make it out for another 5 minutes after the salad was gone. The waiter brought out dinner plates which I passed out. My plate was clearly not cleaned as it had crusty stuff still clinging to the plate. The plate was replaced. The pasta and chicken dishes were bland and tasteless. The only good part of the meal was the salad and garlic bread. For this experience we paid $ 68.03 plus $ 12.00 tip. My advice STAY AWAY!

I’m usually not a big fan of Italian food. I come here for the atmosphere/​décor. And because I like their Spaghetti and meatballs, yum! It’s a bit pricey, but hey what Italian restaurant isn’t? You’ll definitely dig the look, and the food. The servers are friendly, the food is good. When you get there, they walk you thru the kitchen, like old timey mobsters lol. Nice touch!

Gross!!! This place is dirty and the food was horrible. We arrived at 8pm and waited until almost 9pm for our food. We ordered chicken with lemon and capers, 3 tiny pieces of overcooked chicken, probably a total of 8 ounces for $ 23! Then came the ravioli which was watery with some canned tomatoes on top.
And then they start cleaning up the room we were in, sweeping the floors while we ate! They probably wouldn’t pass a health department inspection.
Would have given 0 stars if I could.

So just left and let me say the waiter needs to write things down we said half Blanca pizza and tomato sausage and mushroom. Well the pizza comes out and all white sauce o never said all white sauce. We also got a sad excuse of a mixed salad it was like a whole onion in the salad and the l type of lettuce was iceberg in it 13 bucks for a mixed what shame on them to charge such a price for a salad I could’ve made a better salad at home and would’ve actually had a variety of lettuce I will not be going back soon. I can’t stress it enough waiters/​waitresses write down your orders.

Portions are huge! Our server linsey was awesome. The only reason I didn’t give a 5 star rating was that two of our utensils had a little mess on them. It looked like when it went through the dishwasher it wasn’t wash throughly.

I had my best friend’s baby shower here and I first dealt with Ashley Newcomer when I was organizing the shower and deciding what I was going to do. She was so great and answered all 5000 questions I had. She made sure to accommodate everything I requested! On day of we had Amy as our server and she was amazing! I can’t emphasize enough how helpful, calm and attentive she was. The staff at this location is so friendly I can’t speak highly enough about these 2 and everyone else that helped. I would definitely have my next gathering here as well as eating at this location when I’m craving a delicious Italian meal ;).

Just came here for Mothers Day pickup for catering. They blew the entire order. They asked me if I could wait 30 minutes while they fixed the order.
I cancelled it. I am going to cook burgers. Forget these clowns on a holiday. It is a sure fire disaster.

I’m by no means a restaurant snob, nor am I an expert. I’ve had carry-​out and dine-​in numerous times from this restaurant. We’ve never had a problem dining here. The food is always great and consistent over time, so is the service.
This location is not without it’s flaws but our overall experience here over two years now is consistently very good. We’ll continue to return again and again and we tip well for the excellent waitstaff.
The concept here is this is ‘family style’ dining. In plain English this means they make one large serving setting it on the table for everyone to serve themselves from. There are very few single person sized choices on the menu. I would always order with the plan of taking food home for leftovers.
Some favorites for us are their meatballs, ceasar salad and spaghetti with meat sauce. The meatballs here are a meal in themselves, they’re larger than a baseball.
This is one of the few restaurants I’ve been to that I would say this but Thank You Buca for over two years of excellent service and great food.
I tried signing up for the email service but the volume of offers in my email was way too much so I cancelled it. Most of the discounts offered were for things I’d never get on days I could never go so it was mostly a waste of my time.

I give up. I added a star based on their ravioli and their salad with apples and gorgonzola. So their you have it. Finally a four star rating after many years of sampling.

Just got finished dinner with the swimming and diving team. Overall a great experience– the service was out of this world and they all were very friendly. Our team is here for Training trip and we are originally from Rochester, NY. The meal was really good and I can’t wait to go back to another Buca in New Jersey. Overall great meal!!!

This place has very good food and definitely friendly servers. We were a group of 4 and even though it was super busy at the time that we went (Tuesday @ 7) during winter break; we were served really quickly and efficiently. Our server was amazing. He definitely deserves some stars. The food was well-​seasoned. I went to Italy over the summer and I rather have these guys food.

Me and my husband got take out from here and we’re not impressed, to say the least… We got fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and it was horribly bland. It tasted like nothing. The mozerella garlic bread just tasted like fried bread– there was no flavor or seasoning and you couldn’t even taste the mozzarella.
The food was supposed to be ready at a certain time but it took them 20 minutes to get us the food (and we even arrived 5 minutes behind schedule). It was our first time here and the signs for take out said ‘curb side service’ but no one ever came out so we had to go in and the hostesses weren’t exactly helpful or welcoming– indifferent is a good word. Perhaps online it should state you need to go in to pick up the food (as some resteraunts actually take it out to you when you order to go and paid online already) or change the signs that say ‘curb side service’ because this is misleading.
After waiting 20 minutes to get our food that we had ordered an hour earlier– you would think it would be piping hot but it was more like lukewarm– and that’s being generous.
The portion size was pretty big, we got the smaller size and I think it could feed at least three people or more…
Unfortunatley the food here is just blah and we will not be returning, first impressions and all…
If you are looking for good Italian food– keep looking!

We had a great experience here from start to finish. The service was exceptional and we tried one of their specialty pastas that had prosciutto, Spicy sausage and ricotta cheese. We shared a small and had leftovers for dinner the next day. Garlic bread rounded out our meal and unfortunately had no room for dessert though it looked wonderful as well.
Love the warmth and décor of this place and hope to return sometime soon.