The Campbell's Eat More Than Soup

If you are ready for eclectic family style dining you have found the place. The family part is discretionary considering there was a 3 foot poster of a topless woman holding watermelons next to the table. However, bring friends or you will have lots of leftovers. The entrée dishes serve 3-6 people.

Buca di Beppo literally translates to Bob’s Basement. The first timers visitors tour gives that piece of trivia and also takes you throughout the entire restaurant, kitchen, bread room, bar, and pope room. I can’t wait to go back and reserve the single booth that is located in the chef’s kitchen. What a place to enjoy your meal! Although, if you have a large party you could always reserve the private Pope Room that includes a large round table, a painted Sistine Chapel style ceiling and the popes head as a center piece watching you take every sinful bite. 

From the bar we ordered the white sangria’s which were… meh. Paul enjoyed it, but maybe too authentic for my pallet to appreciate. I would have liked a more rounded fruit flavor but it was definitely not lacking in Vodka!

From the kitchen we started with the caprese salad. One of Paul’s Italian must haves. The mozzarella was soft and flavorful and the tomatoes were crisp and fresh.

Next, we enjoyed the stuffed shells with a side of spaghetti and one ginormous meatball. Yes, the meatball could be an entrée by itself especially because of its meatloaf like texture. Not exactly what I expected but still enjoyable. As it being one of their main advertised dishes we had to give it a go. The shells on the other hand were filled with ricotta and spicy Italian sausage. The flavors married well and were very tasty. The imported spaghetti noodles were delicious with a light but chunky marinara sauce.

Overall, the experience is one that I will not forget and would go again for the discussion value of the ambiance and large portions that are reasonably priced giving this basement restaurant a price rating of ‘Microwave Single’.