La Buca

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.  View Less … View More

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!  View Less … View More

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!  View Less … View More

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