You got questions about Buca? We got answers to your FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Everything you wanted to know about Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant, and a few things you may not have even thought about asking! We’ve been serving your favorite classic Italian food at a Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant near you since 1993! After you find the answer to your questions, make a Reservations, Order Catering, or Plan your next Big Event. We can’t wait to feed you! At Buca, we believe in celebrating everything and every meal is a celebration!
Have Questions? We have answers
Q: What does “Buca di Beppo” mean?
A: In Italian, “buca” means “hole” or “hideout,” while “Beppo” is a nickname for Giuseppe, so Buca di Beppo translates loosely to “Joe’s basement” or “Joe’s hideout.” The name comes from the very first restaurant, which founder Phil Roberts opened in 1993 inside the basement of an apartment building in Minneapolis. It’s meant to feel like a cozy, hidden Italian-American hangout, the kind of unpretentious, “family basement” spot where a big group could gather and share a meal.
Q: Is Buca di Beppo still open?
Yes, Buca di Beppo is open and welcoming guests! The brand recently changed hands. Main Street Capital Corporation acquired it in November 2024, and Jackmont Hospitality Inc. now runs day-to-day operations. This followed a 2024 restructuring that streamlined the restaurants to 40 locations. Those restaurants have stayed open throughout, and guests can continue to count on delicious family-style food, reservations, and a warm welcomes.
Q: Does Buca di Beppo have gluten-free options?
Yes. The menu marks gluten-friendly dishes with a {GF} symbol, offers a variety of appetizers, salads and entrees that are gluten-friendly. A few entrées, like Chicken Limone and Salmon Basilico can be prepared gluten-friendly on request (for example, without a flour dusting). Because dishes are prepared in a shared kitchen, guests managing celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy should call ahead or speak with their server about cross-contact precautions before ordering.
Q: How many Buca di Beppo locations are there?
A: Buca di Beppo operates 40 restaurants across 13 states. Use our restaurant locator to find your nearest Buca di Beppo.
Q: Who owns Buca di Beppo?
A: Buca di Beppo was founded in 1993 by restaurateur Phil Roberts, who opened the first location in a Minneapolis basement. The brand later became part of Robert Earl’s Earl Enterprises / Planet Hollywood International. Following company restructuring in 2024, Buca di Beppo is now owned by Main Street Capital Corporation, with day-to-day restaurant operations managed by Jackmont Hospitality Inc.
Q: Is Buca di Beppo open on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
A: Yes. As the “Home of Celebrations,” Buca di Beppo locations are open 365 days a year including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and other major holidays. Because hours may vary by location, we recommend calling your neighborhood restaurant or checking its page on our website before you visit or book a holiday reservation, or place an online order.
Q: Is Buca di Beppo good?
A: Buca di Beppo is best known for its family-style Italian-American classics and generous, shareable portions of dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti with World Famous Meatballs, and Lasagna, served in a festive, photo-covered dining room built for big groups and celebrations. It’s a favorite for birthdays, reunions, and holidays, where the point is sharing a table, not a quiet solo dinner. All restaurants have more than 4 stars on Google, with most restaurants having many thousands of positive reviews.
Q: Where can I buy a Buca di Beppo gift card?
A: Buca di Beppo gift cards, physical or digital, can be purchased through Amazon and are also available at each restaurant. Guests can check a gift card balance online or by asking at any location.
Q: How expensive is Buca di Beppo?
A: Buca di Beppo is a casual family-style Italian restaurant, where large portions are built to share among 2-3 or 4-5 guests, so the cost per person is much lower than menu prices suggest. Buca offers a variety of promotions including Weekday Happy Hour, Meatball Monday, Lunch Combos, E-Club exclusives and seasonal promotions. Check out our Specials page for the latest deals, which may vary by location.
Q: Do you need reservations at Buca di Beppo?
A: Reservations aren’t required, but we recommend booking ahead, especially for larger groups, weekend dinners, and holidays to guarantee your table and any special seating, like the Pope table, or one of our private or semi-private rooms. Reservations can be made online or by calling your local restaurant directly.
Q: Does Buca di Beppo deliver?
A: Yes. Guests can order pickup, delivery, or catering online. We have also partnered with common third-party delivery apps. Availability depends on your local restaurant, check your location’s page for current delivery options.
Q: How does Buca di Beppo work?
A: Buca di Beppo serves Italian-American classics family-style: dishes arrive in generous, shareable portions meant for the middle of the table rather than individual plates, so a group can sample several dishes together. The dining rooms lean into a nostalgic, unpretentious “Italian basement” theme, with walls covered in vintage photographs and themed rooms, creating a festive, only-slightly-kitschy atmosphere built for celebrations and big groups.
Q: Does Buca di Beppo offer a military discount?
A: Discounts and promotions can vary by location and change periodically. The best way to confirm current military, senior, or other discounts is to check with your local restaurant directly or view current offers on our specials page.
