Bucci's

We live nearby. Whenever we drive by we try to remember to go there next time, but usually forget. It looks pretty cool as you're driving by at night. So one night we finally remembered to go.\r \r As we walked in the hostess sorta looked at us with a confused look. We weren't sure if she worked there or was just borrowing the podium to write on. Since I'm sensitive about mistaking people for employees we just stood there too. Eventually she seated us in the backroom when there were plenty of seats up front. I try not to get paranoid but it was hard not to wonder what she was thinking. I had to ask to sit in the main room.\r \r The place looks like it could be a lot nicer when you're driving by. I always pictured it to be this hip, fresh seafood, Italian thing. Kinda like part Pesce, part Hog Island & the seafood place next to it , and part Rose Pistola. But it wasn't. The blue neon light looks like it was found in some random antique shop and most of the interior design looks like it was pieced together from odd end stuff.\r \r The menu is very traditional Italian food; antipasti, pastas, pizza, meat, etc... We had a ceasar salad, steak, and their chicken. The ceasar wasn't good. I didn't know you could really mess up a ceasar, but the dressing isn't good. The dressing we usually buy at Safeway is waay better. The steak was fine, but I didn't care for the veggies under it.The chicken was chicken. A bit dry, nothing special. The other side veggies were also nothing special. It wasn't necessarily the fault to the preparation, just the selection wasn't that interesting. the presentation was a bit lame since it came my veggies came in this little side-dish which reminds me of the dish we use for left-overs.\r \r Service was odd. Our main waitress only came to our table 2 times. They had this tag-team thing going. I wouldn't go again. more

Though I wouldn't call it exceptional, the food is good and the staff is nice. Chicken, steak-all done well. A safe bet. Outdoor seating is nice, overall recommended. Pros: food, people, drinks Cons: a bit overpriced more

I live right around the corner from Bucci's and I go there from time to time for a solo dinner if I don't feel like cooking. I must say, I was always slightly impressed, but when I ordered the Bistecca, it knocked my socks off!\r \r They didn't ask how I wanted it cooked, but I let it go. It came out perfectly medium-rare, topped with gorgonzola and red onions cooked in red wine. I would suggest you specify that you want it cooked more if you aren't into the still-mooing cow.\r \r Also, the espresso custard dessert thingy is to DIE for.\r \r It's a little pricey but it's worth it for the atmosphere and tasty food. Pros: Steak, wine selection, desert Cons: Waitstaff could be more attentive more

Good because there is so little to choose from in Emeryville. more