Orange County Register

By Mystery Diner

If you’re hungry for good old family-style Italian food, Buca di Beppo delivers, and then some. Known for its big portions, and I mean big, diners will be in awe once their dishes make it to the table. Be sure to bring a hearty appetite! The first Buca di Beppo (“Joe’s Basement” – buca means basement and Beppo is slang for Joe) opened in a Minneapolis basement in 1993, and went public in April 1999 and trades under BUCA, according to the company. It inspires an atmosphere of sharing and social interaction.

The food

Buca di Beppo has family-style meals fit for a king, queen, and of course, the entire family. I ordered the chicken with lemon, and my dining accomplice chose the salmon with pesto. My entrée was wonderful and ranked right up there with my other Italian favorite, eggplant parmigiana. Even though I ordered the “Buca Mio” it was still a generous portion of tender chicken breasts sautéed perfectly and topped with a delicious lemon butter sauce and salty capers. The salmon pesto was equally as delightful; oven-roasted, flaky and topped with plump sun-dried tomatoes, a light pesto cream sauce and crunchy pine nuts served with Italian broccoli Romano.

The setting

With its kitschy Italian photos, checkered tablecloths and a waiting-for-grandma-to-come-out-of-the-kitchen feel, I was also waiting for Frank Sinatra to emerge or even Tony Soprano. Come to think of it, a Sinatra tune was playing overhead when we were dining. Buca di Beppo, in my opinion, is a cute, family-style restaurant where anyone can feel comfortable and right at home – kind of like being inside a big Italian family’s home.

The service

Our waitress was friendly and mentioned that we should stick with the smaller portions because, after all, this place is known for big meals.

Buca di Beppo

Where: 13390 Jamboree Road

Phone: 714-665-0800

Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Website: www.bucadibeppo.com

Price range: Dinner entrées are $9.99 and up

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