t is not everyday you find yourself in the basement of an Italian home. But that is exactly what it feels like when you walk into Buca di Beppo restaurant.
Complete with original print photos and dim lighting, Buca di Beppo's atmosphere is reminiscent of the downstairs area of a home.
The company, which was founded in 1993, literally translates to “Joe's Basement,” a throwback to its founder, who started the restaurant in the basement of a Minneapolis apartment building.
True to form, there are no windows in the restaurant and carpet is limited, and classic crooners blare throughout Buca di Beppo's sound system.
“It's a lot of fun (here), it's really cool,” said Eric Magruder, event supervisor of the Carlsbad restaurant.
Buca di Beppo's ambiance and character compliment the restaurant's extensive menu, which includes simple, yet tasteful dishes.
Portions are ordered either small or large and are meant to be shared. The small serves two or more and the large order serves four or more.
“We serve big portions and that scares a lot of people, but its meant to be shared,” Magruder said.
Appetizers such as garlic bread, ordered in the small version, come with enough for four, and the restaurant's Apple Gorgonzola Salad, ordered in the same small size, serves enough to fill three.
The oversized servings, coupled with the friendly and comfortable atmosphere create a feeling of family, Magruder said.
Because all dishes are intended for sharing, and finishing an entire order by yourself is extremely difficult, diners are made to converse and get to know one another in a unique way as they pass various dishes around the table.
Pastas, baked specialities, pizzas and entrees are no exception to the large rule, and all dishes are serves with plenty of food and flavor.
“We keep things simple but when we put something in you're going to notice,” Magruder said.
Case in point, Buca di Beppo's ravioli with meat sauce. Instead of the soupy, meatless meat sauce many restaurants serve, Buca di Beppo's version is chunky and meat-full.
Magruder recommends the Spicy Arrabbiata Pizza, which includes pepperoni, spicy sausage and caramelized red onions; or the Chicken Marsala, served with mushrooms.
“We try to appeal to most everybody on our terms,” Magruder said.
Kids can join their parents in the feast, but the restaurant does offer a small selection of children's entrees, including macaroni and cheese, pizza and chicken parmigiana.
Often, Buca di Beppo is used as a gathering place for groups and large parties, in part because of the family-style servings and large portions.
“I've heard us called a celebration restaurant,” Magruder said.
Groups of 12 to 18 can fit themselves in the “Pope Room;” a room appropriately named because of a near-scale version of the Pope's head atop a Lazy Susan.
Larger groups find a comfortable place to eat in one of the restaurant's large dining areas, which can accommodate any size group.
Whether you are a group or a pair, Buca di Beppo will appease your appetite.
Complete with original print photos and dim lighting, Buca di Beppo's atmosphere is reminiscent of the downstairs area of a home.
The company, which was founded in 1993, literally translates to “Joe's Basement,” a throwback to its founder, who started the restaurant in the basement of a Minneapolis apartment building.
True to form, there are no windows in the restaurant and carpet is limited, and classic crooners blare throughout Buca di Beppo's sound system.
“It's a lot of fun (here), it's really cool,” said Eric Magruder, event supervisor of the Carlsbad restaurant.
Buca di Beppo's ambiance and character compliment the restaurant's extensive menu, which includes simple, yet tasteful dishes.
Portions are ordered either small or large and are meant to be shared. The small serves two or more and the large order serves four or more.
“We serve big portions and that scares a lot of people, but its meant to be shared,” Magruder said.
Appetizers such as garlic bread, ordered in the small version, come with enough for four, and the restaurant's Apple Gorgonzola Salad, ordered in the same small size, serves enough to fill three.
The oversized servings, coupled with the friendly and comfortable atmosphere create a feeling of family, Magruder said.
Because all dishes are intended for sharing, and finishing an entire order by yourself is extremely difficult, diners are made to converse and get to know one another in a unique way as they pass various dishes around the table.
Pastas, baked specialities, pizzas and entrees are no exception to the large rule, and all dishes are serves with plenty of food and flavor.
“We keep things simple but when we put something in you're going to notice,” Magruder said.
Case in point, Buca di Beppo's ravioli with meat sauce. Instead of the soupy, meatless meat sauce many restaurants serve, Buca di Beppo's version is chunky and meat-full.
Magruder recommends the Spicy Arrabbiata Pizza, which includes pepperoni, spicy sausage and caramelized red onions; or the Chicken Marsala, served with mushrooms.
“We try to appeal to most everybody on our terms,” Magruder said.
Kids can join their parents in the feast, but the restaurant does offer a small selection of children's entrees, including macaroni and cheese, pizza and chicken parmigiana.
Often, Buca di Beppo is used as a gathering place for groups and large parties, in part because of the family-style servings and large portions.
“I've heard us called a celebration restaurant,” Magruder said.
Groups of 12 to 18 can fit themselves in the “Pope Room;” a room appropriately named because of a near-scale version of the Pope's head atop a Lazy Susan.
Larger groups find a comfortable place to eat in one of the restaurant's large dining areas, which can accommodate any size group.
Whether you are a group or a pair, Buca di Beppo will appease your appetite.