I came to Buca Di Beppo recently for the first time and was not impressed. First off, the prices are pretty ridiculous. They say that the "group" meals provide enough food to serve three, but I would disagree. The portion sizes are more suited to serve two, not three. I ordered two "small" portion sizes (the menu says that "small" will typically serve 3) and both items came in odd numbers - one of them included five servings of the food item, and the other one included two servings of the food item. These two plates cost a small fortune, too! I think Buca Di Beppo could at least afford to give customers an even number to split between three people! I admit, the food tasted good, although I was not all that impressed. For the price I paid, I would definitely not come back to this restaurant. On top of the food items I ordered, there was of course the extra 20% I had to pay to our server, who was not at all helpful. He seldom came by our table and we only got refills when we were almost finished.
Bottom line - I do not recommend going here. I think it is overrated and overpriced. The food was good, but not by a longshot worth the prices they charge. Add on top of that the fact that your waiter/waitress expects a 20% tip, regardless of whether or not they made an effort to earn it. The atmosphere of Bucca Di Beppo is interesting and unique (I personally didn't enjoy it that much - loud/obnoxious colors, general claustrophobia, and extremely annoying music to go with), but not worth the price you will pay to eat there. Instead, I'd recommend the lunch menu at Olive Garden or Macaroni Grille - you'll pay less for it, and most likely get better food/service/atmosphere.
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