Recommends

videlli

Joined 3 years ago

late to the party !. I am delinquent in not having posted comments glorifying La Buca before now. If you have not been there, I will try to express just what you have been missing. The usual lineup of Italian style dining options leaves a choice of spending $25 or less at a chain type (or American/Italian like Denicolas) restaurant, or considerably more at a fancy independent eatery. Rather than recommend dishes that I like at La Buca, I suggest that you check out the menu (and prices) on line and view the well described offerings for yourself (salads from under $4 to $7 - Pasta dishes from $6 to $9) or go crazy and throw down some serious cash ( $10 to $15 !) for a deluxe entree or one of the featured specials. The regular menu is based on a number of salads, panini sandwiches and pasta dishes (all well prepared and well priced) PLUS ! options to add veggies, chicken, prawns or salmon for a very modest additional charge. La Buca has a very comfortable and casual yet sleek ambiance, while the bar offers an intimate setting perfect for say, a "first date". In my opinion, no better bang for the buck anywhere in town.

Recommends

hungryi

Joined 6 years ago

Just Perfect. A pleasant space with friendly, attentive service, and some of the best food in Portland at great prices. Imaginative specials bring together flavors that work and surprise you in a good way. No weird fad food and plenty for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. While all the pasta dishes are excellent, what I'd most recommend are the sublime soups and the crisp and nicely dressed salads,because it's getting harder and harder to find food like this in Portland where everything must now be filled with pork fat and/or kale and two tons of salt, since we are all now apparently either vegans or trying to kill ourselves gastronomically as fast as possible. Here common sense reigns. The food seems healthy but not fussy or strange. Even the simplest things, like the bread with olive oil and vinegar, are delicious due to first rate ingredients. And do order anything with butternut squash in it!

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BizBlogger

Joined 3 years ago

La Buca is a long-time winner. I've been coming to La Buca for many, many years. It is consistent, reliable, reasonably priced, with a charming ambiance. The food is delicious: the menu has stayed the same (other than specials) for a long time and they have perfected what they offer. The food is equally good on the premises or to go. This is a can't miss proposition!

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drewjay05

Joined 3 years ago

Outstanding on all counts. Excellent dining. Friendly, courteous wait staff. Very fair prices, and delectable food. They consistently provide a delightful dining experience.

Recommends

Steve L.

Joined 5 months ago

For a wonderful dining experience at very reasonable prices. Once again, I base my opinions on my almost forty years as a Pennsylvania State Certified Exec Chef / Culinary Arts Teacher.

La Buca has taken advantage of utilizing all the components necessary to make a restaurant a success.

Extremely reasonable prices, wonderfully prepared, eye appealing food, served at the correct temperatures by a polished staff who seem dedicated to accommodating the patrons. One of the ladies in our party requested some alterations to the dish she ordered, and it was cheerfully and expertly taken care of without the slightest hesitation.

La Buca is a "MUST DO" in Portland.

You may rest assured, we will return often.

Cheflev

Doesn't Recommend

prefer civilized

Joined 4 years ago

Verbal Hostility from Service. Ate good meals at La Buca, but as we left the restaurant, the waitress ran up within arm's reach, and began yelling that she had not been tipped. Rather than inquiring that it might have been an oversight (it was) she began an aggressive yelling spree to be heard throughout the restaurant. Two separate issues are here: certainly tipping is a good thing, but hostile yelling into the face of customers is not a reasonable response, nor is it civil. I have never experienced this low a level of service. We declined to amend, for which a generous tip would have been less than four dollars. I regret that I must give even a single star to such a place in order to publish.

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ACJ

Joined 4 years ago

Simply La Best!. This is my favorite eaterie in Portland - the food is always really good, the service warm and friendly, and I appreciate the fact that you can get a decent bottle of wine without seeing your total double. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of the day. The fish is always staggeringly good value, too. Thank you!

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mark0101

Joined 4 years ago

the price is right. good food and fast service

well be back .

wild salmon for less than $11

Recommends

calcite

Joined 5 years ago

Great and consistent. great food.

consistently great food.

great prices.

great bartender. good drinks.

consistently rude waitress. too bad.

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eirenua

Joined 4 years ago

Excellent food, Great prices. I was impressed with the fresh ingredients and tastes. The bruschetta was incredible, very fresh mozzarella with a sweet balsamic drizzled over it, just perfect. The portions were generous, the entrees and appetizers could easily be shared between two people. Which brings me to the other great pro: the prices. The mashed potatoes with pesto and olive oil are enough for two and costs $4. The entree I ordered (baked penne with mascarpone and parmesan with roast chicken) was one of the more expensive at $9 and I was able to share it. It is family friendly, with numerous tables having several kids, and the service was attentive even during a big dinner rush. I recommend getting there just as they open for dinner, they fill up fast, but nobody waited very long. I didn't notice parking, but I take the bus, which stops at their door. I highly recommend this place for great atmosphere, perfect portions, excellent flavors and wallet-friendly prices.