Buca di Beppo, Minneapolis

I've been to Buca a few times with my family. It's a great place to go with a big group of people, because the entrees are served in portions for multiple people. We love it because you can get a few different things that everyone shares. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is really cool.

I've never had a bad meal at Buca di Beppo. Probably the most memorable experience I've had here is having dinner at the kitchen table. The waiters (we had more than one serving us) were awesome, always bringing by more and more food for us to sample. The chef continually stopped by our table to see how we were doing. Talk about personal attention! It's fun seeing all the prep work that goes behind each meal.

The food is served family-style, meaning that the portions are huge and are meant to be shared. They do have some smaller portioned meals meant to be shared by two, but it's more fun to have a large group. Overall, this is a great place, regardless of the location you choose. I've eaten at the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Maple Grove locations and have always experienced good food and service.

The price per person is a little difficult to calculate--as this is family style dining. Depending upon the size of the group, how many entrees and side you choose, and ultimately how hungry everyone is . . .

Favorite Dish: The lemon chicken entree (with a lemon sauce and capers) is excellent. The garlic mashed potatoes should not be missed nor should the garlic cheese bread. As another reviewer stated, if you like garlic, this is the place to be. The Tiramisu is excellent-a little potent to be exact.

Buca's is a chain of resteraunts that can be found in many cities, but every one of them feel like a cozy home. All of the tables are big and the food is served in family sized portions, so bring a lot of people. They seve the usual dishes but all of the pasta and sauses are excellent, and full of garlic.

In Minneapolis in particular make sure you have a reservation and be there on time. A two hour wait is not unheard of on weekends. If you can get it, get the table in the kitchen. Every place has one table in the kitchen, and the wait staff is fun and make it a point to bring every dish by your table to look at. The picture is of the honored kitchen table.

Favorite Dish: Oh...just about everything. They usually have three specials, and it's always a no lose situation.

Buca is an Italian resturant that serves its food family style. It's best to go with 4 or more people so you can try several different dishes. If you like garlic, this is the place to go!

Favorite Dish: Garlic mashed potatoes