Family-style Italian dining at Buca Di Beppo works best when you know the per-person cost of those massive platters. Checking the Buca Di Beppo Menu with Prices before you go saves you from sticker shock when the bill arrives. You also get to plan your order so everyone leaves full, not just fed.
This guide breaks down the current costs for appetizers, pastas, entrees, and desserts. We also look at how the family-style portions actually work for groups of different sizes. Prices here are based on typical US locations and may change by city or state.
Buca Di Beppo Menu With Prices
Buca Di Beppo is famous for serving food on platters that look like they belong at a wedding reception. You order by size, not by individual plate. The two main sizes are “Small” (feeds about 2-3 people) and “Large” (feeds about 4-5 people). Some locations also offer a “Chef’s Counter” or lunch specials that are smaller.
Below is a breakdown of the most popular items and what you can expect to pay. Remember, these are base prices. Tax and tip are extra. Also, some locations add a mandatory service charge for parties of 8 or more.
Appetizers And Shareables
You should not skip the apps here. They are big enough to be a meal on their own for two people. The fried calamari is a top seller, but the garlic bread with mozzarella is a safer bet for picky eaters.
- Fried Calamari (Small) – $16.99
- Fried Calamari (Large) – $27.99
- Buca Trio (Small) – $21.99 (includes calamari, shrimp, and mushrooms)
- Buca Trio (Large) – $34.99
- Bruschetta (Small) – $12.49
- Bruschetta (Large) – $19.99
- Garlic Bread with Mozzarella (Small) – $11.99
- Garlic Bread with Mozzarella (Large) – $18.99
- Stuffed Mushrooms (Small) – $14.99
- Stuffed Mushrooms (Large) – $23.99
- Meatballs (Small, order of 3) – $13.49
- Meatballs (Large, order of 6) – $21.99
If you are only feeding two people, do not order a large appetizer. You will not have room for pasta. Stick to a small or just split a salad.
Salads And Soups
The salads at Buca are tossed in a huge wooden bowl right at your table. This is part of the experience. The house salad is good, but the chopped antipasti is more filling because it has meats and cheeses in it.
- Buca House Salad (Small) – $10.99
- Buca House Salad (Large) – $17.99
- Chopped Antipasti Salad (Small) – $15.99
- Chopped Antipasti Salad (Large) – $24.99
- Caesar Salad (Small) – $11.49
- Caesar Salad (Large) – $18.49
- Minestrone Soup (Cup) – $5.99
- Minestrone Soup (Bowl) – $7.99
One small salad usually serves three people as a side dish. If you have a group of four or more, go with the large size.
Classic Pastas
This is where the menu gets confusing for first-timers. You can order a pasta as a main dish, or you can order a “half portion” if you are dining at lunch. The prices below are for the standard family-style portions.
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (Small) – $15.99
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (Large) – $23.99
- Fettuccine Alfredo (Small) – $16.99
- Fettuccine Alfredo (Large) – $25.99
- Chicken Parmigiana (Small) – $19.99
- Chicken Parmigiana (Large) – $31.99
- Baked Ziti (Small) – $16.49
- Baked Ziti (Large) – $24.99
- Lasagna (Small) – $18.99
- Lasagna (Large) – $29.99
- Penne Arrabbiata (Small) – $15.49
- Penne Arrabbiata (Large) – $23.49
Note that the Chicken Parmigiana is a cutlet, not a pasta dish. It comes with a side of spaghetti. If you want just pasta, order the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Specialty And Baked Pastas
These dishes are heavier and come out of the oven piping hot. They are great for colder months. The Baked Ziti is a safe choice, but the “Manicotti” is often overlooked and very cheesy.
- Manicotti (Small) – $17.49
- Manicotti (Large) – $26.99
- Eggplant Parmigiana (Small) – $17.99
- Eggplant Parmigiana (Large) – $27.99
- Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce (Small) – $17.99
- Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce (Large) – $27.49
- Spaghetti with Meatballs (Small) – $17.99
- Spaghetti with Meatballs (Large) – $28.99
Chicken And Meat Entrees
If you want a protein-focused meal, these are your options. They come with a side of pasta or vegetables. The portions are massive. A small Chicken Parmigiana can easily feed three people if you also order a salad.
- Chicken Marsala (Small) – $21.99
- Chicken Marsala (Large) – $33.99
- Chicken Limone (Small) – $21.49
- Chicken Limone (Large) – $32.99
- Veal Parmigiana (Small) – $24.99
- Veal Parmigiana (Large) – $38.99
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo (Small) – $23.99
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo (Large) – $36.99
- Salmon (Small) – $25.99
- Salmon (Large) – $39.99
Be careful with the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. It has a spicy kick. If you are feeding kids, stick to the Chicken Limone or plain spaghetti.
Pizza And Flatbreads
Buca is not a pizza place, but they do offer a few pies. These are thin crust and cooked in a brick oven. They are a good option if you have a mixed group where some people do not want pasta.
- Cheese Pizza (Small) – $14.99
- Cheese Pizza (Large) – $22.99
- Pepperoni Pizza (Small) – $16.99
- Pepperoni Pizza (Large) – $25.99
- Quattro Formaggi Pizza (Small) – $17.99
- Quattro Formaggi Pizza (Large) – $27.99
Desserts
Desserts are also served family-style. The portions are huge. You can order a single slice of cheesecake, but the full “dessert platter” is better for groups.
- Chocolate Chip Cannoli (per piece) – $6.99
- Tiramisu (Small, serves 2-3) – $15.99
- Tiramisu (Large, serves 4-6) – $24.99
- New York Style Cheesecake (Slice) – $8.49
- Italian Cheesecake (Slice) – $8.99
- Colossal Brownie Sundae (Small) – $16.99
- Colossal Brownie Sundae (Large) – $25.99
- Apple Crostada (Small) – $14.99
- Apple Crostada (Large) – $22.99
If you are celebrating a birthday, tell the server. They usually bring out a free dessert with a candle and sing. This is not always on the bill, but it is common practice.
Beverages And Drinks
Soft drinks are refillable and cost around $3.99 per person. They also have a full bar. The signature cocktails are strong and served in large glasses. Expect to pay $12 to $15 for a cocktail. Beer is around $6 to $8. Wine by the glass starts at $9.
If you are on a budget, skip the cocktails and order a pitcher of soda. A pitcher costs about $8.99 and serves four people.
How To Calculate Your Total Cost
You need a strategy before you walk in. Here is a simple step-by-step method to figure out what you will pay per person.
- Count the number of adults and children in your group.
- Decide on one appetizer or salad for the table.
- Pick one large pasta or entree for every 3 people.
- Add one large side of vegetables or garlic bread if you want.
- Decide if you want dessert. If yes, one small dessert for every 4 people is enough.
For a group of 4 adults, a good order would be:
- 1 Small Chopped Antipasti Salad – $15.99
- 1 Large Chicken Parmigiana – $31.99
- 1 Large Fettuccine Alfredo – $25.99
- 1 Small Tiramisu – $15.99
That totals $89.96 before tax. Split four ways, that is about $22.50 per person. That is very reasonable for the amount of food you get. You will likely have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Lunch Specials And Value Deals
If you visit during weekday lunch hours (usually 11 AM to 3 PM), you can get a smaller portion. These are called “Lunch Portions” and are about 30% cheaper than the dinner sizes. You get a single-serving plate, not a family platter.
- Lunch Spaghetti with Meatballs – $10.99
- Lunch Chicken Parmigiana – $12.99
- Lunch Baked Ziti – $10.49
- Lunch Caesar Salad with Chicken – $11.49
These lunch deals include a small side salad or soup. They are the best way to try Buca without spending a lot of money.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
You can eat here without breaking the bank if you follow a few rules. Do not let the server talk you into ordering too much. They work on commission and will suggest the large size even for two people.
- Stick to water or soda, not cocktails.
- Order one large pasta for every 3 people, not every 2.
- Ask for extra plates and split everything.
- Take leftovers home. The boxes are sturdy and you can reheat the pasta well.
- Check the website for coupons. They often have a $10 off $30 deal.
- Join the “Buca Rewards” program. You get a free appetizer on your birthday.
Does The Price Include Service Charge?
No. The menu prices do not include tax or gratuity. For groups of 8 or more, Buca Di Beppo automatically adds an 18% service charge to the bill. This is stated on the menu at the bottom in fine print. You should not tip extra on top of that unless you want to reward exceptional service.
Also, some locations in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco have a “surcharge” of 3-5% added to cover local wage laws. Check your receipt carefully. If you see a line item for “Wellness Fee” or “SF Health Mandate,” that is not a tip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buca Di Beppo expensive for two people?
It can be. If you order a small salad and a small pasta, you will spend about $30 per person. However, you will have leftovers. Many couples order one small entree and split it. That brings the cost down to about $15 per person.
Can I order a half portion of pasta?
Yes, but only during lunch hours on weekdays. Dinner portions are strictly small or large. There is no “single serving” size at dinner time.
Does the Buca Di Beppo menu with prices vary by location?
Yes. Franchise locations set their own prices. A location in a mall or airport will charge more. A standalone restaurant in the suburbs is usually cheaper. Always check the local online menu for the most accurate numbers.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes. They have gluten-free pasta available for an extra $2.99. The kitchen will prepare it in a separate pot to avoid cross-contamination. However, the fried items and baked pastas are not gluten-free.
What is the cheapest way to eat at Buca Di Beppo?
Go during lunch on a weekday and order the lunch specials. You can get a full meal for under $12. Another option is to order a large Caesar salad and a large garlic bread for the table. That is filling and costs about $30 total for four people.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
Buca Di Beppo is not a cheap fast-food joint, but it is not a luxury steakhouse either. The value comes from the quantity of food. If you calculate the cost per serving, it is actually lower than most casual dining chains like Olive Garden or Carrabba’s.
One large lasagna at $29.99 feeds five people. That is $6 per person for a main course. You cannot beat that anywhere else. The trick is to resist ordering too many dishes. One large pasta plus one large salad is enough for a family of four.
Before you go, pull up the official website and check the “Menu” tab. Prices there are updated more frequently than third-party sites. Also, call the restaurant directly if you have a large group. They can give you a prix fixe menu for parties of 10 or more, which sometimes lowers the per-person cost.
Now you have the real numbers. You can walk in with confidence, order the right sizes, and enjoy the meal without worrying about the bill. Just remember to bring a container for leftovers. You will need it.